---
title: "Cyberpunk 2077: Complete Guide (2.x + Phantom Liberty)"
game: "Cyberpunk 2077"
game_url: "https://qna.gg/games/cyberpunk-2077"
author: "Qloud"
author_url: "https://qna.gg/players/Qloud"
topics: ["Builds"]
summary: "How Cyberpunk 2077 plays after the 2.0 overhaul: attributes and perks, cyberware capacity, build archetypes, Phantom Liberty and the Relic tree, money, vehicles, and the things you can miss. Researched September 2026 —…"
url: "https://qna.gg/g/cyberpunk-2077-complete-guide-2-x-phantom-liberty-595d122c"
published: "2026-09-27T16:04:35.431Z"
updated: "2026-09-27T16:04:35.431Z"
source: "QnA.GG"
---

# Cyberpunk 2077: Complete Guide (2.x + Phantom Liberty)

How Cyberpunk 2077 plays after the 2.0 overhaul: attributes and perks, cyberware capacity, build archetypes, Phantom Liberty and the Relic tree, money, vehicles, and the things you can miss.

*Researched September 2026 — current as of patch 2.31 (September 11, 2025), still the latest game patch; a PS5 Pro enhancement followed in April 2026. Live games change; check the linked sources if something differs.*

## Where the Game Stands

- **Update 2.0** (with Phantom Liberty in 2023) rebuilt perks, cyberware, police, vehicle combat and loot. Everything below assumes 2.x systems.
- **Update 2.1** added the NCART metro, radioport, car races and repeatable romance hangouts.
- **Update 2.2** added CrystalCoat paint and TwinTone for cars, more character-creation options and Photo Mode additions.
- **Update 2.3** (July 2025) added four vehicles (**Yaiba ARV-Q340 Semimaru**, **Rayfield Caliburn "Mordred"**, **Yaiba ASM-R250 Muramasa** and **Chevillon Legatus 450 Aquila**), **AutoDrive**, and self-driving **Delamain cabs**, plus FSR 3.1 Frame Generation, XeSS 2.0 and a Mac release.
- **Patch 2.31** (September 11, 2025) improved AutoDrive (smoother, overtakes, no stopping at lights when driving to a destination), fixed quests like **Motorbreath**, and lets you buy the Yaiba Semimaru from Autofixer even if you failed its quest.
- **PS5 Pro enhancement** arrived in April 2026. CD Projekt Red has indicated 2.3 was the last major content update; no 2.4 has been announced.

## Quick Start

1. **Pick a lifepath for flavor, not power.** Nomad, Streetkid and Corpo change the prologue and some dialogue; stats are what matter.
2. **Plan around two attributes to 20.** The strongest 2.x perks sit at 15 and 20 in each tree. Spread early, then commit.
3. **Visit Ripperdocs constantly.** Cyberware is your gear in 2.x. Your capacity grows with level and Cyberware Capacity Shards.
4. **Loot everything, disassemble junk you don't need.** Components fuel crafting and weapon tier upgrades.
5. **Iconic weapons** keep up with you; you can upgrade them through tiers at a crafting station.
6. **Don't rush the main story.** Once Act 2 opens up after the prologue, side gigs, NCPD scanner hustles and side jobs are where most of the good gear, money and story are.
7. **Phantom Liberty unlocks after the prologue.** Start it once Songbird calls (after "The Heist" and "Playing for Time"). The main menu also lets you start directly in Phantom Liberty with a pre-made character.
8. **Don't start "Nocturne Op55N1" until you're done.** It's the point of no return. After the credits the game drops you back before it, but finish your side content and relationships first so they count toward your ending.
9. **Use AutoDrive** (2.3+; hold H on PC / Left Stick on console) to travel while watching the city, or just use Fast Travel and the metro.

