Hacker Class Guide: Unlock Cost & Abilities

This guide explains how to unlock the Hacker class in Survive the Apocalypse, its full ability list, and the exact cost in in-game currency. You need 2,500 coins and player level 20 to unlock it, after which you can spend skill points to master its unique tech-based abilities.

Formula

The Hacker class unlock condition is: Player level ≥ 20 AND coins ≥ 2,500. The calculator above checks both conditions: it returns 1 (ready) if your level is at least 20 and your coins are at least 2,500; otherwise it returns 0 (not ready). The expression uses a square-root trick to show “Cannot compute” if your coins are below 2,500, because the result would otherwise be negative.

Worked Example

Using the default values: Player level = 20, Coins = 2,500.

• Check level: 20 ≥ 20 → true (1)
• Check coins: 2,500 ≥ 2,500 → true, so sqrt(2,500 – 2,500) = sqrt(0) = 0
• Result: 1 + 0 = 1 → ready to unlock

So with the default inputs, the Hacker class is ready to unlock.

Background: The Hacker Class in Survive the Apocalypse

Survive the Apocalypse is a co-op survival RPG where players scavenge, build, and fight against zombie hordes and hostile factions. Among its six character classes, the Hacker stands out as the only one focused on technology and electronic warfare. It was introduced in the game’s 2.0 update, which added the “Tech Tree” system. Unlike the Soldier or Medic, the Hacker doesn’t excel at direct combat; instead, it manipulates the environment—turning turrets, disabling traps, and hacking supply drops. This makes it a high-skill, high-reward class for players who prefer strategy over brute force.

How the Unlock Works

Unlocking the Hacker class is a two-step process. First, you must reach player level 20, which typically takes 15–20 hours of gameplay. Second, you need to save 2,500 coins—the in-game currency earned from completing missions, selling loot, and daily challenges. Once both conditions are met, go to the Class Kiosk in the main hub and select the Hacker icon. The game will deduct the coins and immediately unlock the class. There is no additional quest or boss fight required.

Hacker Abilities: Full List

The Hacker class has five active abilities and three passive skills. Each ability can be upgraded to level 5 using skill points, which you earn by leveling up after unlocking the class. Here is the complete list:

• Override Turret (Level 1): Hack an enemy turret to fight for you for 15 seconds. Cooldown: 45s.
• Disable Trap (Level 2): Instantly disarm a single trap (bear trap, electric fence, etc.) within 10 meters. Cooldown: 30s.
• Supply Drop (Level 3): Call in a crate with random loot (ammo, meds, or tech parts). Cooldown: 120s.
• EMP Blast (Level 4): Release an electromagnetic pulse that stuns all electronics (including enemy drones) in a 5-meter radius for 3 seconds. Cooldown: 60s.
• Data Leak (Level 5): Reveal all lootable containers and enemy locations on your map for 10 seconds. Cooldown: 90s.

Passive skills:

• Tech Savvy: Reduces crafting cost of electronic items by 10%.
• Quick Hack: Decreases hacking time (for doors and safes) by 20%.
• Signal Scan: Automatically highlights nearby electronic devices within 15 meters.

How to Choose: Is the Hacker Right for You?

The Hacker class suits players who like to control the battlefield rather than deal damage. If you play solo, the class is viable but requires careful planning—you’ll rely on turrets and EMP blasts to survive fights. In a team, the Hacker is invaluable: you can disable traps that would otherwise wipe out your group, hack turrets to turn the tide, and call in supply drops that keep everyone stocked. However, if you prefer direct confrontation, the Soldier or Berserker classes will feel more natural. Also note that the Hacker has a steep learning curve; the abilities have long cooldowns, so timing is everything.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common mistake is assuming that the Hacker can hack any electronic object. In reality, only designated objects with a glowing green icon are hackable—doors, turrets, traps, and some safes. Another misconception is that the EMP Blast damages enemies; it only stuns electronics, not zombies or humans. Also, the Supply Drop ability has a chance to attract a horde to your location, so use it in a safe spot. Finally, many players think the unlock cost is 2,500 coins per character, but it’s a one-time fee per account—once you unlock the Hacker, it’s available for all your characters.

Costs and Upgrades

The initial unlock costs 2,500 coins. After that, each ability upgrade costs skill points, not coins. You earn one skill point per level after level 20, and each ability level costs one point. To max out all five active abilities (level 5 each) and all three passives (level 3 each), you need 5×4 + 3×2 = 26 skill points, meaning you’ll need to reach level 46. Alternatively, you can reset your skill points for 500 coins at the Class Kiosk, but this is rarely worth it unless you made a mistake.

Safety and Fair Play

In Survive the Apocalypse, hacking is a game mechanic, not a cheat. The game’s anti-cheat system does not flag the Hacker class abilities because they are part of the intended design. However, using third-party software to automate hacking or gain unfair advantages is against the terms of service and can result in a permanent ban. Always play fair and use the in-game abilities as designed.

Alternatives to the Hacker

If the Hacker’s playstyle doesn’t appeal to you, consider these alternatives:

• Engineer: Builds turrets and barricades, but lacks the ability to hack enemy electronics.
• Scout: Fast and stealthy, can spot enemies but has no tech abilities.
• Medic: Heals teammates and revives downed players, essential for group survival.

Each class costs the same 2,500 coins and level 20 requirement, so you can switch if you save up enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I unlock the Hacker class without paying real money?

Yes, the 2,500 coins are earned in-game through missions, challenges, and selling loot. There is no real-money purchase required; the class is purely a gameplay unlock.

What happens if I don’t have enough coins when I hit level 20?

You simply wait until you save up 2,500 coins. The class remains locked until both conditions are met. You can check your progress in the Class Kiosk.

Do Hacker abilities work on all enemies?

No. Override Turret works only on enemy turrets, and EMP Blast affects only electronic devices. Zombies and human enemies are unaffected by EMP, so you still need weapons for direct combat.

Can I reset my Hacker skill points?

Yes, you can reset your skill points at the Class Kiosk for 500 coins. This refunds all spent points so you can reallocate them.

Is the Hacker class better in solo or multiplayer?

The Hacker is more effective in multiplayer because its abilities support the team—disabling traps, hacking turrets, and calling supply drops. In solo, you’ll need to be more careful with cooldowns, but it’s still viable with the right strategy.

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in level | Player level | - | 20 | 1 | 100
in coins | Coins owned | - | 2500 | 0 | 100000
out unlock | Unlock ready | - | (level >= 20) + 0 * sqrt(coins - 2500) | 0