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  |special_ability = [[Interface]]
  |special_ability = [[Interface]]
  |career_skills = Awareness/Notice<br/>Basic Tech<br/>Education<br/>System Knowledge<br/>CyberTech<br/>Cyberdeck Design<br/>Composition<br/>Electronics<br/>Programming
  |career_skills = Awareness/Notice<br/>Basic Tech<br/>Education<br/>System Knowledge<br/>CyberTech<br/>Cyberdeck Design<br/>Composition<br/>Electronics<br/>Programming
  |appears_games = {{CP|2013}}<br/>{{CP|2020}}<br/>{{CP|RED}}<br/>{{CP|2077}}
  |appears_games = {{CP|2013}}<br/>{{CP|2020}}<br/>{{CP|RED}}<br/>{{CP|2077}}
  |appears_books =  
  |appears_books = {{CP|2013vfte}}<br/>{{CP|2020}} Core Rulebook<br/>{{CP|RED}} Core Rulebook<br/>Sourcebooks across editions
  |appears_other = {{CP|REDGE}}
  |appears_other = {{CP|REDGE}}
}}
}}
'''Netrunners''' are savvy hackers, but with a cybernetically augmented interface system implanted into their body. Using their brain-computer interface implants, they roam the Internet, looking for systems to hack and information to sell to [[fixer]]s. Although anyone can enter the [[Net]] (also known as cyberspace), most people can't use the "Menu." The Menu is a group of Applications (Apps) that are Interface programs that allows a Netrunner to ''Locate Remote'', ''Run [[Software in Cyberpunk 2020|Software]]'', ''Control Remote'', ''LDL Link'', ''Load'', ''Create'' and ''Delete''.
'''Netrunners''' are elite computer hackers, cyber-infiltrators, and information mercenaries who operate on the bleeding edge of human–machine integration. With [[neural interface plugs]] and [[cyberdeck]]s, they are capable of immersing their consciousness directly into the [[Net]], bypassing conventional input systems and interacting with digital environments as naturally as others walk through the physical world.
 
While the average person can access data, send messages, or browse the shallow layers of the Net, only netrunners possess the skill, implants, and software to penetrate [[data fortress|data fortresses]], duel hostile [[ICE]], and extract (or destroy) high-value information. They are both feared and coveted—employed by [[corporations]], criminal syndicates, governments, and fixers. 
 
Netrunners were first introduced in the {{CP|2013vfte}} sourcebook and became a cornerstone role throughout the franchise, evolving with the Net itself.
 
== Origins and Development ==
The archetype of the netrunner embodies the cyberpunk ethos of the “cowboy hacker.” In early settings (2013/2020), netrunners roamed a vast, global cyberspace—neon landscapes of code, sculpted by corporations into impenetrable castles of data. Equipped with [[cybermodems]], fiber-optic lines, and cooling rigs, they would “dive” for hours, waging mental battles against ICE and rival runners.


Netrunners were originally introduced in the {{CP|2013vfte}} sourcebook. Netrunners use [[Cyberdeck]]s to "jack in" to the Net, which allows them to interact with the Net in a far quicker and more intuitive way than a keyboard would allow. Netrunner [[merc]]enaries are typically at odds with [[NetWatch]], making browsing cyberspace even more difficult and dangerous than it already is.
In [[Cyberpunk RED]], following the DataKrash unleashed by [[Rache Bartmoss]], the Net was shattered into fragments and overrun by AIs and rogue daemons. The open matrix of 2020 was replaced by local “subnets” and tightly secured [[Local Area Network|LANs]]. Netrunners shifted from remote, ice-bath hackers to combat-adjacent infiltrators, often running alongside teams in meatspace while exploring digital environments in parallel.


[[Corporations]] typically have their own netrunners working for them to make sure that their [[Data fortress|Data Fortresses]] remain secure, while mercenary netrunners can either be working for themselves or taking contracts for corporate espionage.
By 2077, netrunning is even more tightly constrained. The [[Blackwall]] separates humanity from the rogue AIs lurking in old Cyberspace. Most runners now engage with local systems, enemy cyberware, and battlefield hacking—injecting viruses, disabling cybernetic limbs, and overriding security drones in real time. Their iconic “braindance-style” immersion rigs and cyberdecks allow them to operate with lethal efficiency.


