The most critical cyberware for a Netrunner build in Cyberpunk 2077 is the Netwatch Netdriver Mk.1 Cyberdeck, providing the highest base RAM slots essential for quickhack execution. Complement this with frontal cortex implants like the Ex-Disk, RAM Upgrade, and Camillo RAM Manager to maximize RAM recovery and capacity, ensuring your quickhacks are consistently available.
Operating System: The Core of Your Netrunner Build
The operating system is paramount for any Netrunner, directly influencing your quickhack capabilities and RAM economy. For a top-tier Netrunner build, the Netwatch Netdriver Mk.1 Cyberdeck stands out as the primary choice due to its superior base RAM slots. This cyberdeck provides the foundational capacity needed to upload and queue multiple quickhacks, which is crucial for the Netrunner playstyle, especially after Update 2.0 allowed for quickhack combos.
While the Netwatch Netdriver Mk.1 is recommended for its high RAM, the Tetratronic Rippler Mk.5 is also a strong contender. The choice between these two often depends on specific playstyle nuances and quickhack preferences. The ability to queue multiple quickhacks allows for strategic combinations, disabling enemies or dealing significant damage before they even detect your presence. A healthy RAM pool, primarily governed by your operating system, is key to executing these advanced tactics.
Frontal Cortex for RAM Management
Effective RAM management is crucial for a Netrunner, as quickhacks are your primary damage and control tools. The frontal cortex cyberware slots are dedicated to enhancing your RAM capacity and recovery rates, ensuring you can continuously deploy quickhacks in and out of combat.
| Cyberware | Effect |
|---|---|
| Ex-Disk | Faster quickhack upload + RAM slots |
| RAM Upgrade | RAM recovery rate + RAM slots |
| Camillo RAM Manager | RAM recovery rate + RAM slots |
These three frontal cortex implants work in conjunction to optimize your RAM economy. The Ex-Disk not only adds more RAM slots but also speeds up quickhack uploads, allowing for quicker deployment of your abilities. Both the RAM Upgrade and Camillo RAM Manager are vital for maintaining a steady flow of RAM, increasing its recovery rate and providing additional slots. This combination ensures that even with the high RAM cost of powerful quickhacks, you can sustain your offensive and defensive capabilities throughout engagements. For Netrunners who anticipate more direct combat with firearms rather than primarily relying on the Monowire, the RAM Upgrade can optionally be swapped for a Kerenzikov Boost System to enhance gunplay.
Essential Support Cyberware
Beyond the core operating system and frontal cortex implants, certain support cyberware pieces are indispensable for maximizing a Netrunner’s effectiveness. These augmentations provide crucial benefits that either enhance quickhack utility or improve overall combat readiness.
| Cyberware | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Smart Link | Essential for Smart Weapons |
The Smart Link is a mandatory cyberware for any Netrunner build that plans to incorporate Smart Weapons into their arsenal. Given that many recommended Netrunner weapons, such as the Crimestopper and Pizdets, are Smart Weapons, the Smart Link is necessary to utilize their auto-targeting capabilities effectively. This link enhances accuracy and lock-on speed, making Smart Weapons a reliable backup or primary damage source when RAM is low or when a stealth approach is not feasible. Its importance cannot be overstated for hybrid Netrunner builds that don’t exclusively rely on quickhacks.
Monowire for Melee Netrunners
For Netrunners who wish to engage in close-quarters combat or require a stealthy melee option, the Monowire is the definitive choice for arm cyberware. This weapon is particularly potent when combined with the Jailbreak Relic Perk, introduced in the Phantom Liberty DLC.
The Monowire allows you to launch Control quickhacks at enemies, effectively integrating your hacking abilities into melee combat. This unique synergy means you can disable or manipulate foes with quickhacks delivered directly through your Monowire, adding a new dimension to your combat strategy. It’s especially useful for stealth takedowns or when you need to quickly incapacitate a target without expending RAM on traditional quickhack uploads. The Monowire’s ability to apply quickhacks directly makes it an invaluable tool for a versatile Netrunner.
FAQ
What is the best operating system for a Netrunner? The Netwatch Netdriver Mk.1 Cyberdeck is considered the best operating system for a Netrunner due to its high base RAM slots, which are essential for executing multiple quickhacks.
Which frontal cortex cyberware should a Netrunner prioritize? A Netrunner should prioritize the Ex-Disk, RAM Upgrade, and Camillo RAM Manager for their frontal cortex slots to maximize RAM capacity, recovery rate, and quickhack upload speed.
Is Smart Link necessary for a Netrunner build? Yes, the Smart Link is a must-have for any Netrunner build that utilizes Smart Weapons, as it enables the weapons’ auto-targeting and enhances their effectiveness.
Why is the Monowire recommended for Netrunners? The Monowire is recommended for Netrunners, especially with the Jailbreak Relic Perk, because it allows you to launch Control quickhacks at enemies through melee attacks, integrating hacking into close-quarters combat.
Can I swap out RAM-focused cyberware for combat enhancements? Optionally, you can swap out the RAM Upgrade for a Kerenzikov Boost System if your playstyle involves more gun combat than exclusive Monowire use, though this will slightly reduce your overall RAM capacity and recovery.