Best Cyberpunk 2077 Builds for Every Playstyle Guide

Introduction

One of Cyberpunk 2077’s greatest strengths is how much freedom it gives players to shape their character. Whether you prefer stealth, hacking, melee combat, or long-range precision, the game offers deep systems to support every style of play.

Choosing the right build can make the difference between feeling unstoppable and struggling through missions. With the major updates introduced in Patch 2.0 and the Phantom Liberty expansion, Cyberpunk 2077’s perk trees, cyberware, and combat mechanics have evolved, making some builds stronger and more flexible than ever.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best builds for different playstyles, from silent assassins to aggressive street samurai. You’ll learn where to spend your attribute points, which perks matter most, and how to equip cyberware and gear that complements your strengths.

Whether you’re a new player or returning to Night City after a break, this guide will help you create a character that feels powerful, responsive, and fun to play.

Key Takeaways

• Stealth Build: Focus on Cool and Reflexes to specialize in silent takedowns, stealth movement, and cold-blooded efficiency.
• Netrunner Build: Use Intelligence to master quickhacks, disable enemies remotely, and manipulate the battlefield through cyberwarfare.
• Melee Build: Prioritize Body and Reflexes to unleash devastating speed and strength in close combat with blades and fists.
• Ranged Build: Build around Reflexes and Technical Ability to dominate at long range with smart weapons, rifles, and sniper gear.
• Hybrid Build: Combine Body, Reflexes, and Technical Ability for a balanced character who adapts easily to any situation.

Best Cyberpunk 2077 Builds: Stealth Build (Silent Assassin)

The Stealth Build is perfect for players who prefer precision over chaos. Instead of rushing into combat, you move through Night City’s dangerous zones unseen, eliminating targets quietly and leaving no trace.
This build rewards patience, strategy, and smart movement.

Attributes

Focus on these two attributes:

• Cool: Boosts stealth, critical hit damage, and Cold Blood effects.
• Reflexes: Enhances movement speed and evasion, making it easier to reposition without being detected.

Secondary attribute to consider:

• Intelligence: Useful if you want to combine stealth with hacking support.

Key Perks

Prioritize perks in the following areas:

• Stealth Tree (Cool Attribute):
  • Crouching Tiger: Move faster while crouched.
  • Assassin: Deal more damage to human enemies.
  • Silent and Deadly: Increases damage with silenced weapons.
• Cold Blood Tree (Cool Attribute):
  • Cold Blood: Activates buffs after defeating enemies.
  • Blood Brawl: Improves melee damage after activating Cold Blood.
• Reflexes Tree:
  • Multitasker: Allows shooting while sprinting or sliding, useful for fast silent takedowns.

Recommended Cyberware

Install these cybernetic upgrades to enhance stealth:

• Optical Camo: Grants temporary invisibility, ideal for sneaking past groups.
• Synaptic Accelerator: Slows time when detected, giving you a chance to react.
• Reflex Tuners: Activates a slow-motion effect when health drops low, helping in tight situations.

Best Weapons

Choose weapons that support silent takedowns:

• Silenced Pistols: Pistols like the Unity or Overture fitted with silencers.
• Throwing Knives: Lightweight, lethal, and retrievable for silent eliminations.
• Silenced SMGs: Useful for quick cleanup if stealth fails.

Playstyle Tips

• Always scan environments for cameras and enemies before moving.
• Invest early in movement speed perks to cross open spaces faster.
• Prioritize upgrades that reduce visibility and sound.

The Stealth Build is one of the most satisfying ways to play Cyberpunk 2077, allowing you to dominate missions without ever triggering alarms.

Best Cyberpunk 2077 Builds: Netrunner Build (Master Hacker)

The Netrunner Build turns you into a digital assassin, capable of disabling, controlling, or even eliminating enemies without ever firing a shot.
Instead of fighting directly, you hack into networks, enemy cyberware, and infrastructure to win battles from a distance.

