The Definitive Guide to Cyberpunk 2077’s Best Guns
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Cyberpunk 2077 throws you into a brutal world where survival hinges on your ability to choose the right tools for the job. The “best” gun isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer; it depends on your build, playstyle, and the specific challenges you face. However, some weapons consistently rise to the top due to their damage output, unique perks, and overall utility. So, let’s cut to the chase: several weapons stand out as top-tier choices.
For pure power and versatility, the Malorian Arms 3516 (Johnny Silverhand’s pistol) is a must-have. Its high damage, Ricochet functionality, and multiple mod slots make it adaptable to various combat scenarios. In terms of Iconic weapons, Skippy a smart pistol, is a strong weapon choice for its target acquisition and ease of use. For those who prefer a more stealthy approach, the Lizzie tech pistol excels with its high rate of fire and electrical damage, making it incredibly effective against cyberware-heavy enemies. For long range combat, Overwatch, a power sniper rifle, is arguably the best due to its built-in silencer and massive damage. Ultimately, experimenting with different weapon types and finding what complements your V’s skills is key to mastering Night City.
Diving Deeper: Weapon Classes and Iconic Choices
Understanding the different weapon classes in Cyberpunk 2077 is crucial for choosing the right gun. Here’s a breakdown:
- Power Weapons: These are your standard firearms, reliable and effective at medium range. They often have the ability to ricochet bullets off surfaces, adding a tactical layer to combat.
- Tech Weapons: Tech weapons can be charged up for increased damage and can often penetrate cover, giving you an edge against entrenched enemies.
- Smart Weapons: Smart weapons use a targeting system to automatically track and hit enemies, making them ideal for players with lower accuracy or those who prefer a more hands-off approach.
Iconic Weapons: The Cream of the Crop
Cyberpunk 2077 is filled with iconic weapons, each with unique properties and often tied to specific characters or quests. Here are some of the standout choices:
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Malorian Arms 3516: As mentioned before, Johnny Silverhand’s pistol is a powerhouse. It’s a power pistol with incredible damage output and the unique ability to set enemies on fire. You obtain it during the “Chippin’ In” side job.
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Lizzie: This tech pistol, found after the “The Space In Between” quest, is a beast when fully charged. It deals high electrical damage and boasts a fast rate of fire, making it ideal for shredding through enemies with cyberware vulnerabilities.
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Skippy: This smart pistol is unique because it talks and can be set to either non-lethal or headshot-only mode. While its damage might not be the highest, its smart-targeting capability makes it incredibly easy to use, especially early in the game.
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Overwatch: Panam Palmer’s sniper rifle is a silenced power sniper rifle with incredible range and damage. Its built-in silencer is perfect for stealthy players who want to take out enemies from afar.
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Fenrir: Early game power submachine gun available by visiting a monk near the northern docks area of Watson. After helping him save his brother, you’ll be able to grab this iconic weapon from the Maelstrom gang. Fenrir is great at absolutely melting enemies.
Beyond the Basics: Mods, Perks, and Build Synergies
Simply finding a powerful weapon isn’t enough. To truly maximize its potential, you need to consider mods, perks, and how it fits into your overall build.
Mods: Fine-Tuning Your Firepower
Mods can significantly enhance your weapon’s performance. Look for mods that boost damage, increase accuracy, reduce recoil, or add elemental effects. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your playstyle.
Perks: Enhancing Your Skills
Investing in perks that complement your weapon of choice is crucial. For example, if you’re using a power pistol, invest in perks that increase pistol damage, accuracy, and reload speed. Similarly, if you’re using a tech weapon, invest in perks that enhance your tech abilities and allow you to charge weapons faster.
Build Synergies: Creating the Ultimate Killing Machine
The best weapons are those that synergize with your overall build. If you’re a stealthy netrunner, you might prefer silenced pistols and smart weapons that allow you to take out enemies from afar without being detected. If you’re a melee-focused character, you might prefer shotguns and submachine guns that excel in close-quarters combat.
