Best Cyberware for a Netrunner Build in Cyberpunk 2077

The best cyberware for a Netrunner build in Cyberpunk 2077 centers around the Netwatch Netdriver Mk.1 Cyberdeck for its high base RAM slots, complemented by Ex-Disk, RAM Upgrade, and Camillo RAM Manager in the Frontal Cortex to maximize RAM recovery and capacity. These core components enable sustained quickhack usage, which is fundamental to the Netrunner playstyle.

Core Cyberdeck

The foundation of any effective Netrunner build is the cyberdeck, and for optimal performance, the Netwatch Netdriver Mk.1 Cyberdeck is recommended. This cyberdeck provides the highest base RAM slots, which are crucial for uploading numerous quickhacks. A Netrunner’s primary offensive and defensive capabilities rely on quickhacks, making a large RAM pool essential for executing combos and maintaining control during encounters.

While the Netwatch Netdriver Mk.1 is the top recommendation, the choice of quickhacks to load into it will depend on your preferred approach. For initial setup, a mix of Combat and Control quickhacks is advised. For instance, Synapse Burnout and Overheat are effective Combat quickhacks, while Cripple Movement and Cyberware Malfunction serve well as Control options. For ultimate crowd control, System Collapse is a powerful choice. During stealth sections, untraceable quickhacks like System Collapse, Memory Wipe, and Sonic Shock are invaluable for remaining undetected. Despite the high RAM capacity of the Netwatch Netdriver Mk.1, it’s important to manage your quickhack selection as even at max level, RAM limitations prevent stacking every available quickhack.

Frontal Cortex Implants

To ensure your quickhacks are always available, especially during prolonged engagements, optimizing your RAM recovery rate and capacity through Frontal Cortex implants is paramount. The following implants are crucial for a Netrunner’s sustained performance:

These three implants work in conjunction to significantly boost your RAM recovery rate and provide additional RAM slots. The Ex-Disk not only adds RAM capacity but also accelerates quickhack uploads, allowing for quicker deployment of your abilities. Both the RAM Upgrade and Camillo RAM Manager directly contribute to a faster RAM regeneration, ensuring that even after expending a significant amount of RAM on powerful quickhacks, you can quickly replenish your resources. This synergy is vital for maintaining the “infinite Overclock combo” and other intensive quickhack sequences that define a high-level Netrunner playstyle.

Arms Cyberware

For Netrunners, the Monowire stands out as the best arms cyberware. It serves as an excellent melee weapon, particularly beneficial with the Jailbreak Relic Perk. This perk uniquely enables you to load any Control quickhack into your Monowire, allowing you to launch it at enemies directly. This integration transforms your melee option into a versatile tool that can initiate quickhack effects from close range, providing an alternative to traditional remote uploads and adding a layer of tactical flexibility to your engagements. The Monowire’s utility extends beyond mere damage, offering a direct way to apply quickhack debuffs or crowd control in situations where stealth or long-range hacking isn’t feasible or desired.

Additional Considerations

While the core cyberware focuses on RAM management and quickhack efficiency, other cyberware choices can enhance a Netrunner build depending on playstyle preferences. For instance, if you anticipate more direct combat involving firearms rather than relying solely on the Monowire, you might consider swapping out the RAM Upgrade for a Kerenzikov Boost System. This provides a temporary slow-motion effect, which can be advantageous in gunfights, offering a brief window to reposition or target enemies more effectively.

Another essential piece of cyberware, particularly for those utilizing smart weapons, is the Smart Link. This is a mandatory implant for any build that incorporates smart weapons, as it enables their auto-targeting capabilities. Given that smart weapons like the Crimestopper and Pizdets are highly recommended secondary weapons for Netrunners due to their synergy with Intelligence perks, the Smart Link becomes a crucial installation. It ensures that your ranged weapon options are as effective as possible, complementing your quickhack arsenal.

FAQ

What is the most important cyberdeck for a Netrunner? The Netwatch Netdriver Mk.1 Cyberdeck is the most important due to its high base RAM slots, essential for uploading multiple quickhacks.

Which Frontal Cortex implants are best for RAM recovery? Ex-Disk, RAM Upgrade, and Camillo RAM Manager are best for increasing RAM recovery rate and capacity.

Is there a recommended arms cyberware for Netrunners? The Monowire is recommended, especially with the Jailbreak Relic Perk, allowing you to launch Control quickhacks at enemies.

Do I need the Smart Link cyberware as a Netrunner? Yes, if you plan to use smart weapons like the Crimestopper or Pizdets, the Smart Link is a must-have to enable their auto-targeting.

Can I swap out cyberware for different situations? Yes, for example, you can swap a RAM Upgrade for a Kerenzikov Boost System if you anticipate more gun-focused combat.