Cyberpunk 2077: Getting Started Guide

Creating Your Character#

When you start your adventure in Cyberpunk 2077, one of the first things you need to do is create your character. This is a crucial step because your choices here affect gameplay, story elements, and your overall experience in Night City. Here’s a detailed guide to get you started on the right foot.

Lifepaths#

You have three different lifepaths to choose from:

Nomad: Coming from the Badlands outside of Night City, Nomads value family and freedom. Their story starts outside the city and includes smuggling and racing through deserts.
Street Kid: Raised in the rough streets of Night City, Street Kids know how the gangs, the markets, and the underworld operate. They start in the heart of the city’s criminal world.
Corpo: Corpo characters lived the high life within the megacorporations but experienced betrayal and downfall. Their intro involves corporate espionage and betrayal at the top.

Each lifepath provides different background dialogues and unique gameplay elements. They don’t drastically change the overall story, but they do influence how you interact with the world.

Attributes#

Your character has five key attributes:

Body: Increases your physical strength, health, and stamina. Great for melee combat and forcing entry.
Reflexes: Boosts your speed, crit chance, and evasion. Essential for hand-to-hand combat and using most weapons.
Technical Ability: Helps with crafting and using tech weapons. It also boosts your armor.
Intelligence: Affects your hacking skills, unlocking new ways to manipulate the environment.
Cool: Improves stealth and composure in stressful situations. This affects your ability to sneak and your effectiveness in dialogues.

At the start, you get a bunch of points to distribute among these attributes. Choose wisely based on your preferred play style. Want to be a hacker? Pump those points into Intelligence. Prefer brute force? Go for Body and Reflexes.

Appearance#

Next up is the appearance of your character. This includes basic options like:

Gender: Choose male or female voice and body type, which can lead to different pronouns and some unique interactions.
Facial Features: Includes customizing your eyes, nose, mouth, jaw, and ears.
Hairstyles and Colors: There are a ton of options here, from natural looks to eye-popping neons.
Cyberware: You can add cyber enhancements to your character’s face, such as visual implants or dermal tattoos.
Tattoos and Scars: Whether you want to go full-on cyberpunk with bright tattoos or rock some battle scars, you’ve got choices.
Clothing and Style: While these can be changed later in the game, you can initially choose a style that complements your character’s background.

Take your time here. Night City is a place full of personalities, and your look will make a statement.

Skills and Perks#

As you progress, you unlock skills and perks that further specialize your character. Each attribute has associated skills:

Body with Athletics, Annihilation, and Street Brawler.
Reflexes includes Assault, Handguns, and Blades.
Technical Ability covers Crafting and Engineering.
Intelligence relates to Breach Protocol and Quickhacking.
Cool contains Stealth and Cold Blood.

Pick perks that match your play style. They grant bonuses such as increased damage with specific weapons, faster reload times, or better hacking abilities.

Making Your Choices Count#

Your character’s development is a key part of your journey in Cyberpunk 2077, impacting how you deal with missions, dialogue, and combat. Think ahead about how you want to tackle challenges and shape Night City with your presence. Whether you’re a smooth-talking netrunner or a street brawler, every choice molds your unique experience in the cyberpunk dystopia.

Remember, Night City is full of hidden gems and surprises, so don’t be afraid to explore different build paths and play styles. Good luck out there, choom! Cyberpunk 2077: Getting Started Guide
Understanding Basic Controls

So, you’ve just fired up Cyberpunk 2077 and are ready to dive into Night City’s gritty streets. Before you start wreaking havoc or making a name for yourself as the city’s top merc, it’s essential to get a firm grasp on the controls. Here’s a rundown to help you get comfortable maneuvering through the game.

Movement and Camera#

W, A, S, D (PC) / Left Stick (Consoles): This will be your primary way to move V around the bustling world of Night City. Just push in the direction you want to go.
Mouse (PC) / Right Stick (Consoles): This controls the camera. Move it around to look in different directions, aim, and take in all the neon sights.
Sprint: Hold down Shift (PC) or L3 (click Left Stick) (Consoles) to sprint. Easy when you need to make a quick getaway!
Crouch: Hit C (PC) or B (Xbox) / Circle (PlayStation) to crouch. Perfect for sneaking around unnoticed.

Combat#

Combat in Cyberpunk 2077 can be hectic, so knowing your basic controls is crucial.

