Hey guys! Ready to dive into the neon-lit, rain-slicked streets of Shadowrun: Hong Kong as a Rigger? This guide is your one-stop shop for creating a character who can control drones, vehicles, and security systems with finesse. Whether you're a seasoned Shadowrunner or a newbie decking into the Matrix for the first time, this guide will help you optimize your Rigger build and dominate the shadows.

What is a Rigger?

So, what exactly is a Rigger in the world of Shadowrun? Simply put, a Rigger is a character who specializes in controlling machines remotely. They use a special interface called a control rig to connect their minds directly to drones, vehicles, and other electronic devices. This allows them to operate these machines with incredible precision and speed, making them invaluable assets in any Shadowrun team. Imagine being able to scout ahead with a stealth drone, lay down suppressing fire with a heavily armed combat drone, and then make a clean getaway in a tricked-out van – all while sitting safely in cover. That's the power of a Rigger!

Being a Rigger isn't just about controlling drones, though. It's also about understanding the technology behind them. A good Rigger is also a skilled mechanic and hacker, able to repair and modify their drones, as well as infiltrate enemy systems to gather information or disable security measures. This versatility makes them a force to be reckoned with, both on and off the battlefield. They are the ultimate tech specialists, blending mechanical expertise with electronic finesse. They are equally adept at fine-tuning a drone's engine as they are at bypassing a security firewall. Riggers are also masters of situational awareness. Their drones act as their eyes and ears, allowing them to gather intelligence and anticipate threats before they materialize. This makes them invaluable for reconnaissance missions and high-stakes operations where information is key.

In Shadowrun: Hong Kong, the role of the Rigger is even more crucial due to the setting's emphasis on technology and corporate espionage. Hong Kong is a city teeming with advanced technology, from automated security systems to cutting-edge drones, all ripe for the taking (or disabling) by a skilled Rigger. So, if you're looking for a character who can outsmart the opposition, control the battlefield, and look cool doing it, then the Rigger is the perfect choice for you. Get ready to plug in and take control!

Key Attributes and Skills

Alright, let's talk about the nuts and bolts of building a Rigger. When creating your Rigger in Shadowrun: Hong Kong, you'll need to focus on specific attributes and skills to maximize their effectiveness. Here are the key ones to consider:

