First Things To Do In Cyberpunk 2077 For New Players

Posted on 24 August 2026 | 2
News

Stepping into the neon-drenched streets of Night City for the first time can be an overwhelming experience for any mercenary. Cyberpunk 2077 offers a massive open world filled with intricate systems, complex role-playing mechanics, and endless distractions that can easily sidetrack your early progression. Understanding how to establish a solid foundation during your first few hours will make your journey as V significantly smoother and more enjoyable.

Complete Act One Main Missions Comfortably

Before you lose yourself in the endless sea of side contracts and exploration, focus on completing the initial main narrative arc up until the heist mission. This early segment serves as an extended tutorial that introduces key characters, unlocks your personal vehicle, and establishes the core mechanics of the game. Advancing through this section also expands your access to the broader regions of the map that are initially locked down by the NCPD.

Taking your time during these prologue missions allows you to naturally accumulate essential gear and experience points without feeling pressured. It provides a structured environment where you can test different weapons and find a playstyle that suits your tactical preferences. Once the full title card drops and the city opens up, you will be much better equipped to handle the dangers waiting in the outer districts.

Visit Nearby Ripperdocs for Early Cyberware Upgrades

Enhancing your physical body with technological advancements is a definitive aspect of survival in this dystopian metropolis. Local medical specialists known as ripperdocs are scattered across every district, offering crucial modifications that directly improve your combat efficiency and survivability. Investing your early earnings into basic cyberware like reinforced armor plating or health-regenerating circulatory implants yields immediate benefits in tough encounters.

Prioritize upgrading your operating system or ocular implants early on to expand your scanning capabilities during stealth sequences. These early investments grant you more RAM for quickhacking environmental objects and tagging hostile targets through solid walls. Taking the time to optimize your biological mainframe ensures you can maintain a competitive edge against aggressive street gangs.

Balance Your Core Attribute Points Wisely

The character progression system relies heavily on five major attribute categories that dictate your dialogue options, hacking potential, and weapon proficiencies. New players should avoid rushing to maximize a single stat and instead distribute points evenly to stay versatile during early encounters. Investing points into Technical Ability is highly recommended because it increases your natural armor and unlocks the ability to force open locked doors containing hidden loot.

Focusing on attributes that complement your preferred weapon types will drastically improve your efficiency during random street skirmishes. If you prefer stealthy approaches or precision combat, allocating points toward Cool or Intelligence will serve you best. Keeping your build adaptable early on allows you to experiment with different gameplay mechanics before committing to a definitive end-game configuration.

Clear Local NCPD Scanner Hustles for Quick Cash

Accumulating currency is essential for purchasing high-tier weapons, calling new vehicles, and installing premium cyberware upgrades. The fastest way to build your bank account early on is by clearing out minor blue markers on your map, which represent active crimes and assault cases. These quick combat encounters take only a few minutes to complete and offer substantial financial bonuses alongside valuable item drops.

Gathering all the discarded weapons and tactical gear from defeated enemies allows you to sell them at nearby drop points for a steady stream of revenue. Alternatively, you can break down low-tier items into basic crafting components to upgrade your favorite iconic weapons. Engaging in these localized activities provides a safe way to master your combat toolkit while funding your rise through the mercenary ranks.