Ultimate Netrunner Build Guide for Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.0

The ultimate Netrunner build for Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.0 (as of June 22, 2026) focuses on maximizing Intelligence for powerful quickhacks, supported by Technical Ability for cyberware efficiency, Reflexes for mobility, and Cool for stealth and critical damage. This build leverages iconic Smart Weapons and the Monowire with specific cyberware to dominate combat from a distance or up close.

Build Overview

This Netrunner build excels at taking down enemies before they can react, primarily through the strategic use of quickhacks and Smart Weapons. With the 2.0 update, Netrunners can queue multiple quickhacks, enabling devastating combos that can clear entire groups of enemies from stealth. While powerful, this build thrives when undetected, as direct gunfights can be challenging due to its focus on hacking over raw combat durability. Achieving its full potential requires reaching at least Level 50, with Level 60 (from the Phantom Liberty DLC) offering additional attribute and perk points for enhanced survivability.

The core of this build revolves around high Intelligence to increase RAM capacity and quickhack effectiveness, coupled with Technical Ability to boost cyberware performance and RAM recovery. Reflexes provide crucial mobility and critical chance, while Cool enhances stealth capabilities and critical damage. The Monowire, particularly with the Jailbreak Relic Perk, transforms into a potent melee weapon that can spread control quickhacks.

Attributes and Perks

To maximize your Netrunner’s potential, the attribute spread prioritizes Intelligence and Technical Ability, with significant investments in Reflexes and Cool. The following table outlines the recommended attribute distribution for both Level 50 (base game) and Level 60 (with Phantom Liberty DLC).

Note: The Level 50 attribute spread assumes 3 points in Body, 4 in Reflex, 6 in Technical Ability, 6 in Intelligence, and 3 in Cool at Level 1, then progresses from there.

Key perks across these attributes further enhance the Netrunner’s capabilities:

• Intelligence: Focus on perks like Queue Mastery, Spillover, Smart Synergy, Overclock, Blood Daemon, and Embedded Exploit to maximize quickhack damage, RAM management, and queue efficiency.
• Technical Ability: Essential perks include License to Chrome, Chrome Constitution, Chipware Connoisseur, Driver Update, and All Things Cyber to boost cyberware capacity, health, and RAM recovery.
• Reflexes: Sharpshooter, Dash, Ready, Rested, Reloaded, and Slippery improve mobility, aiming, and overall weapon handling.
• Cool: Nerves of Tungsten-Steel, Deadeye, California Reaper, Focus, and Killer Instinct are vital for stealth, critical damage, and headshot effectiveness.
• Body: Painkiller, Speed Junkie, Comeback Kid, and Army of One provide basic survivability and health regeneration, especially useful with the additional points at Level 60.

Essential Gear and Quickhacks

Optimal gear and quickhacks are crucial for this Netrunner build. The right selection of Cyberware, Smart Weapons, and specific quickhacks will allow you to dominate encounters.

Cyberware

The most critical piece of cyberware is your Cyberdeck. The Netwatch Netdriver Mk.1 is recommended for its high base RAM slots. For your Frontal Cortex, prioritize RAM recovery and slots:

Quickhacks

A balanced set of Combat, Control, and Ultimate quickhacks will provide versatility.

The ability to queue quickhacks is a cornerstone of this build. Effective combos include using Poison Explosion, Grunt Popper, or Overclocked Synapse Burnout for area-of-effect damage or rapid single-target elimination.

Weapons

Smart Weapons are the primary ranged choice, benefiting from the high Intelligence and Smart Link cyberware. The Monowire serves as a potent melee option.

The Monowire synergizes exceptionally well with the new Jailbreak Relic Perk, allowing you to launch Control quickhacks at enemies through your melee attacks.

Playstyle and Strategy

The Netrunner build thrives on stealth and strategic engagement. Your primary goal is to neutralize threats from a distance using quickhacks, often before enemies even detect your presence. Utilize cover and elevated positions to maintain line of sight for hacking.

• Stealth First: Always initiate combat from stealth. Use untraceable quickhacks like System Collapse, Memory Wipe, and Sonic Shock to thin out enemy patrols or take down high-priority targets without alerting others.
• Quickhack Combos: Leverage the quickhack queuing system to chain effects. For example, Cripple Movement followed by Overheat can disable and damage an enemy effectively. Synapse Burnout and Overheat are excellent for direct damage.
• RAM Management: Monitor your RAM closely. Perks and cyberware focused on RAM recovery are vital. Use Overclock in intense situations to temporarily bypass RAM limits, but be mindful of the health cost.
• Smart Weapon Integration: When direct combat is unavoidable or preferred, switch to your Smart Weapons. The Crimestopper is excellent for critical headshots, while the Pizdets can shred multiple enemies with its increasing fire rate, especially when combined with Targeting Prism perk.
• Monowire for Close Quarters: If enemies get too close, the Monowire with the Jailbreak Relic Perk allows you to apply control quickhacks, disrupting their attacks and creating openings for follow-up damage.
• Exploiting Weaknesses: Use Eye in the Sky and Targeting Prism to identify enemy weaknesses and spread quickhacks efficiently.

This build rewards patience and tactical thinking. While it can handle direct confrontations, its true power lies in its ability to manipulate the battlefield and eliminate threats through technological prowess.

FAQ

What are the most important attributes for a Netrunner build in Cyberpunk 2077 2.0? The most important attributes are Intelligence (20) for quickhack power and RAM capacity, Technical Ability (15) for cyberware efficiency and RAM recovery, Reflexes (15) for mobility and crit chance, and Cool (15-20) for stealth and crit damage.

Which Cyberdeck is best for a Netrunner? The Netwatch Netdriver Mk.1 Cyberdeck is recommended for its high base RAM slots, which are crucial for quickhack usage.

Can this build be played effectively without the Phantom Liberty DLC? Yes, the build is effective without the DLC, but reaching Level 60 with Phantom Liberty allows for additional attribute points (especially in Body for survivability) and perks, maximizing its potential.

What are the best weapons for a Netrunner? For Smart Weapons, the Iconic Crimestopper (pistol) and Pizdets (SMG) are highly recommended. The Monowire is the best melee weapon, especially with the Jailbreak Relic Perk.

How does the quickhack queue work in Update 2.0? The 2.0 update allows you to queue multiple quickhacks, enabling powerful combinations and more efficient targeting of multiple enemies. Perks in the Intelligence tree further enhance this mechanic.