==Who Are They==
== Who Are They ==
When you were three, your parents bought you an old Apple IV GS with a Radius 241 wall screen, and your life was changed. By fifth grade, you'd already mastered everything the school computer literacy lab could throw at you — you were already using C++ and META-LINGUA to crack into the district's mainframe and change your grades. When you were thirteen, you shifted enough funds out of unprotected TransAmerican Bank accounts to finance your first neural interface plugs.
When you were three, your parents bought you an old Apple IV GS with a Radius 241 wall screen, and your life was changed. By fifth grade, you'd already mastered everything the school computer literacy lab could throw at you — you were already using C++ and META-LINGUA to crack into the district's mainframe and change your grades. When you were thirteen, you shifted enough funds out of unprotected TransAmerican Bank accounts to finance your first neural interface plugs.


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Sometimes you uncover important things — Corporate treachery or deadly secrets. But that's not why you Netrun. You live for the new program, the next satellite downlink — the next piece of hot data that comes your way. It's only a matter of time, you think — every year, the counter-intrusion programs get better, the Artificial Intelligences smarter. Sooner or later, a faster program or programmer's going to catch up; reach out with electronic fingers through your interface plugs, and stop your heart. But time's on your side, and until the ride runs out, you'll be there, bare-brained and headfirst in the Net...
Sometimes you uncover important things — Corporate treachery or deadly secrets. But that's not why you Netrun. You live for the new program, the next satellite downlink — the next piece of hot data that comes your way. It's only a matter of time, you think — every year, the counter-intrusion programs get better, the Artificial Intelligences smarter. Sooner or later, a faster program or programmer's going to catch up; reach out with electronic fingers through your interface plugs, and stop your heart. But time's on your side, and until the ride runs out, you'll be there, bare-brained and headfirst in the Net...


==Database Entry (2077)==
== Role and Abilities ==
The netrunner’s defining feature is their '''Interface''' ability, representing mastery over cyberdecks and Net operations. Depending on edition:
* '''2013/2020''' – Interface governs abilities like '''LDL Linking''', '''Locate Remote''', '''Run Software''', and combat against ICE.
* '''RED''' – Interface is used in [[Netrun Architecture]], moving through system levels, activating abilities, and avoiding Black ICE.
* '''2077''' – NetWatch restrictions and the Blackwall redefine abilities as quickhacks: combat-oriented intrusions against cyberware, weapons, or devices.
 
Career skills often include:
* [[Programming]]
* [[Electronics]]
* [[System Knowledge]]
* [[CyberTech]]
* [[Composition]] (to write, crack, or spread code)
 
== Equipment ==
Netrunners rely on highly specialized gear:
* '''Cyberdecks''' – Portable supercomputers with slots for programs and quickhacks.
* '''Interface Plugs''' – Neural jacks allowing direct brain-to-Net connection.
* '''Programs/Quickhacks''' – Offensive and defensive digital constructs (e.g., '''Hellhound''', '''Demon''', '''Overheat''', '''Cyberware Malfunction''').
* '''Cooling Systems''' – Early runners required immersion rigs or ice baths to prevent overheating.
* '''AR Lenses and Neural Processors''' – In 2077, overlay hacks directly into the runner’s vision.
 
== The Net ==
The nature of the Net has changed drastically across eras:
* '''2013/2020''' – A global cyberspace, visualized as 3D data-sculptures and architecture. Megacorps built vast data fortresses defended by ICE (Intrusion Countermeasure Electronics).
* '''RED''' – Fragmented local networks, with netrunners operating “on site” to jack into isolated architectures.
* '''2077''' – The Net is divided by the Blackwall. Only reckless or suicidal runners dare breach into the AI-infested Old Net.
 
== In the Field ==
Although often portrayed as isolated hackers, netrunners in RED and 2077 operate alongside teams:
* Running overwatch for [[solo]]s and [[nomad]]s.
* Overriding [[turret]]s, [[camera]]s, and drones.
* Disabling cybernetic limbs of enemies mid-combat.
* Extracting paydata during heists.
 
== Corporations and Enforcement ==
* Megacorps employ legions of netrunners to secure their systems.
* [[NetWatch]] acts as the law enforcement of cyberspace, hunting rogue runners.
* Mercenary runners balance between freelance paydata theft, espionage contracts, and survival against ICE, daemons, and rival runners.
 
== Notable Netrunners ==
* [[Rache Bartmoss]] – Legendary figure, architect of the DataKrash.
* [[Alt Cunningham]] – Creator of the Soulkiller program.
* [[T-Bug]] – Renowned Night City runner in 2077.
* [[Rosenkov]], [[Netrunner clans]], and unnamed freelance legends.
 
== Database Entry (2077) ==
{{DBEntry
{{DBEntry
  |title = Netrunner
  |title = Netrunner
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}}
}}


==References==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


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[[es:Netrunner]]
[[es:Netrunner]]
[[pl:Netrunner]]
[[pl:Netrunner]]
[[ru:Нетраннеры]]
[[ru:Нетраннеры]]
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