Cyberpunk 2077: The Things I Wish I Knew Before Plugging In
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Cyberpunk 2077 is a sprawling, ambitious game. Night City is alive, dangerous, and brimming with possibilities. However, diving in unprepared can lead to frustration and missed opportunities. What do I wish I knew before starting? Simple: the importance of build planning, the significance of side quests, and the ever-present need to manage your resources effectively. Understanding these core principles from the outset drastically improves the Cyberpunk 2077 experience. It is important to remember that the choices you make influence your journey.
Essential Tips for New Cyberpunk 2077 Players
Build Planning is Crucial
Don’t wing it. While you can respec your character, it costs money and feels like a reset. Cyberpunk 2077 rewards specialization. Deciding early on whether you want to be a stealthy netrunner, a katana-wielding samurai, a hulking brute, or a tech-savvy gunslinger will guide your attribute and perk point allocation. Check out online build guides; even a basic understanding will save you from wasting valuable points. Pre-planning your build will ensure a smooth and enjoyable play through.
Side Quests Are The Heart of Night City
The main story is captivating, but the real Cyberpunk 2077 experience lies in its side quests and gigs. These aren’t just filler; many are intricately woven into the lore, offering compelling narratives, memorable characters, and significant rewards. Ignoring them means missing out on valuable experience, crucial equipment, and the best writing the game has to offer. Some even impact the main storyline and unlock different endings. Complete the side quests for the best experience.
Resource Management is Key to Survival
Ammo, eddies (the game’s currency), crafting components, and healing items are all vital for survival. Scavenge everything you can, sell what you don’t need, and be mindful of your spending. Don’t waste eddies on every shiny new weapon you see; invest in crafting skills and upgrade your existing gear. Remember, healing isn’t spammable anymore, so stocking up on inhalers and knowing when to use them is critical. This will increase survivability drastically.
Understanding the Lifepaths
Choosing your Lifepath – Corpo, Nomad, or Street Kid – sets the stage for V’s backstory and provides a unique opening sequence and dialogue options throughout the game. While it doesn’t drastically alter the core storyline, it significantly shapes your character’s perspective and interactions with certain NPCs. Each Lifepath offers unique insights into Night City’s different social strata.
Experiment with Cyberware
Cyberware is the backbone of character customization in Cyberpunk 2077. Don’t be afraid to visit Ripperdocs and try out different implants. Experiment with various combinations to find what suits your playstyle. Certain cyberware can dramatically enhance your combat abilities, movement, and even your hacking skills. Remember to complete the “Upgrade U” quest to unlock new cyberware options.
Vehicle Combat: Embrace the Chaos
Cyberpunk 2077’s vehicle combat is a chaotic blast. Mastering the art of shooting while driving, performing drive-by hacks, and ramming enemies adds a whole new dimension to the gameplay. Don’t just rely on your feet; hop in a car and unleash mayhem on Night City’s streets. This is a great way to take out enemies.
Getting Along with Johnny Silverhand
Your relationship with Johnny Silverhand, the digital ghost cohabitating your brain, has a profound impact on the story. Pay attention to his dialogue, engage in conversations with him, and make choices that align with his values (or deliberately clash with them, if that’s your style). Your interactions with Johnny significantly influence the available endings.
Exploration Rewards Curiosity
Night City is packed with hidden secrets, loot caches, and Easter eggs. Take the time to explore off the beaten path. Scan your surroundings, hack into terminals, and venture into the back alleys. You’ll often be rewarded with valuable items, interesting lore, and unique encounters.
The Police System is a Force to be Reckoned With
The police system has been revamped, and a 5-star wanted level is a death sentence. Be mindful of your actions in public areas, and avoid committing crimes unless you’re prepared for a serious firefight. The NCPD is now more responsive and aggressive, making reckless behavior far more dangerous.
Focus Your Playstyle
Cyberpunk 2077 offers a wide range of playstyles, from stealthy netrunning to aggressive melee combat. Trying to be good at everything will spread your resources too thin. Focus on developing a specific playstyle and invest in the attributes and perks that support it. Specialization is the key to success.
Watch Edgerunners (After Playing)
While not essential, watching the Cyberpunk: Edgerunners anime series after playing the game enhances the experience. It provides a deeper understanding of the world, introduces memorable characters, and explores themes that resonate with the game’s narrative. However, watching it before might spoil some of the game’s surprises.
The Importance of Crafting
Crafting allows you to create powerful weapons, armor mods, and consumables. Investing in crafting skills lets you upgrade your gear to epic and legendary levels, making you significantly more powerful. Don’t neglect this aspect of the game; it’s a valuable way to customize your equipment and save money.
