Is Buying Guns in Cyberpunk 2077 Worth It? A Cyberpunk Armory Analysis

So, you’re knee-deep in Night City, eddies are burning a hole in your pocket, and you’re eyeing that sleek new pistol behind the gun shop counter. But is dropping your hard-earned cash on a new firearm really the play? The short answer is: it depends. The best rule of thumb is that, generally, buying guns in Cyberpunk 2077 isn’t the most efficient way to power up, unless you’re hunting for guaranteed legendary weapons and aren’t invested in crafting skills, and you’re somewhere between level 40-50. Let’s break it down.

The Nitty-Gritty of Night City’s Arsenal

Cyberpunk 2077 offers a mind-boggling array of weapons, from simple pistols to devastating smart rifles. Obtaining these weapons comes in many flavors: looting enemies, completing quests, crafting, or, of course, buying them from vendors. Each method has its pros and cons, but purchasing weapons carries some very specific considerations.

The Case Against Buying

The primary reason to avoid buying most guns in Cyberpunk 2077 is that weapon stats scale with your level. That shiny new shotgun you bought at level 10 will quickly become obsolete as you level up. The vast majority of weapons found in stores will simply become outscaled. You’re far better off using the weapons you find in the world, constantly replacing them as you progress. You’re essentially throwing away eddies on something that will be outgunned in a few levels, and eddies are precious in Night City!

The Exceptions: Legendary Status & Crafting Aversion

There are times when buying a gun is the right choice, and these revolve around legendary weapons with fixed stats. Some vendors sell pre-determined legendary weapons. These weapons come with unique perks and properties, that can drastically alter your combat effectiveness.

Another key consideration is your investment in crafting. If you have no interest in developing your Technical Ability and unlocking crafting perks, buying guns becomes more appealing. Why? Because crafting is the main way to maintain weapon power. If you’re not crafting, upgrading iconic weapons may be your only path to viability in the end game. But if you are going down the crafting route, that leads to better and more adaptable options.

Finally, timing matters. The article mentioned that buying guns is more worthwhile if you’re between levels 40 and 50. This is because this is the point where it might be more efficient to buy a legendary rather than grinding to craft one if you haven’t focused on Technical Ability perks earlier in the game.

Iconic Weapons: The Stars of Your Arsenal

Speaking of legendary weapons, the real gems of Cyberpunk 2077’s armory are iconic weapons. These unique firearms have distinctive appearances, backstories, and often, special abilities. They’re usually obtained through quests or specific encounters and can be upgraded to keep them viable.

Here are some of the best iconic weapons mentioned in the provided article:

• Lizzie (Tech Pistol): A powerful tech pistol.
• Fenrir (Power Submachine Gun): Excellent for dealing elemental damage.
• Skippy (Smart Pistol): A unique weapon that scales with your level.
• Overwatch (Power Sniper Rifle): A potent long-range option.
• Prototype: Shingen Mark V (Smart Submachine Gun): Ideal for crowd control.

The key here is that iconic weapons are worth the effort to upgrade. Don’t let their initial rarity fool you. Upgrade them as you progress, making them the centerpiece of your arsenal. If you like Legendaries and want to actually make use of your iconic weapons throughout the entire game, then you’ll want to craft them!

Dismantling, Selling, and Crafting: Managing Your Inventory

So, what should you do with all those guns you pick up along the way? The answer is a mix of dismantling and selling.

• Dismantle everything you don’t need: Especially weapons that produce components at your desired tier. Obtaining the Scrapper perk in the Crafting tree (within the Technical Ability attribute) allows junk to automatically be dismantled when picked up. This is a quick way for gamers to accumulate components for common and uncommon crafted items. You’ll need these components for crafting and upgrading your preferred weapons.

• Sell the rest: Once you’ve dismantled everything useful, sell the remainder to vendors. While the profit from common weapons isn’t huge, it adds up over time.

• Craft, Craft, Craft!: Crafting is the engine that keeps your gear relevant. It’s often better to craft weapons than to solely rely on upgrading them. The weapon only rescales if you craft it, not upgrade. Upgrading is adding some points of attack.

