SR5 has by and large been a relative abomination in my eyes, but the SR4 Infected were a hotbed of discussion and debate here when they came out. Since they apparently are back for SR5, whats the word?

The Word is HeadOnFire

HeadOnFire. Apply directly to the Infected's forehead.
HeadOnFire. Apply directly to the Infected's forehead.
HeadOnFire. Apply directly to the Infected's forehead.

Now available without a prescription.


Honestly though it is not too bad. The recent reworking of Infected in Run Faster has changed them from Uber right out the gate to now you start out with some bonuses, but if you want to achieve the full package, you will be spending time and karma picking up the optional powers and growing over time..

Sadly they did not give the same treatment to the Shapeshifters as it would have worked really well.

Based on that premise, then is it worth the effort to go after those optional powers with your earned karma rewards, or work on regular things like raising attributes and skills?

The costs vary from Enhanced senses sitting around 3 Karma, while the top end stuff like Mist Form or Regeneration are going to cost you 12, either of which has some advantages though to be fair, don't get too cocky with the Regen. there is still a whole load of things that can hurt you that it will not apply towards.

Which really is not that bad in costings when you figure what it will cost for a Mage to initiate or pumping up a higher level skill.

Plus they enforce a pacing effect, only one Optional Power can be purchased every two in-game months and must be from the list of Optional powers associated with your Infected type.
So yes, you will have to decide how to spread it unless you have a string of high karma jobs back to back, but that is true to most any role.