On Rubi-Ka, everyone can use nanotechnology, be they a brutish Atrox Enforcer or a mysterious Meta-Physicist. While there exists a series of general nano formulae that everyone is able to learn, each profession has its own, distinct set of nano formulae which other professions are unable to learn (with the exception of agents). In general, the profession-specific NFs reflect what that profession is best at: the doctor gets many healing NFs; the soldier NFs that help them survive in combat; the nanotechnician powerful damage-dealing NFs. The general NFs that are available to all are considered to be less effective than the profession-specific NFs.

To learn a nano formula, the character needs to have a nano crystal in which the formula is stored. When the character meets the skill requirements of the crystal (using one or more of the nanotechnology skills), they are able to learn the crystal. From then on, as long as they have enough nano points and continue to meet the NF requirements, they are able to execute that NF. There are no 'reagents' needed when executing a NF. Vendors throughout Rubi-Ka will be willing to sell you nano crystals, but uploading the program from a nano crystal is the only way to learn a nano formula.

When a beneficial nano formula is executed, the program takes up residence in the Nano Controller Unit of the player. Each nano formula requires a different amount of space in the NCU; if there is not enough space left, the player will be unable to receive the benefits from that NF. Naturally, implants and items can be used to increase the capacity of the NCU so that you are able to have more nano formulae active at the same time.

There are 6 nanotechnology skills: Material Creation, Material Metamorphose, Biological Metamorphose, Space and Time, Sense Improvement and Psychological Modification. Different types of nano formulae require different combinations of these skills; for example healing NFs generally use Biological Metamorphose and Material Metamorphose, whilst skill buffs use Psychological Modification and Sense Improvement. Nano formulae are split into 5 broad groupings, or schools, based on their effects: Combat, Medical, Protection, PSI and Space/Tech.