Cyberpunk 2077 guide and walkthrough to survive Night City

Cyberpunk 2077
(Image credit: CD Projekt Red)

This Cyberpunk 2077 guide has all you need to survive Night City, with loads of tips, walkthroughs, and advice on how to complete your legendary merc journey. With such a huge, open world to navigate that's also packed with missions, side quests, secrets, and other discoveries, it can be incredibly hard to know where to start, what's best, and whether you're missing out on anything. Character customization, builds, weapons, hacking, making money, romances, and mission choices are just a few of the complex systems V will face in daily NC life - there's even a whole expansion that adds more systems, side missions, and story. With so much to experience, it won't hurt to have some pointers to help make sense of it all, so this Cyberpunk 2077 guide will help you get to grips with almost everything in the game.

Cyberpunk 2077 review

Cyberpunk 2077

(Image credit: CD Projekt Red)

First up is our Cyberpunk 2077 review, from the GamesRadar+ editor, Sam Loveridge. We gave it the GR seal of approval with a 5/5, saying that Cyberpunk 2077, "takes everything we celebrate about open-world games, and learns from it, implementing best-in-class variations in a world that's so dense and detailed. Add in the human-like level of reactivity and emotional depth that it brings to its narrative, and it all combines for the most spectacular experience".

Cyberpunk 2077 tips

Our Cyberpunk 2077 tips are the sort of things you want to read before you even step foot in Night City. We've got 13 tips here that'll help your V get off to a flying start, from simple pointers to outside-the-box stuff you wouldn't realise until hours into the game otherwise.

How long to beat Cyberpunk 2077?

Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty V riding motorbike through night city

(Image credit: CD Projekt Red)

The Cyberpunk 2077 length obviously depends on how much you engage with the many side missions and activities, your exploration, your difficulty and more - while the main story isn't that long, it's a dense open world RPG, so you'll almost certainly spend a lot of time exploring off the beaten path. Knowing how many acts are in Cyberpunk 2077 can at least help you track where you roughly are overall, whether you're focused on rolling the credits or just seeing what comes along next.

It's worth flagging that there is still no Cyberpunk 2077 new game plus mode for after you complete the game. At this point it seems highly unlikely that CD Projekt Red will add such an option either.

Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty expansion

Cyberpunk 2077

(Image credit: CD Projekt Red)

If you want to know more about Cyberpunk 2077's first and only expansion, be sure to check out our separate Phantom Liberty guide - the expansion is pretty much a whole game in and of itself, adding many more hours of missions and activities to Cyberpunk 2077.

Since the release of Phantom Liberty, there have been two substantial updates for the base game - the Cyberpunk 2077 2.0 update focused on completely overhauling the game's systems, while the Cyberpunk 2077 2.1 update focused more on quality-of-life and immersive features to enhance the overall experience.

Cyberpunk 2077 character customization and builds

Cyberpunk 2077 lifepath

(Image credit: CD Projekt Rad)

V can be extensively customized during your time in Cyberpunk 2077. The first major choice you'll make (which cannot be changed at a later point) is your Cyberpunk 2077 Lifepath, which determines your V's background and position in Night City. You also get to customize your appearance at the start of the game, with a huge array of options available, but you can also change appearance in Cyberpunk 2077 later on for free. If you want to change your outfit, be sure to access a Cyberpunk 2077 wardrobe too.

As you level up and unlock perks, upgrading your attributes and get better gear, you can lean into particular playstyles or aspects of the game's systems to craft the best Cyberpunk 2077 builds, allowing you to battle the dangers of Night City's however you please. There is also a Cyberpunk 2077 respec option if you need to refine some of your perk choices and attributes, though there are some limitations. However, the Cyberpunk 2077 level cap is pretty high, which means you'll end up with a lot of perks anyway, so you should easily get what you need for an optimal build. 

Cyberpunk 2077 weapons

Steam

(Image credit: CD Projekt Red)

If your build is starting to take shape, now you need some of the best Cyberpunk 2077 weapons to synergize nicely and blow away your foes. The Cyberpunk 2077 Mantis Blades are arguably the most recognisable cyber weapon you can get in the game, so you should definitely try and get them quickly. If you're looking for a good melee build weapon, the Cyberpunk 2077 Errata katana is a deadly option for slicing and dicing. Conversely, the Cyberpunk 2077 Skippy pistol is a decent smart pistol that also happens to be smarter than your average gun.