Crafting can feel lackluster in the late game, but don’t underestimate the power of cyberdeck upgrades. Cyberdeck upgrades are essential both for quickhacks, breaching slots and such.

Mastering Your Arsenal in Night City

The world of Cyberpunk 2077 is a treacherous place. You need every edge you can get. Understanding the economics of weapons, crafting, and upgrades is crucial.

Focus on iconic weapons, and invest in crafting. Don’t waste your eddies on run-of-the-mill guns that will soon be outclassed. By following these simple guidelines, you’ll be a well-equipped and deadly force in Night City.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about weapons and combat in Cyberpunk 2077.

1. Should I buy guns in Cyberpunk 2077?

Generally, no, unless you’re targeting guaranteed legendary weapons at a high level (40-50) and aren’t focusing on crafting.

2. Is it worth keeping iconic weapons in Cyberpunk?

Yes! Iconic weapons can be upgraded and become incredibly powerful. Some will be found as a blue rare or even a green uncommon but they are worth every bit of effort to make them legendary guns that will never leave a player’s holster again.

3. Should I keep or sell weapons in Cyberpunk 2077?

Sell everything that does not produce components at the desired tier. Focus on crafting those weapons and clothing they intend to use depending on their playstyle. Also, keep medical stims; never dismantle or sell those.

4. Is it better to craft or upgrade weapons in Cyberpunk?

The weapon only rescales if you craft it, not upgrade. Upgrading is adding some points of attack. If you like Legendaries and you want to actually make use of your iconic weapons throughout the entire game, then you’ll want to craft, or else they’ll become obsolete in just a few levels.

5. Is upgrading weapons in Cyberpunk worth it?

Upgrading iconic weapons can make them incredibly powerful and valuable in the game, while others may not live up to their legendary status and should be avoided.

6. Is crafting pointless in Cyberpunk?

No. The early game crafting feels pretty exciting and meaningful as cyberdeck upgrades are pretty essential both for quickhacks, breaching slots and such. But in the endgame… it falls short and feels lacking.

7. Is any junk worth keeping in Cyberpunk?

No. Junk, for example, should always be dismantled. Obtaining the Scrapper perk makes this easy, as it allows junk to automatically be dismantled when picked up.

8. What are some of the best weapons to find and use in Cyberpunk 2077?

Some of the best include:

• Lizzie (Tech Pistol)
• Fenrir (Power Submachine Gun)
• Skippy (Smart Pistol)
• Overwatch (Power Sniper Rifle)
• Prototype: Shingen Mark V (Smart Submachine Gun)

9. Is it better to sell or dismantle guns in Cyberpunk?

i disassemble because its easy to get money and you can do it without needing a store or merchant because the game gives so much loot to manage anyway. really it doesn’t matter much for common items. basically the rare and up gear you want to dissemble for their rare components just like most game.

10. What is the best overall weapon in Cyberpunk 2077?

It depends on your playstyle, but some top contenders are:

• Lizzie (Tech Pistol)
• Fenrir (Power Submachine Gun)
• Skippy (Smart Pistol)
• Overwatch (Power Sniper Rifle)
• Prototype: Shingen Mark V (Smart Submachine Gun)

11. What is the max level in Cyberpunk?

The max level in Cyberpunk 2077 2.0 is now 60, up from the original level cap of 50.

12. Do guns scale with level in Cyberpunk?

The only weapon that scales with your level is Skippy. Iconics crafted after you reach level 50 will have the highest stats.

13. What is the best gun to get early in Cyberpunk?

Fenrir is an absolute powerhouse that can be nabbed early on by visiting a monk near the northern docks area of Watson.

14. When should I start upgrading weapons in Cyberpunk?

It is preferable players start using this mechanic as soon as they start the game.

15. What is the best non-lethal weapon in Cyberpunk?

Gorilla Arms are a great melee choice against Cyberpsychos and enemies that just need to be beaten up without the cost of their lives.

The strategic use of weapons can vastly improve a player’s experience, and researching organizations like the Games Learning Society can provide insights into the effects of gameplay on players. Check them out at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Cyberpunk 2077 offers many pathways to success, and with these tips, you’ll be armed to the teeth and ready to take on Night City!