The Ultimate Guide to Non-Lethal Mayhem: Finding the Best Non-Lethal Weapon in Cyberpunk 2077

The best non-lethal weapon in Cyberpunk 2077 is a multifaceted choice, deeply intertwined with your playstyle and build. However, if I had to pick one to recommend for all, it would be the Electric Baton. It’s a reliable, early-game accessible option that consistently neutralizes enemies without fatalities, especially with a build centered around blunt weapons and the Pacifier mod to further enhance its non-lethal capabilities.

Why Go Non-Lethal in Night City?

Despite the often-grim tone of Cyberpunk 2077, choosing a non-lethal approach can be surprisingly rewarding. While it doesn’t drastically alter the main story, some side gigs offer bonus rewards for keeping targets alive. Beyond the eddies, adopting a non-lethal playstyle adds a layer of challenge and immersion to the game, forcing you to think strategically about your engagements. Think of it as Night City’s version of compassionate merc work.

Defining “Best”: Factors to Consider

The “best” weapon varies based on several factors:

• Availability: Can you get it early in the game or is it locked behind specific quests or high Street Cred?
• Effectiveness: How reliably does it neutralize enemies without accidentally killing them?
• Build Compatibility: Does it synergize with your existing Attribute and Perk choices?
• Versatility: Can you use it effectively in a variety of combat scenarios?
• Mods: Can you enhance its non-lethal capabilities with mods?

Top Contenders for Non-Lethal Dominance

While the Electric Baton is my top recommendation, several other weapons and tactics deserve consideration:

• Gorilla Arms: These cybernetic enhancements are a brutal yet effective melee option. They deliver powerful punches that knock enemies out, making them ideal for close-quarters combat. Pair them with perks that boost your blunt damage and stamina for maximum effectiveness.

• Non-Lethal Mods: These mods can be attached to almost any weapon, converting their damage type to non-lethal. This offers great flexibility, allowing you to use your favorite weapons without worrying about accidental fatalities. The “Pax” mod is a common and readily available choice.

• Tech Weapons (Charged Shots): Charging Tech Weapons, like the Lizzie Tech Pistol, to a certain point before releasing a shot can neutralize enemies instead of killing them outright. Mastering the charge timing is crucial to avoid lethal damage.

• Quickhacks: Several quickhacks, like Short Circuit, Overheat, and System Collapse, are designed to incapacitate enemies without killing them. A Netrunner build focused on control and covert hacks is incredibly effective for non-lethal gameplay.

• Blunt Melee Weapons: Baseball bats, pipes, and other blunt melee weapons are naturally non-lethal. Focus on perks that increase your melee damage and stamina to become a formidable close-quarters combatant.

• Stealth Takedowns: Utilize V’s stealth capabilities to sneak up behind enemies and perform non-lethal takedowns. This is a silent and efficient way to neutralize threats without alerting others.

Maximizing Non-Lethal Effectiveness

Regardless of your weapon choice, consider these tips to improve your non-lethal performance:

• Perk Prioritization: Invest in perks that enhance blunt damage, stamina, and quickhack effectiveness.
• Cyberware Selection: Choose cyberware that boosts your melee abilities, RAM, or quickhack upload speed.
• Awareness is Key: Pay attention to enemy health bars. Stop attacking when they are near zero to avoid accidental fatalities.
• Use cover Employ the environment to your advantage, using cover to sneak up on enemies for stealth takedowns.
• Scanning: Scan enemies to identify their weaknesses and choose the most effective non-lethal approach.

Non-Lethal Combat & The Games Learning Society

Understanding how to optimize your non-lethal approach in Cyberpunk 2077 highlights the strategic depth and problem-solving skills embedded within gaming. The Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ explores these educational aspects of gaming, demonstrating how interactive experiences can foster critical thinking and creativity.

Conclusion: Choosing Your Path in Night City

The choice of the “best” non-lethal weapon in Cyberpunk 2077 is subjective and depends on your individual playstyle. However, the Electric Baton offers a reliable and accessible starting point. Experiment with different weapons, quickhacks, and tactics to discover the non-lethal approach that best suits your preferences and allows you to navigate the morally grey world of Night City with a clear conscience (and maybe a few extra eddies).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does going non-lethal affect the story in Cyberpunk 2077?

No, for the most part, your choice to use non-lethal methods doesn’t significantly impact the main story. However, certain side gigs reward you with extra credits for keeping the target alive.

2. How can I tell if my attack is non-lethal?

When an enemy is downed non-lethally, your crosshair will turn red while they are on the ground. This indicates that they are incapacitated but not dead. Be careful not to deal any further damage, or you might accidentally kill them.

3. Are all blunt weapons non-lethal in Cyberpunk 2077?

Yes, blunt weapons are generally considered non-lethal. However, it’s still possible to accidentally kill an enemy if you deal excessive damage. Monitor their health bar and stop attacking when they are near zero.

4. Can I make any weapon non-lethal with mods?

Yes, you can use mods like the “Pax” mod to convert the damage type of your weapon to non-lethal. This allows you to use your favorite weapons without worrying about accidental fatalities.

5. Are quickhacks like Short Circuit and Overheat non-lethal?

Yes, quickhacks like Short Circuit, Overheat, Contagion, and System Collapse are designed to incapacitate enemies without killing them. These are excellent options for a Netrunner build focused on non-lethal gameplay.

6. What are the best attributes and perks for a non-lethal build?

Focus on attributes like Body (for melee damage and survivability), Intelligence (for quickhacks), and Reflexes (for weapon handling). Invest in perks that enhance blunt damage, stamina, quickhack effectiveness, and stealth abilities.

7. Are Gorilla Arms a good non-lethal option?

Yes, Gorilla Arms are a great non-lethal option. They deliver powerful punches that knock enemies out. Combine them with perks that boost your blunt damage and stamina for maximum effectiveness.

8. How do I deal with Cyberpsychos non-lethally?

The easiest way to deal with Cyberpsychos non-lethally is to shoot them in the legs until they go down. The final hit will be non-lethal regardless of your build. Just be careful not to deal any additional damage after they are down.

9. Where can I find the “Pax” mod for non-lethal damage?

The “Pax” mod can be found at various weapon vendors and crafting shops throughout Night City. It’s a relatively common mod, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding it.

10. Is it possible to complete Cyberpunk 2077 without killing anyone?

It is possible to complete the game while minimizing kills, especially by focusing on stealth, quickhacks, and non-lethal weapons. However, some encounters may force you to make difficult choices.

11. What happens if I accidentally kill someone I’m supposed to keep alive in a gig?

If you accidentally kill someone you’re supposed to keep alive in a gig, you’ll usually receive a reduced reward. In some cases, you may even fail the gig entirely.

12. Can I use stealth takedowns to neutralize enemies non-lethally?

Yes, stealth takedowns are a silent and efficient way to neutralize threats without killing them. Utilize V’s stealth capabilities to sneak up behind enemies and perform non-lethal takedowns.

13. Does difficulty setting affect the effectiveness of non-lethal weapons?

The difficulty setting can affect the amount of damage you deal, but it doesn’t directly affect the non-lethal nature of a weapon. However, higher difficulties may require you to be more strategic in your approach to avoid accidental fatalities.

14. Are there any cyberware options that enhance non-lethal combat?

Yes, there are several cyberware options that can enhance non-lethal combat. Look for cyberware that boosts your melee abilities, RAM, quickhack upload speed, or stealth capabilities.

15. Can I use poison to neutralize enemies non-lethally?

While there aren’t specific “poison” weapons in the game, quickhacks like Contagion can incapacitate enemies without killing them, effectively acting as a non-lethal poison.