## Attributes and Perks

Five attributes, max 20 each, and a perk tree for each. The level cap is **50** in the base game and **60** with Phantom Liberty.

| Attribute | Covers | Typical build use |
|---|---|---|
| **Body** | Health, blunt/shotgun/LMG, grapples | Tank, shotgun, Gorilla Arms, Berserk |
| **Reflexes** | Assault rifles, SMGs, blades, dashes | Katana/Sandevistan, dash mobility (Air Dash) |
| **Technical Ability** | Tech weapons, cyberware, grenades, health items | Tech weapons, cyberware-heavy builds, **Edgerunner** |
| **Intelligence** | Quickhacking, smart weapons, RAM | Netrunner |
| **Cool** | Stealth, precision rifles, pistols, headshots | Sniper/pistol stealth, "ninja" builds |

**Key facts:**
- **Perks can be refunded** from the perk screen in 2.x, so experimenting is cheap. **Attributes** can only be reset once per playthrough, so plan those carefully.
- Perks unlocked at 15 and 20 are the strongest in each tree. Plan for them.
- **Edgerunner** (Technical Ability 20) lets you exceed cyberware capacity at the cost of Humanity and triggers Fury on kills. It's the core of many high-end builds.

## Cyberware (2.x)

- **Cyberware capacity** sets how much chrome you can install. It rises with level, Technical Ability perks and **Cyberware Capacity Shards** (dropped by enemies and found in the world).
- **Slots:** Frontal Cortex, Arms, Skeleton, Nervous System, Integumentary System, Operating System, Face, Hands, Legs, Circulatory System.
- **Operating System** defines your playstyle:
  - **Cyberdecks** (e.g. Netwatch Netdriver, Tetratronic Rippler, Militech Paraline) for netrunners
  - **Sandevistan** (e.g. Apogee, Militech "Falcon") for slow-mo and reflex builds
  - **Berserk** for Body builds
- **Arm cyberware:** Mantis Blades, Gorilla Arms, Monowire, Projectile Launch System.
- **Axolotl** (Frontal Cortex) reduces cooldowns when you neutralize enemies. A strong pick for many builds.

## Build Archetypes

| Build | Main attributes | Core pieces | How it plays |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Netrunner** | INT 20, TA 15–20 | Cyberdeck (Netwatch Netdriver / Tetratronic Rippler), Short Circuit, Contagion, Synapse Burnout, Overheat, Cyberpsychosis, System Collapse | Hack everything from cover or cameras |
| **Blade / Sandevistan** | REF 20, TA or COOL 15+ | Sandevistan, Mantis Blades or a katana (e.g. **Satori**), Air Dash | Fast, stylish melee with slow-mo |
| **Tank / Shotgun** | BODY 20, TA 15+ | Berserk, Gorilla Arms or shotguns (e.g. **Ba Xing Chong**), LMGs | Walk through fire, crush crowds |
| **Stealth Sniper / Pistol** | COOL 20, REF or INT 15 | **Overwatch** sniper, **Skippy** or Kongou pistol, Optical Camo | Headshots, silent kills |
| **Tech Weapons** | TA 20, BODY or COOL 15 | Tech rifles, snipers and pistols (e.g. **Widow Maker**, **Breakthrough**), grenades | Charged shots through walls |
| **Edgerunner hybrid** | TA 20 + one combat tree | Edgerunner, heavy cyberware load, Axolotl | Late-game power fantasy |

Iconic weapons come from main jobs, side jobs and gigs. Many only appear once.

## Phantom Liberty

- **Where:** Dogtown, a walled-off district in Pacifica.
- **When:** Songbird's call after the prologue. The main menu also offers a direct start with a pre-made character.
- **Relic tree:** Unique skill tree unlocked in Phantom Liberty. Points come from **Militech data terminals** scattered around Dogtown. Perks include **Jailbreak** (alternate modes for arm cyberware), **Vulnerability Analytics**, **Emergency Cloaking** and more.
- **Level cap raised to 60** and more cyberware options.
- **New ending:** Phantom Liberty adds **"The Tower"** ending to the base game's endings, depending on your choices.
- **Key choices:** Phantom Liberty has a major branching decision near the end. Save before the late main missions.

## Money and Economy

- **Gigs and NCPD Scanner Hustles** pay well early. Fixers will call you as your Street Cred rises.
- **Sell junk** (or disassemble for components).
- **Cars** are the biggest money sink. Buy from **Autofixer** terminals once fixers unlock them. 2.3 added more vehicles and **AutoDrive**; 2.2 added **CrystalCoat** to change paint.
- **Crafting:** Tier upgrades for iconic weapons cost components. Buy components from vendors if you're short.