This build is perfect for players who enjoy strategy, control, and creativity in combat.

Attributes

Focus on these primary attributes:

• Intelligence: Core to quickhacking abilities, RAM recovery, and hack damage.
• Cool: Enhances stealth skills, making it easier to stay hidden while hacking.

Secondary attribute to consider:

• Technical Ability: Improves crafting and cyberdeck upgrade options.

Key Perks

Invest in these critical areas:

• Quickhacking Tree (Intelligence Attribute):
  • Biosynergy: Regenerates RAM passively over time.
  • Critical Error: Allows quickhacks to critically hit.
  • Subliminal Message: Increases quickhack damage against unaware enemies.
• Device Hacking Tree (Intelligence Attribute):
  • Grease Monkey: Allows crafting of epic quickhacks.
  • Mnemonic: Reduces RAM cost for repeated quickhacks on the same target.
• Stealth Tree (Cool Attribute):
  • Strike from the Shadows: Increases critical hit chance while sneaking.

Recommended Cyberware

Upgrade your body with these implants:

• NetWatch Netdriver Cyberdeck: Offers faster upload speeds and higher RAM capacity.
• Memory Boosters: Speeds up RAM recovery after using hacks.
• Camillo RAM Manager: Restores RAM when health drops, keeping you in the fight longer.

Best Weapons

While hacking is your main weapon, having silent backups helps:

• Silenced Pistols: Lightweight and reliable for emergencies.
• Smart SMGs: Target enemies automatically if detected mid-hack.

Playstyle Tips

• Stay at a distance and use the environment: cameras, turrets, and drones are all assets.
• Stack quickhacks that damage over time (like Contagion) with disabling hacks (like Short Circuit).
• Always keep your cyberdeck upgraded for faster uploads and stronger effects.

The Netrunner Build is one of the most flexible and creative ways to dominate Night City, rewarding patience, planning, and tactical thinking.

Best Cyberpunk 2077 Builds: Melee Build (Street Samurai)

The Melee Build transforms V into a fast, brutal warrior who excels in close-quarters combat.
Rather than relying on guns or hacks, you dominate enemies with raw physical power, blades, and cyber-enhanced fists.

This build is perfect for players who enjoy aggressive, fast-paced action and direct confrontations.

Attributes

Focus heavily on these attributes:

• Body: Boosts health, stamina, melee damage, and resilience.
• Reflexes: Increases movement speed, evasion, and critical hit chance with blades.

Secondary attribute to consider:

• Cool: Helps with survivability through Cold Blood bonuses in combat.

Key Perks

Prioritize perks that enhance melee combat:

• Blades Tree (Reflexes Attribute):
  • Deathbolt: Boosts movement speed and attack speed after a kill.
  • Judge, Jury, Executioner: Deals bonus damage to enemies at full health.
  • Bloodlust: Restores health on successful blade hits.
• Athletics Tree (Body Attribute):
  • Invincible: Increases maximum health.
  • Steel and Chrome: Improves melee weapon damage.
• Cold Blood Tree (Cool Attribute):
  • Rapid Bloodflow: Increases health regeneration during combat.

Recommended Cyberware

Enhance your melee dominance with these upgrades:

• Mantis Blades: Iconic arm-mounted blades for fast, deadly attacks.
• Gorilla Arms: Boosts blunt melee strength for devastating punches.
• Reflex Tuners: Slows down time automatically when health drops low.

Best Weapons

Focus on fast, lethal melee options:

• Katanas: Quick, precise, and perfect for slicing through enemies.
• Blunt Weapons: Like baseball bats and hammers, ideal for non-lethal takedowns.
• Knife Throwing: Quick ranged melee attacks for enemies just out of reach.

Playstyle Tips

• Close the gap quickly by using dash and sprint upgrades.
• Attack first and keep moving to maintain momentum.
• Focus on critical hits and health regeneration to stay in fights longer.

