Nanuq

Nanuq 4[credit]

Program: Icebreaker - AI
Memory: 2 • Strength: 3
Influence: 5

When this program is uninstalled, remove it from the game.

When an agenda is scored or stolen, remove this program from the game.

Interface → 2[credit]: Break up to 2 subroutines.

1[credit]: +1 strength.

Nanuq never leaves, but instead waits, invisible, for the next hunt.
Illustrated by Adam S. Doyle
Decklists with this card

Parhelion (ph)

#88 • English
Startup Card Pool
Standard Card Pool
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Printings
Rulings
  • Updated 2023-03-25

    When Nanuq is turned facedown due to Apocalypse, does it remove itself from the game?

    No, Nanuq is not uninstalled when it is turned facedown.

  • Updated 2023-03-26

    If a facedown Nanuq is trashed, does it remove itself from the game?

    No. While Nanuq’s ability to remove itself from the game is normally active and able to resolve from zones where Nanuq is inactive, Nanuq is not turned faceup until after it enters the heap, so at the time its trigger condition would be met, the ability is still inactive due to the rules for Runner cards installed facedown.

  • Updated 2023-03-26

    If the runner trashes Nanuq, causing it to be removed from the game, can they still draw a card with Reaver?

    Yes.

Reviews

The clause which RFG’s upon both score and steal makes using this particularly tricky. If you’re using it to get into a remote early to stop a score? Mayfly exists, is 3 cheaper, and even with the two strength down from Nanaq, probably works out to break costs just as cheap at 1-2 ice, which is probably the situation in which you’d want a one off AI Breaker.

Using it to raid centrals for an early steal? Maybe, but then you’ve paid 4 to install a breaker that leaves after you hit a single agenda; worst cases include one point steals. And that’s not even counting the fact that the corp can score out if you’re not careful about keeping the remote checked.

There’s perhaps a play style which could have Nanaq have a bit more utility; if you want to make repeated runs early with effects that replace breaches, removing the chance of losing it early to an (un?)lucky access. Stargate comes to mind first and foremost, with Criminal run based shenanigans(DoF, Sec Test, farming Archives with Leech, Bankroll and Pennyshaver)also a possibility; unfortunately, the extremely hefty influence cost really limits this being played out of faction.

(The Automata Initiative era)
4

This is actually a pretty good AI breaker. With a strenght of 3, boosting for 1, at a cost of 4, it has good value. It will cost you 1 than necessary to break uneven number of subs, but that is a small price to pay for its ease of use.

However, this program is not here to stay. Next agendas stolen OR SCORED and you lose this forever. So this will be used in a few archetype. The first identity that comes to mind is Kabonesa Wu: Netspace Thrillseeker. Now, with Nanuq and Mayfly, it would be possible to only run AI. Summoning it when needed.

Also, a deck focusing on different ways to break ices (using Endurance and cards like Boomerang), you would have a backup breaker that can pass through anything.

This breaker is considered so powerful that it need 5 influences out of faction. At that cost, you better go for Endurance or Deep Dive. I do not see why anyone would ever use this out of faction.

Of note, this is a good breaker to pair with Paule's Café.

Because of its quirk, this magnificient breaker will probably be only used in niche decks. But when used, it will be impactful.

Probably one of the most beautiful art in Parhelion, I would not be surprise if that art is used for some kind of playmat, poster or background. The quote is an inspiration and goes perfectly with the art, name and effect of the card. Incredible card!

(Parhelion era)
4240