FAQs: Answering Your Burning Questions About Cyberpunk 2077 Guns
1. What is the best gun to get early in Cyberpunk 2077?
Fenrir, the power submachine gun, is an excellent early-game choice. It deals significant thermal damage and can be obtained relatively early in Watson. It’s a solid choice for crowd control and taking down tough enemies.
2. Is it better to buy or find weapons in Cyberpunk 2077?
Generally, it’s better to find weapons in the world, especially iconic weapons. Upgrading weapons can be costly and doesn’t always provide the same benefits as finding a naturally higher-tier weapon. Money is best spent on cyberware.
3. What is the highest weapon tier in Cyberpunk 2077?
The highest weapon tier is Tier 5, with two Plus levels (Tier 5++).
4. Is Lizzie’s pistol missable?
No, the Lizzie pistol is not missable. It becomes available after unlocking “The Space In Between” main job, which is part of the main questline after “Automatic Love.”
5. What is the highest single-shot damage possible in Cyberpunk 2077?
With the right build, perks, and weapon modifications, it’s possible to deal millions of damage with a single bullet. Some players have reported dealing over 22 million damage with a single shot.
6. What is the best non-lethal weapon in Cyberpunk 2077?
Skippy (set to Puppy-Loving Pacifist Mode) is a great option because its smart-targeting capabilities make it easy to consistently incapacitate enemies. Gorilla Arms are also an excellent choice for non-lethal takedowns.
7. Are Gorilla Arms lethal in Cyberpunk 2077?
No, Gorilla Arms are primarily non-lethal. They hit hard and can be used to knock out enemies without killing them.
8. What are the rarest guns in Cyberpunk 2077?
Some of the rarest guns include Johnny Silverhand’s Revolver which has been reported to be found only when using a no-clip mod in certain areas of the game. Generally, well-rolled Tier 5++ iconic weapons are also considered rare due to the RNG involved in their acquisition.
9. What is the strongest arm cyberware in Cyberpunk 2077?
The Projectile Launch System is often considered the strongest, especially for ranged builds. It essentially gives you a rocket launcher attached to your arm, dealing massive explosive damage.
10. Should I disassemble or sell guns in Cyberpunk 2077?
Disassemble higher-tier (Green/Blue/etc.) weapons and clothing. The components you get are more valuable than the selling price. Sell Tier 1 (white) items, as you’ll find plenty of those.
11. Can you get Lizzie after Automatic Love?
Yes, you can get the Lizzie pistol after the “Automatic Love” quest, specifically after unlocking “The Space In Between” main job.
12. How do you get Johnny Silverhand’s arm in Cyberpunk 2077?
You don’t actually get Johnny Silverhand’s physical arm as a cyberware option in the game. After completing “Chippin’ In,” a common item will appear in your inventory. It’s just a collectible.
13. What is the strongest pistol in Cyberpunk 2077 for stealth?
The Pariah is a solid stealth pistol that can be acquired. With three shots per trigger pull, it can take down an enemy with a burst of shots.
14. Can you dual wield in Cyberpunk 2077?
No, V cannot dual-wield weapons in Cyberpunk 2077.
15. Are legendary Gorilla Arms worth it in Cyberpunk 2077?
Yes, legendary Gorilla Arms are absolutely worth it. They provide significant damage, enhance your melee capabilities, and allow you to force open locked doors and rip turrets from their bases.
Conclusion
Choosing the best gun in Cyberpunk 2077 is a matter of personal preference and build optimization. Experiment with different weapons, find what suits your playstyle, and don’t be afraid to invest in mods and perks to maximize your firepower. Night City is a dangerous place, but with the right weapon in your hand, you’ll be ready to face any challenge. And don’t forget to explore the world of gaming and learning at the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org), where research explores how games can enhance education and engagement.