## Driving and Travel

- **Fast Travel** at Data Terms.
- **NCART metro** (2.1+) is a scenic and practical way to cross the city.
- **Delamain cabs** (2.3+) call a self-driving cab from the vehicle menu once you've completed "Don't Lose Your Mind."
- **AutoDrive** (2.3, improved in 2.31) drives to your pin or mission, or free roams if you don't set a destination.
- **Vehicle combat:** 2.x added shooting from vehicles and car-mounted weapons on some vehicles.

## Police (2.0+)

- NCPD escalates through wanted stars, and **MaxTac** appears at high heat.
- Hide or break line of sight to lose them.
- **Scanner hustles** give money and experience; avoid hitting civilians.

## Missables and Choices

- **Side-jobs** can close permanently if you advance too far or fail steps. Examples include Judy's and Panam's questlines, which also affect romances and endings.
- **Johnny's relationship** (via "Chippin' In" and related quests) unlocks the secret ending path. Treat him with respect and complete his side quests.
- **Point of No Return:** "Nocturne Op55N1". Finish everything you want first.
- **Iconic weapons** tied to one-time choices (like Skippy's mode) can be missed. Check a wiki if you're a completionist.

## Common Mistakes to Avoid

- **Spreading attributes evenly.** Two or three trees at 15–20 beat five trees at 10.
- **Ignoring cyberware capacity.** Pick up capacity shards and plan Edgerunner if you want heavy chrome.
- **Rushing the main story.** Many side stories and iconic items get locked or change as the story progresses.
- **Selling iconics.** They're unique and upgradable.
- **Forgetting Phantom Liberty's Relic tree.** Collect Militech data terminals.
- **Assuming a build is weak before level 20.** Most builds come together at 15/20 perks.

## Advanced Tips

- **Netrunners:** start with Contagion spreads and Overheat, finish with Synapse Burnout. Queue hacks on a single target.
- **Sandevistan + blades:** chain dashes and kills during slow-mo; Axolotl keeps cooldowns rolling.
- **Body builds:** Berserk plus shotguns plus health regen.
- **Stealth snipers:** Optical Camo and headshot perks from Cool.
- **Photo Mode (2.3+):** 27 new spawnable NPCs, including Rita Wheeler and Dum Dum.
- **Vehicles:** try the Yaiba Semimaru and Rayfield Caliburn "Mordred" added in 2.3.

## FAQ

**What's the latest Cyberpunk 2077 patch?**
Patch 2.31 (September 11, 2025) is the latest game patch. A PS5 Pro enhancement update followed in April 2026. No 2.4 has been announced.

**When should I start Phantom Liberty?**
After the prologue, once Songbird calls. For a smooth ride, level 20 or higher is comfortable.

**What's the level cap?**
50 in the base game, 60 with Phantom Liberty.

**Can I respec in 2.x?**
Yes. Perks can be refunded from the perk screen; attributes get a single reset per playthrough.

**What's the best build?**
Netrunner and Sandevistan/blade builds are very strong. Edgerunner hybrids are excellent late game.

**What's AutoDrive?**
An autonomous driving feature added in 2.3. It drives to your mission or pin, or free roams if you have no destination.

**How do I get the "Tower" ending?**
It's a Phantom Liberty ending tied to specific choices in the expansion. Check a wiki for exact requirements if you want it.

## Sources

- [Cyberpunk.net – Update 2.3 Patch Notes](https://www.cyberpunk.net/en/news/51674/update-2-3-patch-notes)
- [CD PROJEKT RED Support – Patch 2.31](https://support.cdprojektred.com/en/cyberpunk/pc/sp-technical/issue/2734/patch-2-31-download-now)
- [Nintendo Everything – Cyberpunk 2077 2.31 patch notes](https://nintendoeverything.com/cyberpunk-2077-2-31-update-out-now-patch-notes/)
- [Fextralife Cyberpunk 2077 Wiki – Patch Notes](https://cyberpunk2077.wiki.fextralife.com/Patch_Notes)
- [GameSpot – Cyberpunk 2077 PS5 Pro update](https://www.gamespot.com/articles/cyberpunk-2077-ps5-pro-update-cd-projekt-red-once-said-no-to-is-almost-here/1100-6539252/)
- [Game Rant – Cyberpunk 2077 2.31 and a future 2.4](https://gamerant.com/cyberpunk-2077-update-231-good-bad-why-24-explained/)