Best Weapons in Cyberpunk 2077: Top Picks for Every Build (2025)

Choosing the right weapon in Cyberpunk 2077 can make all the difference between surviving a street fight and dominating the battlefield.

With so many guns, blades, and tech weapons available, knowing which ones are worth using is key to building a powerful character.

This guide breaks down the best weapons in Cyberpunk 2077 for every playstyle — whether you prefer long-range precision, brutal melee combat, smart weaponry, or raw tech power.

We’ll cover pistols, rifles, melee weapons, and heavy guns to help you find the right fit for your build and playstyle.

Key Takeaways

• Weapon choice should match your character build and combat style.
• Iconic and Legendary weapons offer unique perks and better performance.
• Smart Weapons auto-target enemies, Tech Weapons shoot through cover, and Power Weapons offer raw force.
• Upgrading and customizing weapons is essential for surviving late-game battles.
• Some of the best weapons are hidden behind side quests, vendors, or Street Cred requirements.
  

Best Pistols in Cyberpunk 2077

Pistols in Cyberpunk 2077 are fast, deadly, and highly versatile. Whether you want a smart pistol that locks onto targets or a classic powerhouse that rewards good aim, pistols are an essential part of many builds.

Here are the best pistols you should be looking for if you want real firepower in Night City:

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Skippy (Smart Pistol)

Overview: Skippy is not just a gun — it’s a character. This smart pistol comes equipped with an AI that talks to you, makes jokes, and even comments on your shooting performance. More importantly, it auto-targets enemies, making it one of the easiest and most effective weapons for players who want to land quick, accurate shots without worrying about aiming.

Key Features:

• Smart Weapon Technology: Automatically locks onto enemies.
• Two Modes:
  • Puppy-Loving Pacifist Mode: Aims for the legs (non-lethal).
  • Stone Cold Killer Mode: Aims for the head (lethal).
• Level Scaling: Skippy increases its damage as you level up, making it viable even in mid-to-late game.

Pro Tip: Skippy will eventually switch back to its original mode no matter what you choose first, so plan your build around that if you’re going lethal.

How to Get Skippy:

• Find it during the “Machine Gun” side job.
• Location: An alley in Vista Del Rey, Heywood — Skippy is lying next to a dead body.

Why Players Love It:

• Easy critical hits.
• Great for quickhack-heavy builds that want a reliable sidearm.
• Memorable and fun to use because of Skippy’s unique AI.

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Malorian Arms 3516

Overview: The Malorian Arms 3516 is Johnny Silverhand’s iconic pistol, oozing style and raw power. It’s a heavy-hitting, fast-firing weapon that fits perfectly with aggressive, run-and-gun playstyles.

Key Features:

• Iconic Status: Comes with special modifications you can’t get elsewhere.
• High Damage Per Shot: Excellent for players who prefer manual aiming and precision.
• High Fire Rate: Fires quickly with low recoil compared to other pistols.

Pro Tip: Pair it with cyberware like Kerenzikov (slows down time when dodging or aiming) to create a deadly bullet-time assassin build.

How to Get Malorian Arms 3516:

• Complete the side quest “Chippin’ In” after progressing Johnny Silverhand’s storyline.

Why Players Love It:

• One of the best pistols for pure raw DPS (damage per second).
• Strong visual style with flaming barrel effects.
• Deep connection to Cyberpunk lore.

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Why Pistols Are Still Worth Using in Late Game

In Cyberpunk 2077, many players switch to heavy rifles or katanas later — but a well-upgraded pistol like Skippy or the Malorian can still dominate in late-game content.

Pistols benefit from specific perks in the Handguns skill tree, offering massive boosts to critical damage, headshot multipliers, and reduced recoil.

If you invest in pistol-focused perks and combine them with cyberware like Smart Link (for smart weapons) or Crit Boosters, pistols become some of the deadliest weapons you can use — even against armored enemies and bosses.

Best Rifles and SMGs in Cyberpunk 2077

Rifles and SMGs dominate mid-to-long range combat in Cyberpunk 2077. Whether you want pinpoint accuracy, brutal firepower, or rapid takedowns, the right rifle or SMG can carry you through the toughest missions in Night City.

Here are the top picks you need to know about:

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Divided We Stand (Smart Assault Rifle)

Overview: Divided We Stand is an Iconic smart assault rifle that locks onto multiple enemies at once. It’s built for players who want maximum crowd control with minimal effort.

Key Features:

• Smart Weapon Technology: Auto-targets multiple enemies simultaneously.
• High Rate of Fire: Shreds through groups quickly.
• Iconic Modifications: Boosts damage and accuracy compared to standard smart rifles.

Pro Tip: Pair it with a Smart Link cyberware implant to get full auto-aim tracking benefits.

How to Get Divided We Stand:

• Win the shooting competition in the “Stadium Love” side job in Rancho Coronado, Santo Domingo.
• (Tip: Save before the event — it’s easy to miss.)

Why Players Love It:

• Clears rooms without having to aim manually.
• Perfect for hacker builds and fast movers.

