Cyberpunk 2077 launched in December 2020 in a rough state, but it has changed enormously since. The biggest change came with Update 2.0 in September 2023, which rebuilt many of the systems that define moment-to-moment play. This guide explains what Cyberpunk 2077 gameplay looks like today: how combat works, how the perk and cyberware systems shape your build, what hacking is like, and how Night City responds when you break the law.
The basic picture
Cyberpunk 2077 is a first-person open-world action RPG set in Night City. You play V, a mercenary, and you choose how to approach each situation: shoot, cut, hack, sneak or talk. Missions branch, side jobs fill the city, and your build decides what options you have. Update 2.0 was free on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC, and it came with the Phantom Liberty expansion. CD Projekt Red recommends starting a new playthrough for the best experience, although older saves are compatible.
What Update 2.0 changed
- Perk trees: completely redesigned. The trees now contain fewer perks, but each one affects gameplay in a more meaningful way. Perks are more active, so they feel like new abilities, not simple stat bonuses.
- Cyberware: a complete redesign of cyberware mechanics. You can go as chrome as you want, and many of the small stat bonuses that used to live in the skill tree now come from implants.
- Police system: the NCPD chases you when you commit a crime, on foot or in a vehicle, and the response is more dynamic than before.
- Vehicle combat: you can shoot from vehicles, use mounted weapons and fight car to car, and you can hack nearby vehicles.
- Enemy AI: combat AI was overhauled, with more dynamic attacks and brutal melee moves.
- New items: over 100 new items, including weapons, clothing, cyberware and vehicles.
How progression works now
Progression is built on attributes, skills and perks. Skills level up by use, and each skill tree has several tiers of abilities that unlock as you invest points and raise the skill. The Technical Ability tree focuses on crafting and engineering. The Cool tree supports stealth. Body supports brute force and melee. Reflexes supports speed, blades and guns. Intelligence supports netrunning and quickhacking. Passive buffs also grow as you use certain activities, such as hacking or killing enemies with specific weapons. A reviewer who spent about twenty hours with 2.0 said the new system makes you excited to level up, which is a reason many fans consider it the version of the game that should have launched.
Combat styles
Guns
Gunplay is fast and punchy. You choose weapon types such as pistols, rifles, shotguns and snipers, with Iconic weapons that have unique effects. Some weapons shoot through walls with tech rounds, others ricochet or explode. Cover and movement matter, and the improved AI pushes you to adapt.
Melee and blades
A katana or mantis blades give a different flavor of combat. Players can deflect bullets with swords and throw enemies at other enemies. Video of the Samurai-style build shows how stylish and aggressive close combat can be.
Netrunning and quickhacks
Hacking lets you disable enemies, overload cyberware and create chaos from a distance. The Intelligence tree is dedicated to netrunning and quick hacking. It is a strong choice for players who want to fight without firing shots. You can combine hacking with stealth to clear a room without being seen.
Stealth
Stealth builds use silenced weapons, throwing knives and distraction to take out enemies one at a time. The Cool tree and stealth cyberware support this approach.
Cyberware in practice
Cyberware is a body-modification system. Implants occupy slots on your body, such as the operating system, the nervous system, the integumentary system and your hands. Some implants are active, such as Mantis Blades or Gorilla Arms, and others are passive, giving armor or health benefits. Capacity limits how much you can install, and you balance your build against that limit. You can find cyberware at ripperdocs, and prices grow with quality.
Police and the city
The police system is more reactive. If you commit a crime, the NCPD will chase you on foot or in a vehicle. You can lose them by breaking line of sight, hiding or driving out of the area. The change makes open-world exploration feel less static, since the city now responds to your actions.
Driving and vehicle combat
Cars and motorcycles are central to getting around Night City. With Update 2.0 you can fire weapons from the driver seat, use vehicle-mounted weapons, hack other vehicles, and take part in car chases. Vehicle combat adds a new layer to missions and street encounters.
Health and stamina
Health and stamina behavior changed in 2.0. You need to find the right window to heal and balance your attack methods so you are not left defenseless in a tight spot. Healing items and cyberware both play a role in surviving long fights.
How long does it take?
The main story takes roughly 15 to 25 hours in a focused playthrough, and a community figure for finishing the game with side content is around 106 hours. Phantom Liberty adds a spy thriller story expansion.
Tips for a smooth start
- Pick a playstyle early, such as gunslinger, netrunner or blade, and put your first perk points into that tree.
- Visit a ripperdoc early to get a feel for cyberware capacity.
- Do not rely on one tactic. Mixing hacking, stealth and gunfire makes tough fights easier.
- Use cover and pay attention to enemy types.
- Take your time with side jobs, since they teach you the city.
Open world and side content
Night City is full of things to do besides the main story. Gigs are short jobs from fixers, side quests deepen the characters, and random street events such as crimes in progress give quick rewards. Exploring on foot and by vehicle is encouraged, since the city is dense and many of the most memorable moments are optional. The world responds to you through the police system, vehicle encounters and the influence of your lifepath on dialogue.
Phantom Liberty
The Phantom Liberty expansion, released alongside Update 2.0, adds a spy-thriller story set in a new district. It uses the same systems described here, including the redesigned perks and cyberware, so a build you create for the base game carries over. If you plan to play the expansion, start a new game with 2.0 so you have access to all the new systems from the beginning.
Difficulty and loadouts
You can adjust the difficulty to match how you like to play. On higher difficulties enemies hit harder and healing is more limited, so your build, cyberware and cover usage matter more. A well-rounded loadout includes a primary weapon you trust, a melee option for close quarters, a healing item and a few quickhacks or grenades for tough moments.
Frequently asked questions
What changed in Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.0?
Perk trees, cyberware, the police system, vehicle combat and enemy AI were redesigned or added.
Is Update 2.0 free?
Yes, for players who own the base game on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Do I need Phantom Liberty to get 2.0?
No. Update 2.0 is free. Phantom Liberty is a separate expansion.
Should I start a new game?
CD Projekt Red recommends a new playthrough for the best experience.
What are the main build styles?
Guns, melee blades, netrunning and stealth.
How long is the story?
About 15 to 25 hours for the main missions.