Mastering Non-Lethal Quickhacks in Cyberpunk 2077
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The world of Cyberpunk 2077 offers players a myriad of ways to tackle missions, from guns blazing to stealthy infiltrations. For those seeking a more pacifistic approach, quickhacks provide a powerful suite of options for incapacitating enemies without resorting to lethal force. But which quickhacks are non-lethal? Understanding the nuances of quickhacks is critical for a successful non-lethal playthrough.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the non-lethal quickhacks available to Netrunners in Night City:
- Short Circuit: A classic, and generally reliable, non-lethal option. Short Circuit fries an enemy’s neural implants, causing them to collapse unconscious. However, be cautious of environmental hazards or other enemies that might inadvertently harm the incapacitated target.
- Overheat: This quickhack raises an enemy’s body temperature to an unbearable level, causing them to faint from the heat. While potentially alarming, Overheat is designed to be non-lethal.
- Contagion: This quickhack applies a debilitating status effect that can spread to nearby enemies. While it deals damage over time, Contagion is also considered non-lethal, causing enemies to become weakened and eventually pass out. Contagion‘s spread can also create tactical openings for stealth maneuvers or further non-lethal attacks.
- System Reset: This potent quickhack completely shuts down an enemy’s cyberware and neural functions, resulting in immediate incapacitation. System Reset is a powerful control option for neutralizing even heavily augmented targets.
- Shock: A quickhack which causes an enemy to fall unconsicous.
It’s important to note that while these quickhacks are inherently non-lethal, certain factors can still lead to unintended deaths. Here are a few things to consider:
- Environmental Hazards: If an incapacitated enemy falls into water, off a ledge, or into fire, they can still die. Always be mindful of the surrounding environment.
- Follow-Up Attacks: Even with non-lethal weapons, hitting an unconscious enemy can trigger a lethal blow. Avoid attacking enemies after they’ve been incapacitated.
- Game Glitches: While rare, glitches can sometimes cause non-lethal attacks to have unintended lethal consequences. Save frequently to avoid losing progress.
By understanding which quickhacks are non-lethal and being mindful of these potential pitfalls, players can successfully complete missions using a non-lethal approach. It is also worth noting that a non-lethal approach leads to better storytelling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Non-Lethal Quickhacks
1. Is Short Circuit always non-lethal?
Generally, yes. Short Circuit is designed to be a non-lethal quickhack. However, glitches, environmental factors, or follow-up attacks can sometimes lead to unintended deaths. Always double-check the environment and avoid attacking incapacitated targets.
2. Can I use Overheat on Cyberpsychos without killing them?
Yes, Overheat is a non-lethal quickhack and can be used to incapacitate Cyberpsychos. However, remember to finish the job with a blunt weapon after reducing their health to a low level (around 5-10%) to ensure a non-lethal takedown.
3. Does Contagion deal lethal damage over time?
While Contagion does deal damage over time, it is designed to be non-lethal. The damage is intended to weaken enemies until they are incapacitated, not kill them.
4. What is the best way to neutralize a Cyberpsycho non-lethally?
Lower their health with standard weapons, then use a blunt weapon to finish the job. Alternatively, use non-lethal quickhacks like Short Circuit, Overheat, Contagion, or System Reset. Using cyberware modifications such as Target Analysis will help to neutralize a Cyberpsycho non-lethally.
5. Will unconscious enemies wake up in Cyberpunk 2077?
No, once an enemy is unconscious, they will not wake up on their own. However, other enemies may discover them and raise the alarm.
6. Does using non-lethal methods affect the story?
The main storyline remains unaffected by your choice of lethal or non-lethal tactics. However, some side quests and gigs may have slight variations in dialogue or rewards depending on whether you keep the target alive. The Games Learning Society provides more insights into how games can be used for education and storytelling at GamesLearningSociety.org.
7. Do I get more money for completing missions non-lethally?
In some cases, yes. Certain gigs, particularly those given by Fixers who specifically request a non-lethal approach, will reward you with more eddies (Cyberpunk 2077’s currency) if you succeed in keeping the target alive. Regina Jones will also give more money for keeping a Cyberpsycho alive.
8. Are there any cyberware mods that make all my weapons non-lethal?
Yes, the Target Analysis cyberware mod makes all weapons non-lethal, allowing you to use your preferred weaponry without accidentally killing enemies.
9. Do fists count as non-lethal weapons?
Yes, V’s fists are considered non-lethal. This makes them a reliable option for knocking out enemies silently. Enhanced Gorilla Arms further improve your non-lethal melee capabilities.
10. If an enemy is already down, will hitting them with a non-lethal weapon kill them?
Yes, unfortunately, hitting an unconscious enemy with any weapon, even a non-lethal one, can result in their death. Avoid attacking enemies after they’ve been incapacitated. This is also true of hitting an enemy with lethal weapons.
11. Are Gorilla Arms a good option for non-lethal takedowns?
Yes, Gorilla Arms are an excellent choice for non-lethal combat. They significantly increase your punching power, allowing you to knock out enemies quickly and efficiently.
12. Besides quickhacks, what are other non-lethal weapon options?
Besides quickhacks, good non-lethal weapon options include blunt weapons like baseball bats, wrenches, and certain unique weapons like Skippy (in Puppy Loving Pacifist mode) and Sir John Phallustiff.
13. Can I combine quickhacks for a more effective non-lethal approach?
Yes, combining quickhacks can be highly effective. For example, using Cripple Movement to slow an enemy down before deploying Short Circuit can make the takedown easier. A popular combination is Synapse Burnout + Overheat.
14. Is there a “best” cyberdeck for a non-lethal Netrunner build?
The NetWatch Netdriver Mk.5 is often considered one of the best cyberdecks for Netrunners, as it enhances your quickhack abilities. Experiment with different cyberdecks to find one that suits your playstyle.
15. Does using a Monowire count as a non-lethal weapon?
No, the Monowire is classified as a Blade weapon, and therefore deals lethal damage. It is not suitable for a non-lethal playthrough.