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Problem Solver (SMG)

Overview: The Problem Solver is an Iconic SMG known for its insane fire rate. It’s made for players who believe in overwhelming enemies with sheer volume of bullets.

Key Features:

• Extremely High Fire Rate: Melts enemies at close range.
• Large Magazine Size: Minimal reloading during intense fights.
• Custom Iconic Upgrades: Better stability and recoil control.

Pro Tip: Works best with body-focused builds that can soak up a little damage while rushing in.

How to Get Problem Solver:

• Loot it from enemies during the “Riders on the Storm” side mission in Panam’s questline.

Why Players Love It:

• Great for aggressive players who want to shred enemies at point-blank range.
• Feels unstoppable when modded properly with crit or recoil mods.

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Widow Maker (Tech Precision Rifle)

Overview: The Widow Maker is a Tech Rifle that fires two projectiles per shot and can charge shots to penetrate cover.
It’s brutal for sharpshooters and tech specialists.

Key Features:

• Tech Weapon Advantage: Shoots through walls and cover.
• Poison Damage: Adds extra DoT (damage over time) on enemies.
• High Critical Damage: Devastating for stealth and precision builds.

Pro Tip: Charge your shots fully before firing to maximize wall-piercing power.

How to Get Widow Maker:

• Kill Nash during the “Ghost Town” side job with Panam.

Why Players Love It:

• Best for stealth-tech builds.
• Useful in ambush situations where you want to clear enemies without exposing yourself.

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Why Rifles and SMGs Stay Relevant at All Levels

Smart rifles and tech rifles scale extremely well with character level, weapon mods, and cyberware upgrades.

Players who invest in Assault or Engineering perk trees can turn these rifles into absolute death machines — capable of clearing whole squads before they know what hit them.

Best Melee Weapons in Cyberpunk 2077

Melee combat in Cyberpunk 2077 offers brutal, up-close action for players who prefer getting their hands dirty. With the right blades or cyberware, you can slice, smash, or tear through enemies faster than any gunfight.

Here are the best melee options to dominate Night City:

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Satori (Katana)

Overview: Satori is an Iconic katana known for its ridiculously high critical hit damage. If you love stealth takedowns or fast-paced melee combat, this blade is a top-tier choice.

Key Features:

• Massive Crit Damage Boost: +500% critical hit damage.
• Light and Fast: Great swing speed for chaining attacks.
• Iconic Look: A sleek red energy blade tied to Arasaka lore.

Pro Tip: Focus on crit-focused cyberware like Kerenzikov and Synaptic Accelerator to maximize your deadly first strikes.

How to Get Satori:

• During the Heist mission early in the game, go to Saburo Arasaka’s private AV and loot it before leaving the area.
• Important: It’s missable if you don’t grab it during the mission!

Why Players Love It:

• Devastating first-hit damage for stealth or speed builds.
• Perfect for players who favor hit-and-run tactics.

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Mantis Blades (Cyberware Melee Weapon)

Overview: Mantis Blades are cybernetic arm upgrades that turn you into a walking death machine. They allow fast, deadly slashes and lethal aerial attacks, ideal for close-quarters ambushes.

Key Features:

• Cyberware Integration: Replaces your standard melee attack with deadly retractable blades.
• High Mobility: Enables leap attacks and quick finishers.
• Upgradeable Mods: You can enhance damage, add bleed effects, or even cause electrical shocks.

Pro Tip: Combine Mantis Blades with cyberware that boosts melee damage or stamina recovery to stay lethal in extended fights.

How to Get Mantis Blades:

• Can be purchased from various Ripperdocs around Night City once you have enough Street Cred and eddies.
• Rare versions can be found in loot chests, especially near Corpo Plaza.

Why Players Love It:

• Makes melee combat incredibly stylish and powerful.
• Allows “predator-style” hunting tactics in dense areas.

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Why Melee Weapons Are Still Strong in Cyberpunk 2077

With the right perks in the Blades or Street Brawler trees, melee weapons scale heavily into late-game content.

You can achieve insane crit multipliers, lightning-fast attacks, and high stamina regeneration, making melee a deadly — and stylish — playstyle even against elite enemies and bosses.

Best Heavy Weapons in Cyberpunk 2077

Heavy weapons in Cyberpunk 2077 bring raw power to the battlefield.

Whether you prefer shredding enemies with explosive firepower or landing devastating sniper shots, heavy weapons give you the edge when stealth and speed aren’t enough.

Here are the top heavy hitters to grab:

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Lizzie (Smart Pistol / SMG Hybrid)

Overview: Lizzie blurs the line between smart pistol and SMG, offering high burst fire with smart-targeting capabilities. It’s fast, stylish, and deadly — a perfect weapon for players who love quick kills and techy setups.

Key Features:

• Smart Weapon Tech: Bullets track enemies.
• Burst Fire Mode: Fires multiple rounds with one pull.
• Thermal Damage: Deals extra burn damage.

Pro Tip: Lizzie is insanely good for stealth-tech builds. Pair it with Smart Link cyberware for full homing bullet support.

