Iconic weapons in Cyberpunk 2077 are unique firearms and melee tools with fixed special effects that cannot be found on standard weapons. Many are obtained through specific quests or found in fixed world locations, such as Skippy in a Vista del Rey alley or Johnny’s Malorian Arms 3516 during Johnny’s quests. These weapons are often missable, so careful exploration and quest progression are crucial for collection.
What Are Iconic Weapons?
Iconic weapons are a distinct category of gear in Cyberpunk 2077, characterized by their unique perks and visual appearances that differentiate them from all other weapons. Unlike generic weapons, iconic variants possess special modifiers that are fixed and cannot be rolled on standard counterparts. These unique effects make them highly sought after for specific builds and playstyles. With the release of the Phantom Liberty expansion, a new type of iconic weapon, designated with the “x-MOD2” suffix, was introduced. These advanced iconics come with two guaranteed mod slots and improved handling, offering greater versatility compared to earlier iconic versions which typically lack mod slots. The game’s Update 2.0 also refined the rarity system, replacing the old “legendary” designation with a Tier 1-5 system, where iconics now primarily fall into the higher tiers, often reaching Tier 5++.
The appeal of iconic weapons extends beyond their unique stats; many are tied to the game’s narrative, belonging to key characters or appearing at pivotal moments. This adds a layer of lore and collectibility for players. While standard weapons can be found and upgraded, the inherent special properties of iconics ensure they remain relevant throughout gameplay, often forming the cornerstone of powerful character builds.
Acquiring Iconic Weapons
Obtaining iconic weapons in Cyberpunk 2077 often requires specific actions, as many are permanently missable if certain conditions are not met. The most common methods involve completing main jobs, side jobs, and gigs, which frequently reward players with unique iconics like Satori or Byakko. Some iconic weapons are found in fixed world locations, hidden in specific rooms, containers, or on NPC bodies, such as Skippy in a Vista del Rey alley. NCPD Scanner Hustles, marked by skull icons, can sometimes yield crafting specifications for iconic weapons, allowing players to craft them later.
Vendors occasionally sell select iconic melee weapons, providing another avenue for acquisition. For certain iconics, players must first find their crafting specification and then craft them, often at higher tiers. The Phantom Liberty expansion introduced new iconic weapons specifically found within Dogtown, through gigs, main jobs, airdrops, and Increased Criminal Activity zones, including Ambition, Cheetah, and Hawk. Due to their missable nature, it is highly recommended to save before major decisions or boss fights and to thoroughly explore during jobs, as many iconics are located off the critical path in side rooms or hidden containers.
Iconic Weapon Stats and Locations
Iconic weapons offer diverse stats and unique effects tailored to different combat scenarios and playstyles. Their acquisition methods vary significantly, from quest rewards to fixed world pickups. Below is a selection of iconic weapons, detailing their type, tier, key bonuses, and where to find them.
| Name | Tier | Class | Type | Bonuses
Ambition is a Tier 4 Tech Pistol with bonuses including +150% Headshot Damage Multiplier, +25% Armor Penetration, and a 0.5-second Charge Time. It weighs 4.3.
Amnesty is a Tier 5 Power Revolver. It offers +200% Headshot Damage Multiplier, +25% Armor Penetration, and +50% Crit Chance, weighing 4.6.
Apparition is a Tier 2 Tech Pistol. It has +150% Headshot Damage Multiplier, +50% Armor Penetration, and a 0.75-second Charge Time, weighing 4.3.
Archangel is a Tier 5 Power Revolver with a +200% Headshot Damage Multiplier and weighs 4.6.
Baby Boomer is a Tier 3 Melee Two-Handed Club. It provides +25% Armor Penetration, +11% Bleeding Chance, and +11% Stun Chance, weighing 5.7.
Ba Xing Chong is a Tier 5 Smart Shotgun. It features +50% Armor Penetration, a 1.2-second Lock-on time, and 4 Number of projectiles, weighing 9.6.
