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Over a year since its initial release, Cyberpunk 2077 has undergone significant improvements, with substantial patches and fixes contributing to a better overall experience. CDPR’s commitment to rectifying the game’s initial issues is evident. For newcomers venturing into Night City and the tale of mercenary V, the game offers a wealth of content. As beginners embark on their Cyberpunk 2077 journey, guidance becomes crucial, especially on higher difficulty levels.
Given the transformative nature of recent updates, players should familiarize themselves with the evolved approach to the game and its mechanics. Whether facing major shifts or more subtle adjustments, navigating the multitude of systems can still be overwhelming for new players. Having a head start in understanding these dynamics is always advantageous.
Let’s get started!
1. You Can’t Spam Healing Anymore
In the earlier days of Cyberpunk 2077, healing was a bit too convenient. Players could effortlessly retreat, guzzle down healing items, and resume the fight, creating a less-than-ideal dynamic. Hoarding healing items became a common practice to cover all contingencies.
A Shift in Dynamics
With the advent of the 2.0 Update, the healing landscape has changed. The introduction of a cooldown to healing injects a new level of intensity and challenge into combat. Hoarding healing items is now futile, necessitating a more strategic and thoughtful approach to combat to avoid unnecessary damage during crucial moments.
2. Embrace Vehicular Combat
2077 has finally been answered with the introduction of this engaging gameplay element. The frustration of being unable to shoot from cars, a long-standing gripe among players, has been addressed in the 2.0 Update. Moreover, the Phantom Liberty expansion introduces cars equipped with mounted turrets and machine guns, providing players with the means to obliterate their adversaries.
Fast and Furious Fun
While the main campaign might not fully explore the potential of vehicular combat, Phantom Liberty steps up to the plate. This expansion elevates high-speed car combat scenarios, infusing them with an engaging and thrilling dynamic, offering players a satisfying experience in every aspect.
3. Side Quest Exploration
For those acquainted with The Witcher 3, CD Projekt Red’s commitment to rich side content is no surprise. Like its predecessor, Cyberpunk 2077 boasts side quests that rival the main story in character depth and unique scenarios.
Side Stories, Main Impact
Some argue that delving into side content is not just a diversion but a necessity. The main quest reaches its conclusion at a certain point, making side quests pivotal for unlocking all three possible endings. Overlooking these side narratives may lead to less favorable conclusions, diminishing the overall impact of the game’s ending.
4. Never Ignore NCPD Scanners
As players progress in Night City, NCPD scanner hustles emerge, presenting chances to investigate criminal incidents or intervene in ongoing assaults. While these mini-quests lack intricate plots, their completion offers several advantages.
Reasons to Engage
- Loot Bonanza – Expect valuable crafting specs and gear as rewards.
- Economic Boost – Earning extra eddies facilitates the acquisition of superior vehicles.
- Swift Advancement – Grind these mini-missions for quick leveling up and a boost in street cred.
Organic Exploration
While not necessary to actively seek out, stumbling upon these hustles during organic map exploration proves beneficial. Respond to ongoing commotions nearby to efficiently integrate these opportunities into your Night City experience.
5. Prioritize Cyberware Upgrades
Ripperdoc clinics house the game’s fundamental cyberware upgrades. Vigilance in seeking out new cyberware, unlocked with higher street cred, is crucial. The right cyberware configurations are the cornerstone of a potent character build, significantly impacting combat success.
Game-Changing Update: 2.0 Overhaul
The 2.0 Update revolutionizes cyberware dynamics, transforming it from a mix-and-match option to an integral element of V’s build. Cyberware now intertwines with the armor system, emphasizing the necessity for cutting-edge enhancements to survive intense firefights. The Tech tree becomes a gatekeeper for the quantity of cyberware, making Tech leveling imperative in the post-2.0 landscape.
6. Picking Your Beginning
Amidst the myriad choices in Cyberpunk 2077, selecting a Life Path for V stands as one of the initial decisions. The three options—Corpo, Street Kid, and Nomad—determine the starting point of the game. Despite the grandeur of the term “Life Path,” its impact is primarily felt in the prologue, specific dialogue options, and some later acquaintances.
Limited Influence
Beyond shaping the early narrative, the Life Path choice holds minimal sway over the overall gameplay. While it may not be as profound as the name implies, it introduces variety in the prologue and subsequent playthroughs.
A Gateway to Replayability
Though the decision might not be as monumental as anticipated, its influence on the game’s beginning offers potential for diverse experiences upon subsequent playthroughs. So, while not a decision to agonize over, it does contribute to the game’s replay value.
7. Don’t Always Rely on Headshots
a first-person shooter, the traditional emphasis on headshots is not as pronounced. Unlike other FPS titles, headshots here offer a modest damage boost, deviating from the substantial impact seen in familiar shooter dynamics.
Strategic Weapon Upgrades
Rather than fixating on headshots, players should prioritize weapon upgrades and comprehend the nuances of battling different adversaries. Cyberpunk 2077 employs a complex damage calculation system, requiring a strategic approach to combat effectiveness.
