Deep Rock Galactic Overclocks: How They Work & How to Get Them

Combat Summary

• Overclocks are powerful weapon modifications unlocked after a Miner reaches player rank 25 and completes the Promotion assignment for at least one class.
• Acquire them primarily through the Forge after completing Deep Dives and Machine Events, which yield Matrix Cores.
• They significantly alter weapon performance, offering boosts, trade-offs, or entirely new mechanics, making them essential Weapon Upgrades.

Listen up, Greenbeard. If you’re wondering how to take your gear from ‘adequate’ to ‘absolute Glyphid shredder,’ you need to understand Overclocks. These aren’t just minor tweaks; they’re game-changers that redefine how your weapons perform, turning a good Dwarf into a great one. Don’t let Management fool you into thinking standard issue is enough. It never is. This is a core part of your Progression on Hoxxes IV, critical for surviving higher Hazards.

What Are Overclocks?

Think of an Overclock as a specialized weapon modification that goes beyond standard upgrades. It’s a hardware hack, pushing your weapon’s limits. Each Overclock comes with unique stat changes—some are pure buffs, others offer significant power at a cost, and some entirely change a weapon’s firing mode or projectile behavior. They are class-specific and weapon-specific, meaning a Driller cannot use an Overclock designed for a Gunner’s minigun.

How to Get Overclocks

Unlocking Overclocks is part of your post-promotion Deep Rock Galactic Basics journey. Here’s the pipeline:

1. Reach Player Rank 25 & Promote a Dwarf: This unlocks the Machine Event scanner and Deep Dives.
2. Complete the ‘Breach the Core’ Assignment: This assignment, available after your first promotion, introduces you to Machine Events and the Forge.
3. Run Deep Dives: These weekly, multi-mission challenges guarantee Blank Matrix Cores and Weapon Overclock Matrix Cores upon completion. These are your primary source.
4. Find Machine Events: During regular missions, you might find Machine Events (e.g., Tritilyte Deposit, Kursite Grinder). Complete these events and, if you have a Blank Matrix Core, you can infuse it with an Overclock blueprint.
5. Use the Forge: Head to the Forge in the Space Rig. Here, you use collected minerals to craft the Overclocks you’ve acquired via Matrix Cores.

It’s a grind, sure, but the payoff in combat effectiveness is massive. Don’t waste your Matrix Cores on weapons you rarely use.

Overclock Types

Overclocks fall into three main categories, each with its own tactical implications:

• Clean Overclocks: These offer pure, straightforward stat buffs with no drawbacks. They’re safe, reliable Weapon Upgrades that make a good weapon better.
• Balanced Overclocks: These provide a significant buff alongside a minor drawback. For example, increased damage for a slight reduction in ammo capacity. They require a bit more thought but are often very effective.
• Unstable Overclocks: These radically alter a weapon’s behavior. They offer immense power or unique effects but come with substantial trade-offs. Mastering an Unstable Overclock can completely change your playstyle, but misusing one can get you killed.

Choosing Your Overclocks

Don’t just slap on the first Overclock you get. Consider your playstyle, your team’s composition, and the mission type. Experiment in the Testing Zone to understand how each Overclock truly changes your weapon. A good Overclock choice can turn a challenging Hazard 5 mission into a smooth operation. A bad one leaves you vulnerable.

Miner’s Chatter

The community largely agrees that Overclocks are the biggest power spike in a Miner’s Progression and a game-changer for builds. Many veteran Miners stress the importance of doing Deep Dives weekly for Matrix Cores, even if you’re not desperate for specific Weapon Upgrades anymore. New players are often advised to promote at least one class quickly to access the Forge and Machine Events, as the initial unlock process can be confusing without guidance. There’s a strong sentiment that the grind is worth it for the build diversity and increased power they offer, making Deep Rock Galactic feel fresh for hundreds of hours.