Shadowrun Program Deck and Cyber Deck: What Each One Does
By Catalyst Game Labs Store | Published: 2026-11-03
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to use the Shadowrun Program Deck and Cyber Deck at your table. Sort cards, track programs, and avoid common mix-ups with this step-by-step guide.
Quick answer
Use the Shadowrun Program Deck to give your decker a quick reference for programs during Matrix scenes, and use the Shadowrun Cyber Deck to track augmentations and gear. Keep the two decks separate at the table so players don’t confuse program cards with cyberware cards.
Why two decks, not one
The Program Deck covers programs for deckers—basic programs, hacking programs, and commlink apps—while the Cyber Deck covers augmentations from Body Shop. They serve different characters and different moments in play. A decker needs fast access to program details during Matrix runs; a samurai or anyone with cyberware needs augmentation info during combat or shopping scenes.
Because both are card decks, players sometimes assume they’re interchangeable. They aren’t. Mixing them slows down play and can lead to rules mistakes. Keep each deck with the character sheet it supports.
When the cards help most
The Program Deck shines when a decker has more than a handful of programs and needs to remember what each one does without flipping through a book. The Cyber Deck helps when a character has several augmentations and you want to track which ones are active, their effects, and any gear that matters.
If your table rarely uses Matrix action or cyberware, these decks may sit unused. They’re reference tools, not requirements. But for groups that want faster lookups and less book-passing, they earn their place.
How to use both decks at your table
- Sort each deck by card type before play: Separate the Program Deck into basic programs, hacking programs, and commlink apps. Keep the Cyber Deck separate and organized by augmentation type if the cards allow. Common mistake: mixing both decks in one pile, which slows down lookups. Do this once before the session; it saves time later.
- Match each deck to the right character: Give the Program Deck to the decker and the Cyber Deck to the character with augmentations. If one player runs both types of characters, keep the decks in separate labeled bags. Checkpoint: at the start of play, confirm each deck is with its owner.
- During Matrix scenes, pull only the programs in use: When the decker loads programs, take those cards from the Program Deck and lay them out. Leave the rest in the deck. Common mistake: laying out every program the decker owns, which clutters the table. Limit the layout to active programs only.
- During combat or gear checks, pull the relevant augmentation cards: When a character’s augmentations matter—such as when soaking damage or using enhanced senses—take those cards from the Cyber Deck and place them near the character sheet. Checkpoint: after the scene, return the cards to the deck so they’re not lost.
- Use the cards to answer rules questions quickly: When a question comes up about a program or augmentation, check the card first. If the card doesn’t cover it, then go to the book. Common mistake: assuming the card has every detail; it’s a reference, not a replacement for the full rules. Cards speed up play but don’t override the rulebook.
- Store the decks separately after each session: Return all cards to their respective decks and store them apart. This prevents mix-ups and keeps the decks ready for the next game. Checkpoint: do a quick count of each deck to make sure no cards went home with players.
Product facts
- Shadowrun: Program Deck: The Program Deck has info on more than 40 different programs for deckers, including basic programs, hacking programs, and commlink apps. That breadth means most deckers can find their programs in the deck, so you can keep the core rulebook closed during Matrix scenes.
Shadowrun: Program Deck - Shadowrun: Cyber Deck: The Cyber Deck provides basic game information for augmentations taken from Body Shop. If your character uses augmentations from that source, this deck gives you a quick way to track essential gear without hunting through the book.
Shadowrun: Cyber Deck
