How to Make Money in Cyberpunk After All Gigs
So, you’ve conquered Night City. You’ve risen through the ranks, become a legend, and cleared every gig that Fixers could throw at you. Now what? The neon-drenched streets still need cleaning, chrome still needs upgrading, and that penthouse apartment isn’t going to pay for itself. Making money in Cyberpunk 2077 after completing all gigs requires a shift in strategy, focusing on repeatable and sustainable income streams. You’ll need to leverage your existing skills, exploit market opportunities, and perhaps even delve into some less-than-savory activities.
Sustainable Income Strategies for the Post-Gig Era
Clearing all gigs doesn’t mean the credits stop flowing. It just means you need to become more entrepreneurial and proactive in generating your wealth. Here’s a breakdown of the most effective methods:
1. Crafting and Selling High-Value Items
This is arguably the most reliable long-term income source. By the time you’ve finished all the gigs, you should have a high crafting skill and the ability to create legendary items. Focus on crafting iconic weapons or sought-after cyberware mods. Break down unwanted weapons and clothing for components and sell the crafted items at vendors. Crafting consumables like MaxDocs and grenades can also provide a consistent, albeit smaller, income stream.
2. Exploiting NCPD Scanner Hustles
Don’t underestimate the power of good old-fashioned crime-fighting (or, at least, cleaning up crime). NCPD Scanner Hustles are a repeatable source of income and crafting materials. While the payout per hustle might be lower than a gig, the frequency and ease with which you can complete them make them a valuable resource. Focus on clearing areas with high concentrations of Hustles and loot everything.
3. Looting and Selling Everything (Except Junk!)
Night City is overflowing with junk. But it’s also overflowing with valuable items that NPCs carelessly leave lying around. Get into the habit of looting everything that isn’t marked as “junk.” Weapons, armor, cyberware shards, and even food can be sold to vendors. Invest in perks that increase your carrying capacity and the value of sold items to maximize your profits.
4. Stock Market Manipulation (Limited, but Possible)
Cyberpunk 2077 features a limited stock market simulation. While not as deep as something like GTA V, you can buy and sell stocks in various Night City corporations. Watch for news reports that might indicate a company is about to perform well or poorly and invest accordingly. This method is high-risk, high-reward and relies on some speculation.
5. Becoming a Bounty Hunter (Self-Imposed)
While Fixers might not be offering gigs anymore, Night City is still full of criminals. Consider creating your own “bounty hunter” persona. Find areas with high criminal activity (often identifiable by frequent NCPD presence) and take down hostile groups. Loot their bodies for weapons, cyberware, and eddies.
6. Cornering Specific Markets
Identify specific items that are consistently in demand, such as certain crafting components or cyberware mods. Focus on farming these items and then monopolize their sale. For example, certain areas are known to spawn enemies with specific cyberware. Target these enemies, loot the cyberware, and then flood the market with your supply.
7. Engaging in Organized Crime (With Caution)
Some areas of Night City are controlled by gangs. While directly engaging in organized crime is risky, it can also be lucrative. Participate in gang warfare, take down rival gang members, and loot their compounds. Be prepared for intense firefights and potential consequences.
8. Exploiting Glitches (Use at Your Own Risk)
While not a recommended long-term strategy, glitches and exploits can sometimes offer a quick influx of eddies. However, exploiting glitches can be unstable and may lead to unintended consequences or game instability. Be sure to research any potential glitches thoroughly before attempting to exploit them. This method could be patched out by the developers.
9. Data Mining and Selling Information (Roleplaying Focused)
This method is more roleplaying-focused but can be rewarding. Use your hacking skills to extract valuable data from corporate networks and sell it to the highest bidder. This requires a high intelligence stat and the ability to bypass security systems. It will require you to find the right people to sell the data to.
10. Offering Your Services (RP Focused)
Another roleplay-centric approach is to offer your skills as a merc for hire. While the game itself doesn’t offer official contracts, you can create your own scenarios and seek out other players or NPCs who might require your services. This method is more about creating your own fun and challenges than generating massive profits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Making Money Post-Gigs
H3 1. Is crafting really the best way to make money after completing all gigs?