The Melee Build is for players who want to get up close, feel every hit, and finish fights fast with style and strength.

Best Cyberpunk 2077 Builds: Ranged Build (Sharpshooter)

The Ranged Build focuses on precision, speed, and efficiency at a distance.
Instead of relying on close combat or hacking, you eliminate threats before they can reach you, using powerful firearms and smart targeting systems.

This build is ideal for players who prefer tactical positioning, quick reflexes, and mastering long-range engagements.

Attributes

Prioritize these attributes:

• Reflexes: Increases critical hit chance, movement speed, and weapon handling for rifles and pistols.
• Technical Ability: Boosts crafting, armor upgrades, and improves durability in combat.

Secondary attribute to consider:

• Cool: Enhances stealth capabilities for silent long-range eliminations.

Key Perks

Focus on perks that sharpen your ranged skills:

• Assault Tree (Reflexes Attribute):
  • Bullseye: Increases damage with rifles while aiming.
  • Hunter’s Discipline: Restores stamina after successful ranged attacks.
  • Long Shot Drop Pop: Deals bonus damage to distant targets.
• Engineering Tree (Technical Ability Attribute):
  • Gun Whisperer: Improves smart weapon tracking.
  • Mech Looter: Automatically loot robots and drones after kills.
• Stealth Tree (Cool Attribute):
  • Sniper: Increases headshot damage from long distances.

Recommended Cyberware

Install these upgrades to optimize ranged combat:

• Smart Link: Enhances smart weapon tracking for easier targeting.
• Kerenzikov: Allows shooting while dodging, useful for mobile engagements.
• Trajectory Generator: Displays bullet trajectories when aiming, perfect for sniping.

Best Weapons

Equip weapons suited for distance and precision:

• Sniper Rifles: High damage at extreme range, ideal for one-shot eliminations.
• Precision Rifles: Reliable at mid to long range with excellent accuracy.
• Smart Assault Rifles: Target enemies automatically with smart-link technology.

Playstyle Tips

• Maintain high ground whenever possible for visibility and control.
• Prioritize headshots and critical damage modifiers on your weapons.
• Use mobility perks to reposition quickly if detected.

The Ranged Build rewards players who take their time, line up perfect shots, and dominate the battlefield from a position of strength and safety.

Best Cyberpunk 2077 Builds: Hybrid Build (Ultimate Solo)

The Hybrid Build combines strength, agility, and resilience to create a versatile character capable of adapting to any situation.
Instead of specializing in one area, you balance different skills to fight, hack, sneak, or negotiate your way through Night City.

This build is perfect for players who value flexibility and want to be prepared for anything the game throws at them.

Attributes

Balance these three attributes:

• Body: Increases health, stamina, and survivability in direct combat.
• Reflexes: Enhances movement speed, critical hit chance, and weapon handling.
• Technical Ability: Boosts armor crafting and provides access to higher-end gear upgrades.

Secondary attribute to consider:

• Cool: Adds stealth and Cold Blood bonuses to further enhance versatility.

Key Perks

Focus on well-rounded perks:

• Athletics Tree (Body Attribute):
  • Regeneration: Regain health automatically during combat.
  • True Grit: Increases stamina regeneration, supporting sustained firefights.
• Assault Tree (Reflexes Attribute):
  • Executioner: Deal more damage to wounded enemies.
  • Multitasker: Allows shooting while sprinting, sliding, or vaulting.
• Engineering Tree (Technical Ability Attribute):
  • Field Technician: Increases crafted weapon damage.
  • Grease Monkey: Allows crafting of epic and legendary items.
• Cold Blood Tree (Cool Attribute):
  • Coolagulant: Extends buffs granted by Cold Blood, improving survivability.

