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Mastering the Art of Unarmed Combat in Cyberpunk 2077: The Fists Shortcut

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In the neon-drenched streets of Night City, sometimes the most effective weapon is the one you were born with. While Cyberpunk 2077 boasts a vast arsenal of guns, blades, and cyberware, knowing how to quickly switch to your fists can be surprisingly useful, especially for non-lethal takedowns, roleplaying purposes, or when you simply want to conserve ammo. So, what’s the shortcut?

The primary way to quickly access your fists in Cyberpunk 2077 is by holding down on the D-Pad if you are using a controller. For keyboard users, the most common method is to double-tap the Alt key. This will holster your currently equipped weapon, leaving you with your bare fists. However, there are nuances and alternative methods to consider, as well as how your choices in builds might affect the effectiveness of your fists. So, let’s dive into everything you need to know about fists in Cyberpunk 2077!

Understanding the Mechanics of Unarmed Combat

Before we delve into the shortcuts, it’s crucial to understand how unarmed combat functions in Cyberpunk 2077. Fists are considered a blunt weapon and benefit from perks and attributes that enhance blunt weapon damage. This means investing in the Street Brawler skill tree is essential if you plan on making fists a viable combat option. Key skills within this tree can significantly boost your damage, attack speed, and overall effectiveness in close-quarters brawls.

Moreover, your choice of cyberware impacts your unarmed capabilities. The most notable example is the Gorilla Arms, which replace your regular arms with powerful cybernetic enhancements. These arms not only increase your base unarmed damage but also unlock unique abilities like ground slams, making them a fantastic option for a dedicated brawler build.

The Essential Fists Shortcut: A Deep Dive

Now, let’s return to the question at hand: how to quickly switch to your fists. As mentioned earlier, the most common method is to double-tap the Alt key on your keyboard. This action holsters your equipped weapon, leaving you with your bare fists. On a controller, holding down the D-pad usually does the trick.

However, there are a couple of caveats to keep in mind. First, you must have an empty weapon slot in your weapon wheel. If all four slots are occupied, the game won’t be able to “switch” to your fists. This is a key point that often trips players up. To remedy this, simply unequip a weapon from one of your slots via your inventory menu.

Second, the exact behavior of the “holster” command can sometimes be inconsistent, particularly after patches and updates to the game. If double-tapping Alt isn’t working, try single-tapping Alt to holster the weapon, then manually selecting your fists from the weapon wheel (accessed by holding Alt). While not as quick as a true shortcut, this is a reliable backup method.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

Beyond the basic shortcut, there are a few advanced techniques you can use to optimize your unarmed combat experience:

Cyberware Synergy: As mentioned earlier, Gorilla Arms are the premier choice for a brawler build. However, consider supplementing them with other cyberware that enhances melee combat, such as the Kerenzikov (for bullet time dodging and striking) and the Sandevistan (for outright slowing down time).
Perk Optimization: Invest heavily in the Street Brawler skill tree. Prioritize perks that increase damage, attack speed, and stamina regeneration. The “Fistfighter” perk, which increases unarmed damage, is a must-have.
Non-Lethal Takedowns: Fists are naturally non-lethal. This makes them ideal for completing certain missions or encounters without killing your opponents. Consider using quick hacks like “Cyberpsychosis” to incapacitate enemies before moving in for the final knockout.
Stealth Applications: Use your fists for silent takedowns in stealth situations. Sneaking up behind an enemy and performing a non-lethal takedown is a great way to clear out areas without raising alarms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Fists in Cyberpunk 2077

Here are some frequently asked questions related to using fists in Cyberpunk 2077.

Are fists viable in Cyberpunk 2077? Yes, especially with the right build and cyberware. Investing in the Street Brawler skill tree and equipping Gorilla Arms can make fists a powerful and fun combat option.
Do fists count as blunt weapons? Yes, fists and Gorilla Arms are considered blunt weapons and benefit from perks that enhance blunt weapon damage.
Can you hotkey fists in Cyberpunk 2077? The game doesn’t offer explicit hotkey assignments, but double-tapping Alt (or holding down on the D-Pad) is the closest you get to a quick switch.
How do you get Gorilla Arms? Gorilla Arms can be purchased from Ripperdocs throughout Night City. Their availability depends on your Street Cred and Eddies (money).
Are fists non-lethal? Yes, by default, fists are non-lethal, making them ideal for situations where you want to incapacitate rather than kill enemies.
What skills improve fist damage? The Street Brawler skill tree is the primary source of perks that enhance unarmed damage. Look for perks like “Fistfighter” and “Drunken Master.”
Can I use fists with Monowire? Yes, you can switch to your fists even when you have Monowire equipped. The double-tap Alt shortcut (or holding down the D-Pad) will holster your Monowire and switch to your fists.
Does difficulty affect unarmed combat? Yes, higher difficulty levels make unarmed combat more challenging, as enemies have more health and deal more damage. However, a well-optimized brawler build can still be effective.
Can you block with fists? Yes, you can block incoming attacks by holding down the block button. Blocking is essential for mitigating damage in close-quarters combat.
What’s the best way to start a brawler build? Start by investing in the Body attribute and the Street Brawler skill tree. Focus on perks that increase damage, attack speed, and stamina regeneration. Visit Ripperdocs early to acquire Gorilla Arms.
Can I use fists in the Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty expansion? Yes, all the same mechanics and shortcuts apply to the Phantom Liberty expansion.
Do clothing mods affect unarmed combat? Some clothing mods can provide bonuses to melee damage, which can indirectly affect your fist damage.
Is there a way to increase my critical hit chance with fists? Certain perks and cyberware can increase your critical hit chance with all weapons, including fists.
How do I perform a ground slam with Gorilla Arms? When using Gorilla Arms, jump into the air and press the attack button while in mid-air to perform a powerful ground slam.
Why isn’t the double-tap Alt shortcut working? Ensure you have an empty weapon slot in your weapon wheel. If it’s still not working, try single-tapping Alt to holster your weapon and then manually selecting your fists from the weapon wheel.

Final Thoughts: Embracing the Brawler Within

While Cyberpunk 2077 often encourages players to rely on high-tech weaponry and cybernetic enhancements, mastering the art of unarmed combat can add a unique and satisfying dimension to your gameplay experience. With the right build, cyberware, and a little practice, you can transform V into a formidable brawler who can dominate the streets of Night City with nothing but their fists. Now get out there, and show those chrome-plated gonks what you’re made of!

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