However, this game isn't all about going in guns blazing all the time, so you should know how to holster your weapons in Cyberpunk 2077 too.

Cyberpunk 2077 Hacking

Cyberpunk 2077 hacking

(Image credit: CD Projekt Red)

Naturally, hacking is a pretty big part of Cyberpunk 2077, especially if you're running an Intelligence-focused build, though it's not always straightforward. Follow our Cyberpunk 2077 hacking guide to learn all about quickhacks, jacking into computers, and more. You can use hacking to steal money and materials from machines, distract enemies, or attack remotely to deal damage, such as with the Cyberpunk 2077 Overheat hack.

Cyberpunk 2077 money

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty screenshots

(Image credit: CD Projekt Red)

Night City uses Eurodollars - or Eddies - as its currency, and you'll earn a decent amount of them from completing main and side missions, but it's good to know how to make money in Cyberpunk 2077 to get rich quickly. You'll also need a lot of them, as some of the best vehicles, weapons, cyberware, and more are going to require you to cough up plenty of Eddies.

Cyberpunk 2077 cars and vehicles

Cyberpunk 2077 Ken Block car V posing in front of Type-66 Hoon car

(Image credit: CD Projekt Red)

Driving around Night City is key to getting around, especially if you're not really using fast travel. You'll therefore want to know about the fastest cars in Cyberpunk 2077 to ensure you're zipping through the city between missions as fast as possible. However, if you're not at a point where you can afford fast vehicles, you should also learn how to steal cars in Cyberpunk 2077 too. As a quick tip, the Cyberpunk 2077 Ken Block car can be easily obtained early on for free and it's weaponized!

Cyberpunk 2077 map and fast travel

Cyberpunk 2077 map

(Image credit: CD Projekt Red)

The Cyberpunk 2077 map and fast travel system will help you navigate the huge city you have to explore. There's a range of areas, city districts and fast travel kiosks to discover and learn about, so use this guide to get all the info you need. 

Cyberpunk 2077 story missions

Cyberpunk 2077 The Pickup

(Image credit: CD Projekt Red)

SPOILER WARNING: these guides are all related to the story, some more than others. This means there will be spoilers from here onwards. Some will be minor, some will be major, but stop reading here if you want to play the story without knowing anything.

  • One of the first missions you can approach from multiple angles is Cyberpunk 2077 The Pickup mission. You've got to acquire a robot from Maelstrom with your partner Jackie, but there are many different ways to resolve what happens.
  • During The Pickup mission, there's an optional objective to rescue Brick, the ex-leader of Maelstrom who's been locked away. Here's how to free brick in Cyberpunk 2077 if you wan to try and save him.
  • The Cyberpunk 2077 The Information braindance is the first time you try this new VR surveillance experience. It can be confusing, but you must sift through the footage to scope out Arasaka Tower and find clues.
  • One decision you'll need to make in the prologue is deciding should you cut Dex out in Cyberpunk 2077 or not, or tell Dex that Evelyn wanted to cut him out during The Heist mission.
  • The Cyberpunk 2077 Angel or Skye choice comes during the Automatic Love mission where you have the option of picking... company, at the Clouds reception desk.
  • Depending on how your experience at Clouds goes, you may also have to complete the Cyberpunk 2077 interrogate Woodman objective.
  • You'll absolutely want to hit Fingers the second you meet him but should you punch Fingers in Cyberpunk 2077? This used to be quite an important choice, but thankfully beating the creep doesn't have the negative consequences it used to.
  • You'll need to grab the Death's Head Moth Braindance during the Cyberpunk 2077 Disasterpiece mission with Judy, but you've got a few ways to approach getting this dark BD.
  • During the I Walk The Line mission, there are a few ways you can deal with the Cyberpunk 2077 NetWatch Agent.
  • Once you've dealt with the NetWatch Agent, I Walk The Line also sees you make the Cyberpunk 2077 Brigitte chip choice, though it's not really a choice, and more of a way to pause the mission.
  • Towards the end of the main story, you'll participate in the Search and Destroy mission with everyone's favorite Arasaka henchman, Goro Takemura. However, he meets an unfortunate end unless you know how to save Takemura in Cyberpunk 2077 with a secret optional objective.