Black Unicorn is a Tier 5 Melee Blade. It has +25% Armor Penetration and +20% Bleeding Chance, weighing 4.5.
Bloody Maria is a Tier 5 Power Shotgun. Its bonuses include +85% Headshot Damage Multiplier, +25% Armor Penetration, +30% Bleeding Chance, and 6 Number of projectiles, weighing 9.6.
Blue Fang is a Tier 5 Melee Blade. It offers +150% Headshot Damage Multiplier, +20% Bleeding Chance, and +50% Poison Chance, weighing 2.3.
Breakthrough is a Tier 5 Tech Sniper Rifle. It boasts +300% Headshot Damage Multiplier, +100% Armor Penetration, and a 1.25-second Charge Time, weighing 11.7.
Butcher’s Cleaver is a Tier 5 Melee Blade. It comes with +25% Armor Penetration and +40% Bleeding Chance, weighing 4.
Buzzsaw is a Tier 5 Power SMG. Its bonuses are +100% Headshot Damage Multiplier and +25% Armor Penetration, weighing 5.
Byakko is a Tier 5 Melee Blade. It has +25% Armor Penetration and +30% Bleeding Chance, weighing 4.5.
Caretaker’s Spade is a Tier 5 Melee Blunt weapon. It offers +25% Armor Penetration and +25% Stun Chance, weighing 6.8.
Chaos is a Tier 5 Tech Pistol. It features +150% Headshot Damage Multiplier, +50% Armor Penetration, a 0.5-second Charge Time, and +10% Bleeding Chance, weighing 4.3.
Cheetah is a Tier 3 Power Pistol. Its bonuses include +150% Headshot Damage Multiplier, +50% Crit Damage, and +14% Bleeding Chance, weighing 4.3.
Cocktail Stick is a Tier 4 Melee Blade. It has +25% Armor Penetration and +25% Bleeding Chance, weighing 4.5.
Comrade’s Hammer is a Tier 5 Tech Revolver. It offers +75% Armor Penetration, a 1-second Charge Time, +50% Crit Damage, and +40% Burn Chance, weighing 4.5.
Cottonmouth is a Tier 4 Melee Blunt weapon. It provides +25% Armor Penetration, +15% Stun Chance, +20% Shack Chance, and +20% Poison Chance, weighing 3.4.
Crash is a Tier 5 Power Revolver. It has +200% Headshot Damage Multiplier and +25% Armor Penetration, weighing 4.6.
Crimestopper is a Tier 4 Smart Pistol. Its bonuses are +85% Headshot Damage Multiplier, a 0.9-second Lock-on time, and +50% Crit Damage, weighing 4.3.
DR5 Nova is a Tier 5 Power Revolver. It features +200% Headshot Damage Multiplier and +25% Armor Penetration, weighing 4.6.
Death and Taxes is a Tier 5 Power Pistol with a +125% Headshot Damage Multiplier, weighing 4.3.
Divided We Stand is a Tier 5 Smart Assault Rifle. It offers +50% Headshot Damage Multiplier, a 1.2-second Lock-on time, and +20% Poison Chance, weighing 7.2.
Dying Night is a Tier 5 Power Pistol. It has +125% Headshot Damage Multiplier and +25% Armor Penetration, weighing 4.3.
Errata is a Tier 2 Melee Blade. It comes with +25% Armor Penetration and +17% Burn Chance, weighing 4.5.
Fenrir is a Tier 1 Power SMG. Its bonuses are +100% Headshot Damage Multiplier and +10% Shock Center, weighing 5.
Genjiroh is a Tier 5 Smart Pistol. It features +85% Headshot Damage Multiplier, a 1-second Lock-on time, and +20% Shock Chance, weighing 4.3.