Yes, crafting is often considered the most reliable and sustainable way to generate income after completing all gigs. With high crafting skills and access to blueprints for valuable items, you can consistently produce and sell high-quality products for profit. Focus on crafting iconic weapons, cyberware mods, and consumables.
H3 2. What are the best items to craft for maximum profit?
The best items to craft for profit often depend on the current market and your crafting level. However, iconic weapons and legendary cyberware mods generally fetch the highest prices. Experiment with different items to see what sells well and adjust your crafting strategy accordingly.
H3 3. How do I level up my crafting skill quickly?
The fastest way to level up crafting is to repeatedly craft items, even if they aren’t particularly valuable. Break down unwanted weapons and clothing for components to keep your crafting materials stocked. Focus on crafting items that are slightly above your current crafting level to maximize experience gain.
H3 4. Are NCPD Scanner Hustles worth the time and effort?
Yes, NCPD Scanner Hustles are a valuable source of income and crafting materials, especially after completing all gigs. While the payout per hustle might be lower than a gig, the frequency and ease with which you can complete them make them a consistent source of eddies and components.
H3 5. How do I find NCPD Scanner Hustles easily?
NCPD Scanner Hustles are marked on your map with a blue NCPD icon. Focus on clearing areas with high crime rates, as these areas tend to have a higher concentration of Scanner Hustles.
H3 6. What should I do with all the junk I find?
While the game labels most items as “junk,” some of it can still be useful. Disassemble common and uncommon junk for crafting components. Sell the remaining junk to vendors for a small profit.
H3 7. How can I increase my carrying capacity?
You can increase your carrying capacity by investing in the “Pack Mule” perk in the Body attribute tree. This perk significantly increases your maximum carry weight, allowing you to loot more items before having to sell them.
H3 8. Is it worth investing in perks that increase the value of sold items?
Yes, investing in perks that increase the value of sold items can significantly boost your profits, especially when you’re looting and selling large quantities of items. Prioritize perks like “Greed” and “Lucky Day” in the Cool attribute tree.
H3 9. How does the stock market work in Cyberpunk 2077?
The stock market in Cyberpunk 2077 is a simplified version of real-world stock markets. You can buy and sell stocks in various Night City corporations. Monitor news reports and in-game events to identify companies that might be about to perform well or poorly.
H3 10. Is it possible to become rich through stock market manipulation?
While it’s possible to make a profit through stock market manipulation, it’s not a guaranteed path to riches. The stock market in Cyberpunk 2077 is somewhat unpredictable, and profits are often limited.
H3 11. Are there any risks associated with engaging in organized crime?
Yes, engaging in organized crime is risky and can have consequences. You might attract the attention of rival gangs or the NCPD, leading to intense firefights and potential fines or imprisonment.
H3 12. How can I find areas with high criminal activity?
Areas with high criminal activity are often identifiable by frequent NCPD presence and ongoing firefights. Look for areas with a high concentration of NCPD Scanner Hustles.
H3 13. Is it ethical to exploit glitches for profit?
Exploiting glitches for profit is a controversial topic. Some players consider it cheating, while others see it as a legitimate way to gain an advantage. Ultimately, it’s up to each individual player to decide whether or not to exploit glitches. Be aware that exploiting glitches may lead to unintended consequences or game instability. Also be aware it might be patched.
H3 14. Where can I sell data that I’ve mined from corporate networks?
Finding a reliable buyer for mined data can be challenging. Look for Fixers or other shady characters who might be interested in purchasing sensitive information. Use your hacking skills to identify potential buyers and establish contact.
H3 15. How can I find other players to roleplay with in Cyberpunk 2077?
Finding other players to roleplay with can be done through online forums, social media groups, and in-game communities. Look for players who share your interest in roleplaying and creating immersive experiences. This will depend on the version of the game you are playing.
By combining these strategies, you can ensure that you’re living the high life in Night City long after the last gig has been completed. Remember to adapt your approach based on your playstyle and the ever-changing dynamics of Night City. Good luck, and stay chrome!