Chromeage

Summary

Chromeage is a PhysStat. It Chromeage works similar to Armor Rating in the sense that every single WetWare Augmentation or Replacement will have a chromeage value assigned to it - with lower-end parts having either lower or higher chromeage, and the value increasing or decreasing depending on how high up the scale of that part that you go, in terms of series, grade, and modifications made.

Chromeage is unique in the sense that it directly effects how quickly you experience Neural Drain, which leads to Techshock, and what the effects of experiencing TechShock actually are.

The higher your chromeage is, the quicker you experience Neural Drain - which functions like a slowly-depleting bar, which you cannot see. In order to avoid major Neural Drain and TechShock, you have to consume ModMeds on-schedule, in a way that works for your character. A person with 1/1000 Chromeage will experience complete Neural Drain, resulting in TechShock, within 48 hours of online time. A person at 1000/1000 will experience total Neural Drain, resulting in TechShock, within 2 hours online time.

Certain parts, certain mods for parts will lower your Chromeage, and therefore make your Neural Drain happen slower. Some drugs increase or decrease your chromeage temporarily, thus causing you to experience Neural Drain either quicker, or slower.

TechShock happens at 100% Neural Drain, and the danger of TechShock is largely determined by both how long you have been in TechShock, and how high your chromeage is. That being said, TechShock at 10 Chromeage is not nearly as bad as TechShock at 800 Chromeage. At over 650 Chromeage, going into TechShock can potentially result in a seizure. At 850+ chromeage, going into TechShock could be fatal.

Take your medication. ModMeds are available, and come in many different qualities. Some will completely erase the effects of Neural Drain, and some work as just a quick-fix.