The best Cyberpunk 2077 build is the Netrunner, which hacks entire rooms to death with quickhacks like Contagion and Synapse Burnout without firing a shot. Close behind, the Sandevistan Samurai slows time to slice through enemies with a katana, while Gunslinger and Shotgun Tank builds cover the trigger-happy. These are the strongest setups after Update 2.0 and Phantom Liberty.
Update 2.0 rebuilt the perk and skill trees around distinct playstyles, so your build matters more than ever. Here are the best, with the attribute each is built around.
20
Max in your main attribute — the key to any build
Int
Netrunner — the strongest build overall
Sande
Sandevistan — the classic time-slow fantasy
5
Attributes to spread points across
The best Cyberpunk 2077 builds
The strongest builds after Update 2.0 and Phantom Liberty, with the attribute behind each.
Build
Main attribute
Playstyle
Netrunner / Quickhack
Intelligence
Hack enemies to death remotely
Sandevistan Samurai
Reflexes
Slow time, slice with katanas
Gunslinger / Headshot
Reflexes & Cool
Precision pistols & snipers
Shotgun / Berserk Tank
Body
Close-range, high-survivability
Tech Sniper
Technical Ability
Wall-penetrating power weapons
Monowire Netrunner
Intelligence & Reflexes
Hack-and-slash hybrid
The top Cyberpunk 2077 builds and how each plays.
How attributes work after 2.0
Your build is defined by how you spread points across five attributes, each capped at 20. Intelligence powers quickhacks and cyberdeck RAM — the core of any Netrunner. Reflexes drives melee, the Sandevistan and mobility. Body boosts health, melee and shotguns/LMGs. Technical Ability unlocks tech weapons and more cyberware slots, and Cool improves stealth, crit and Cold Blood. The 2.0 update also overhauled cyberware into an armour system, so the implants you slot matter as much as your perks. Focus one or two attributes rather than spreading evenly.
The top builds explained
Four builds that dominate Night City.
🖥️
Netrunner
Intelligence
Kill whole rooms with quickhacks — the strongest build overall
#1
⚔️
Sandevistan Samurai
Reflexes
Slow time and cut down 5–8 enemies per activation with a katana
Most stylish
🎯
Gunslinger
Reflexes & Cool
Precision headshots with pistols and snipers — a stealthy classic
Best gunplay
🔫
Shotgun Tank
Body
Soak damage and blast enemies at close range — the simplest build
Putting points into Body gives you health and lets shotguns, LMGs and blunt weapons carry the early game — it’s forgiving and requires no fiddly hacking or timing. Once you’re comfortable, respec into a Netrunner or Sandevistan build for the endgame; you can reset attributes later.
Best Cyberpunk 2077 builds FAQ
What is the best build in Cyberpunk 2077?
The Netrunner is the strongest overall — with Intelligence maxed, quickhacks like Contagion, Synapse Burnout and System Collapse wipe out groups without firing a shot. The Sandevistan Samurai is the top melee build.
Is Sandevistan or Netrunner better?
Both are top-tier. Netrunner has the highest ceiling and can clear rooms remotely; Sandevistan is more hands-on, slowing time so you slice through enemies with a katana. Netrunner edges it for raw power, Sandevistan for style.
What is the best build for beginners?
A Body-based Shotgun or Berserk build — it’s tanky, simple and strong from the start, with no hacking or timing to manage. You can respec into a more advanced Netrunner or Sandevistan build later.
Did Update 2.0 change builds?
Yes, hugely. Update 2.0 redesigned the perk trees around distinct playstyles and reworked cyberware into an armour system. Old builds were reset, so any pre-2.0 guide is outdated — these builds are all for 2.0 and Phantom Liberty.
Can I change my build later?
Yes. You can respec your perks freely, and attribute points can be reset once via a consumable, so you’re never locked into a build. Many players start simple and switch to a Netrunner or Sandevistan setup for the endgame.
🕹️
Stay updated with Gaming
Follow EverythingEdinburgh for gaming reviews, guides and news