How to Get Lizzie:

• Found inside Lizzie’s Bar after completing “The Space in Between” side quest.
• Important: Pick it up before major story missions lock you out of the bar.

Why Players Love It:

• High DPS (damage per second) in close quarters.
• Easy to land critical hits with smart targeting.

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Overwatch (Sniper Rifle)

Overview: Overwatch is Panam Palmer’s iconic sniper rifle, offering massive one-shot power combined with a silencer for stealth operations.

Key Features:

• Integrated Silencer: Allows silent kills from long range.
• High Base Damage: One of the strongest sniper rifles available.
• Iconic Perks: Boosted headshot damage and handling.

Pro Tip: Use Overwatch with slow-motion cyberware like Kerenzikov to create a “bullet time” sniper build for clearing out enemies before they even know you’re there.

How to Get Overwatch:

• Reward for helping Panam during the side quest “Riders on the Storm.”

Why Players Love It:

• Combines raw power with stealth efficiency.
• Best sniper rifle for stealth-heavy builds.

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Why Heavy Weapons Matter in Endgame Fights

In late-game Cyberpunk 2077, heavy weapons like Lizzie and Overwatch give you the flexibility to dominate both open fights and stealth missions.

Smart-tech scaling, combined with the right cyberware and perks, turns these weapons into critical tools for surviving the hardest gigs and boss battles.

Where to Find the Best Weapons in Cyberpunk 2077

Many of the best weapons in Cyberpunk 2077 aren’t just lying around — you’ll have to complete certain missions, side quests, or earn enough Street Cred to unlock them.

Here’s how to make sure you get your hands on the best gear:

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Complete Iconic Side Missions

A lot of the top-tier weapons, like Malorian Arms 3516 and Overwatch, are rewards from specific storylines. Focus on completing side jobs tied to important characters like Panam, Rogue, and River Ward to unlock powerful gear.

Key Missions to Watch:

• “Chippin’ In” (Malorian Arms 3516)
• “Riders on the Storm” (Overwatch Sniper Rifle)
• “Machine Gun” (Skippy Smart Pistol)

Pro Tip: Always save before big missions. Some Iconic weapons are missable if you don’t grab them during the mission itself.

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Visit Ripperdocs and Vendors Regularly

Some high-end weapons and upgrades are sold by weapon vendors and Ripperdocs once your Street Cred is high enough.
Smart Weapons, Tech Weapons, and mods become available as you level up.

Key Vendors:

• Weapon Shops: Spread across Night City (e.g., Downtown, Japantown, Westbrook).
• Ripperdocs: Best place to install Smart Links and weapon upgrades.

Pro Tip: Check vendors often — their stock rotates based on your character level and Street Cred.

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Farm Gigs and NCPD Scanner Hustles

Quick side activities like NCPD Scanner Hustles and Gigs often reward you with rare or legendary weapons as loot.

Best Areas to Farm:

• City Center (Downtown)
• Heywood
• Santo Domingo

Pro Tip: Focus on high-level Scanner Hustles to grab Iconic weapons early without diving deep into main quests.

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Why It Pays to Hunt for Iconic Weapons

Iconic weapons aren’t just stronger — they also come with unique traits, lore significance, and upgrade paths that regular weapons can’t match.

Investing time into hunting these down gives you a long-term edge and makes your build feel unique and personalized.

FAQs About Weapons in Cyberpunk 2077

Can you upgrade Iconic weapons?
Yes. Iconic weapons can be upgraded multiple times as you level up. Upgrading preserves their special abilities and keeps them powerful throughout the game.

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Are Smart Weapons worth using?
Yes, especially for players who prefer speed and ease over precision aiming. Smart Weapons automatically track targets when paired with a Smart Link cyberware implant, making them deadly in chaotic fights.

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What’s the strongest sniper rifle in Cyberpunk 2077?
Overwatch is widely considered the best sniper rifle because of its high damage and built-in silencer. Nekomata is another strong choice for tech builds that want to shoot through walls.

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How do I get better weapons early in the game?
Complete Gigs, NCPD Scanner Hustles, and side missions. Focus on building up Street Cred early to unlock better weapons from vendors and hidden caches.

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Can weapons be modded in Cyberpunk 2077?
Yes. Most weapons can be equipped with attachments like scopes and silencers. Iconic weapons often have special mods built-in, but you can still improve them with upgrades and perks.

Conclusion

Choosing the right weapons in Cyberpunk 2077 is critical to shaping your combat style and surviving Night City’s toughest battles.

Whether you prefer the precision of pistols, the raw firepower of rifles, the speed of SMGs, or the brutal impact of melee weapons, the best gear can transform your gameplay.

Focus on weapons that match your build and playstyle for maximum effectiveness. Don’t forget to upgrade and customize your favorites to keep them deadly into the late game.

Ready to optimize your entire setup?

To create a build that dominates Night City, start by checking out our guide to the Best Cyberware in Cyberpunk 2077. You’ll also want to explore our picks for the Best Cyberpunk 2077 Builds and see how different Cyberpunk 2077 Lifepaths can shape your gameplay.