• Attributes:
  • Intelligence: This is your bread and butter. Intelligence affects your skill points and is crucial for many Rigger skills like Drone Control, Electronics, and Computer. Max this out as early as possible. A high Intelligence score ensures that you have enough skill points to invest in the numerous skills that Riggers rely on. It also directly impacts your ability to learn new skills and improve existing ones, making it easier to adapt to new challenges and specialize in different areas of rigging. Intelligence is not just about raw brainpower; it's also about your ability to process information quickly and make informed decisions under pressure, which is essential for controlling multiple drones simultaneously or hacking into a complex security system. Also, a high Intelligence helps you understand the schematics of the equipment you have, it helps to know how to best optimize them. High intelligence will carry you far in the game. Having high intelligence is good.
  • Quickness: Essential for reaction time and combat-related skills. While you won't be on the front lines, Quickness helps with piloting drones and reacting to threats. A high Quickness score enhances your reflexes and coordination, allowing you to react quickly to changing battlefield conditions and execute complex maneuvers with precision. This is particularly important for piloting drones, as it enables you to dodge enemy fire, navigate tight spaces, and maintain control of your vehicles even in challenging environments. Quickness also affects your initiative, giving you a crucial edge in combat situations. The quicker you are, the faster you can react. It is always good to be fast.
  • Willpower: Important for resisting mental attacks and maintaining focus while rigged in. Rigging can be mentally taxing, so don't neglect this. Willpower is the mental fortitude that allows you to resist mental attacks, maintain focus under pressure, and push through challenging situations. This is particularly important for Riggers, who often face intense mental strain while controlling multiple drones or hacking into enemy systems. A high Willpower score reduces the risk of succumbing to mental attacks, such as those inflicted by enemy mages or hackers, and helps you stay calm and collected when things get chaotic. It also enhances your ability to concentrate for extended periods, allowing you to maintain control of your drones without losing focus. Staying strong-willed is very helpful as a Rigger. The better your willpower, the better Rigger you will be.
• Skills:
  • Drone Control: This is your primary skill. Max it out ASAP. It allows you to control drones effectively. Drone Control is your bread and butter as a Rigger. It governs your ability to remotely pilot and command drones, allowing you to perform a wide range of tasks, from scouting and reconnaissance to combat and support. A high Drone Control skill enables you to control multiple drones simultaneously, execute complex maneuvers, and maintain precise control over your vehicles even in challenging environments. It also unlocks advanced drone modifications and upgrades, allowing you to customize your drones to suit your specific needs and play style. Without a high Drone Control skill, you'll be limited in your ability to utilize the full potential of your drones. This skill will help you in many situations, so be sure to have it maxed out. It is one of the most important skills to have as a rigger. You definitely should consider it.
  • Electronics: Required for repairing and modifying your drones. A Rigger's best friend. Electronics is the skill that allows you to repair, modify, and upgrade your drones and other electronic devices. As a Rigger, you'll rely heavily on your drones, and they'll inevitably take damage in combat or require maintenance after extended use. A high Electronics skill enables you to quickly and efficiently repair your drones, keeping them in optimal condition and ready for action. It also unlocks advanced modification options, allowing you to customize your drones with new weapons, sensors, and other upgrades. Whether you're patching up a damaged drone in the field or tinkering with its internal components in your workshop, Electronics is an essential skill for any Rigger. A good Rigger always repairs and modifies their drones. Be sure to have the tools for that as well.
  • Computer: Essential for hacking and interacting with computer systems. Helps you disable security measures and gather information. Computer skill is essential for hacking into computer systems, disabling security measures, and gathering information. In the world of Shadowrun, information is power, and the ability to access and manipulate computer systems is a crucial asset for any Rigger. A high Computer skill allows you to bypass firewalls, crack passwords, and infiltrate secure networks, giving you access to valuable data and control over critical systems. Whether you're disabling security cameras, unlocking doors, or stealing corporate secrets, the Computer skill is your key to success in the digital realm. A high computer skill will allow you to do almost anything, so it is a very useful skill to have. Consider this skill as one of the important skills.
  • Piloting (Ground/Aircraft): Depending on your preferred vehicles, invest in the appropriate piloting skills. Piloting skills are essential for operating vehicles, whether they be ground-based or airborne. As a Rigger, you'll likely be spending a lot of time behind the wheel (or joystick) of your vehicles, so it's important to have the skills necessary to control them effectively. Piloting (Ground) allows you to operate cars, vans, and other ground-based vehicles, while Piloting (Aircraft) allows you to control drones, helicopters, and other airborne vehicles. A high Piloting skill enables you to perform complex maneuvers, navigate challenging terrain, and avoid obstacles, ensuring that you can get your vehicles where they need to be, when they need to be there. It helps a lot to be a good pilot, so you can escape or help your team. Always be sure to be careful as well.

Sample Rigger Build

Okay, let's get down to the fun part: building your Rigger! This is just a sample build, so feel free to tweak it to your liking. This build focuses on a well-rounded Rigger who can handle both combat and support roles.

• Name: (Your Choice)
• Race: Human (for the extra skill point)
• Attributes:
  • Intelligence: 8
  • Quickness: 4
  • Willpower: 4
  • Others: As desired
• Skills:
  • Drone Control: 6
  • Electronics: 4
  • Computer: 3
  • Piloting (Ground): 2
  • First Aid: 1 (for emergencies)
• Gear:
  • Control Rig (Alpha-ware or better)
  • Stealth Drone (for scouting)
  • Combat Drone (for firepower)
  • Repair Kit
  • Fake SIN (for anonymity)

This build provides a solid foundation for a versatile Rigger. You can customize it further by specializing in specific areas, such as combat, reconnaissance, or hacking. For example, if you want to focus on combat, you could invest more points in Drone Control and buy a more powerful combat drone. If you prefer reconnaissance, you could prioritize stealth skills and invest in advanced sensor equipment for your stealth drone.

