Cyberpunk 2077 Netrunner Build 2.0: Quickhacks and Cyberware Guide

Netrunner Build Overview

For the definitive Netrunner build in Cyberpunk 2077, as of Patch 2.3, prioritize maxing Intelligence to 20, equipping a top-tier Cyberdeck like the Tetratronic Rippler or Arasaka HAK-5, and utilizing quickhacks such as Contagion and Memory Wipe for both damage and crowd control. This build allows you to clear entire rooms of enemies without direct combat, leveraging high RAM capacity and rapid hack upload speeds.

The Netrunner build focuses on using quickhacks as the primary method for dealing damage and controlling crowds. While it can feel underpowered in the early game (levels 1-20) due to limited RAM and modest hack damage, by level 30 and beyond, it transforms into one of the most potent builds available. The strategy involves staying at range, using quickhacks to neutralize threats, and avoiding direct engagements. Investing in Intelligence first is crucial for increasing RAM capacity, unlocking higher-tier quickhacks, and boosting hack damage.

Attributes and Key Perks

The Netrunner build heavily relies on Intelligence, which directly impacts RAM capacity, quickhack tiers, and overall hack damage. While Intelligence is paramount, other attributes support the Netrunner’s playstyle by enhancing stealth, cyberware capacity, and basic survivability.

Intelligence perks like Queue Scaling, RAM Recovery, and Hack Ramp-Up are essential for maximizing quickhack efficiency. Cool perks such as Dead Silence and Low Profile enhance stealth, allowing you to remain undetected while hacking. Technical Ability is important for increasing your cyberware capacity, enabling you to equip more powerful implants that support your hacking. The suggested Body attribute provides a minimal health buffer, as direct combat is generally avoided.

Essential Quickhacks for Netrunners

Quickhacks are the core offensive and defensive tools for a Netrunner. A well-chosen arsenal allows for versatile engagement, from revealing enemies through walls to eliminating them silently. Contagion is particularly important for its area-of-effect capabilities.

Contagion is arguably the most critical quickhack; at Tier 2, it can spread from one infected target to all nearby enemies. Combined with the Phantom Liberty Data Wipe relic perk, Memory Wipe can also spread, transforming it into a room-clearing quickhack rather than just a single-target stealth tool. Ping is indispensable for reconnaissance, allowing you to locate enemies and plan your attacks without entering their line of sight. Short Circuit is vital for dealing with robotic enemies and turrets, which can be challenging otherwise.

Cyberdeck and Core Cyberware

The Cyberdeck is the Netrunner’s operating system, dictating RAM slots, quickhack slots, and upload speed. Upgrading your Cyberdeck provides the most significant power increase for this build. Complementary cyberware focuses on RAM recovery, hack damage bonuses, and survivability.

The Arasaka HAK-5 is considered the ultimate Netrunner Cyberdeck, offering 4 RAM slots and 5 quickhack slots. This capacity allows you to queue multiple quickhacks simultaneously, such as Contagion, Memory Wipe, Ping, Weapon Glitch, and Short Circuit, significantly enhancing your combat effectiveness. The Tetratronic Rippler is also an excellent endgame choice.

For general cyberware, prioritize items that boost RAM recovery, increase hack damage, and provide some survivability.

The Ex-Disk, RAM Upgrade, and Camillo RAM Manager are crucial for maintaining your RAM pool, ensuring quickhacks are always available. The Biosystem Monitor provides a slow-motion effect when hacking, which can be a lifesaver if you find yourself in a vulnerable position. The Smart Link is also a valuable piece of cyberware, though its specific effects in the context of this build’s primary sources are not detailed.

FAQ

What is the best attribute to prioritize for a Netrunner build? Intelligence is the most critical attribute, as it directly increases RAM capacity, unlocks higher-tier quickhacks, and boosts hack damage. You should aim to max it out to 20.

Which quickhacks are essential for a Netrunner? Contagion is your primary area-of-effect damage hack. Memory Wipe is crucial for stealth takedowns and, with the right Relic perk, can also clear rooms. Ping is mandatory for reconnaissance, and Short Circuit is essential for dealing with turrets and robotic enemies.

What is the best Cyberdeck for a Netrunner? The Arasaka HAK-5 is considered the best endgame Cyberdeck, offering 4 RAM slots and 5 quickhack slots. The Tetratronic Rippler is also an excellent option with 4 RAM slots and 4 quickhack slots.

Does the Netrunner build feel weak in the early game? Yes, the Netrunner build can feel underpowered in levels 1-20 due to limited RAM and lower quickhack damage. However, it becomes incredibly powerful by level 30+ as you acquire more RAM, better quickhacks, and a high-tier Cyberdeck.

What kind of cyberware should a Netrunner focus on? Netrunner cyberware should prioritize RAM recovery, quickhack upload speed, hack damage bonuses, and survivability (e.g., Biosystem Monitor for slow-mo while hacking). Frontal Cortex implants like Ex-Disk, RAM Upgrade, and Camillo RAM Manager are highly recommended.