Best Cyberpunk 2077 2.1 Builds to Play

From a netrunner ninja to a mallet-swinging powerhouse, Cyberpunk 2077 has build types to satisfy many different playstyles. If you’re curious about the best 2.1 builds to play in Cyberpunk 2077, here’s a list of our personal favorites and how to make a build.

How to Make a Build in Cyberpunk 2077

As you level up in Cyberpunk 2077, you accumulate attribute and perk points to spend on skill trees and gradually mold your character’s build. For instance, the Body tree features boosts for using weapons like shotguns and blunt weapons while the Intelligence tree provides access to hacking bonuses and additional Smart Weapon stats. 

Nothing is stopping you from mixing and matching points between the five skill trees. However, naturally, focusing on fewer trees allows you to excel in specific playstyles rather than being a jack-of-all-trades. A stat blend of Intelligence, Reflexes, and Cool lets you take advantage of katanas and pistols while utilizing quick hacks to fry enemies on the spot. If you want something a bit louder and meaner, go full Body and Technical Ability to bulldoze through combat with LMGs and self-healing passives in a suped-up cyberware body.

Related: How to Complete I’m In Love With My Car in Cyberpunk 2077

These are more obvious build types, but experimenting is the name of the game. You can make almost anything work as long you have the right equipment and perks. Thankfully, you can test how you want to build your character through developer CD Projekt Red’s Build Planner if you’re on the fence about what to try.

Best 2.1 Builds in Cyberpunk 2077

Following the 2.1 patch, several builds received shakeups in Cyberpunk 2077. Below we’ve listed the best Cyberpunk builds we found and consider powerful options despite recent changes:

Bullet-Slashing Ninja

To make a Bullet-Slashing Ninja in Cyberpunk 2077, you’ll want to focus on agility and stealth. The perks of this build enhance your melee combat abilities, making it perfect for players who enjoy fast-paced, close-quarters combat.

• Attributes: 20 Reflexes, 20 Cool, 14 Intelligence, 9 Technical Ability, and 9 Body.
• Recommended Perks: Lead and Steel, Dash, Air Dash, Finisher: Bladerunner, Sharpshooter, Salt in the Wound, Tailwind, Slaughterhouse, Scorpion Sting, Juggler, Style Over Substance, and Ninjutsu.
• Recommended Weapons: Katanas.

Gunslinger

The Gunslinger build focuses on raw firepower and precision, allowing you to take down enemies with deadly accuracy. This build relies on powerful firearms and quick reflexes to dominate combat situations.

• Attributes: 20 Body, 20 Technical Ability, 20 Cool, 18 Reflexes, and 3 Intelligence.
• Recommended Perks: Die! Die! Die!, Spontaneous Obliteration, Rip and Tear, Onslaught, Adrenaline Rush, Pain to Gain, Focus, Deadeye, Nerves of Tungsten-Steel, Run ‘N’ Gun, and Quick Draw.
• Recommended Weapons: Pistols and Assault Rifles.

Hammer Smasher

For those who love brute force, the Hammer Smasher build emphasizes raw strength and resilience, turning you into a walking tank. This build is ideal for players who enjoy overpowering their foes with massive, crushing attacks and enduring heavy damage.

• Attributes: 20 Body, 20 Reflexes, 20 Technical Ability, 12 Cool, 9 Intelligence.
• Recommended Perks: Onslaught, Pain to Gain, Adrenaline Rush, Die! Die! Die!, Spontaneous Obliteration, Rip and Tear, Quake, Wrecking Ball, Painkiller, Savage Sling, and Edgerunner.
• Recommended Weapons: Hammers and Shotguns.

Running the Net

The Running the Net build focuses on hacking and cyber warfare, making you a master of the digital battlefield. This build’s perks are perfect for players who prefer a strategic approach, using advanced hacking abilities to disrupt and control the battlefield from a distance.

• Attributes: 20 Intelligence, 15 Cool, 15 Technical Ability, 15 Reflexes, and 6 Body.
• Recommended Perks: Queue Mastery, Spillover, Smart Synergy, All Things Cyber, License to Chrome, Embedded Exploit, Hack Queue, Carhacker and Dash, Overclock, and Livewire.
• Recommended Weapons: Assault Rifles, SMGs, and Pistols.

The above article was updated on May 26, 2024, by Davi Braid to include additional information on the best Cyberpunk 2077 2.1 builds, including weapon recommendations.