Introduction to Cyberpunk 2077 Builds
In Cyberpunk 2077, ābuildsā refer to specific arrangements of character skills and equipment designed to create a particular playstyle or highlight certain strengths. These builds are player-created and can vary in performance. While not mandatory, they offer a structured approach to character progression. Understanding character creation, including lifepaths, perks, and skills, is a great starting point for developing your own build or following existing guides.
Best Overall Builds
Several builds stand out for their effectiveness across various combat scenarios. Hereās a look at some of the most popular and powerful options:
Blunt Weapons Build
This build focuses on overwhelming enemies with blunt force, inflicting significant damage and crowd control.
- Key Attributes: High Body, Reflex, and Tech are prioritized. For example, a Level 50 Blunt Weapons build might aim for 20 Body, 20 Reflex, and 20 Tech.
- Key Perks: Important perks include Rip and Tear, Pain to Gain, Finisher: Savage Sling, Tailwind, and Edgerunner.
Assassin Build
For players who prefer stealth and precision, the Assassin build allows you to eliminate targets silently.
- Key Attributes: This build emphasizes Cool and Reflexes. A sample Level 50 Assassin build could have 20 Cool, 15 Reflex, and 13 Body.
- Key Perks: Tailwind, Run āNā Gun, and Style Over Substance are central to this playstyle. It can utilize silenced pistols or knives.
Gunslinger Build
Become a deadly cyber-cowboy, specializing in revolvers for high-damage headshots from a distance.
- Key Attributes: Cool and Reflexes are crucial. A Level 50 Gunslinger build might feature 20 Cool, 20 Reflex, and 15 Body.
- Key Perks: Edgerunner and Nerves of Tungsten-Steel are vital for maximizing damage output.
Netrunner Build
This build leverages quickhacks to disable and eliminate groups of enemies before they can even react.
- Key Attributes: Intelligence is the primary focus. A Level 50 Netrunner build could have 20 Intelligence, 15 Tech, and 15 Cool.
- Key Perks: Queue Mastery, Spillover, and Smart Synergy enhance quickhack effectiveness. The early game can be challenging, but with better cyberware and quickhack combos, this build becomes extremely powerful.
Assault Rifle Build
Combine powerful rifles with a run-and-gun approach, supported by perks that boost combat effectiveness.
- Key Attributes: Body, Reflex, and Tech are important. A Level 50 Assault Rifle build could have 20 Body, 20 Reflex, and 20 Tech.
- Key Perks: Pain to Gain, Tailwind, Salt in the Wound, Edgerunner, and Ticking Time Bomb contribute to sustained firepower.
Blades Build
Ideal for players who enjoy close-quarters combat, especially with katanas and time-slowing Sandevistan cyberware. This allows for rapid enemy dispatch.
Phantom Liberty and Unique Builds
The Phantom Liberty expansion introduces new possibilities for builds. Additionally, some unique builds are inspired by characters from the Cyberpunk universe.
Lucy Build (Monowire Netrunner)
Inspired by Lucy from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, this build combines stealthy quickhacking with Monowire combat.
- Playstyle: Focuses on stealthy quickhacks, using a Legendary Cyberdeck like the NetWatch Netdriver Mk.5. If detected, engages with a Legendary Monowire. A Unity pistol can be used for longer-range engagements.
- Key Attributes: Prioritize Intelligence and Reflexes (at least 18 Reflexes, 20 Intelligence) to unlock perks and maximize passive boosts. Any remaining points can go into Cool for critical damage and resistance, or Body for health and melee damage.
- Key Intelligence Perks: Bloodware, Subliminal Message, Weak Link, Diffusion, Forget-me-not, Plague, Bartmossā Legacy, Datamine Virtuoso, Mass Vulnerability (and its resistance/quickhack variants). These enhance quickhacking damage, reduce RAM cost, and improve spread.
- Key Reflexes Perks: Sting Like a Bee, Roaring Waters, Blessed Blade, Fiery Blast, Judge, Jury and Executioner, Crimson Tide, Deathbolt. These perks boost Monowire damage and provide defensive capabilities.
Other Phantom Liberty builds include the Silent Deadeye and Rocket Doombringer.
Build Tier List Overview
Builds can be assessed based on their power, versatility against various enemy types (grunts, elites, bosses), and required investment. While lower-tier builds might offer unique playstyles, they may struggle in certain encounters.
S-Tier
- Netrunner Build: Iconic hacker archetype. Difficult early on, but becomes unstoppable with advanced cyberware and quickhack combos, allowing for clearing areas without direct engagement.
- Samurai Katana Build
- Smart Weapons Build
- Berserk Build
- Sandevistan Build
A-Tier
- Solo Build
- Stealth Build
- Gunslinger Pistol Build
- Ninja Build
- Gorilla Arms Build
- Corpo Assassin Build
- Lucy Build
- Katana Pistol Build
- Tech Weapons Build
B-Tier
- David Martinez Build
- Throwing Knife Build
- Shotgun Build
- Sniper Build
- Monowire Build
- Rebecca Build
- Adam Smasher Build
- Johnny Silverhand Build
C-Tier
- Assault Rifle Build
- Mantis Blade Build
FAQ
What are the most important attributes for a Netrunner build? Intelligence is the most important attribute for a Netrunner build, as it directly affects quickhacking abilities.
Can I play a stealth build in Cyberpunk 2077? Yes, builds like the Assassin and Lucy (Monowire Netrunner) are designed for stealthy play, utilizing silenced weapons or quickhacks to eliminate enemies undetected.
Are there builds that focus on melee combat? Yes, the Blades build excels with katanas, and the Gorilla Arms build focuses on powerful melee action.
Do builds change with game updates? While the 2.3 patch did not bring changes to perks or cyberware, itās always advisable to check recent patch notes as mechanics can change significantly.
What is the best build for new players? While many builds are viable, the Netrunner build, despite a potentially challenging early game, becomes exceptionally powerful and versatile in the late game. However, builds like the Blunt Weapons or Assault Rifle also offer straightforward approaches.