Shadowrun: Zero Day – A Beginner’s Guide to the Heist

By Catalyst Game Labs Store | Published: 2026-10-24

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to run your first Shadowrun: Zero Day heist. This guide covers setup, key rules, and common mistakes for new players.

Quick Answer

To run your first Shadowrun: Zero Day heist, focus on understanding the Matrix rules and planning your breach points before the dice start rolling.

Why Zero Day Works for Beginners

Shadowrun: Zero Day is designed as a self-contained heist scenario that introduces the core mechanics of hacking and infiltration in the Sixth World. It’s ideal for new players because the mission structure is linear but leaves room for creative problem-solving. The included pre-generated characters let you jump in without spending hours on character creation, so you can focus on learning the flow of a run.

The biggest challenge for beginners is the Matrix rules, which can feel abstract compared to physical combat. Zero Day simplifies this by giving you a clear objective—steal data—and a limited set of actions to achieve it. Don’t worry about mastering every subsystem on your first playthrough; focus on the basic hacking tests and let the game’s fiction guide your decisions.

Common Pitfalls for New Shadowrun Players

New players often try to plan too much before starting. In Zero Day, the environment changes as alarms trigger and security responds. It’s better to have a rough plan and adapt on the fly than to get bogged down in hypotheticals. Another mistake is forgetting that the Matrix is a parallel space—your hacker can be in the building’s host while your street samurai is physically infiltrating. Coordinate your actions across both layers.

Also, don’t ignore the legwork phase. Even a short scene where you gather intel on the target’s security schedule or guard rotations can give you a significant edge. Skipping this step makes the heist harder than it needs to be.

How to Run Your First Zero Day Heist

1. Read the Scenario Brief: Start by reading the entire scenario brief aloud or to yourself. Understand the target, the objective (usually data theft), and the initial security setup. Note any special rules or environmental hazards mentioned. Don’t skip the brief—it contains clues about alternative approaches.
2. Choose Your Team and Roles: Assign each player a pre-generated character. Ensure at least one character has strong Matrix skills (hacker) and one has physical infiltration or combat skills. Talk briefly about how your skills complement each other. A team with no hacker will struggle with electronic locks and data extraction.
3. Conduct Legwork: Spend 10–15 minutes in character gathering intel. Players can ask contacts, scan public Matrix hosts, or stake out the target location. The GM should reveal one or two useful facts (e.g., a guard patrol route or a back door). Legwork turns a blind assault into a surgical strike.
4. Plan the Breach: Decide on entry points (front, roof, sewer, etc.) and whether you’ll go loud or quiet. Assign tasks: the hacker enters the Matrix host while the physical team moves into position. Set a simple trigger for when to switch to combat or escape. A plan is a starting point, not a script—expect it to change.
5. Execute the Heist: Play through the heist round by round. The hacker makes Matrix tests to disable cameras or extract data; the physical team handles locks, guards, and movement. Use the scenario’s timer or alarm track to build tension. If the alarm sounds, don’t panic—focus on the primary objective and exit.
6. Escape and Debrief: Once the data is secured (or the objective is met), get out. The escape can be as tense as the heist itself. Afterward, discuss what worked and what didn’t. This helps new players learn the system for future runs. Debriefing is the fastest way to improve your next game.

Product Facts

Shadowrun: Zero Day: In Shadowrun: Zero Day, you are the hacker in the Matrix, the fly in the ointment, with weapons to bring out the world’s deepest secrets. This establishes your role as a digital infiltrator, not a frontline fighter, so you should prioritize stealth and data theft over direct confrontation.
Shadowrun: Zero Day