Attack: Use Left Mouse Button (PC) / Right Trigger (RT) (Xbox) / R2 (PlayStation) to swing your melee weapon or fire your guns.
Aim / Block: Right Mouse Button (PC) / Left Trigger (LT) (Xbox) / L2 (PlayStation) lets you aim your gun more precisely or block with a melee weapon.
Reload: Tap R (PC) or X (Xbox) / Square (PlayStation) to reload your weapon. Don’t want to run out of bullets in a firefight!
Grenades: Press Middle Mouse Button (PC) or LB (Xbox) / L1 (PlayStation) to toss a grenade. Great for crowd control or causing some chaos.
Quick Melee: Shove enemies away with a quick melee hit by pressing E (PC) or Right Bumper (RB) (Xbox) / R1 (PlayStation).

Interactions and Dialogues#

Night City is full of people to talk to and stuff to interact with.

Interact: Use F (PC) or X (Xbox) / Square (PlayStation) to interact with items, vehicles, and people.
Skip Dialogue: Sometimes, you might want to skip through dialogue a bit faster. Hold Space (PC) or B (Xbox) / Circle (PlayStation) to speed up the conversation.
Select Dialog Options: Use your mouse to select dialogue options on PC or the D-pad on consoles.

Your menus and inventory are where you’ll handle most of your character’s setup.

Open Menu: Tap I (PC) or Options (PS4/PS5) / Menu (Xbox) to open up the menus. From here, you can access your inventory, map, and more.
Navigate Menus: On PC, use your mouse. For consoles, use the D-pad or Left Stick to move through the options.
Map: Access your map quickly by hitting M (PC) or View (Xbox) / Touchpad (PlayStation).

Vehicles#

Getting around Night City is a lot easier with a set of wheels.

Enter/Exit Vehicle: Push F (PC) or Y (Xbox) / Triangle (PlayStation) to hop in or out of vehicles.
Accelerate: Hold W (PC) or RT (Xbox) / R2 (PlayStation) to speed up.
Brake/Reverse: Hold S (PC) or LT (Xbox) / L2 (PlayStation) to slow down or drive backward.
Steer: Use A/D (PC) or the Left Stick (Consoles) to steer your vehicle.

Additional Tips#

Getting the hang of these controls will take a bit of practice. Here are a few extra tips to make your adventure smoother:

Save Often: Hit F5 (PC) or use the menu (consoles) to save frequently. Cyberpunk 2077 can be unpredictable.
Experiment: Play around with different weapons and combat styles to find what suits you best.
Settings: Don’t hesitate to adjust the controls and sensitivities in the settings menu to fit your play style.

That’s it for basic controls! With these fundamentals, you should be roaming Night City with confidence in no time. Go out there, make some eddies, and remember, the future is yours!

Navigating Night City#

Night City in Cyberpunk 2077 is as vibrant as it is vast. With neon-lit streets, towering skyscrapers, and hidden alleyways, it’s easy to get disoriented. Don’t worry, though. We’ve got you covered with some tips to make traversing this urban jungle a breeze.

Know Your Districts#

Night City is divided into several distinct districts, each with its own vibe and unique challenges. Here’s a quick rundown:

Watson: A bustling but run-down part of the city known for its markets and industrial areas.
Westbrook: High-end and flashy, filled with luxury and entertainment hotspots.
City Center: The heart of Night City, home to corporate towers and the most advanced technology.
Heywood: A suburban area with a mix of affluent and poorer sections.
Pacifica: An unfinished paradise turned gang territory.
Santo Domingo: An industrial powerhouse constantly humming with activity.

Understanding the mood and environment of each district can help you anticipate what you might face, whether it’s elite security forces or street gang thugs.

Get Your Wheels#

Walking is cool, but driving is cooler. Hop into one of Night City’s many vehicles, from sleek cars to rugged motorcycles. You can either steal a ride (not recommended due to heavy law enforcement) or acquire your own through missions or purchases.

Buying Vehicles: As you progress, various fixers (local connections) will offer vehicles for sale. These will be waiting for you once purchased.
Stealing Vehicles: Approach from the driver’s side and hit the appropriate button to hijack it. Just be wary of the consequences.

Navigating With the Map#

Your in-game map is your best friend. Access it frequently to get your bearings.

Waypoints: Set custom waypoints to mark specific locations you need to reach.
Fast Travel: Look for blue fast travel stations scattered across the city. These allow you to quickly hop from one district to another.
Zoom-In Feature: Use the zoom-in feature to get a detailed view of your current surroundings. This is helpful for finding hidden pathways or specific buildings.

