Can You Infinitely Upgrade Weapons in Cyberpunk 2077? A Deep Dive

The short answer is no, you cannot infinitely upgrade weapons in Cyberpunk 2077. The upgrade system, particularly after the 2.0 update and the Phantom Liberty DLC, has specific limits tied to weapon tiers, character level, and component availability. While the desire to endlessly power up your favorite firearm is understandable, the game is designed to encourage exploration, build diversity, and the strategic use of resources. The upgrade path is finite, and understanding its nuances is crucial for optimizing your combat effectiveness in Night City. Let’s delve into the details of the weapon upgrade system, how it works, and the restrictions that govern it.

Understanding Weapon Upgrades in Cyberpunk 2077

Iconic vs. Non-Iconic Weapons

A key distinction to understand is the difference between iconic and non-iconic weapons.

• Iconic Weapons: These are unique weapons with special attributes and backstories. Crucially, after the 2.0 update, only iconic weapons can be upgraded through the tier system from Tier 1 (Common) all the way up to Tier 5++ (Transcendent).
• Non-Iconic Weapons: These are standard weapons you find throughout Night City. While you can attach mods and scopes to enhance their performance, you cannot upgrade their base tier through crafting. To obtain higher-tier non-iconic weapons, you’ll need to rely on finding them as drops or purchasing them from vendors.

Weapon Tiers and Crafting Components

Weapons in Cyberpunk 2077 are divided into tiers, each representing a significant power increase. The tiers are:

1. Common (Tier 1)
2. Uncommon (Tier 2)
3. Rare (Tier 3)
4. Epic (Tier 4)
5. Legendary (Tier 5)
6. Transcendent (Tier 5++)

Upgrading weapons requires specific crafting components that match the tier you’re upgrading to. For example, upgrading a Tier 2 weapon to Tier 3 requires Tier 3 crafting components. These components are obtained by:

• Dismantling weapons and gear: Dismantling items of a specific tier yields crafting components of that tier.
• Purchasing them from vendors: Various vendors throughout Night City sell crafting components, although the availability of higher-tier components may depend on your character level and progression.
• Looting: You can sometimes find crafting components as loot in containers or on defeated enemies.

Level and Upgrade Limitations

While you can technically upgrade iconic weapons to your current level, there’s a soft cap to how much you can upgrade them at once. You’ll often find yourself needing to level up your character before you can further enhance your iconic weapons. This system ensures that you can’t simply hoard crafting materials and max out your weapons early in the game. The maximum level for V, the player character, is 60 after the Phantom Liberty DLC. This means your weapon upgrades are effectively capped by your character’s level, which prevents infinite scaling.

Mods and Attachments

While you can’t endlessly increase a weapon’s base tier, you can further enhance it by attaching mods and scopes. These attachments provide various benefits, such as increased damage, improved accuracy, and added effects. Mods can be found, purchased, or crafted, providing additional avenues for customizing your weapons to suit your playstyle. Remember that while mods enhance weapon attributes, they do not change the underlying tier of the weapon.

Strategic Weapon Choices

Since infinite weapon upgrades aren’t possible, strategic weapon choices become paramount. Consider the following:

• Focus on Iconic Weapons: Given that only iconic weapons can be upgraded through tiers, prioritizing them allows you to maintain powerful weapons throughout the game.
• Experiment with Builds: Explore different weapon types and playstyles to find combinations that suit you. The limitations on weapon upgrades encourage experimentation and build optimization.
• Optimize Crafting and Dismantling: Carefully manage your crafting components. Dismantle unwanted gear to obtain the components you need, and strategically craft items when necessary.
• Utilize Quickhacks and Cyberware: Don’t rely solely on weapons. Quickhacks and cyberware can significantly enhance your combat effectiveness, providing alternative solutions to challenging encounters.

Cyberpunk 2077: Understanding Level Caps and Attribute Points

The level cap in Cyberpunk 2077 is 60, achievable after the 2.0 update and Phantom Liberty DLC. This increased level cap provides additional attribute points, but there’s a limit. It’s impossible to max out every attribute, requiring players to make strategic choices for their character builds. The attribute points are finite, driving the necessity for thoughtful character development and build optimization. This directly affects combat prowess, influencing the choice and effectiveness of weapons.

The Role of Mods and Attachments

Mods and attachments play a significant role in weapon enhancement, allowing customization to suit individual playstyles. These modifications offer additional perks, such as increased damage or improved handling. While mods enhance the attributes of weapons, they don’t upgrade the base tier.

Sandevistan Systems: Strategic Time Manipulation

The Sandevistan cyberware allows for strategic time manipulation. The best version, the Militech “Apogee” Sandevistan, is available after reaching character Level 40. When activated, it slows time for everyone but the user, increasing the Headshot Damage Multiplier. This cyberware synergizes with specific weapon types and combat styles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the maximum tier I can upgrade my iconic weapons to?

   Iconic weapons can be upgraded to Tier 5++ (Transcendent). This is the highest tier currently available in the game.

2. Can I upgrade non-iconic weapons to the highest tier?

   No, non-iconic weapons cannot be upgraded through the tier system. You’ll need to find them as drops or purchase them from vendors at higher tiers.

3. Is there a level requirement for upgrading weapons?

   Yes, there is a soft level requirement. You can only upgrade a weapon so far before needing to level up your character to continue upgrading it further.

4. How do I obtain crafting components for weapon upgrades?

   Crafting components can be obtained by dismantling weapons and gear, purchasing them from vendors, or finding them as loot.

5. Can I get all attributes to 20 in Cyberpunk 2077?

   No, you cannot get all attributes to 20. You can only max out three attributes to level 20 with the available attribute points.

6. What is the best Sandevistan in the game?

   The Militech “Apogee” Sandevistan is considered the best, slowing time by 85% and increasing the Headshot Damage Multiplier.

7. What is the level cap in Cyberpunk 2077 after the 2.0 update and Phantom Liberty DLC?

   The level cap is 60.

8. Can I get more attribute points after level 50?

   Yes, you gain 10 additional attribute points from levels 51 to 60.

9. Does difficulty affect XP gain in Cyberpunk 2077?

   Yes, the rate of XP gain changes depending on the difficulty setting.

10. When should I start the Phantom Liberty DLC?

    You can start it after the Transmission quest in Pacifica. Gathering your best weapons and cyberware beforehand is recommended.

11. Is upgrading weapons worth it in Cyberpunk 2077?

    Yes, particularly for iconic weapons. Upgrading adds points of attack and allows you to keep using your favorite weapons throughout the game. Crafting, not upgrading, is what rescales the weapon.

12. Can I upgrade legendary weapons in Cyberpunk 2077?

    Yes, you can upgrade iconic (legendary) weapons.

13. What happens if my Sandevistan deactivates when using Mantis Blades?

    There’s an issue where the strong attack kill animation with Mantis Blades can cancel your Sandevistan activation.

14. What is V’s maximum level in Cyberpunk 2077?

    V’s maximum level is 60.

15. Are iconic weapons the only weapons that upgrade to tier 5++? Yes, only iconic weapons can be upgraded to 5++. If you want regular specific weapons at 5++ you have to get lucky with drops.

The limitations on weapon upgrades force you to engage with all aspects of Cyberpunk 2077: the world, the build options, and the diverse arsenal.

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