Ever feel like you’re thrown into Night City with nothing but a rusty pipe and a prayer? Cyberpunk 2077 can be a brutal place for newcomers. That’s why we’re diving into Cyberpunk beginner tips to dominate early game, turning you from a greenhorn into a streetwise legend before you can say “braindance.”
Ready to hack, slash, and shoot your way to the top? Let’s get started.
Mastering the Basics: Your First Steps in Night City
Cyberpunk 2077 throws a lot at you right from the start. Understanding the core mechanics is crucial for survival.
Character Creation: Stats That Matter
Don’t just blindly pick stats. Consider your playstyle.
- Body: For melee builds and tanking damage.
- Reflexes: Essential for fast-paced combat and blades.
- Technical Ability: Crafting and tech weapons are your bread and butter here.
- Intelligence: Hacking and quickhacks become your best friends.
- Cool: Stealth, critical damage, and dialogue options.
Early on, focusing on one or two key stats will give you a significant edge.
Understanding Your Lifepath
Your chosen lifepath (Streetkid, Nomad, or Corpo) affects the initial story. It also opens up unique dialogue options throughout the game.
These can be surprisingly useful in certain situations. Choose wisely!
Navigating the User Interface
The UI can seem overwhelming at first. Take the time to understand what each element represents.
Pay close attention to your health, stamina, and RAM. These are vital for survival.
Combat Strategies for Newbies

Night City is a dangerous place. Knowing how to fight effectively is essential.
Mastering Weapon Types
Experiment with different weapons to find what suits you best.
- Power Weapons: Classic firearms with solid damage.
- Tech Weapons: Chargeable weapons that can shoot through cover.
- Smart Weapons: Homing bullets for those who struggle with aiming.
- Melee Weapons: Swords, knives, and blunt instruments for close combat.
Each weapon type has its strengths and weaknesses. Learn them.
Utilizing Quickhacks
Quickhacks are your secret weapon. They allow you to manipulate enemies and the environment.
Start with simple hacks like “Distract Enemies” or “Request Backup.” These can create openings for attack or allow you to slip by unnoticed.
Cover is Your Friend
Never stand out in the open. Use cover to your advantage.
Peek out to take shots, then duck back to reload or heal. This simple tactic can save your life.
Earning Eddies: Making Money Early On
You’ll need money to upgrade your gear and survive in Night City.
Completing Gigs and Side Jobs
Gigs and side jobs are your primary source of income. Look for them on the map or through fixers like Regina Jones.
These missions often offer decent rewards and valuable experience.
Loot Everything
Seriously, loot everything. You can sell unwanted items to vendors.
Even seemingly worthless junk can be broken down into crafting components.
Crafting for Profit
Crafting can be a lucrative way to make money. Craft valuable items and sell them for a profit.
Focus on crafting items that require common components. This will maximize your efficiency.
Essential Cyberware for Early Game
Cyberware enhances your abilities and provides significant advantages in combat.
Prioritizing Defensive Cyberware
Early on, focus on cyberware that improves your survivability.
- Subdermal Armor: Increases your armor rating.
- Second Heart: Automatically revives you when you die (once per use).
- Pain Editor: Reduces damage taken.
These upgrades will make you much more resilient in combat.
Enhancing Your Offensive Capabilities
Once you’re feeling more durable, start investing in offensive cyberware.
- Mantis Blades: Powerful melee weapons that replace your arms.
- Monowire: A lethal whip that can slice through enemies.
- Cyberdeck: Essential for hacking and using quickhacks.
These upgrades will significantly boost your damage output.
Finding Ripperdocs
Ripperdocs are your go-to source for cyberware. They can be found throughout Night City.
Experiment with different cyberware options to find what works best for your playstyle.
Leveling Up: Perks and Skills
Leveling up allows you to unlock new perks and skills. These can significantly enhance your abilities.
Focusing on Key Perks
Choose perks that complement your playstyle.
For example, if you’re focusing on hacking, invest in perks that improve your quickhack abilities.
Training Skills
Skills improve as you use them. The more you use a particular weapon or ability, the better you become at it.
Focus on training skills that align with your chosen playstyle.
Exploring the Skill Tree
The skill tree can seem daunting at first. Take the time to explore it and understand what each perk does.
Plan your progression carefully to maximize your effectiveness.
Exploration and Discovery
Night City is a vast and detailed world. Exploring it can lead to valuable rewards.
Finding Hidden Stashes
Hidden stashes are scattered throughout Night City. They often contain valuable items and crafting components.
Keep an eye out for these stashes as you explore.
Completing NCPD Scanner Hustles
NCPD Scanner Hustles are small side missions that can be found throughout the city.
These missions often offer decent rewards and can be completed quickly.
Unlocking Fast Travel Points
Fast travel points allow you to quickly travel to different locations in Night City.
Unlocking these points will save you a lot of time and make it easier to explore the city.
Cyberpunk Beginner Tips to Dominate Early Game: Final Thoughts
Cyberpunk 2077 can be challenging at first, but with these Cyberpunk beginner tips to dominate early game, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a legend of Night City. Remember to experiment, explore, and adapt to the challenges that come your way.
What are your favorite early game strategies? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best lifepath for beginners?
There isn’t necessarily a “best” lifepath, but the Streetkid lifepath is often recommended for beginners. It provides a good introduction to the world and its characters.
What are the most important stats to focus on early on?
This depends on your playstyle, but Body and Reflexes are generally good choices for beginners. Body increases your survivability, while Reflexes improves your combat abilities.
Where can I find the best early game weapons?
You can find decent weapons by looting enemies, completing gigs, and purchasing them from vendors. Keep an eye out for iconic weapons, which are unique and powerful.