In the neon-lit, gritty streets of Night City, every mercenary, whether fresh off the Badlands or a hardened Night City vet, knows the importance of honing their edge—not just with chrome and leather, but with the very core of their being. This is a city that doesn’t just chew you up; it’s a beast that will swallow you whole if you’re not razor-sharp and bullet-fast. Cyberpunk 2077 offers not just a playground for those with a penchant for futuristic dystopias but a vast, sprawling metropolis of possibilities for character development. If you’re ready to carve your name into the cybernetic heart of Night City, follow this comprehensive guide to character building in Cyberpunk 2077. Grab your mantis blades, slot in your cyberware, and let’s jack in.

Choosing Attributes#

At the genesis of your journey through the grim future, the allocation of your attribute points lays down the foundation not just for your gameplay style but defines how you interact with the world around you. Cyberpunk 2077 presents you with five core attributes: Body, Reflexes, Technical Ability, Intelligence, and Cool. Think of these as the pillars that uphold your entire existence in Night City.

Body#

A testament to brute force and resilience, the Body attribute escalates your HP, decreases the recoil of weapons, and amplifies the damage you dish out in fisticuffs. If you dream of walking through a hail of bullets while swinging a door off its hinges to use as a shield, this is where you invest.

Reflexes#

Are you the incarnation of a swaying cobra, striking with precision and speed? Reflexes boost your maneuverability, enhance your proficiency with blades and handguns, and make you a blur in combat. Dodge bullets, land critical hits, and make your enemies wonder if they’re fighting a ghost.

Technical Ability#

For the tinkerers and prodigies drawn to the allure of machines and electronics, Technical Ability is your calling. This attribute doesn’t just allow you to pry open doors or fix a ride; it ensures you can craft gear worthy of a high-tech samurai and turn security systems into your puppets.

Intelligence#

The cyber realm is a battlefield of its own, and with a high Intelligence attribute, you’re the cyber-warrior supreme. Hacking into the brains and systems of your adversaries to turn the tide of battle without drawing a weapon is the hallmark of a Netrunner. If cerebral dominance is your game, Intelligence is your play.

Cool#

Cool is the embodiment of steady hands, a calm mind, and a killer’s instinct. Increasing stealth capability, improving critical hit damage, and mastering the art of assassination—this is for the cyberpunk who strikes from the shadows or stands unflinching as chaos ensues around them.

Skill Selection#

Your attribute allocation is just the beginning. Diving deeper into the rabbit hole, each attribute branches into specific skills—subsets that define the nuances of your capability. Balancing the broader strokes of attributes with the fine detail of skills tailors a character to your precise gameplay preference.

• Body encompasses: Athletics, Annihilation, Street Brawler
• Reflexes break down into: Handguns, Blades, Assault
• Technical Ability holds: Crafting, Engineering
• Intelligence covers: Breach Protocol, Quickhacking
• Cool rules over: Stealth, Cold Blood

Each skill not only progresses as you use it but unlocks unique perks that can dramatically alter how you play the game. Whether it’s becoming a ghost in the machine through Quickhacking or a terror on the streets with Blades, your skill selection marks your path.

Ideal Builds#

In Night City, there’s more than one way to skin a cat—or dismantle a corp exec. Here are a few ideal builds to inspire your rise to legend.

The Street Samurai#

• Primary Attributes: Reflexes, Body
• Skills to Focus: Blades, Handguns, Athletics
• Game Plan: Balance lethal precision with unmatched agility to become a whirlwind of steel and gunfire.

The Netrunner#

• Primary Attributes: Intelligence, Cool
• Skills to Focus: Quickhacking, Breach Protocol, Stealth
• Game Plan: Manipulate the digital and physical realms with a mere flick of your wrist, turning the city’s connected fabric to your weapon.

The Techie#

• Primary Attributes: Technical Ability, Intelligence
• Skills to Focus: Crafting, Engineering, Quickhacking
• Game Plan: Forge peerless equipment and turn the battlefield to your advantage by controlling the environment and enemy machinery.

Leveling Strategies#

Leveling in Cyberpunk 2077 is a multifaceted operation, engaging both in the accumulation of experience points and street cred. Utilizing a multi-pronged approach ensures you’re not just another corpo tool.

Experience Points#

Experience points are the bread and butter of your leveling diet. Complete main quests, side quests, and engage in combat to keep this meter rising. Diversify your actions to maximize gains—hack, shoot, sneak, and brawl.

Street Cred#

Your reputation precedes you in Night City. Street Cred makes you a known entity, unlocking new quests, vendors, and equipment. Engage in gigs, intervene in random crimes, and make your presence felt.

Tips for Efficient Leveling#

• Opt for a holistic approach to combat; mix it up.
• Engage in the cornucopia of side content Night City offers, but remember to keep a balance to avoid over-leveling and under-engagement with the story.
• Crafting and upgrading gear not only leverages your Technical Ability but provides a substantial XP boost.

Advanced Tactics#

To truly become the legend of Night City, mastering advanced tactics is paramount.

Cyberware Customization#

Cyberware implants can drastically expand your capabilities. Don’t just go for the shiny new toy; tailor your cyberware to complement your build and playstyle. Mantis Blades for the aggressive Street Samurai, a Neural Processor for the cunning Netrunner.

The Art of Crafting and Upgrading#

The ability to craft and upgrade gear is not just about keeping your arsenal top-notch; it’s about tailoring every piece of equipment to your mission, playstyle, and current needs.

Situational Awareness#

Night City is alive, and it pays to be aware. Use the environment to your advantage. Gas pipes can be ignited, electricity can be unleashed, and the layout can guide your strategy—whether it’s a silent takedown or a loud entry.

Hacking: Beyond the Basics#

For those with a predilection for the digital warfare of the Netrunner, mastering the deeper mechanics of hacking can turn the tide of every encounter. Mix aggressive and defensive hacks, control enemy cyberware, and always look for that edge.

Navigating the intricate web of Cyberpunk 2077’s character building is a journey of its own—a complex layer of strategy that intertwines with the narrative and action to create a singularly immersive experience. Whether you choose to walk the neon-soaked streets as a sabre-rattling Street Samurai, a shadow-clad Netrunner, or a cunning Techie, the choices you make not only define your story but sculpt the very world around you. Night City waits for no one, but for those ready to dive deep into its secrets, the rewards are as boundless as the city’s skyline. Stay sharp, choose wisely, and may your name echo in the alleys and avenues of Night City for ages to come.