Cyberpunk 2077 side gigs

Cyberpunk 2077 Happy Together

(Image credit: CD Projekt Red)

Side Gigs are Cyberpunk 2077's answer to side missions, and there are loads of them to complete across Night City. From short missions featuring unique characters to involved multi-mission threads and collectibles, here are some of the most notable ones you'll probably pick up on your merc journey: 

  • The Cyberpunk 2077 Happy Together mission begins shortly after you leave your apartment for the first time. You'll start it when you can talk to the NCPD officers trying to speak to someone who lives below you. It's very easy to get the bad ending here, so follow our explainer to ensure you have the best outcome.
  • The Cyberpunk 2077 The Gig mission should be simple - all you need to do is wait for lockdown to end and then collect two rewards from Wakako and Cassius Ryder. It's simple in practice but not super clear. 
  • The Cyberpunk 2077 Human Nature mission is another objective you can get shortly after the prologue, and it involves getting your car back after Delamain – an AI driving assistant – went rogue and crashed into your car. You'll encounter them a few times, including having to deal with the Cyberpunk 2077 Delamain core.
  • The Cyberpunk 2077 kill Grayson choice comes up in the Chippin' In side gig. Sparing him is definitely useful, but thankfully doesn't lock you out of the great reward you find when you use the access card.
  • For the Cyberpunk 2077 Dream On side gig, you need to help the Peralezes by investigating their apartment for unusual activity as they suspect that something just isn't quite right.
  • Cyberpunk 2077 tarot cards are found all throughout Night City. These interesting graffiti art pieces are of interest to Misty with her affinity for the arcane.
  • Cyberpunk 2077 Cyberpsychos terrorize the citizens of Night City, and even though MaxTac is out and about, it's often V that's got to deal with them.

Cyberpunk 2077 romance options

Cyberpunk 2077 Panam lying on V's lap in hangout

(Image credit: CD Projekt Red)

There are four Cyberpunk 2077 romance options for you to pursue across the game, though you won't be able to engage in all of them as your character creator options will lock you out of one or two of the romance partners. I'm sure you can still be friends though!

Cyberpunk 2077 endings

Cyberpunk 2077 ending

(Image credit: CD Projekt Red)

HUGE spoiler warning for the guides here!
If you want to know what your options are for Cyberpunk 2077 endings, or you want to understand exactly what just happened in your ending or the ones you missed, then there are quite a lot to go through - remember, there's also the latest ending added with Phantom Liberty! We've laid them all out in the linked guide, including the Cyberpunk 2077 secret ending for those that want a serious endgame challenge.

Cyberpunk 2077 secrets and Easter eggs

Cyberpunk 2077 Hideo Kojima

(Image credit: CD Projekt Red)

If you want to find the Cyberpunk 2077 Hideo Kojima cameo then we can point out the mission and place where you can find him. You can find him quite early on, although he's not highlighted in anyway and you could completely miss him if you're not looking out.

Grimes also appears in the game, though as a much more prominent character known as Lizzy-Wizzy - a famous pop star in the world of Cyberpunk 2077 who even has her own questline. But to begin all that, you'll need to know where to find Grimes in Cyberpunk 2077 first, though be aware that she does also pop up briefly in Phantom Liberty too.

If you're after more companionship in the form of a friendly feline, then you need to know how to get Nibbles the cat in Cyberpunk 2077. Like real cats, Nibbles won't warm to you immediately, but feeding them the right food is a good start.

Cyberpunk 2077 mods

Cyberpunk 2077 mods

(Image credit: CD Projekt Red / Jelle Bakker - MaximiliumM)

SPOILER WARNING: these guides are all related to the main story. This means there will be spoilers from here onwards. Some will be minor, some will be major, so stop reading here if you want to play without knowing anything.

© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission.

Ford James

Give me a game and I will write every "how to" I possibly can or die trying. When I'm not knee-deep in a game to write guides on, you'll find me hurtling round the track in F1, flinging balls on my phone in Pokemon Go, pretending to know what I'm doing in Football Manager, or clicking on heads in Valorant.

With contributions from