Sniper Savvy
Though headshots may not deliver instant victory, strategic upgrades and a comprehensive understanding of the game’s damage mechanics will eventually make sniper shots to the head a formidable asset. In Cyberpunk 2077, success in combat is a nuanced blend of strategy and weapon proficiency.
8. Build Street Cred
Unlike The Witcher 3, where leveling up was the primary focus, Cyberpunk 2077 introduces a parallel system: Street Cred. While Geralt thrived as a lone powerhouse, V’s success in Night City is intricately tied to not just levels and upgrades, but also to the accumulation of “Street Cred.”
Reputation Matters
In Cyberpunk 2077, Street Cred isn’t just a statistic; it’s a testament to V’s notoriety. Completing gigs elevates V’s standing in Night City, unlocking more opportunities and tasks. The more V accomplishes, the more doors open, creating a dynamic cityscape that responds to the mercenary’s growing reputation.
Optimize Your Infamy
While Street Cred naturally accumulates with tasks, actively seeking out and completing gigs is a strategic move to expedite its growth. Whether saving or destroying Night City, V’s legacy hinges on Street Cred, making it a crucial facet of the game’s progression.
9. Focus on Crafting
In Cyberpunk 2077, crafting isn’t obligatory but offers valuable advantages. The 2.0 Update brings substantial improvements, providing players with increased flexibility in a system that previously felt somewhat limiting. While a simple adjustment, it transforms the approach to crafting in the game.
Points Not Required
Unlike earlier versions, there’s no need to invest skill points into crafting as of the 2.0 Update. However, players should be vigilant about accumulating crafting components of various tiers. These components are not only essential for crafting specific weapons but also play a pivotal role in upgrading cyberware.
Crafting Components: The Key to Versatility
Crafting components become the linchpin for versatility in Cyberpunk 2077. Keeping an eye on these resources ensures players can exploit the full potential of the crafting system, enhancing both weapons and cyberware for a more formidable character.
10. Prioritize Getting More Eddies
In the bustling world of Cyberpunk 2077, Eurodollars, or “Eddies,” reign supreme as the universal currency. From the outset, players grapple with financial constraints, making the early game a quest for Eddies to meet every need.
Weapons to Wealth
A swift method to amass Eddies in the post-2.0 landscape involves scavenging weapons from defeated foes and selling them at designated drop-off points. This resourceful approach turns battlefield remnants into a lucrative income source. Additionally, engaging in local gigs and NCPD scanner hustles proves a profitable venture, contributing to V’s financial stability.
Early-game Economics
In the initial stages, prioritize completing jobs and capitalizing on every opportunity to accumulate Eddies. This financial groundwork sets the stage for a smoother journey through Night City’s intricate tapestry.
11. Attribute and Perk Mastery
In Cyberpunk 2077, keeping tabs on two crucial point systems—Attribute Points and Perk Points—is as essential as monitoring Street Cred and Levels. Regardless of the chosen difficulty level, upgrades become indispensable for bridging the punishing gap in level disparities.
Timing Matters
Resist the impulse to hastily spend Attribute and Perk Points. Cyberpunk’s dynamic gameplay demands a situational approach, where adaptability is key. The game offers multiple pathways to conquer challenges, and the optimal strategy often unveils itself in the heat of the moment.
Mid-Conflict Customization
The flexibility to upgrade mid-firefight adds a layer of tactical finesse to Cyberpunk. Utilizing Attribute and Perk Points in real-time can be the difference between survival and reloading a save, making it a strategic decision that shapes the course of V’s journey through the unpredictable landscape of Night City.
12. Save Smarter, Play Smoother
Navigating the challenges of Cyberpunk 2077 can be a perilous journey, especially when facing tough adversaries or running low on crucial resources. In such situations, quick saving becomes a lifeline for players seeking to avoid the frustration of unexpected setbacks.
Quick Save Mastery
PC players, in particular, can leverage the convenience of quick saving with a simple button press. While the autosave system is generous, it falls short in a world where danger lurks around every corner. Quick saves empower players to sidestep potential setbacks and maintain their momentum.
Frustration-Free Progression
While some may opt for immersive combat experiences, others can spare themselves from repetitive sections by mastering the art of the quick save. A minor investment in time can lead to major dividends in frustration-free progression through the unforgiving landscapes of Night City.
Conclusion
As you embark on your journey through the neon-lit city of Cyberpunk 2077, integrating these insights into your gameplay promises a smoother initiation. Navigating the intricacies of street cred, perfecting your combat finesse, or mastering the art of saving in the nick of time will collectively contribute to a more immersive and enjoyable experience for beginners.
In a world where every decision shapes the destiny of V, these tips serve as a compass. These will guide you through the unpredictable twists and turns of Cyberpunk 2077. So, embrace the challenges and enjoy the richness of the narrative in this game.
