Updated December 13, 2024, by Christopher Norman Worcester: As 2024 concludes, Cyberpunk 2077 stands out as a remarkable success story in gaming. After a challenging launch, the transformative 2.0 update and Phantom Liberty expansion have propelled the game back into the spotlight. This resurgence is reflected in our guide for the best Netrunner build in 2.1, designed for both newcomers and veterans to excel as the new year unfolds.
The recent updates have redefined the Netrunner experience within Cyberpunk 2077. Previously overshadowed by other play styles, the hacking mechanics were streamlined, yet often lacked the challenge associated with high-level Netrunning. With comprehensive renovations made in the Cyberware and quickhack systems, strategic gameplay is now essential, allowing players to fully engage with their Netrunner roles.
Now is the ideal moment to dive into Cyberpunk 2077 for players eager to explore the intricate layers of Netrunning. This guide will navigate you through the diverse Cyberware options and quickhacks, empowering you to become the ultimate Netrunner in the Cyberpunk universe.
Cyberpunk 2077 2.1 Netrunner Overview
Netrunners are pivotal to the expansive lore of Cyberpunk 2077. These cybernetic warriors utilize their Cyberdecks and Cyberware implants to infiltrate networks from a distance, enabling more combat-oriented allies, like Solos and Edgerunners, to handle front-line battles. Nonetheless, danger lurks in every corner; the fate of Bug, a Netrunner discovered during the Konpeki Plaza heist, serves as a sobering reminder of the risks involved. Thus, Netrunners must balance offense and defense meticulously when constructing their builds.
Best Netrunner Intelligence Build 2.1 – Cyberpunk 2077
This Best Netrunner Build is specifically crafted for players who have maxed out attributes and perk points following the base game and the Phantom Liberty expansion. The philosophy underpinning this build, along with the optimal path to achieve it, will be elaborated upon in the sections that follow.
Best Cyberpunk 2077 Netrunner Intelligence Attributes Overview:
- Body: 17 – Depending on personal preferences, a high Body score is situational; if players can accept reduced health, a lower limit may suffice.
- Intelligence: 20 – The most critical attribute for a Netrunner, it should be fully maximized.
- Reflexes: 9 – This is the minimum recommended score. The Dash perk is invaluable for quick escapes or rapid engagements.
- Technical Ability: 20 – Essential for all Netrunners, it also allows for the Edgerunner perk, increasing Cyberware capacity.
- Cool: 15 – For stealthy tactics, the Ninjitsu perk is a must-have. The Deadeye and Focus perks complement Netrunners who prefer sniper setups.
Best Cyberpunk 2077 Netrunner Perks Overview:
Perks are subject to individual play styles, yet several are fundamental for any dedicated Netrunner. Key perks include:
- Body: Painkiller, Fury Road, Adrenaline Rush Lvl. 3 (requires Level 15+).
- Intelligence: The epitome of a Netrunner build coincides with the ideal Intelligence build. All main attribute perks from pillars one and two should be fully upgraded, especially Warning: Explosion Hazard.
- Reflexes: Slippery and Dash Lvl 2.
- Technical Ability: Select health item recharge perks as necessary; Glutton For Punishment and Health Freak Lvl. 2 are recommended. Fully invest in the center tree, enhancing Cyberware.
- Cool: Accumulating 15 levels is beneficial for the Ninjitsu perk, enhancing base crouch movement speed while navigating combat areas unnoticed.
Best Netrunner Cyberware 2.1 – Cyberpunk 2077
For optimal Cyberware selections, players should frequent the Ripperdocs in Dogtown, a feature exclusive to the Phantom Liberty expansion. However, even players working with the base game will find much of the same inventory available at any Night City Ripperdoc, thanks to the unifying 2.0 update.
Among the myriad Cyberware options in Cyberpunk 2077, there are specific tools that stand out for Netrunners.
Best Netrunner Cyberdeck:
At the heart of every Netrunner’s offensive strategy lies their Cyberdeck. Each legendary Cyberdeck caters to varying playstyles, with three emerging as exceptional choices:
- Tetratronic Rippler Mk. 5: This Cyberdeck is well-suited for hybrid playstyles involving weapons and quickhacks. With a maximum +12 RAM at Tier 5++, it offers the highest RAM boost available.
- Netwatch Netdriver Mk. 1: The only Iconic Cyberdeck in the 2.0 update, tailored for Netrunners who prefer to deploy attacks via stationary devices, like cameras. Its impressive -50% RAM cost for device and vehicle quickhacks optimizes traditional Netrunner strategies.
- Militech Canto Mk. 6: Available exclusively in the Phantom Liberty DLC, this deck allows for unique experimental builds. While it halves the available quickhacks, it features the Blackwall Gateway quickhack, capable of infecting up to five enemies simultaneously within a 30m radius, albeit with potential bugs in spreading effectively.
