Here are the PnP files for the Hack-a-Pad proto version 3a.1 and the rulebook version 3a.2 (updated on 15th October 2025).
This update adds new apps and fixes several spelling and grammar errors. The actual intention and core of the rules have not been changed but the rulebook has some clarity updates, more images and spelling corrections.
All feedback on the game design is greatly appreciated.
Rulebook
Digital Versions
Hack-a-Pad is available on screentop.gg and as a Tabletop Simulator Mod. Digital versions were updated to 3a.1 version on 10th October 2025. Rulebook was updated to 3a.2 on 15th October 2025
PnP files for the cards
There are several options for PnP files that you can choose from. Default two sided card set as a single PDF with separate versions for A4 and letter size papers as well as low ink versions with reduced ink use and grayscale.
There are also separate files for one sided printouts as well as a folded layout for the four cards that need to be two sided.
Full color versions
| A4 size | Letter size | |
| 2 sided prints, standard version, all required cards in 1 file | Full color, 2 sided (even pages as backs) (12 sheets, 54 cards). | Full color, 2 sided (even pages as backs) (12 sheets, 54 cards). |
| 1 sided prints, all required cards in 2 files | Full color, 1 sided AppShop and Hacking cards (6 sheets, 50 cards). Full color, fold layout Privacy/AP meter cards (1 sheet 4 cards). | Full color, 1 sided AppShop and Hacking cards (6 sheets, 50 cards). Full color, fold layout Privacy/AP meter cards (1 sheet 4 cards). |
Low ink versions
| A4 size | Letter size | |
| 2 sided prints, standard version, all required cards in 1 file | Ink save, 2 sided (even pages as backs) (12 sheets, 54 cards). | Ink save 2 sided (even pages as backs) (12 sheets, 54 cards). |
| 1 sided prints, all required cards in 2 files | Ink save, 1 sided AppShop and Hacking cards(6 sheets, 50 cards). Ink save, fold layout Privacy/AP meter cards (1 sheet 4 cards). | Ink save, 1 sided AppShop and Hacking cards (6 sheets, 50 cards). Ink save, fold layout Privacy/AP meter cards (1 sheet 4 cards). |
Video playthrough
To help you get started there is also a playtrough video available on YouTube. The video was made with an earlier, unpublished 3.0 version, but the gameplay hasn’t really changed since then.
Changes
- Removed duplicate apps (MeTube, Photogram, TalkGPT, Steelium Browser, and Snapstack)
- Added 5 new apps (TakTak, Y, ChainedOn, and Boom)
- Tuned Arton app (card 015) functionality that it now provides Each turn +2 privacy and -2 AP (instead of +1 Privacy, -2 AP)
- Updated images on rulebook to match PROTO 3a.1 cards
- Clarified some parts of the rulebook
- Changed the activity order of Phase 1 Install swapped steps one and two
- A lot of spelling and grammar fixes on the cards and in the rulebook
Rules update 3a.2
- Explicitly stated that player may have maximum of 7 Hacking cards in hand.
- The rule has existed on playtests since the version 1.x but never ended up on written rulebook before
- Attack-Protect image updated to use cards from 3a.x version