Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty Guide | Top 5 Builds For V

You're about to dive into five of the most powerful builds in Cyberpunk 2077 after the 2.0 update and Phantom Liberty DLC. Each one caters to a different playstyle, whether you're into hacking, melee combat, stealth, or something else entirely.

You'll get all the details on which attributes to invest in, which perks to buy, the weapons to use, and the cyberware to install. So, buckle up and get ready to make V the most unstoppable force in Night City.

Before getting into the builds, let's go over some general attribute advice. In Phantom Liberty DLC, the level cap has been raised to 60, which means you can max out 3 attribute scores while getting another up to 18. If you have no interest in Netrunning, Intelligence is the best stat to dump since it mainly affects quick hacks and smart weapons.

Most of these builds are flexible, letting you focus on one or two key attributes to get everything you need, so feel free to experiment. One universal upgrade you should grab is the Reinforced Tendon cyberware, which enables double jumping.

Fire Samurai Build

This melee-focused katana build emphasizes reflexes and body, using speed and courage in battle. You'll be darting around the battlefield, setting enemies on fire with the Thermal Katana. The reflexes skill tree is your main priority, and key perks include Lead and Steel (which lets you block incoming projectiles with your sword), Bullet Deflect (which sends bullets back at enemies), and Blade Runner (a stylish finisher).

Since melee combat means you'll be taking a lot of fire while closing the distance, boosting body for more HP is crucial. Technical ability is another solid investment, allowing you to maximize cyberware and pick up Adrenaline Rush, which increases HP and regeneration. If you want more melee flexibility, you can grab perks like Wrecking Ball and Quake for blunt weapons like hammers.

For cyberware, you have plenty of options, but you'll definitely want armor-boosting implants like Parabellum or Subdermal Armor. Your best operating system is Berserk, with Militech Berserk as the best option. When activated, it makes you temporarily invulnerable while boosting melee damage, stamina, and attack speed.

The star of the show is the Thermal Katana, which you can find early in Act 2. It's hidden in the warehouse where you and Judy rescue Evelyn Parker during the Disasterpiece quest. You'll find it sitting in a furnace in the basement.

God-Tier Netrunner Build

If hacking is your thing, this is one of the most powerful ways to play. This build maximizes Intelligence and technical ability, with perks that enhance hacking capabilities and RAM management.

For intelligence perks, Hack Queue lets you upload multiple quick hacks to a single enemy while boosting RAM. QCK Route and Feedback Loop lower quick hack costs and increase RAM regeneration, while Proximate Propagation improves passive hacking efficiency. Overclock is your ultimate ability, slowing time, boosting damage and RAM recovery, and even allowing hacks when you're out of RAM.

In the technical ability tree, License to Chrome is a must-have for increasing cyberware slots, while Ticking Time Bomb pairs with Overclock, creating an EMP blast that stuns and damages nearby enemies.

Cyberware should focus on increasing RAM and armor. Memory Boost, X-Disk, and RAM Reallocator are fantastic choices. If you can't afford them yet, a basic RAM boost will still help. Armor-wise, Parabellum, Bionic Joints, and Subdermal Armor will keep you safe.

Your best operating system is a cyberdeck. Tetratronic Rippler Mk.5 remains the top choice for quick hacks, offering high RAM and a 40% damage boost to combat hacks. If you're looking for something more unique, the Militech Canto Mk.6 grants access to the overpowered Blackwall Gateway ability, though you'll need to make specific Phantom Liberty choices to unlock it.

For weapons, Netrunners have plenty of options, but tech weapons and smart guns are your best bet due to high Intelligence and technical ability. The Widowmaker tech rifle, Ogu pistol, and Adam Smasher's smart shotgun are all excellent choices. However, this build is all about quick hacks, so focus on Synapse Burnout, Detonate Grenade, and Cyberpsychosis for maximum destruction.

Ninja Assassin Build

If you prefer to stay in the shadows and eliminate enemies quietly, this build is for you. The Cool attribute is your priority, with Ninjutsu increasing movement speed while crouching and letting you sprint silently.

Throwing knives is a key part of this playstyle, making Juggler an essential perk. You'll also want Focus and Deadeye for improved handgun performance. Silent takedowns are a core part of the build, and as of the 2.0 update, you can now execute enemies from above without needing the Hidden Dragon perk—it's a free base ability.

Mobility is crucial, so grab Dash and Air Dash from the reflex tree. Cyberware-wise, Optical Camo is a must for temporary invisibility, and Mantis Blades allow for brutal melee finishers.

For weapons, the Her Majesty silenced pistol from Alex in the DLC is perfect, boasting a 100% crit chance when Optical Camo is active. Silencers were nerfed in 2.0, meaning they can no longer be attached to revolvers or rifles, so sticking to pistols is the best move.

Techno-Necromancer Build

If tech weapons are your style, this build focuses on Technical Ability, unlocking perks that increase cyberware capacity and tech weapon damage. Max out License to Chrome and Bolt, then grab Chain Lightning, which adds an arcing electrical attack to tech weapons.

Investing in Cool boosts damage with precision rifles like the Widowmaker, while Intelligence enhances smart weapons like the Yinlong. Perks like Focus, Deadeye, and Acquisition Specialist further optimize your performance.

Cyberware choices are flexible, so pick what suits your playstyle. Recommended weapons include the Yinlong SMG, Brick's Custom Shotgun, and the Widowmaker rifle.

David Martinez 2.0 Build

Inspired by Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, this build revolves around Sandevistan, melee combat, and shotguns. Max out Body and Technical Ability while grabbing key perks like Painkiller, Adrenaline Rush, and Rip and Tear.

The best Sandevistan is Militech Apogee. To mimic David's cyberware, use Gorilla Arms (preferably Thermal Gorilla Arms for fire damage) and the Projectile Launcher. Essential cyberware includes a Blood Pump for HP regeneration, an Adrenaline Converter for movement buffs, and armor-enhancing implants.

David's favorite weapon was the DB-2 Satara shotgun. For the best version, you can pick up Brick's Custom Satara in Phantom Liberty.

With Sandevistan active, your main strategy is to charge in and beat enemies down with Gorilla Arms, making this build a high-risk, high-reward powerhouse.

Also, check our Cyberpunk 2077 Review, Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty Review, and other guides below:

• Cyberpunk 2077 Guide | All 13 Perk Shards Locations