Using the Metro System#

Night City’s metro system is an underutilized gem. It’s a quick way to move around, especially when you need to cross several districts.

Stations: Look for metro stations marked on your map. They usually have a distinctive icon.
Boarding: Simply approach the station, interact with the terminal, and select your destination.

Navigating on Foot#

Walking around is the best way to soak in the details and secrets of Night City. However, it also comes with dangers.

Staying Alert: Keep an eye on suspicious activities. Gangs or random events can spring up out of nowhere.
Shortcuts: Many buildings have multiple entrances and hidden paths. Exploring these can sometimes get you past enemies or into restricted areas without confrontation.
Loot: Walking around also gives you a chance to find loot stashed in alleyways and corners – keep your eyes peeled!

Engaging With Locals#

Interacting with locals can sometimes give you crucial info or side missions that help you navigate the city better.

Conversations: Talk with NPCs to gather tips or uncover missions.
Street Vendors: Buy items that might help you on your journey, from weapons to consumables.
Street Cred: Increasing your street cred unlocks more opportunities and access to better gear and missions.

Don’t Forget Your Scanner#

Press the scanner button to highlight points of interest, enemies, and objects you can interact with. This tool is invaluable for navigating complex environments and planning your next move.

Conclusion#

Navigating Night City can feel overwhelming at first, but with these tips, you’ll be traversing its streets like a pro in no time. Whether you’re driving through Westbrook or sneaking through back alleys in Watson, using your tools and staying alert will ensure you uncover every secret this sprawling metropolis has to offer. Happy exploring, choomba!

Getting Started Guide: Starting Your First Mission in Cyberpunk 2077#

So, you’ve just booted up Cyberpunk 2077 and you’re ready to dive into Night City. Great choice! This city is full of adventure, danger, and opportunities. To kick things off, you’ll need to navigate your way through the game’s first mission. Let’s break it down so you can hit the ground running.

Choosing Your Lifepath#

Before you even begin your first mission, you’ll need to select your character’s Lifepath. You have three options: Nomad, Street Kid, and Corpo. Each path offers a unique backstory and starting point in Night City.

Nomad: Outlanders who value freedom and family. You’ll start your story in the Badlands, a desert area outside the main city.
Street Kid: Born and raised in Night City. You know the streets and their secrets.
Corpo: High-level corporate roles with wealth and power, but also ruthless competition.

Choose the one that resonates with you the most. It will affect your dialogue options and some story elements throughout the game.

Initial Setup#

After selecting your Lifepath, customize your character’s appearance and attributes. Spend some time here to create a look you like and think about the type of gameplay you want. Attributes affect your skills in areas like Body, Intelligence, Reflexes, Technical Ability, and Cool. These will play a crucial part in how you approach missions.

The First Mission: “The Rescue”#

No matter which Lifepath you choose, your first main mission is called “The Rescue”. This mission introduces you to the game mechanics and gives you a feel for how things work in Night City.

Follow Jackie: After a brief intro tailored to your Lifepath, you’ll soon find yourself teamed up with Jackie Welles. He’s your first buddy and guide in this chaotic world.
Learn the Basics: Jackie will lead you through the basics like movement, interactions, and using your scanner. Pay close attention to the on-screen prompts. They’ll teach you how to crouch, take cover, and aim.

Combat and Interface#

Engage Enemies: Your first taste of combat will happen pretty quickly. Use your firearm to take down enemies. You can also hack into systems to gain an advantage.
Use Cover: Always find cover during shootouts. This will give you the time to plan your next move and avoid taking unnecessary damage.

Hacking and Cyberware#

Quickhacks: Early on, you’ll get introduced to quickhacking. Use your scanner by pressing the scan button (usually L1 or LB) and look for hackable devices.
Loot and Equip: Loot fallen enemies and containers for weapons, cyberware, and other useful items. Open your inventory to equip new gear.

Saving The Woman#

The objective of “The Rescue” mission is to save Sandra Dorsett from a gang. Make sure you stay alert and follow markers on your mini-map. Once you find her, you’ll need to carry her outside and call Trauma Team to pick her up.

Socializing and Choices#

Dialogue Options: Pay attention to dialogue choices. Your Lifepath will occasionally offer special options. Choices can affect relationships and outcomes in the story.
Exploration: Feel free to explore your surroundings. Night City is packed with hidden goodies.