Recommended Cyberware

Equip cyberware that supports multiple roles:

• Subdermal Armor: Increases overall damage resistance.
• Berserk Operating System: Boosts melee damage, health regeneration, and resistances when activated.
• Smart Link: Allows easy tracking with smart weapons for adaptability in ranged combat.

Best Weapons

Use a versatile arsenal:

• Pistols: For quick, precise engagements.
• Shotguns: Ideal for close-quarters battles.
• Smart Weapons: Adapt to mid-range or chaotic fights with easier targeting.

Playstyle Tips

• Switch tactics depending on the mission — stealth when possible, full force when necessary.
• Craft and upgrade your gear regularly to stay ahead.
• Use Cold Blood buffs to maintain momentum during long fights.

The Hybrid Build offers the best of all worlds, giving you the freedom to adapt, survive, and thrive no matter what challenges you face in Cyberpunk 2077.

Best Cyberpunk 2077 Builds: Tips for Choosing the Right Build

Choosing the right build in Cyberpunk 2077 comes down to your personal playstyle and the kind of experience you want in Night City.
Here are a few important tips to guide your decision:

Play to Your Natural Strengths

If you prefer fast, aggressive action, melee or hybrid builds will feel natural.
If you enjoy strategy and control, stealth or netrunner builds offer a more thoughtful pace.

Choosing a build that fits your instinctive style makes the game more enjoyable and easier to master.

Focus Your Attribute Points

Avoid spreading your points across every attribute.
Pick two or three core attributes that complement each other and stick with them.
Specialized characters feel stronger and unlock more powerful perks earlier.

Customize as You Progress

Cyberpunk 2077 allows flexibility.
If you find your initial build isn’t matching your evolving style, you can respec attribute points and perks later in the game.

Experiment with different weapons, cyberware, and playstyles until you find the combination that feels best.

Think Ahead to Phantom Liberty

If you plan to play the Phantom Liberty expansion, consider builds that are resilient in high-pressure combat and adaptable to new mechanics introduced in Dogtown.

No build is wrong — the best build is the one that keeps you engaged, challenged, and immersed in Night City’s dangerous streets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you respec your attributes and perks in Cyberpunk 2077?

Yes. After the 2.0 update, you can respec perks freely and respec attributes using special items called Tabula E-Rasa. This allows you to completely rebuild your character if you want to change playstyles later in the game.

What is the easiest build for beginners in Cyberpunk 2077?

A Ranged Build is often considered the easiest for new players. It offers strong survivability, safe engagement distances, and simple mechanics using rifles and smart weapons. It’s a forgiving choice while learning the game’s systems.

Are stealth builds still viable after Patch 2.0?

Yes. Stealth builds remain powerful, especially with upgrades to stealth perks and improved enemy AI behavior. Quick takedowns, silenced weapons, and Cold Blood bonuses are all still very effective.

What build is best for the Phantom Liberty expansion?

Hybrid and Ranged Builds are excellent for Phantom Liberty. Dogtown’s tougher enemies and chaotic battles favor players who can adapt, use both mobility and firepower, and survive heavy engagements.

Do builds affect the ending of Cyberpunk 2077?

No. Builds influence how you approach missions and fights but do not change the available endings.

Conclusion

Cyberpunk 2077 offers one of the most flexible character-building systems in modern RPGs. Whether you prefer silent stealth, devastating melee, high-tech hacking, or precision shooting, the game gives you the tools to shape your experience exactly how you want.

With the updates from Patch 2.0 and the Phantom Liberty expansion, builds are more powerful and satisfying than ever.
Choosing the right attributes, perks, cyberware, and gear lets you take full control of V’s journey through Night City.

The best build is the one that matches your playstyle — whether that means slipping through the shadows, launching remote hacks, dominating the battlefield in melee, or striking from a distance.

Experiment, adapt, and create a character that feels uniquely yours.

Want a full overview of the game? Read our Complete Cyberpunk 2077 Guide to explore Night City from start to finish.

Night City is ready. The rest is up to you.