Cyberpunk 2077 walkthrough: Every guide you need to survive and thrive in Night City

Every Cyberpunk 2077 and Phantom Liberty guide we've ever written in one place

Guide by Ollie Toms Guides Editor

Updated on Oct. 4, 2023

Looking for an in-depth beginner's guide to Cyberpunk 2077? As tends to be the case with any of CD Projekt RED's recent open-world RPGs, Cyberpunk 2077 is absolutely groaning with sights to see, things to do, and important decisions to make.

Thanks to the Cyberpunk Edgerunners Netflix series, as well as the Phantom Liberty expansion and 2.0 update, Cyberpunk 2077 has seen a very dramatic resurgence in players. And with that comes a host of new players asking the questions we all asked back in December 2020 when the game first released. From character creation to romance, from hacking to build guides, there's an awful lot to learn about this behemoth of a game.

In this walkthrough guide we'll explore absolutely everything you need to know heading into Cyberpunk 2077 for the first time. We've had a lot of time to put together dozens of handy guides on every facet of the game, and below you'll find useful links to each and every one!

Cover image for YouTube video — CD Projekt Red recently announced that they're working on a new Witcher trilogy as well as a sequel to Cyberpunk 2077.

Cyberpunk 2077 walkthrough

There's a huge amount to learn about Cyberpunk 2077 and the dangerous, unforgiving future that Night City holds for you. Below you'll find every single Cyberpunk 2077 and Phantom Liberty guide that we've written here at RPS.

Cyberpunk 2077 review

A worm's eye view of three gang members in Cyberpunk 2077. The middle gang member has a gun drawn and is pointing it downwards towards the camera.

If you're only now wondering whether to give Cyberpunk 2077 a try, perhaps after seeing the renewed popularity or watching Cyberpunk Edgerunners on Netflix, then first you should have a read of Graham's Cyberpunk 2077 review from back when it first released. Just don't forget that the game has had a lot of updates since this was written!

Can your PC run Cyberpunk 2077?

A look at the skyline of Night City during the day in Cyberpunk 2077.

Cyberpunk 2077 is certainly an incredible-looking game, but it's also quite a drain on the old machine. If you're wondering whether you could possibly run Cyberpunk 2077 using your PC's specs, consult our primer on the Cyberpunk 2077 system requirements.

Create your own personal V

Edgerunner Lucy poses in a screenshot of the Cyberpunk 2077 face preset by UJB.

There's a lot of scope for customising your character in Cyberpunk 2077. All players play as the same character, named V - but you can choose V's sex, appearance, backstory, and attributes before you begin each game. Check out our Cyberpunk 2077 character creation guide to see exactly what each customisation option means.

Choosing the right Lifepath

The player in Cyberpunk 2077 sits in the driver's seat of their car in a garage. A sheriff stands at the front of the car, with one foot on the bonnet.

There are three possible backstories that you can choose between when starting your journey as V. Choose between the Nomad, Street Kid, and Corpo backgrounds with the help of our Cyberpunk 2077 classes and Lifepaths guide.

Create the perfect build in Cyberpunk 2077

The player in Cyberpunk 2077 fires a shotgun blast at Sasquatch, a hammer-wielding boss.

V may be the protagonist for every player in Cyberpunk 2077, but the path that V takes down both story and power progression is entirely down to you. There are several options for creating utterly overpowered setups for your character, and you can check them all out in our best Cyberpunk 2077 builds guide.

Do some slo-mo with Edgerunner's Sandevistan

A close-up of David's face in Cyberpunk Edgerunners as he activates his Sandevistan. Blurred blue echoes of himself appear behind him as he moves at increased speed.

Fans of Cyberpunk Edgerunners may be looking to recreate David's "endgame" slow-mo build in Cyberpunk 2077. The good news is, you can do just that! One of the most ridiculous builds in the game is available to players who follow every step of our Cyberpunk 2077 Sandevistan guide.

Which love interest should you pick?

Judy leans over the player as they sit down in a Braindance studio in Cyberpunk 2077. — Image credit: Rock Paper Shotgun/CD Projekt RED

Cyberpunk 2077 wouldn't be the game it is without its roster of fully-fledged and fascinating NPCs. Some of these characters have their own questlines you can follow if you want to pursue them as a love interest - and each one has a good ending as well as several neutral or bad endings. Navigate the world of love in Night City with our Cyberpunk 2077 romance options guide. We've also got a handy page that runs through what has changed with the romance options in Phantom Liberty.

