Jumping headfirst into an open-world game the size of Cyberpunk 2077 without a game plan is a recipe for disaster. In the early days, sure, exploration was a big part of the experience. But now, with so many complex and unique mechanics coming in Update 2.0, along with the previous changes made via patches over the past few years, Cyberpunk 2077 is a new game. These Cyberpunk 2077 tips and tricks will help you prepare for Update 2.0.
Cyberpunk 2077 Tips and Tricks for New and Returning Players
With so much to see and do in Night City, it’s no wonder newcomers and returning players find themselves lost. And with Update 2.0 adding so much new content and changing how the game functions, now is a fantastic time for a refresher.
Hack Everything in Sight
As you’re playing a game that revolves around cyberware and futuristic technology, take advantage of all the worldwide hacking opportunities. You can find a lot by hacking into various access points, where you’ll find eddies, loot such as weapons and cyberware, and unique paths through various quest areas.
You can earn a lot of money by hacking in Cyberpunk 2077 with the right skills.
Don’t Fret Over Lifepaths
Sure, during character creation in Cyberpunk 2077, the lifepath system appears deep and complex, right? Unfortunately, it’s not. The lifepath system is nothing more than a little bit of flavor for role-play purposes. It affects the introduction, minor dialogue choices, and a quest or two throughout the main game. Overall, the lifepath system is not worth worrying about.
Complete Quests Before the Game’s Ending
While many role-playing games allow you to complete the various quests in any order, and Cyberpunk 2077 does to some extent, you’ll still want to complete most of your quests before reaching the end. More specifically, focus on romance quests and complete Johnny Silverhand’s quest line.
The more unique quests you complete, the better the ending. Without spoiling too much, there is one final threat, a big boss, to defeat in the endgame, and having help makes a huge difference.
Don’t Overlook Consumables
Night City has various noodle shops and vending machines where you can buy food and drink items that provide a nice buff to V. It’s easy enough to skip over these consumables when you have genuine first aid items. But that’s the wrong move.
The game has countless consumables that boost your stats, which can help you hack a particularly difficult computer, talk your way out of specific situations with better dialogue options, or fight a little harder to win an encounter.
Raise Johnny Silverhand’s Affinity
You will spend much time in Cyberpunk 2077 with Johnny Silverhand, so make the best of a bad situation and become friends alongside getting to hear Keanu Reeves often; raising Silverhand’s affinity does alter the outcome of the main story.
If you become friends with Johnny, you’ll unlock a secret ending. Without spoiling the game’s story, V tackles an insurmountable challenge solo.
Leveling Up Fast the Right Way
Much of the early-game combat will feel overwhelming, like a puzzle where you discover you’re missing the final piece, and that piece is the various skills and gear in Cyberpunk 2077. You want to level up the right way, and that involves:
- Complete the various gigs in Watson to level up fast in Cyberpunk 2077.
- Stay away from the “Danger Level: Extremely High” zones.
- Upon hitting level 10, seek out better gigs like Cyberpsycho attacks.
As you level, consider the type of build you’d like to play. Then, insert points to the appropriate attributes and skills to bolster your offensive and defensive capabilities.
Try Out Unique Builds
Speaking of the various builds in Cyberpunk 2077, you have plenty of options, so don’t be afraid to try out different mechanics and playstyles to find the one that fits right for you.
While much of the combat revolves around firearms, you can make a viable melee build using the katana or Mantis Blades. Alternatively, you can take a less combat-oriented approach by putting points into Technical Ability, Intelligence, and Cool to talk or hack your way out of situations.
Quick Tips for New Players
While the previously mentioned tips go into far more detail, these quick tips will significantly help new players find their footing.
- Loot Everything: As an RPG with an extensive loot system, Cyberpunk 2077 offers a lot of unique items to scoop up. You’ll find eddies, food, junk, and more that you can sell for better gear and cyberwar.
- Level Street Cred: While, at first glance, street cred may appear like an unnecessary mechanic, it’s not. You’ll want to level street cred to unlock high-tier gear, the types of gigs you receive, and the amount you’re paid for completing said gigs.
- Complete Act 1: The story of Cyberpunk 2077 is genuinely exciting, but the side quests and open-world exploration take the cake. You’ll want to complete Act 1 to open up Night City and then take off to any points of interest that catch your eye.