Cyberpunk 2077 in 2023 is a Different Beast
The game has undergone significant improvements since its initial release. Patches and updates have fixed many of the bugs, improved performance, and added new features. Cyberpunk 2077 in 2023 is a far more polished and enjoyable experience than it was at launch.
Choosing Between Male or Female V
The choice between male and female V is purely a matter of personal preference. Both offer compelling performances and unique voice acting. The differences are largely cosmetic and don’t significantly impact the gameplay or story.
Taking Advantage of Photo Mode
Cyberpunk 2077 is a visually stunning game. Take advantage of the photo mode to capture the beauty and chaos of Night City. Experiment with different angles, filters, and poses to create your own unique cyberpunk masterpieces.
Cyberpunk 2077: Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Lifepath I choose really matter?
Yes, it does! While the overall story remains the same, your chosen Lifepath (Corpo, Nomad, or Street Kid) dictates V’s backstory, opening mission, and provides unique dialogue options throughout the game. It adds flavor and context to your experience.
Should I watch Edgerunners before playing Cyberpunk 2077?
It’s generally recommended to play Cyberpunk 2077 before watching Edgerunners. While Edgerunners is fantastic, it contains spoilers for the game’s world and lore. Watching it afterwards enhances your appreciation for both.
What skills should I level up first?
Focus on skills that align with your chosen playstyle. For example, if you want to be a netrunner, invest in Intelligence and related perks. If you prefer melee combat, prioritize Body and Reflexes. Don’t spread your points too thin.
Is it worth starting a new save for Cyberpunk 2.0 and Phantom Liberty?
Absolutely! Update 2.0 and the Phantom Liberty expansion significantly overhaul the game’s mechanics, perk system, and police AI. Starting a new save allows you to experience these changes from the beginning and fully appreciate the updated gameplay.
What is the max level in Cyberpunk 2077?
The max level in Cyberpunk 2077 2.0 is now 60, increased from the original cap of 50. This allows for greater character customization and more powerful builds.
What happens if I give control to Johnny Silverhand?
Giving Johnny control during certain endings leads to the “Temperance” ending, where Johnny gets a second chance at life in V’s body, leaving Night City behind. It’s one of several possible outcomes determined by your choices throughout the game.
How many endings does Cyberpunk 2077 have?
Cyberpunk 2077 has five main endings, each with variations based on your choices and relationships with key characters. Experimenting with different decisions unlocks different outcomes.
How long is the Phantom Liberty DLC?
The Phantom Liberty DLC offers around 15-20 hours of gameplay if you focus on the main story. However, exploring the new Dogtown district and completing side quests can easily extend your playtime.
Is Cyberpunk 2.0 free?
Yes, Update 2.0 is a free update for all Cyberpunk 2077 owners on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. It includes significant gameplay overhauls and improvements.
What does Phantom Liberty add to the game?
Phantom Liberty adds a new storyline, new characters (including Solomon Reed, played by Idris Elba), a new district called Dogtown, and new weapons, cyberware, and vehicles.
Does V appear in Edgerunners?
No, V is not a main character in Edgerunners, but there are some minor cameos and references to locations and characters from the game. It exists within the same universe but tells a separate story.
Does anyone from Cyberpunk 2077 appear in Edgerunners?
Yes, several minor characters from Cyberpunk 2077, such as Claire Russell (the Afterlife bartender), make brief appearances in Edgerunners.
What’s the best Lifepath to choose for a beginner?
The Nomad Lifepath is often recommended for beginners. It provides a solid understanding of the world and offers dialogue options related to vehicles and machinery. Street Kid is great for roleplaying, while Corpo provides a unique perspective for experienced players.
What are the essential things to do first in Cyberpunk 2077 2.0 and Phantom Liberty?
Experiment with the build creator, create a new character or prepare for a respec, visit a Ripperdoc and complete the “Upgrade U” quest, explore vehicle combat, and uncover new secrets in Dogtown.
Is Cyberpunk 2077 worth playing in 2023?
Absolutely! With the release of Update 2.0 and the Phantom Liberty expansion, Cyberpunk 2077 is finally the game it was always meant to be. It’s a must-play for fans of cyberpunk and open-world RPGs.
By knowing what you’re getting into beforehand, you can fully embrace the possibilities of Night City and create your own unforgettable cyberpunk legend. Consider the wealth of information available, for example, through organizations like the Games Learning Society which studies the educational and social impact of games. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.