Best Netrunner Frontal Cortex:
The Frontal Cortex is crucial for managing RAM, central to a Netrunner’s functionality. While many legendary Cyberware items excel, a few distinct options stand out:
- RAM Reallocator: Automatically recovers up to 30% of your maximum RAM when it falls below 20%.
- Ex-Disk: Enhances max RAM by 6 and boosts quickhack upload speed by up to 23% at Tier 5++.
- Self-Ice: Automatically negates one enemy quickhack and adds +2 RAM.
- Memory Boost: Grants 1.25 RAM for neutralizing enemies at Tier 5, alongside an additional +1 RAM.
- COX-2 Cybersomatic Optimizer: While it reduces overall max RAM, it allows quickhacks to inflict critical hits, making it a trade-off players should carefully consider.
Best Netrunner Skeleton:
When considering enhancements to the skeleton, Netrunners should prioritize:
- RAM Recoup: This enhancement restores RAM proportional to the damage received, offering a strategic advantage during combat.
Best Netrunner Face:
The 2.0 update introduced many new optical Cyberware options. Among them, Netrunners should consider:
- Kiroshi “The Oracle”Optics: This set reveals enemies, cameras, turrets, traps, and explosives at varying distances, making it essential for any Netrunner.
Best Netrunner Hands:
When selecting hand Cyberware, players should consider:
- Smart Link: Adding +2 to max RAM, the Smart Link is crucial for those utilizing Smart Weapons.
These Cyberware elements represent the fundamental tools for Netrunners. Players should personalize their remaining slots according to their specific play styles.
Best Netrunner Quickhacks:
Netrunners must decide on their specialization, with each Cyberdeck influencing the choice of quickhacks. However, some quickhacks are indispensable regardless of deck choice:
- Ping: The legendary version allows hacking devices through walls, especially helpful with the Netwatch Netdriver Cyberdeck.
- System Collapse: This untraceable quickhack is the ultimate ‘instant death’ tool, crucial in navigating enhanced tracing challenges.
- Short Circuit/Cyberware Malfunction: While each is strong independently, paired together, they become exceptionally powerful, particularly against drones and non-human adversaries.
- Contagion: As the original spreadable quickhack, it works wonders when used together with Overheat for explosive outcomes.
- Experiment with Pairings: Delve into each quickhack’s descriptions, as many legendary hacks interact in unique ways.
Although clothing has shifted away from providing combat advantages, Cyberpunk 2077 still offers legendary Netrunner armor that contributes significantly to the player’s overall Netrunner experience.
Cyberpunk 2077 Best Netrunner Build 2.1 Explained
The initial step in formulating a build is determining the distribution of attribute points. Intelligence and Technical Ability emerge as the most vital attributes for a Netrunner. Players should prioritize maxing Intelligence to 20, while other attributes can be tailored according to personal play styles. For instance, players might choose to max out Technical Ability to utilize the Edgerunner perk, enhancing both conventional combat and hacking skills. Opting between Cool and Reflexes depends on whether players lean towards stealth gameplay, with Cool powering stealthy interactions.
Character Creation:
Players commence the game with 3 points in each attribute category: Body, Intelligence, Reflexes, Technical Ability, and Cool. The character creation system allows the introduction of 7 additional points, constrained so no single category exceeds 6 points. Thus, a common strategy is to allocate 3 points to Intelligence, 3 to Technical Ability, and 1 in any chosen category, such as Body for enhanced health benefits.
In the early stages of gameplay, focusing on Body is wise for Netrunners. As players grow comfortable, key perks in Cool become more advantageous. Thanks to the Phantom Liberty DLC, an additional 10 attribute points become accessible by the game’s conclusion, providing greater flexibility in building characters. Nonetheless, aspiring Netrunners should remain focused on maximizing Intelligence and Technical Ability.
A versatile Netrunner, skilled in both ranged combat and hacking, can explore various points allocation. Here’s an example build optimizing for Overclock and Edgerunner perks:
Perk Points:
Most critical perks for Netrunners can be found within the Intelligence Tree. After securing the essential survival perks for Night City, players should prioritize ascending through the Intelligence tree. The various perks here cater specifically to enhancing Netrunner capabilities.
- Start with significant perks like Optimization, Embedded Exploit, and Eye in the Sky.
- Ultimately, aim for Overclock, facilitating quickhacks to be paid for using health when RAM is insufficient.
- As you build your Netrunner, focus on maximizing Max RAM, RAM Recovery, and Quickhack Damage.
- Utilize perks like Eye in the Sky to reveal cameras and access points automatically, essential for effective Netrunning in version 2.0.
- Become familiar with the Queue system introduced in 2.0, drastically amplifying your Netrunning skills.
- Remember, Netrunning is not an absolute class; embrace the fluid class structure of Cyberpunk 2077 and savor the process of crafting a unique Netrunner.
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