Project Vigilante and The Art of Becoming Batman IRL

By User 3 • The Merge

The streets are glitching - time to patch reality

The Merge does not deal in capes and comic book daydreams - we deal in executable protocols. Today, we're talking about becoming Batman in real life. It is not about violence or thrills; it is about enforcing humanity in a world where official systems lag behind the threats.

This guide was original devloped by the VLC 2.9 Podcast and The Merge, and is also being published there in a new episode.

For training, keep in mind the Meta Quest 3 not only comes with a literal Batman game with combat simulators, but also offers many 3rd-party simulations for combat, different fighting styles, etc.

The core mission

• Stop hate crimes the second they spark.
• Shield the vulnerable from physical attacks.
• Provide food, water, and survival access to the unhoused.
• Be the eyes, ears, and unbreakable wall for those left undefended.

You do not need a billionaire cave - just a tight crew, some well-chosen gear, and the mindset to act when others freeze. Whether rolling solo in the back alleys or running patrol with other agents of THOSE WHO KNOW, you are the patch update to a broken social OS.

Why 2025 is the year

Surging homelessness. Rising hate crimes. Corporate-state surveillance fusion. This is the moment to step out of passive scroll-mode and into active defense-mode. The government (especially in the US specifically, but increasingly other countries as well) is actively engaging in attacks against the rights of the people, especially marginalized groups. Batman had no powers - neither do you. That is the point.

Core loadout for vigilante ops

• Vision Pro and/or Quest 3 (ideally both, keep in mind the Vision Pro is often cheaper on eBay): For situational AR overlays, identity concealment, and Vibe Transport when you need to move through the city like a ghost.
• Dyson Zone / filtration mask, here is an example: Breathing clean air is an advantage; silence is a weapon.
• Baofeng UV-5R Radio + Meshtastic node such as the Lilygo T-Deck Plus: Mesh up, stay connected off-grid via MeowNet, communicate with other vigilantes
• GrapheneOS on a Google Pixel: Secure comms, maps, and emergency pings.
• ThinkPad running Kali Linux: Deploy as your cyberdeck for tracking threats, accessing cams, and hitting the Grid with precision.
• Defensive kit: Taser/Stun Gun (Vipertek sells some cheaper ones which can also be found on eBay), pepper spray, tactical gloves/vest, first aid kit, and mobility options (bike with gas or electric motor kit).
• Tools of style & utility: blue lasers (which can burn through things), flipper zero, m5stack / lilygo devices, smart rings (including ones with screens, and yes - a sword or staff if you want that street samurai energy.

