Cyberpunk 2077 has been a rollercoaster ride since its initial announcement. From the breathtaking views of Night City to the gritty underworld dealings, this title has something for every caliber of gamer. Whether you’re a seasoned netrunner or a choom just loading into Night City for the first time, this comprehensive guide aims to arm you with the insights needed to navigate the neon-lit streets and dark alleys like a true cyberpunk.
Embarking on your journey in Cyberpunk 2077 can feel as overwhelming as navigating a bustling Night City intersection during rush hour. Fear not, for we’ve got the ultimate roadmap to guide you from a green rookie to a legendary street samurai.
Early Game Strategy
Starting in the world of Cyberpunk 2077, you’ll be prompted to select your life path. This choice—Nomad, Street Kid, or Corpo—doesn’t just flavor your initial hours but also peppers your entire playthrough with unique dialogue options and insights that can dramatically alter how you interact with Night City and its denizens.
Picking Your Life Path
- Nomad: Starting in the Badlands, Nomads have a unique perspective on Night City, viewing it from the outside in. This path offers a gradual introduction to the complexities of the city.
- Street Kid: Street Kids have the streets in their blood. Choosing this path gives you immediate street cred and insight into the various gangs and factions within Night City right from the get-go.
- Corpo: As a Corpo, you start at the top, only to fall. This path offers a unique view of the corporate underbelly, making it ideal for players who enjoy manipulating from the shadows.
Early Character Development
In your early hours, it’s crucial to invest in a balanced skill set. While it might be tempting to pour all your points into one bucket, diversifying your abilities ensures you’re prepared for the multitude of challenges Night City throws at you.
- Body: Increases your physical prowess, allowing you to wield heavy weapons and open up new pathways through raw strength.
- Intelligence: Essential for netrunners, this boosts your hacking abilities, giving you an edge in cyber warfare.
- Reflexes: Improves your reaction times, making it easier to dodge bullets and land critical hits.
- Technical Ability: Increases your proficiency with tech, allowing you to craft better gear and interact with various devices throughout the city.
- Cool: Governs your stealth and composure, making it easier to sneak past enemies or persuade them during conversations.
Gearing Up
Your first firearm and vehicle won’t be anything to write home about, but they’re essential stepping stones. Scour every inch of Night City for better gear—be it from fallen foes, hidden caches, or stores. Don’t sleep on crafting either; it’s a viable path to high-quality equipment.
Mid Game Tactics
As you dive deeper into the heart of Night City, you’ll start to find your rhythm, balancing between missions, side gigs, and personal vendettas. Here’s how to stay afloat and thrive in the chaos.
Balancing Your Mission Portfolio
Don’t rush through the main storyline. Cyberpunk 2077’s world is rich with side missions that not only offer valuable loot but also deeply enrich the narrative. Some side gigs can significantly influence the main story, so keep an eye out and engage fully.
Establishing Connections
Building relationships with key NPCs can unlock exclusive missions, gear, and even potential romantic interests. Each major character has their own story arc, which can profoundly impact your journey through Night City.
Upgrading Your Cyberware
Cyberware implants are game-changers in Cyberpunk 2077, offering abilities ranging from double jumps to slowing downtime. Regular visits to a Ripperdoc will ensure you’re equipped with the latest in cybernetic enhancements.
Engaging in Side Hustles
Participate in NCPD Scanner Hustles, fixer gigs, and street races to bolster your street cred and fill your pockets with eddies. This not only opens up new vendors and gear but also challenges your skills across different facets of gameplay.
Late Game Advice
As the endgame looms on the horizon and the fate of V and Night City hangs in the balance, it’s critical to tighten up your strategy and prepare for the final showdowns.
Maxing Out Your Street Cred
High street cred unlocks the best jobs, gear, and cyberware. At this stage, focus on completing any outstanding gigs and activities marked on your map to max out your reputation.
Finalizing Your Build
By now, you should have a clear idea of your playstyle. Double down on your strengths—be it hacking, guns blazing, or stealth—and ensure your skill points and cyberware are optimized for this approach.
Preparing for Major Confrontations
Stock up on consumables, ammunition, and quality gear. Make sure to have a versatile arsenal to tackle any challenge, from cyberpsychos to heavily armored corporate bodyguards.
Exploring Every Avenue
Before diving into the point of no return, explore all lingering side quests and character arcs. Some of these stories offer not just compelling narratives but also unique items and hefty experience boosts.
Detailed Quest Walkthroughs
While it’s impossible to cover every quest in this guide, here are some walkthroughs for pivotal missions that can stump many players:
The Heist
One of the most critical early-game missions, The Heist sets the tone for the rest of your journey. Key takeaways here include:
- Preparation is Key: Ensure you’ve upgraded your gear and abilities. Stealth and hacking play crucial roles in this mission.
- Choose Your Approach Wisely: The outcomes of this mission can vary significantly based on your choices and the information you’ve gathered beforehand.
Transmission
This mid-game quest is where things start to unravel, and the stakes rise significantly. Tips for success include:
- Master Hacking: Utilize your hacking skills to manipulate the environment and take down enemies.
- Stay Mobile: Keeping on the move makes you a harder target for the enemies you’ll face.
Nocturne Op55N1
The monumental decision point of Cyberpunk 2077, this late-game mission, is where paths diverge and endings are shaped. Essential advice:
- Explore Every Dialogue Option: The choices you make here are crucial. Make sure you’ve explored all potential avenues before locking in your decision.
- Prepare for Anything: Without spoiling specifics, ensure V is ready for a range of confrontations, both physical and emotional.
Endgame Scenarios
Cyberpunk 2077 boasts multiple endings, each reflecting the myriad choices you’ve made throughout your journey. Here are strategies to unlock and experience them:
Embracing Every Outcome
To fully experience all that Cyberpunk 2077 offers, consider multiple playthroughs. Each life path and major decision opens up new narrative branches and endings.
Gearing Up for New Game Plus
Upon completing the game, diving back into Night City with your accumulated gear and knowledge can provide a fresh perspective on the stories and characters you’ve grown to cherish or despise.
In conclusion, Cyberpunk 2077 is not just about reaching the end credits but fully immersing yourself in the world of Night City and the stories it harbors. This guide is your companion, designed to navigate you through the murky waters and into the neon-infused heart of the metropolis. Embrace the chaos, make your mark, and remember—style over substance is the cyberpunk way, but in Night City, having both is your best bet.