Bladeburner divisions were created internationally in the mid-21st century. Tasked with monitoring and "managing" rogue Synthoids, which may have blended into society and are sometimes considered a threat, working for Bladeburners gives access to powerful enhancements and a goal of destroying BitNodes by operating against increasingly strong Synthoid opposition.
Designed to improve a human agent's capabilities beyond their natural limits, Bladeburner skills add a persistent bonus while in the BitNode where they were purchased. Bladeburner skills are purchased with Bladeburner skill points, not money.
Bladeburners also offer unique Augmentations and a Faction invite to agents who "put in the work" to gain a small amount of rank. While Bladeburner rank and skill points persist after any augmentation installs, faction reputation will be reset. Bladeburner faction reputation can only be gained through Bladeburner actions.