Essential Gear for Riggers

No Rigger is complete without their gear. Here's a rundown of some essential items you'll want to acquire as soon as possible:

• Control Rig: This is the heart of your Rigger setup. A good control rig allows you to interface with your drones and vehicles, giving you precise control and enhanced responsiveness. Aim for an Alpha-ware or Beta-ware rig as soon as you can afford it. The better the rig, the more responsive the drones will be. Control Rigs come in various grades, each offering different levels of performance and features. Alpha-ware rigs are the most basic, while Beta-ware and Gamma-ware rigs offer improved responsiveness, enhanced control, and additional features such as multi-drone control and advanced sensor integration. Investing in a high-quality Control Rig is essential for any serious Rigger, as it directly impacts your ability to effectively control your drones and vehicles in the field. There are many different Control Rigs, so be sure to check them out.
• Drones: Your drones are your eyes, ears, and weapons. Invest in a variety of drones to handle different situations. A stealth drone is great for scouting, while a combat drone can provide fire support. Don't forget a utility drone for repairs and other tasks. Drones are versatile tools that can be customized to suit a wide range of tasks and play styles. Stealth drones are equipped with advanced cloaking technology and sensors, allowing you to scout ahead and gather information without being detected. Combat drones are armed with a variety of weapons, from machine guns and grenade launchers to flamethrowers and missile launchers, making them formidable assets in combat situations. Utility drones can be equipped with repair kits, medical supplies, and other tools, allowing you to provide support to your team in the field. Consider the needs and pick wisely.
• Repair Kit: Drones get damaged. A repair kit is essential for keeping them in working order. A repair kit is an essential tool for any Rigger, allowing you to quickly and efficiently repair your drones in the field. Drones are complex machines that are prone to damage, whether from enemy fire, accidents, or simple wear and tear. A repair kit contains a variety of tools and components that you can use to fix damaged drones, including spare parts, soldering irons, and diagnostic software. Having a repair kit on hand can save you time and money, as it allows you to keep your drones in optimal condition without having to rely on expensive repair services. This will save you a lot of time and money, as it will make it easier to repair your drones. You should have one.
• Fake SIN: A must-have for any Shadowrunner. A fake SIN (System Identification Number) allows you to operate in the shadows without being identified. A fake SIN (System Identification Number) is an essential piece of equipment for any Shadowrunner, allowing you to operate in the shadows without being identified. In the world of Shadowrun, your SIN is your identity, and it is linked to all of your personal information, including your bank accounts, medical records, and criminal history. A fake SIN provides you with a clean slate, allowing you to move around freely and conduct business without attracting unwanted attention from law enforcement or corporate security. Fake SINs come in various grades, each offering different levels of protection and anonymity. A high-quality fake SIN can be difficult to detect, even with advanced scanning technology, making it an invaluable asset for any Shadowrunner. Every shadowrunner needs to have one.

Advanced Rigger Tactics

Once you've got the basics down, you can start experimenting with advanced Rigger tactics. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Multi-Drone Control: With a good control rig and enough skill, you can control multiple drones simultaneously. This allows you to create a mobile fire base or scout multiple locations at once. Managing multiple drones requires a high level of skill and concentration, but it can be incredibly effective in the right situation. By coordinating the actions of multiple drones, you can create a mobile fire base, scout multiple locations simultaneously, or even set up a complex ambush for unsuspecting enemies. However, be aware that controlling multiple drones can be mentally taxing, and it is important to have a high Willpower score to maintain focus under pressure.
• Drone Swarms: Overwhelm your enemies with a swarm of small, cheap drones. This can be a surprisingly effective tactic, especially against heavily armored targets. Drone swarms are a cost-effective way to overwhelm your enemies with a barrage of attacks. By deploying a large number of small, cheap drones, you can saturate the battlefield with firepower, making it difficult for your enemies to target individual drones. Drone swarms are particularly effective against heavily armored targets, as the sheer volume of attacks can quickly overwhelm their defenses. However, be aware that drone swarms can be vulnerable to area-of-effect attacks, such as grenades and flamethrowers.
• Hacking and Drone Integration: Use your hacking skills to disable enemy drones or take control of security systems. This can give you a significant advantage in combat or allow you to bypass security measures. By integrating your hacking skills with your drone control abilities, you can create a powerful synergy that allows you to control the battlefield from a distance. You can use your hacking skills to disable enemy drones, take control of security systems, or even manipulate the environment to your advantage. This allows you to bypass security measures, gather valuable information, and create opportunities for your team to exploit.

Final Thoughts

The Rigger is a powerful and versatile character in Shadowrun: Hong Kong. With the right build and tactics, you can control the battlefield, gather intelligence, and support your team in countless ways. So, gear up, deck in, and get ready to run the shadows! Have fun out there, chummers!

This guide should give you a solid starting point for creating your own Rigger in Shadowrun: Hong Kong. Remember to experiment and find what works best for you. Good luck, and happy rigging!