Iconic weapons in Cyberpunk 2077 are found through specific acquisition methods, including purchases from merchants, completion of certain main jobs and side jobs, or as loot drops from high-value targets and specific characters. These unique firearms and melee weapons often have distinct perks and attributes not found on standard gear.
Iconic Weapon Acquisition Methods
Iconic weapons are special items in Cyberpunk 2077, distinguished by their unique perks that cannot be found on other weapons. Unlike many standard weapons, iconic versions typically lack mod slots, though the Phantom Liberty expansion introduced “x-MOD2” variants that feature two guaranteed mod slots and enhanced handling. Obtaining these weapons usually involves specific conditions, and missing an opportunity means the weapon cannot be acquired unless a new game is started.
The primary ways to acquire iconic weapons include:
- Main Job Quests: Many iconic weapons are tied directly to the main storyline. Examples include Kongou from “The Heist,” Lizzie from “Automatic Love,” and Satori also from “The Heist.” These are often found during critical moments or after defeating specific enemies within these missions.
- Side Job Missions: Numerous iconic weapons are rewards or discoverable during side quests. Dying Night, Sir John Phallustiff, Skippy, and Overwatch are all examples of iconic weapons obtained through completing various side jobs.
- Specific Merchants: Some iconic weapons can be purchased from certain vendors throughout Night City. While the sources do not list specific merchant names for base game iconic weapons, it is a confirmed acquisition method.
- Loot Drops from High-Value Targets: Certain iconic weapons are not quest-related but are dropped by specific powerful enemies. The Buzzsaw is an example of an iconic weapon acquired through this method.
- Environmental Finds/Past Missions: A few iconic weapons can be found scattered in the environment or are left behind from previous interactions or missions. Plan B and Mox are noted as being found this way.
Due to the unique nature of iconic weapons, their base damage and DPS can vary based on your progression level when they are acquired. However, their special attributes remain constant. They can also be upgraded or crafted into better versions, potentially gaining two random effects.
Phantom Liberty Iconic Weapons
The Phantom Liberty expansion introduces a new array of iconic weapons, expanding the options available to players. These weapons maintain the distinctive characteristics of iconic gear while often featuring the “x-MOD2” suffix, indicating their enhanced mod slot capabilities. Acquisition methods for Phantom Liberty iconic weapons are diverse and include:
- Main Missions: Similar to the base game, some iconic weapons are obtained during the main storyline of the Phantom Liberty expansion. For example, the Hawk Power Assault Rifle is acquired during “Lucretia My Reflection.”
- Vendor Purchases: Unique to Dogtown, certain iconic weapons can be bought from specific vendors within the district. Herold Lowe is listed as a vendor for the Order Tech Shotgun and Carmen Power Assault Rifle.
- Side Jobs: Completing side jobs within Dogtown can also yield iconic weapons. Ol’ Reliable is obtained during the “Shot By Both Sides” side job.
- Airdrops: In the Phantom Liberty expansion, iconic weapons can be found in airdrops that occur dynamically in Dogtown.
- Increased Criminal Activity Spots: Engaging with and clearing out areas of increased criminal activity within Dogtown can sometimes reward players with iconic weapons.
- Gigs: Similar to side jobs, completing gigs in Phantom Liberty can lead to the acquisition of iconic weapons.
These new iconic weapons often come with unique effects, such as the Order’s ability to vaporize enemies when charged above 66%, or Carmen’s increased Crit Chance on limb shots and improved handling while moving.
Key Iconic Weapons and Their Sources
Here is a selection of iconic weapons from both the base game and Phantom Liberty, along with their primary acquisition methods. This table highlights how varied the sources can be for these powerful items.
| Name | Rarity | Type | Acquisition Method | Key Attribute/Effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kongou | Rare | Power Pistol | Main Job: The Heist | Utilizes ricochet technology without cyberware; reduced recoil, increased fire rate. |
| Lizzie | Rare | Tech Pistol | Main Job: Automatic Love | Fires an extra round per shot; increased rounds when fully charged. |
| Satori | Rare | Katana | Main Job: The Heist | Reduces base damage, but increases Crit Damage by 500%. |
| Widow Maker | Rare | Tech Precision Rifle | Main Job: Ghost Town | Fires two projectiles per shot, deals Chemical damage, increased Poison chance. |
| Dying Night | Rare | Power Pistol | Side Job | N/A (listed as Side Job) |
| Overwatch | Epic | Power Sniper Rifle | Side Job | N/A (listed as Side Job) |
| Buzzsaw | Epic | Power SMG | Iconic Weapon Loot Drop | N/A (listed as Loot Drop) |
| Plan B | Rare | Power Pistol | Other | Found in Night City |
| Order | Rare | Tech Shotgun | Herold Lowe (Vendor) | Charging above 66% vaporizes enemies, leaving an EMP trail. |
| Hawk | Rare | Power Assault Rifle | Main Mission: Lucretia My Reflection | Headshots weaken and mark enemies, slowing them and reducing their damage. |
| Ol’ Reliable | Epic | Power Revolver | Side Job: Shot By Both Sides | Greatly increases headshot damage and effective range upon swapping. |
This table represents a snapshot of the types of iconic weapons and their acquisition paths. Many more iconic weapons exist, each with its own unique method of discovery, emphasizing the importance of exploring all aspects of Night City’s main jobs, side jobs, and vendor offerings.
Upgrading Iconic Weapons
Once an iconic weapon is acquired, it can be upgraded to enhance its effectiveness. The process for upgrading iconic weapons is integrated into the crafting system. To upgrade an iconic weapon:
- Navigate to your inventory.
- Select the “Crafting” tab.
- Within the Crafting menu, locate the “Upgrades” section.
- A list of all your weapons, including iconic ones, will be displayed.
- Select the iconic weapon you wish to improve.
- Press the “Upgrade” button, typically found in the bottom right corner of the interface.
It is crucial to have the necessary components and resources to perform an upgrade. The specific components required will vary depending on the weapon and the desired upgrade level. While iconic weapons maintain their unique perks, upgrading them improves their base statistics, making them more formidable in combat.
FAQ
What makes an iconic weapon different from a regular weapon? Iconic weapons possess unique perks that are not found on any other weapon in Cyberpunk 2077. They often have distinct effects, rather than just higher stats, though they can be upgraded.
Can I get an iconic weapon if I miss it during a mission? Generally, no. Most iconic weapons can only be obtained under specific conditions, and if you miss the opportunity during a job or event, you typically cannot acquire it later in that playthrough.
Do iconic weapons have mod slots? Most iconic weapons from the base game do not have mod slots. However, iconic weapons introduced with the Phantom Liberty expansion that have an “x-MOD2” suffix come with two guaranteed mod slots.
How do I upgrade my iconic weapons? You can upgrade iconic weapons through the “Upgrades” section within the “Crafting” menu in your inventory, provided you have the necessary components and resources.