Phantom Liberty guides

A close-up of Solomon Reed's (Idris Elba's) face in the Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty cinematic trailer. — Image credit: CD Projekt Red

Speaking of Phantom Liberty, we've prepped plenty of guides for the huge expansion for Cyberpunk 2077. If you're wondering how to begin the Idris Elba-fronted DLC, we've got a guide on how to start Phantom Liberty which runs through everything you need to know. We've also got a page that explains how skills and perks have changed with Phantom Liberty. And, if you're wondering what's the difference between Phantom Liberty and the 2.0 update, then we've got a guide for that too.

How to turn nudity on or off

A side-by-side comparison of V in Cyberpunk 2077 wearing no clothes. On the left is with nudity enabled (blurred in post), and on the right is with nudity disabled.

As you might expect, there's rather a lot of nudity to be seen in Cyberpunk 2077. Perhaps too much for some. Perhaps not enough for others. For the latter, I direct you to the world of modding. And to the former, there's our guide on how to turn nudity off in Cyberpunk 2077.

A primer on the different gangs and corps

A trauma team in Cyberpunk 2077 works to revive an unconscious citizen of Night City.

Night City is a veritable battleground, not only between the different major corporations vying for control in the skyscrapers above, but also between the dozen or so gangs waging war on the streets below. Learn about all the different Cyberpunk 2077 gangs and corporations here.

How to change your character's look

A Cyborg woman with a half-metal face applies make-up in Cyberpunk 2077.

Night City is a place that puts an enormous emphasis on individual style. If you want to change said style, then you'll be pleased to know you can change many aspects of your appearance after starting your playthrough. Learn how to change your appearance in Cyberpunk 2077 here.

Can you play Cyberpunk 2077 with friends?

Two characters in Cyberpunk 2077 hanging out around their car. The left character is sitting on the bonnet. The right character is smoking a cigarette.

When Cyberpunk 2077 was first released, CD Projekt RED told everyone that a separate online Cyberpunk expansion was in the works. If you're hankering to explore Night City with your friends, find out all the details on the (possibly) upcoming Cyberpunk 2077 multiplayer expansion.

How long is the game?

A screenshot from a dreamlike cybernetic landscape in Cyberpunk 2077. Indistinct red figures are standing in the foreground facing the camera.

Cyberpunk 2077 is an utterly sprawling open-world RPG which you could easily spend over 100 hours playing. If you're wondering how far through the game you actually are, you'd best check your progress against our Cyberpunk 2077 story quests list.

What is the Cyberpunk 2077 level cap?

A hacker character sits and works at one of many monitors in Cyberpunk 2077.

Another metric by which to measure your progress through Cyberpunk 2077 is your player level. If you're interested in whether there is a cap to how powerful V can become in your game, look no further than our Cyberpunk 2077 max level guide.

How to get rich quick

The player in Cyberpunk 2077 uses a shotgun to blast an enemy off their feet.

It's tough to survive in Night City without money. The currency of Cyberpunk 2077 is Eurodollars, or "eddies", and while they're easy to come by in small amounts, you'll need to get pretty rich in order to afford the best stuff in the game. Speed up that process with our guide on how to make money fast in Cyberpunk 2077.

Learn all the different gun types

The player holds a gun under the chin of Royce, a Maelstrom gang NPC, who holds a gun right back at the player. Jackie and other gang members are in the background holding guns at each other.

Welcome to the future. In the year 2077, weapons come in different types. There are Power weapons, Tech weapons, and Smart weapons, and they each have different strengths and weaknesses. Learn about the arsenal of guns available with our Cyberpunk 2077 weapons guide.

How to get the Monowire

The player in Cyberpunk 2077 decapitates an enemy gang member using the Monowire unique weapon.

Sticking to the topic of weapons, there are a few unique and extra-powerful melee weapons up for grabs in Cyberpunk 2077. One such weapon is the Monowire - a pair of high-tech tendril-like whips which can tear apart enemies at close range. Learn how to get the Legendary Monowire in Cyberpunk 2077 with our handy guide.

How to get the Gorilla Arms

The player holds up their Gorilla Arms on the street in Cyberpunk 2077.

If you want to become the undisputed king or queen of fist-fighting in Night City, then you should prioritise getting your hands on the Gorilla Arms unique weapon. These high-tech gauntlets pack an enormous punch. Follow our Cyberpunk 2077 Gorilla Arms guide for more details.

