Cyberpunk 2077's Best Netrunner Build 2.0: Master the Art of Hacking

Discover the ultimate Netrunner build for Cyberpunk 2077 2.0, covering essential attributes, perks, weapons, cyberware, and quickhacks for unparalleled hacking prowess.

By Cyberpunk 2077 Guide Team · Updated July 30, 2026 · generic

Netrunner Build Overview

The 2.0 update for Cyberpunk 2077 significantly enhanced the Netrunning experience, making it a powerful and engaging playstyle. This guide details the optimal Netrunner build, focusing on attributes, perks, weapons, cyberware, and quickhacks to maximize your hacking potential. To fully realize this build’s capabilities, reaching at least Level 50 is recommended, with Level 60 (available with the Phantom Liberty expansion) providing additional attribute and perk points for even greater power. This build excels at taking down enemies before they detect you, utilizing queued quickhacks for devastating combos. While powerful in stealth, direct combat can be challenging, emphasizing a slow, methodical approach.

Attributes and Perks

A successful Netrunner build heavily relies on specific attribute distribution and perk selection. The core attributes for this build are Intelligence and Technical Ability, which directly impact your quickhack effectiveness and cyberware modifications.

Here’s the recommended attribute spread for a Level 50 V, with additional points for Level 60 (Phantom Liberty):

  • Body: 11 (Level 60: 16) - Provides extra health for survivability.
  • Reflex: 15 - Boosts mobility and critical chance.
  • Technical Ability: 15 - Crucial for enhancing cyberware, quickhack damage, and RAM recovery.
  • Intelligence: 20 - Your primary attribute, increasing maximum RAM capacity and quickhack power.
  • Cool: 20 (Level 50: 15) - Improves stealth and critical damage.

Key Perks by Attribute:

  • Body (Rookie Level): Painkiller, Speed Junkie, Comeback Kid, Army of One.
  • Reflex: Slippery, Muscle Memory, Multitasker -> Dash (2/2), Ready, Rested, Reloaded (2/2) -> Sharpshooter (3/3), Price Makes Perfect.
  • Technical Ability: Glutton for War, First Aid -> All Things Cyber (2/2), Driver Update, Chipware Connoisseur, Chrome Constitution, Renaissance Punk -> License to Chrome (3/3), Extender Warranty.
  • Intelligence: Eye in the Sky, Optimization, Proximate Propagation, Encryption -> Hack Queue, Counter-a-Hack, Copy-Paste, Data Recycler, Feedback Loop, Embedded Exploit (2/2), Speculation, Recirculation, Acquisition Specialist (2/2), Precision Subroutines -> Queue Acceleration (3/3), Queue Prioritization, Queue Hack_Root, Blood Daemon, Overclock (3/3), Sublimation, Race Against Mind, Power Surge, Target Lock Transfer (3/3), Terminal Velocity, Targeting Prism -> Queue Mastery, Spillover, Smart Synergy.
  • Cool: Killer Instinct -> Focus (2/2), Rinse and Reload, No Sweat -> Deadeye (3/3), California Reaper, Long Shot -> Nerves of Tungsten-Steel.

Essential Gear: Weapons and Cyberware

While quickhacks are your primary offense, having the right weapons and cyberware can significantly enhance your Netrunner capabilities.

Recommended Weapons:

  • Crimestopper (Tier 5+ Iconic Smart Pistol): Obtained during Gig: Heaviest of Hearts in Golden Pacific. Found in the DA’s pink suitcase in an adjacent room. Offers improved stats, faster lock-on, and a 50% critical damage increase, making it a superior Smart Pistol.
  • Pizdets (Tier 5+ Iconic Smart SMG): Looted from Boris Ribakov, the boss at the end of Gig: Spy in the Jungle. Features a built-in silencer, useful for stealth, and an increasing fire rate with consecutive shots. Combined with the Targeting Prism perk, it can effectively engage multiple enemies.
  • Hercules 3AX (Smart Assault Rifle): An alternative to Pizdets, acquired from Gig: Roads to Redemption, if you prefer a different ammo type.
  • Monowire: The best melee weapon for Netrunners, especially with the Jailbreak Relic Perk (from Phantom Liberty). This perk allows you to launch Control quickhacks at enemies using the Monowire.

Crucial Cyberware:

  • Netwatch Netdriver Mk.1 (Cyberdeck): Provides the highest base RAM slots, making it ideal for this build. The Tetratronic Rippler Mk.5 is also a strong choice for its quickhack benefits.
  • Frontal Cortex Cyberware (for RAM Recovery):
    • Ex-Disk: Enhances quickhack upload speed and provides additional RAM slots.
    • RAM Upgrade: Boosts RAM recovery rate and adds more RAM slots.
    • Camillo RAM Manager: Further increases RAM recovery rate and provides extra RAM slots.
    • (Optional) Kerenzikov Boost System: Can replace RAM Upgrade if you plan to rely more on gun combat than Monowire.
  • Smart Link (Hand Cyberware): A mandatory cyberware for any Netrunner, as it’s the only Hand Cyberware that enables Smart Weapon functionality.

Quickhacks and Combat Strategy

Quickhacks are the core of your Netrunner’s offensive and defensive capabilities. The 2.0 update allows for queuing multiple quickhacks, enabling powerful combos.

Recommended Quickhacks:

  • Combat: Synapse Burnout, Overheat (These are excellent for direct damage).
  • Control: Cripple Movement, Cyberware Malfunction (Useful for disabling enemies and gaining an advantage).
  • Ultimate: System Collapse (A powerful quickhack for taking down multiple targets or high-priority threats).
  • Stealth (Untraceable): System Collapse, Memory Wipe, Sonic Shock (Essential for remaining undetected during stealth runs).

Remember that even with maximum Netrunner levels, RAM is limited, so choose your quickhacks strategically.

Combat Strategy:

The Netrunner build thrives on stealth and calculated engagements. Your primary goal is to eliminate threats before they become aware of your presence. Utilize untraceable quickhacks like System Collapse, Memory Wipe, and Sonic Shock to thin out enemy ranks from a distance. Once combat is initiated or if stealth isn’t an option, leverage your queued quickhacks for devastating combos. The “Infinite Overclock” combo, which uses your HP to fuel quickhack uploads, is particularly powerful. If you run out of RAM, your Smart Weapons, especially when combined with quickhacks, provide a strong alternative.

FAQ

What are the most important attributes for a Netrunner build in Cyberpunk 2077 2.0? Intelligence and Technical Ability are the most crucial attributes, as they directly impact your RAM capacity, quickhack damage, and cyberware effectiveness.

Which cyberware is essential for maximizing RAM recovery? The Ex-Disk, RAM Upgrade, and Camillo RAM Manager, all located in the Frontal Cortex, are key for improving RAM recovery rates and providing additional RAM slots.

What weapons should a Netrunner use? Smart Weapons like the Crimestopper and Pizdets are highly recommended. The Monowire is also an excellent melee option, especially with the Jailbreak Relic Perk.

Can this build be played stealthily? Yes, this Netrunner build is designed for stealth. Untraceable quickhacks like System Collapse, Memory Wipe, and Sonic Shock are vital for remaining undetected and taking out enemies quietly.

Is Phantom Liberty required for this build? While not strictly required, the Phantom Liberty expansion increases the level cap to 60, providing additional attribute and perk points that significantly enhance the build’s potential, particularly with the Jailbreak Relic Perk for the Monowire.