Is Cutting Edge Worth it in Cyberpunk 2077? A Deep Dive

Is the Cutting Edge perk in Cyberpunk 2077 worth your precious perk points? In short, yes, it is absolutely worth it, especially for builds focused on crafting and maximizing damage output. While the initial 5% increase to crafted weapon damage may seem insignificant at first glance, the real value lies in the 5% boost to all damage-related stats. This seemingly small bonus ripples through your entire build, amplifying everything from weapon damage and crit chance to quickhack effectiveness. This provides great value for players, making the Cutting Edge a valuable perk.

Understanding the Cutting Edge Perk

Before diving deeper, let’s break down exactly what the Cutting Edge perk does. Located within the Technical Ability skill tree, it offers:

• A 5% increase to the base damage of crafted weapons.
• A 5% increase to all damage-related stats.

The beauty of the Cutting Edge perk lies in its multiplicative nature. The 5% increase to damage-related stats affects a wide array of factors:

• Weapon Damage: Directly impacts the damage output of all your weapons.
• Critical Hit Chance & Damage: Enhances your ability to land devastating critical hits.
• Status Effect Chance & Duration: Makes your status effects like burning, bleeding, and poisoning more potent and long-lasting.
• Quickhack Damage: Boosts the effectiveness of your quickhacks, turning you into a digital menace.
• Cyberware Damage Modifiers: If your build relies on cyberware modifications, the Cutting Edge perk further amplifies their effects.

This synergistic effect makes Cutting Edge far more powerful than a simple 5% damage boost. It’s a multiplier for your entire offensive toolkit.

Why Cutting Edge Excels in Cyberpunk 2077

Here’s why the Cutting Edge perk deserves a spot in your Cyberpunk 2077 build:

Endgame Viability

Crafting is an essential aspect of Cyberpunk 2077, especially in the endgame. Crafting gives the freedom to create weapons with specific mods and tailor them to your playstyle. Cutting Edge ensures that your crafted weaponry remains competitive with the best loot you can find.

Synergistic Build Optimization

Cyberpunk 2077’s build system is all about synergy. The 5% boost to all damage stats stacks multiplicatively with other perks, cyberware, and weapon mods. The more you invest in optimizing your damage output, the more valuable Cutting Edge becomes.

Maximizing Iconic Weapon Potential

Iconic weapons are a unique class of weaponry in Cyberpunk 2077 with distinct characteristics and upgrade potential. Cutting Edge enhances their base damage and further boosts their effectiveness by influencing all damage-related statistics.

Amplifying Quickhack Builds

For players specializing in quickhacks, Cutting Edge is a game-changer. Enhancing quickhack damage allows you to swiftly disable enemies or deal huge damage from a distance, improving your cyber warfare capabilities.

Flexible Build Enhancement

Unlike some perks that cater to specific weapon types or playstyles, Cutting Edge offers a general damage increase that benefits nearly all builds. It is a flexible option for players who want to optimize their offensive power without restrictions.

Considerations for Cutting Edge

While Cutting Edge offers huge benefits, here are a few things to consider:

• Early Game Impact: The 5% boost is less noticeable in the early game when your base stats are lower. Its value grows as your character becomes stronger.
• Perk Point Investment: Cyberpunk 2077 has limited perk points, so it’s important to prioritize perks that align with your build. If you’re not focused on crafting or damage optimization, other perks might offer better returns.
• Build Dependency: Some builds might benefit more from specialized perks that focus on specific weapon types or combat styles. Assess your build requirements before investing in Cutting Edge.

FAQ: Cutting Edge and Crafting in Cyberpunk 2077

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Cutting Edge perk and crafting in Cyberpunk 2077:

1. Is crafting pointless in Cyberpunk 2077?

Crafting is not pointless, but its usefulness varies. Early game crafting, especially cyberdeck upgrades, is essential. Endgame crafting can feel lacking unless optimized with perks like Cutting Edge.

2. Is the Workshop perk worth it in Cyberpunk 2077?

Yes, the Workshop perk is worth it. It increases the chance of obtaining free components when disassembling items, improving crafting efficiency.

3. What happens if you disassemble an iconic weapon in Cyberpunk 2077?

Disassembling an iconic weapon grants you the blueprint for upgrading it, not recreating it. If you don’t have the previous model, the iconic weapon is effectively lost.

4. Is Tech 20 worth it in Cyberpunk 2077?

If you focus on tech weapons, Tech 20 is the way to go. Otherwise, Tech 18 is sufficient for accessing all necessary crafting perks.

5. Is any junk worth keeping in Cyberpunk 2077?

No, junk should always be dismantled. The Scrapper perk automates this process, making it easy to accumulate components.

6. Should I keep iconic weapons in Cyberpunk 2077?

Yes, keep iconic weapons. They can be upgraded alongside your character, ensuring they remain effective throughout the game.

7. Can iconic weapons be upgraded to legendary in Cyberpunk 2077?

Yes, iconic weapons can be upgraded to legendary status, making them a powerful choice in the long run.

8. Is it worth buying legendary guns in Cyberpunk 2077?

Yes, purchasing legendary weapons can significantly enhance your combat capabilities due to their unique abilities and high damage output.

9. What is the best perk to max in Cyberpunk 2077?

The best perk to max depends on your build, but Edgerunner Artisan is widely considered one of the most powerful for crafting and build optimization.

10. Is it worth getting an apartment in Cyberpunk 2077?

Yes, buying apartments is worthwhile. They provide inventory stashes, iconic weapon racks, and other unique role-playing features.

11. Should I sell junk or dismantle it in Cyberpunk 2077?

Always dismantle junk. The components you receive are more valuable for crafting and upgrading than the eddies you’d get from selling it.

12. Is it better to upgrade or craft weapons in Cyberpunk 2077?

Crafting rescales the weapon to your current level, while upgrading only adds a small damage increase. Crafting is generally better for maintaining weapon effectiveness.

13. Should I sell rare weapons in Cyberpunk 2077?

Rare crafters should dismantle rare and epic loot and sell uncommon and common loot for optimal resource management.

14. Should you upgrade iconic weapons in Cyberpunk 2077?

Yes, upgrading iconic weapons is highly recommended. It keeps them relevant and powerful throughout the game.

15. What weapons should I keep in Cyberpunk 2077?

Keep unique weapons, as these weapons have different characteristics and give you the upper hand.

Conclusion: Embrace the Edge

The Cutting Edge perk is a powerful asset for Cyberpunk 2077 players looking to maximize their damage output and crafting potential. Its impact extends beyond a simple damage boost, influencing all damage-related stats and synergizing with various builds. Whether you’re crafting iconic weapons, perfecting your quickhack prowess, or optimizing a specific playstyle, Cutting Edge is a worthwhile investment that will enhance your effectiveness in Night City.

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