How to get the Mantis Blades

A red-eyed cyborg with machete arms climbs through the windshield of a car in Cyberpunk 2077.

Back in the day, the first glimpse we had of Cyberpunk 2077 was an iconic cinematic trailer showing a woman wielding the Mantis Blades - a piece of cybernetic weaponry which conceals massive blades inside each arm. The Mantis Blades are available in game as a powerful melee option, and you can make use of them by following our Cyberpunk 2077 Mantis Blades guide.

A beginner's guide to crafting

Viktor sits at his desk and works on his mechanical arm in his Ripperdoc office in Cyberpunk 2077.

There's a great many interlocking mechanics in Cyberpunk 2077. Some you can ignore, but others you really shouldn't - such as crafting. If you spend enough time at it, you'll be able to craft just about anything as long as you have the components. Learn about crafting and how to get all the components you need easily with our Cyberpunk 2077 crafting guide.

How does hacking work in Cyberpunk 2077?

A Cyberpunk 2077 screenshot showing V jacking into a server with the USB cable in her arm.

Some things aren't explained particularly clearly by Cyberpunk 2077's tutorials, and one of the biggest culprits is around the hacking minigame, Breach Protocol. If you're confused about the grid of letter and number pairs that greets you every time you attempt to Breach Protocol, allow our Cyberpunk 2077 hacking guide to answer all your questions.

How to change your outfits while keeping the stats

A screenshot of the outfits screen of the inventory in Cyberpunk 2077. V is shown standing on the left, and a panel on the right explains the transmog feature of the wardrobe.

Every jacket, hat, and pair of trainers you'll find in Night City has different armour values, stat boosts, and mod slots. This means you're constantly gonna be switching up your clothing in Cyberpunk 2077, and it'll often make you look incredibly stupid. But never fear: there is a way to change your outfit's look while keeping the stats. Learn about it with our Cyberpunk 2077 transmog guide.

What status effects are there in Cyberpunk 2077?

A screenshot of V (left) holding out a katana preparing to block the knife attack from a gang member (right) on the street in Cyberpunk 2077.

Anything goes in Night City brawls, and what with everyone touting unique cyberware and all sorts of destructive weaponry, there are lots of status effects, both positive and negative, which can be bestowed upon either you or your enemies. Learn more with our guide on the different Cyberpunk 2077 status effects.

How to double-jump and charged jump

Johnny Silverhand, a character in Cyberpunk 2077, poses with his back to the camera, facing the skyline of Night City.

What's the point of installing copious amounts of cyberware into your weak little flesh-and-bone body if it doesn't mean you can jump ridiculously high? Learn how to unlock double jump and charged jump in Cyberpunk 2077 with our handy walkthrough.

Should you pick Angel or Skye?

A screen in Cyberpunk 2077 asking you to select between Skye (left) or Angel (right).

Some way into the main storyline in the quest "Automatic Love", you'll have to choose between two workers at Clouds - a prestigious dollhouse - to share a room and a short but sweet time with. In case you've forgotten which worker is which, check out our quick guide on whether to pick Angel or Skye in Cyberpunk 2077.

How to complete the Skippy quest

The player looks down at the ground in Cyberpunk 2077 and holds out Skippy, a unique talking pistol. The pistol is projecting a hologram of a cartoon-style anthropomorphised bullet wearing goggles.

Cyberpunk 2077's side quests run the gamut between super quick, easy to complete gun-em-up challenges, and long, memorable missions which everyone remembers long after the end credits have rolled. The Skippy quest is one such memorable mission - a side-quest which introduces you to a unique talking pistol called Skippy. If you're wondering where to find this pistol and whether to keep it or sell it, check out our Cyberpunk 2077 Skippy guide.

How to play in Third Person Mode

V stands in the middle of a street in Cyberpunk 2077 at night, shooting her gun into the distance. The camera is in third person view behind V.

By default, Cyberpunk 2077 is a first-person game, except at very particularly moments of the story, or while driving. But all that can be changed thanks to one powerful and useful mod! Well, more than one, really. But it's still super easy to do as long as you follow our guide on Cyberpunk 2077 Third Person Mode.

How to disable double-tap to dodge

The player in Cyberpunk 2077 fights two gang members on a set of stairs.

Dodging is a pretty big part of both melee and ranged combat in Cyberpunk 2077, but by default it is mapped purely to double-tapping one of your movement keys. This isn't very user-friendly, so it's a damn good thing people have figured out how to disable double-tap to dodge in Cyberpunk 2077 and bind the action to one dedicated key instead.