Gold-Plated Baseball Bat is a Tier 5 Melee Blunt weapon. It provides +25% Armor Penetration, +100% Bleeding Chance, and +25% Stun Chance, weighing 5.7.
Guts is a Tier 5 Power Shotgun. It boasts +85% Headshot Damage Multiplier, +75% Armor Penetration, and 20 Number of projectiles, weighing 9.6.
Hawk is a Tier 3 Power Assault Rifle. It offers +175% Headshot Damage Multiplier and +25% Armor Penetration, weighing 7.2.
Headhunter is a Tier 5 Melee Blade. It has +150% Headshot Damage Multiplier and +20% Bleeding Chance, weighing 2.3.
Her Majesty is a Tier 3+ Power Pistol with a +150% Headshot Damage Multiplier, weighing 4.3.
Hypercritical is a Tier 3 Power Precision Rifle. Its bonuses include +200% Headshot Damage Multiplier, +50% Armor Penetration, and +100% Crit Damage, weighing 7.8.
Jinchu-Maru is a Tier 5 Melee Blade. It provides +25% Armor Penetration and +20% Bleeding Chance, weighing 4.5.
Kongou is a Tier 2 Power Pistol. It has +150% Headshot Damage Multiplier and +10% reduced recoil, with increased ricochet capacity even without cyberware.
This table provides a snapshot of some iconic weapons available in Cyberpunk 2077. Each weapon is designed to offer a unique edge in combat, from pistols specializing in headshot damage to melee weapons inflicting various status effects. The tier indicates its base rarity, with higher tiers generally offering better base stats and more potent bonuses. The weight impacts inventory management and movement speed, a consideration for certain builds. Players should consider their preferred combat style and character attributes when choosing which iconic weapons to pursue.
Upgrading Iconic Weapons
Upgrading iconic weapons in Cyberpunk 2077 is a crucial process for maintaining their effectiveness as you progress through the game. Unlike standard weapons that might be replaced, iconic weapons can be improved through the crafting menu. To initiate an upgrade, navigate to your inventory, select the “Crafting” tab, and then proceed to the “Upgrades” section. Here, you will find a list of all your weapons, including any iconic items you have acquired.
Once you select an iconic weapon, an “Upgrade” button will appear in the bottom right corner of the screen. Clicking this button will allow you to improve the weapon’s statistics and potentially its tier. However, upgrading requires specific components and resources. The exact materials needed will depend on the current tier of the weapon and the tier you are attempting to reach. For instance, upgrading an iconic weapon from Tier 5 to Tier 5+ requires 75 Tier 5 components, and moving from Tier 5+ to Tier 5++ demands 200 Tier 5 components. This system ensures that players must actively engage with the crafting system and collect materials to keep their favorite iconic weapons viable in higher-level encounters.
FAQ
What are the different types of weapons in Cyberpunk 2077? Weapons in Cyberpunk 2077 are categorized into three main projectile types: Power, Tech, and Smart, plus Melee weapons. Power weapons are traditional ballistic firearms with ricocheting bullets. Tech weapons use electromagnetic projectiles that can pierce cover and have high armor penetration. Smart weapons fire homing projectiles, requiring Smart Link cyberware for full effectiveness. Melee weapons include katanas, knives, blunt weapons, and Mantis Blades.
Are iconic weapons permanently missable? Yes, many iconic weapons are permanently missable. They are often tied to specific quests, dialogue choices, or loot opportunities during missions. If you miss the given opportunity, you won’t be able to get the iconic weapon unless you start a new game.
How do “legendary” weapons relate to iconic weapons after Update 2.0? The term “legendary” was the old name for top-rarity gear before Update 2.0. With Update 2.0, the rarity system was replaced with a Tier 1-5 system. What was previously called “legendary” now corresponds to iconic weapons, which are unique, one-of-a-kind items with special effects, often found at Tier 5 or higher (Tier 5++).
Do iconic weapons have mod slots? Most earlier iconic weapons typically lack mod