Wrapping Up#

Once you’ve completed “The Rescue”, you’ll get your own apartment. This is your safe space to store gear and change clothes.

Remember, this first mission is just a warm-up. Night City is vast and full of opportunities. Experiment with different playstyles and don’t be afraid to replay missions for a different approach.

So, gear up, stay sharp, and enjoy your journey through the neon-lit streets of Cyberpunk 2077! 🚀

If you need more specific tips on combat, hacking, or navigating quests, keep an eye on this guide as we dive deeper into the mechanics and hidden secrets of Night City.

Tips for New Players#

Choose Your Lifepath Wisely#

The first big decision you’ll make is selecting a lifepath for your character. You can be a Nomad, Streetkid, or Corpo. Each lifepath gives you different backstory and starting missions. Here’s a quick rundown:

Nomad: Starts in the Badlands. Great for players who want a taste of the wilderness and a sense of independence.
Streetkid: Based in Night City’s streets. Ideal for those looking to understand the underground culture.
Corpo: Set in the corporate world. Kick-off in a high-tech office environment and dive deep into the political intrigue.

No particular lifepath is better than the others, but choose one that fits the type of story you’re interested in.

Understand the RPG Mechanics#

Cyberpunk 2077 is an RPG, so attribute points and perks play a huge role in your progression. Here’s what you need to know:

Body: Increasing this lets you punch harder and absorb more damage. Great for melee-focused builds.
Reflexes: Helps with accuracy for guns and improves critical damage.
Technical Ability: Lets you hack terminals and use tech weapons better. It’s key for crafting too.
Intelligence: Improves your hacking skills. Essential if you plan to take control of enemy systems.
Cool: Makes you stealthier and improves critical hit chances. Good for stealthy players.

Balance them out based on how you’d like to play. Remember, you won’t be able to max out all attributes, so focus on what suits your style the best.

Loot Everything#

Night City is full of loot. From random items lying around to what enemies drop, always pick up everything. It’s usually worth it:

Sell unnecessary items: Vendors are scattered throughout Night City. Sell useless items for cash.
Breakdown for crafting materials: Some items can be broken down into parts that you can use for crafting upgrades and new gear.
Upgrade your gear: Higher-quality items often need rare components, so keep an eye out.

Be a scavenger! Finding and using the best gear makes a huge difference in your effectiveness.

Don’t Rush the Main Story#

Night City is vast and filled with side missions and activities. Don’t just rush through the main questlines. Side missions:

Offer unique rewards: Including some of the best weapons and cyberware in the game.
Build relationships: Help to develop deeper storylines with various characters.
Level you up: Giving you a chance to gather more experience and become stronger.

Take your time to explore and enjoy all the unique stories Cyberpunk 2077 has to offer.

Save, And Save Often#

Bugs and crashes can sometimes interrupt your gameplay. Save your game frequently, especially before significant missions or encounters. This will help you avoid major setbacks and losing important progress. Use quick saves and manual saves to cover your bases.

Use Your Scanner#

Your scanner is an incredibly valuable tool. Use it often to:

Identify enemies and their weaknesses: Knowing an enemy’s vulnerabilities can make fights a lot easier.
Find loot: Highlight useful items in the environment.
Gather information: Learn about objects and people around you, which can open up new dialogue options and solutions for quests.

Always be scanning; it’s like having an extra pair of eyes.

Learn To Drive#

Night City’s streets can be chaotic, and driving can be a bit tricky. Spend some time getting used to the controls:

Practice during the day: Visibility is better, which makes it easier to learn.
Use motorcycles: They handle better and can weave around traffic more efficiently than cars.

Once you get the hang of it, driving around Night City becomes a lot more fun and is often the quickest way to get to your next mission.

Experiment with Combat#

Combat in Cyberpunk 2077 can be tackled in multiple ways. There is no right or wrong approach, so try different strategies:

Stealth: Sneak around and silently take down enemies. Great for avoiding large fights.
Hacking: Distract, disable, or take control of enemy tech to gain an advantage.
Guns blazing: Sometimes, a direct approach is necessary. Make sure you’re equipped with the best weapons for the job.
Melee: Use blades or blunt weapons for close-quarters combat.

Mix and match different styles until you find what feels best for you.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be more than ready to tackle the neon-lit streets of Night City. Enjoy your journey, and welcome to the world of Cyberpunk 2077!