Can You Get Missed Iconic Weapons in Cyberpunk 2077? A Deep Dive

Yes, you absolutely can miss iconic weapons in Cyberpunk 2077. Unlike regular weapons, iconic weapons are unique, named items with specific perks and backstories, often tied to specific characters and quests. Missing them typically means failing to complete a questline or making a specific choice that prevents you from obtaining them. However, there are nuances and workarounds. Let’s dissect this complicated issue.

The Permanence of Loss: Why Iconic Weapons Are Tricky

The core issue stems from Cyberpunk 2077’s branching narrative and its commitment to player choice. Many iconic weapons are tied to quests with multiple outcomes. If you choose the “wrong” path, side with the “wrong” character, or simply fail to search thoroughly enough, you can permanently lock yourself out of acquiring that weapon. This creates a sense of consequence, but it can also be frustrating for completionists. Consider the following key factors:

• Quest Dependency: Most iconic weapons are quest rewards or are found in locations accessible only during specific quests.
• Choice-Driven Acquisition: Your decisions during quests directly influence whether you can obtain the weapon.
• Missable Loot: Some iconic weapons are simply hidden within quest areas and are easily missed if you’re not meticulous in your exploration.
• No NG+ (Initially): For a long time, Cyberpunk 2077 lacked a New Game Plus mode, meaning once you missed an iconic weapon, it was gone unless you started a completely new playthrough. Thankfully, this has changed.
• Version Differences: Patches have altered the locations and acquisition methods for some iconic weapons, adding to the confusion.

Hope for Completionists: Workarounds and Patches

While the initial release was unforgiving, recent updates and the introduction of New Game Plus in Cyberpunk 2077 (version 1.6 and beyond) have provided some solace. There are now ways to mitigate the pain of a missed iconic weapon:

• New Game Plus: This allows you to start a new game with your character’s level, skills, and, crucially, some (but not all) of your gear. However, iconic weapons acquired as quest rewards usually won’t transfer, meaning you still need to complete the relevant quests again.
• Crafting Specs (Sometimes): Some iconic weapons, especially those you obtain earlier in the game, might have crafting specs available. If you missed the original weapon but have the crafting spec, you can create it later.
• Vendor Availability (Rare): A few iconic weapons can be purchased from vendors, particularly those found after completing certain endings. This provides a potential safety net if you messed up earlier.
• Console Commands (PC Only): On PC, you can use console commands to spawn items, including iconic weapons. This is technically a form of cheating and disables achievements, but it offers a direct solution for those desperate to acquire a specific weapon.
• Mods (PC Only): The modding community has created mods that can restore missed iconic weapons or make them available through other means.
• Careful Planning & Guides: The best strategy is to meticulously plan your playthrough, using online guides and resources to ensure you don’t miss any critical steps in obtaining your desired weapons. This is the most reliable (and legitimate) way.

The Phantom Liberty Expansion and Iconic Weapon Acquisition

The Phantom Liberty expansion further complicates the matter. It introduces new iconic weapons, new acquisition methods, and alters some existing ones. Some weapons might be easier to obtain now, while others might have become even harder to find. Exploring Dogtown thoroughly and paying close attention to the new questlines is crucial.

Specific Examples of Missable Iconic Weapons

To illustrate the point, here are a few examples of iconic weapons that are notoriously easy to miss:

• Skippy: This smart pistol is found early in Watson. If you choose the wrong dialogue options, you can permanently lose it.
• Overwatch: A sniper rifle given by Panam Palmer. Failing to support Panam during her questline will prevent you from obtaining it.
• Divided We Stand: A smart assault rifle acquired during a quest involving the Mox gang. The availability depends on your choices.
• Comrade’s Hammer: A powerful tech pistol that requires a high Technical Ability to obtain. You can miss it simply by not having the required stat.
• Satori: A katana found atop Konpeki Plaza during “The Heist.” If you don’t grab it during the mission, you lose your chance.

These are just a few examples, and many other iconic weapons can be missed depending on your choices and actions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about missed iconic weapons in Cyberpunk 2077:

1. Can I get Skippy back if I accidentally returned it to Regina Jones? Unfortunately, no. Once returned, Skippy is permanently gone from your inventory.
2. Does New Game Plus let me re-acquire missed iconic weapons? Yes, but only if the weapon is obtained through quest completion. You’ll need to replay the relevant quests. Weapons found by looting are not returned.
3. I missed the Satori katana in “The Heist.” Is it gone forever? Yes, without using console commands or mods, the Satori katana is permanently missable if not collected during the heist.
4. Can I craft iconic weapons if I missed the original? Some, but not all. Check if the crafting spec is available from vendors after completing the relevant quests.
5. Are there any iconic weapons that are impossible to miss? Very few. Most iconic weapons require active effort or specific choices.
6. Do difficulty settings affect the availability of iconic weapons? No, the difficulty setting does not influence whether an iconic weapon can be obtained.
7. Does Phantom Liberty make it easier or harder to get iconic weapons? It’s a mixed bag. It introduces new iconic weapons and alters some acquisition methods, making some easier and others harder.
8. Can I buy missed iconic weapons from vendors in Dogtown? A few new iconic weapons are sold in Dogtown, but vendors typically do not sell iconic weapons from the base game that you have missed.
9. I’m playing on console. How can I get missed iconic weapons? You’re limited to New Game Plus and meticulous playthroughs. Console commands and mods are not available on consoles.
10. If I side with the Voodoo Boys, will I miss out on any iconic weapons? Yes, siding with one faction over another often means missing out on faction-specific rewards, including iconic weapons.
11. Are there any online tools or guides that can help me track iconic weapon locations? Yes, many comprehensive online guides and checklists are available. Use them!
12. Does upgrading an iconic weapon make it non-transferable to New Game Plus? No, upgrading an iconic weapon does not affect its transferability (or lack thereof) to New Game Plus.
13. What happens if I accidentally sell an iconic weapon? You likely cannot buy it back. Be extremely careful when selling items!
14. If a quest glitched and I couldn’t get the iconic weapon, is there any way to fix it? Reloading an earlier save is the best option. If that’s not possible, you might be out of luck without using console commands (PC only).
15. Where can I learn more about game design and the impact of choices on player experience, like the challenges presented by missable content in Cyberpunk 2077? You can explore resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for insights into the educational aspects of gaming and game design principles.

Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead, or Embrace the Consequences

The possibility of missing iconic weapons adds a layer of consequence to Cyberpunk 2077’s gameplay. While frustrating for completionists, it reinforces the idea that your choices matter. Whether you meticulously plan your playthrough or embrace the randomness of the experience, remember that your journey through Night City is uniquely your own. Understanding the acquisition conditions for iconic weapons and carefully considering your decisions will minimize the chances of disappointment. However, if you do miss one, remember that there are now options, even if they’re limited, to rectify your mistake. Good luck, choomba! And remember the GamesLearningSociety.org‘s mission in understanding how we learn from games. Cyberpunk’s design encourages thoughtful decision-making. Consider using the resources from the Games Learning Society to explore the educational dimensions of in-game choices.