How to holster your gun

A character in an indoor location in Cyberpunk 2077 walks towards the camera.

It makes a grim sort of sense that in such a dangerous and violent place as Night City, the simple action of putting away your gun is anything but. If you're new to the game and are struggling to stop accidentally threatening every passer-by you see, check out our guide on how to holster your weapon in Cyberpunk 2077.

All the different cars on offer in Night City

A screenshot of a busy street of Night City in Cyberpunk 2077 during the day, with the city skyline in the background.

Night City is a big place. To get from place to place, you'll need some wheels. Luckily, there's a vast array of cars and bikes to choose from, each with their own stats. Check them all out with our Cyberpunk 2077 cars guide.

Can you steal cars in Cyberpunk 2077?

V stands outside his car smoking a cigarette on the street in Cyberpunk 2077.

Of course, you're not the only person driving around in style in Cyberpunk 2077. Sometimes a quartet of wheels may pass you by, and you might think to yourself, well goodness, that's quite a quartet of wheels that just passed me by! I would love to own such a quartet of wheels myself! But who has time for owning things outright in Night City when you can just steal what you need? Learn everything there is to know about how to steal cars in Cyberpunk 2077.

How to repair your vehicle

A character in Cyberpunk 2077 looks out at the sky in Night City in the background. In the foreground is a parked motorcycle.

Oh look, another car-related guide. Last one, I promise. Look, cars are a big part of Night City, alright? And what with all the gang fights and dangerous adversaries you'll encounter in Cyberpunk 2077, it's well worth knowing how to keep your ride in tip-top shape after any scrapes and scuffles. Learn how to repair your car in Cyberpunk 2077 here.

Can you sell vehicles in Cyberpunk 2077?

A character stands outside their armoured car in Cyberpunk 2077 as they prepare for a race.

Okay, I lied about the previous one being the last car-related guide we have. People lie all the time in Night City, get used to it. If you're wondering whether you can make a tonne of eddies selling your old rides to others, prepare for a disappointing truth. Read about it with our short but sweet guide on whether you can sell cars in Cyberpunk 2077.

Learn the ins and outs of Night City

A Cyberpunk 2077 NPC aims his shotgun off-camera, while behind them a pregnant woman smokes a cigarette.

If you're just about to dive into Cyberpunk 2077 for the first time, you'd best prepare yourself for one of the largest, densest, most sprawling cities you've seen so far in games. How does one prepare, you might ask? By consulting our guide on the Cyberpunk 2077 map of Night City, of course, dear reader.

Take the perfect photo at any time

Johnny Silverhand takes off his sunglasses and looks down at the camera in a Cyberpunk 2077 cinematic trailer. — Image credit: CD Projekt Red

Say what you will about Cyberpunk 2077, but it's one of the most gorgeous, technically impressive games we've ever seen. The perfect candidate for a powerful photo mode to help you capture every moment throughout your playthrough. Learn how to use the Cyberpunk 2077 photo mode here.

How to fix the stuck vehicle camera bug

A screenshot of a street in Night City in Cyberpunk 2077.

Sadly but perhaps predictably for such a gigantic open-world game, Cyberpunk 2077 is not without its bugs. Some of them are harmless, but others are pretty annoying if you come across them - such as the camera getting stuck in first person mode while driving. Check out our quick fix on the Cyberpunk 2077 car camera stuck glitch.

Is Cyberpunk 2077 crashing on startup?

Jackie sits eating his meal at a street vendor in Cyberpunk 2077 while behind him two gang members hold guns to his head.

Cyberpunk 2077 is not known for being the most crash-free of games, but surely the most annoying thing is when you can't even get into the game itself because the game crashes back to desktop the moment you launch it. If this is happening to you, you might want to look at our guide on how to fix Cyberpunk 2077 crashing on startup.

What was the name of that song?

A Cyberpunk 2077 screenshot of Takemura sitting in a bar next to the player, wearing a white suit.

With Cyberpunk 2077, CD Projekt RED put an incredible amount of effort into the soundtrack, organising music from dozens of different artists and bands across the world. If you're wondering about a certain song you heard on the radio while blitzing through Japantown in your car, look no further than our Cyberpunk 2077 soundtrack and song list guide.

Stay tuned for more Cyberpunk 2077 guides as we publish them. If there's anything you'd like us to cover in particular, let us know in the comments.