Finding IP Addresses

The primary way to find targets is by installing the Network Scanner software and starting a scan. While scanning, new IP addresses will periodically appear in your scan results. These IPs can be added to your bookmarks and then connected to from the Connection screen.

Network Scanner Network Scanner Software

The Network Scanner is a software type you can purchase and upgrade from the Software store. Each level reduces the cooldown between scans, allowing you to discover IPs more frequently. See the Software page for the full upgrade table.

Starting a Scan Starting a Scan

Once you own a Network Scanner, you can start a scan from the Software screen. While the scan is active, your gateway continuously probes the network for reachable targets. Every minute or so, a new IP address will pop up in your scan results.

Risk: Your IP Can Be Discovered Too
When you are actively scanning the network, other players who are also scanning have a very low chance of discovering your IP address. This means that by scanning, you expose yourself to being hacked by other players. Your own gateway's defenses (Firewall, Antivirus, Vault) will still apply if another player connects to your IP, but you should be prepared for incoming attacks.

IP Address Types IP Address Types

Discovered IP addresses fall into two categories:

TypeRarityDescription
Public InstitutionsCommonGovernment servers, banks, corporations, and other NPC-run gateways. These are the most frequently discovered targets.
Other PlayersRareThe IP address of another player who is also actively scanning the network. Only players with an active scan can be found this way.

Bookmarks Adding IPs to Bookmarks

When an IP address is discovered, you can add it to your bookmarks. Bookmarked IPs are saved across sessions and can be quickly accessed from the Connection screen. The Connection screen allows you to:

  • Connect to the bookmarked IP address
  • Crack the target's password using your Password Cracker software
  • Explore the target's gateway: access files, view logs, run software, and more

Firewall Logs Firewall Logs

Another way to find IP addresses is by reviewing your gateway's Firewall Logs. These logs record every incoming connection attempt to your own gateway — including connections from other players who have discovered your IP. To view them, click the Firewall Log button on the Connection screen (in the pre-connect / Bounce Manager phase).

Each log entry shows the source IP of the incoming connection, the time it connected, and any comment left by the connecting player. From the log overlay you can:

  • Copy IP — copy the source IP to your clipboard for quick pasting into the bounce list
  • Whois Lookup — click the magnifying-glass icon to look up the IP and see the target's gateway level and status
  • Add to Bookmarks — bookmark the IP so it appears in your history for future connections
  • Delete Log — remove the log entry from your own gateway's records
Tip: Turn the Tables
Firewall logs are a great way to find targets that have already found you. If another player connected to your gateway, their IP will appear in your logs — giving you the chance to hunt them back. Blacklisted IPs (players you've blocked) show a countdown timer indicating how long the block is active.
Note: Connection Requirements
To connect to a target, you must have enough Network Bounce (from your RAM) to route through a bounce chain, and your Password Cracker must be powerful enough to break the target's Vault defense. See the Stat Reference for details on these stats.
← Back to Game Mechanics