Cyberpunk 2077 Beginner's Guide

Starting Cyberpunk 2077 in 2026? How to pick a lifepath and build, what attributes do, how to make money and the tips we wish we'd known on day one.

Updated 3 November 2026Checked for patch 2.54 sources
Image: Cyberpunk 2077 / YouTube

Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world RPG set in Night City, a megacity run by corporations and gangs. You play V, a mercenary with a deadly chip in your head – and the digital ghost of rockstar Johnny Silverhand (Keanu Reeves) along for the ride. Years of updates have turned it into one of the best RPGs around, so it's a great time to start.

Step 1: Choose a lifepath

Your lifepath is mostly about role-play. Pick the background you like – it doesn't make V stronger or weaker.

Step 2: Understand the five attributes

BodyHealth, melee power, shotguns and heavy weapons – the tough brawler.
ReflexesAssault rifles, SMGs, blades and mobility like dashing and air-dashing.
Technical AbilityTech weapons, grenades, healing items and more cyberware capacity.
IntelligenceNetrunning – hack enemies, cameras and turrets with quickhacks from a distance.
CoolStealth, precision rifles, pistols and revolvers – the quiet professional.

Each attribute has its own perk tree. Higher attribute levels unlock stronger perks, so a focused build gets powerful quickly.

Step 3: The basics

Lifepath firstNomad, Streetkid or Corpo changes your prologue and some dialogue – not your stats.
Visit a ripperdocCyberware is half your build. Ripperdocs install new implants – check them whenever you have spare eddies.
Gigs make moneyFixers send you gigs all over the city. They pay well and raise your Street Cred, which unlocks better gear at vendors.
Fast travelTouch the Data Terms you pass to unlock them as fast-travel points.
Side jobs matterMany of the best stories – and the best endings – come from side jobs for Panam, Judy, Kerry and Johnny.
Phantom LibertyThe expansion opens after the main job Transmission. Most players do it mid-game.

Tips for your first hours

Don't rush the main storyThe game tells you V is in a hurry, but nothing breaks if you take your time with side content.
Commit to two attributesBuilds work best when you focus on one or two attributes instead of spreading points evenly.
Sell your junkJunk items have no other use – sell them to vendors for easy eddies.
Mods on every platformSince Update 2.5 you can install mods from the in-game menu, but on consoles modded saves don't earn trophies.

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Reference page written by AI (Claude) and checked against the sources above. Games change with every patch – the patch this page was last checked for is shown at the top.