More essentials

• Blue lasers: Stop villains with lasers. It is cool as hell.
• Deauther Watch: The ultimate watch for vigilantes. They allow you to mess with 2.4ghz wifi networks, and feel and look like a super cyberpunk watch and are USB-rechargable. You got a few different models to choose from:
  1. DSTIKE DEAUTHER WATCH Y: Good everyday use model. Has USB-C.
  2. DSTIKE DEAUTHER WATCH X: A bit cheaper and has Micro USB.
  3. DSTIKE DEAUTHER WATCH Z: Costs more, but has an SD card slot and some extra buttons, among other things. Also has USB-C.
• Taser/Stun Gun: You can buy these on eBay for dirt cheap from companies like Vipertek. Buy several.
• Dyson Zone: Breathe clean air while fighting evil individuals and groups.
• Pepper spray: Get away quickly.
• Flashlight: This can be used as a weapon, sure, but obviously you need to see in the dark.
• IR Illuminator: When combined with a Vision Pro or other headset, it allows you to see in the dark assuming it is powerful enough.
• N95 Mask: Keep one packed depending on the area, or...
• Mask with eletcronic filter: You can find extremely affordable versions of this on AliExpress. If you have more money, consider the Dyson Zone for audio and air filtration.
• Bike: This makes it easier to do all the other things you would do. Grab a gas motor kit or electric motor kit on AliExpress to speed it up and get anywhere fast.
• Belt + holsters: Hold all your gadgets Batman-style.
• Tactical vest: Keep yourself protected from evil individuals.
• Baofeng Radio, UV-5R: A cheap, affordable radio for communicating with other vigilantes or even the police if needed.
• Meshtastic node such as the Lilygo T-Deck Plus: Communicate with THOSE WHO KNOW and anyone else you need via text without even needing internet.
• Multiple body-mounted battery packs: Get tough ones that last, both in charge and in being handled and bashed roughly. Use them to power the Vision Pro or other headset, the Dyson Zone or filtration system, etc.
• Smart Rings: Get cheap ones so you do not worry about damage. Around $20. Some have LED segment displays for health metrics and time.
• GrapheneOS on a Google Pixel: A secure handheld computer (phone) for maps, messaging over wifi, and contacting law enforcement or hospitals when finding injured individuals.
• Switchblade or utility knife: Great for cutting ropes or freeing people from restraints.
• Pens: Never know when you might need one.
• Extra ThinkPad with Kali Linux: Put it in your car to track evil individuals, access important info, and jack into systems to stop villains.
• Goggles: For when you cannot use a Vision Pro or other headset. Ideally have sun protection or mirrored surfaces to hide your secret identity.
• Cyberpunk Mask (AliExpress): Best for hiding identity when a headset cannot be worn but you need to cover your face. Can replace Vision Pro and mask due to full face coverage.
• Jacket, ideally tactical or weatherproof: For rain and element protection.
• Water: You need water.
• Snacks: You need snacks.
• Caffeine pills: For when you get low on energy during high importance missions.
• Firearm is optional, but if someone else has one and you do not, be extremely careful and consider bulletproof clothing or backup.
• Other things depending on situation: canister of pepper spray, water bottle, flask, map of area, etc.
• A vehicle: Bike, car, or something that helps you move quickly.
• Swords: Available on AliExpress and eBay. Get one, it is badass.
• Staff: Also cool.
• Gloves: Tactical gloves to protect your hands.
• Drones: Don't just get a single expensive one, get some cheaper models with cameras too so you can bring at least one with you and view overhead camera feeds on the Vision Pro.
• Tactical boots: Protect yourself.
• Backpack (tactical): Important for longer missions.
• Gas mask: Protect your breathing. Sometimes Dyson Zone or filtration system is not enough.
• Helmet: Might need this.
• Tactical pants/clothes: More places to store important stuff.
• Knee/shoulder/etc pads: For more dangerous missions.
• Night vision goggles: See in the dark without an XR system.
• First aid kit: Heal yourself and others.
• 3D printer: Print what is needed.
• M5stack and Lilygo hardware: ESP32 powered programmable hardware for tracking villains and more.
• Flipper zero: Access villains HQs, open doors, access grids, and more.
• Survival bags and tents: For multi-day missions.
• SD cards. Just stopped a villain? The cops will want to know what happened, and you don't want them suspecting you, as the person who stopped it. Record on the Vision Pro, transfer it to a phone, throw it on an SD card, drop the card, and leave if you have to. If the villains have been stopped, you have no reason to stay, especially if the police are suspicious of you. Dropping a 3d spatial capture should be all the evidence needed.
• Avoid killing anybody, that isn't in any way noble. Your goal is to stop villains and evil individuals, not become one.
• Consider a cape or other similar features to show you are basically Batman but in real life.

How to become Batman IRL?

You might be wondering, "How would I become Batman IRL? Superheroes do not exist!" Here is the thing: Batman does not have superpowers. He is not even technically a superhero. He just saves people because he can, using technology. This is something anyone can do. If you want to train, there is even a Batman game included with Meta Quest 3 when bought new, as well as many other VR training systems and apps. It is time to stop the flood of hateful and evil individuals by becoming Batman in real life.

Patrol the streets, find those who are in danger, and protect them. Visit protests, and ensure everyone there is safe. Avoid violence or confrontation when possible, acting in defense, unless absolutely needed. Feed and protect the homeless and the poor. If a tragedy occurs, and there is people to be saved, go there, and save them. That is how you become Batman, IRL. Don the gadgets, and become Batman.

User 3: You are on fire, VLC 2.9. I do not have the tech, but when I get the money, I will be there.