Cyberpunk 2077 Guide: The Best Weapons to Dominate the Game

If you’re diving into Cyberpunk 2077 and want to stand out in the chaos of Night City, you’ll need the right gear. Weapons are your ticket to survival, but with so many options, how do you know which ones to keep and which to toss aside? Fortunately, since the 2.0 update, the game has streamlined its weapon crafting and loot systems, making it easier to find the gear that best suits your playstyle. But which weapons will give you the edge? Let’s take a look at the best ones, how to find them, and how they can fit into your personal strategy.

The Best Weapons in Cyberpunk 2077

Before we get into the details of individual weapons, it’s important to note that there isn’t a single “best” weapon in Cyberpunk 2077—it’s all about your preferred playstyle. While some weapons are universally great, others shine in specific builds. Iconic weapons, in particular, offer unique abilities that can be devastating when used correctly. However, what works wonders for one player might not suit another. So, explore, experiment, and find what works best for you. If you’re looking for a build recommendation, try experimenting with different playstyles, and don’t hesitate to use iconic weapons to discover which ones feel right.

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Let’s dive into some of the most powerful and unique weapons that will help you conquer both the base game and the Phantom Liberty DLC.

The Best Shotguns in Cyberpunk 2077

Guts

For those who love to obliterate enemies at close range, the Guts shotgun is a beast. It’s modeled after Rebecca’s weapon from the Edgerunners anime, and it’s designed for maximum damage. Unlike most shotguns that fire about 10 pellets per shot, the Guts fires 20, making it an incredibly powerful option for shredding opponents. If you’re into a scattergun build, this one’s for you.
Where to find it: In the heart of Corpo Plaza, in the city center. Look for a large circular plaza and head to its higher levels. There, you’ll spot three monks kneeling side by side. The shotgun is hidden in the bushes behind them.

Alabai
If you prefer a more mobile, rapid-fire style without sacrificing too much firepower, the Alabai shotgun is your weapon of choice. With its high rate of fire and the added bonus of igniting enemies, this weapon is perfect for triggering critical hits when enemies are set on fire.

Where to find it: Phantom Liberty DLC. Look out for aerial drops marked by thick red smoke. The loot is random, so you may have to try a few before finding Alabai.

The Best Assault Rifles in Cyberpunk 2077

Hercules 3AX

This smart assault rifle is perfect for those who enjoy elemental damage. The Hercules 3AX has a 20% chance to poison enemies, and if they’re poisoned, it also increases critical damage. Additionally, any enemies you kill with this weapon explode into a puddle of acid.
Where to find it: You’ll need to progress in Phantom Liberty until you can explore Dogtown. Complete Mr. Hands’ contracts until you unlock the mission “The Path to Redemption.” The Hercules 3AX can be found during this mission.

Carmen

For players who like to keep their mobility high while wielding an assault rifle, the Carmen is a solid pick. It’s particularly effective when you’re running, sliding, or jumping, and it boosts critical hit chances when targeting enemy limbs.
Where to find it: Phantom Liberty DLC. Visit the black market vendor in the stadium, where the Carmen can be purchased for 99,540 eddies.

The Best Pistols in Cyberpunk 2077

Sa Majesté

If you love stealth and precision, the Sa Majesté pistol is a must-have. With 150% headshot damage and a special ability that turns headshots into critical hits while using optical camouflage, this pistol can make you the ultimate assassin. Plus, it comes with a unique silencer.
Where to find it: Phantom Liberty DLC. You’ll receive it at the end of the “Get it Together” quest from a character in the DLC.

Ogou

For those who prefer explosive power and a bit of chaos, the Ogou is perfect. This intelligent pistol fires in double bursts, with explosive rounds that increase the chances of dismemberment. If you manage to dismember an enemy, you’ll gain even greater chances for critical hits and cause bleeding.
Where to find it: Phantom Liberty DLC. Complete the “Treating Symptoms” contract in Dogtown, and defeat the boss, Robot R Mk.2, to claim the Ogou from his corpse.

The Best Revolvers in Cyberpunk 2077

Vieille Branche

For those with a love for classic, high-damage revolvers, the Vieille Branche offers a unique combination of headshot damage and critical hit bonuses. Each time you equip it, it increases headshot damage and range, making it an ideal weapon for long-range precision.
Where to find it: Phantom Liberty DLC. Complete the “Shot by Both Sides” side mission. After deciding to eliminate Dante, you can find the revolver on his body.

The Best Sniper Rifles in Cyberpunk 2077

Rasetsu

For sharpshooters who prefer precision over speed, the Rasetsu sniper rifle is a dream come true. It offers an incredible 300% headshot damage multiplier and allows you to charge shots to pierce through enemies. If you’re looking for a sniper rifle that lets you take down multiple enemies at once, this one is your go-to.
Where to find it: Phantom Liberty DLC. You’ll earn it as part of the main quest, “You Know My Name,” during a sniper protection sequence.

O’Five

For players who want a sniper rifle with a bit more firepower, the O’Five is a heavy weapon that fires explosive rounds. It’s not particularly subtle, but it’s extremely powerful when it comes to burning and dealing massive damage.
Where to find it: Complete the “Beat on the Brat” side quest early in the game. Speak to Coach Fred near the boxing ring in Little China and work your way up to a bet where the opponent stakes the O’Five. Defeat them, and you’ll win the sniper rifle.

The Best Submachine Guns in Cyberpunk 2077

Fenrir

If you like fast-paced, close-range combat, the Fenrir submachine gun should be your weapon of choice. This electric weapon can disable cybernetic implants and deliver a significant amount of damage when targeting the head. It’s also fast and agile, perfect for high-mobility builds.
Where to find it: Look for the “Losing My Religion” side quest in Northside. Complete it, and you’ll find the Fenrir on a table near the mission’s objective.

The Best Hammers in Cyberpunk 2077

Sasquatch’s Hammer

If you prefer to let brute force do the talking, the Sasquatch’s Hammer is your go-to weapon. It’s all about overwhelming strength, delivering devastating damage with each swing. While it sacrifices speed for power, when paired with a Berserk build, it’s unstoppable.
Where to find it: You’ll need to defeat Sasquatch during the “I Walk the Line” quest in Act 2. After taking her down, you can claim the hammer from her body.

The Best Knives in Cyberpunk 2077

Couperet

For players who enjoy melee combat, the Couperet is a perfect alternative to katanas. It specializes in causing bleeding, which increases your attack speed and reduces stamina consumption when hitting enemies that are already bleeding.
Where to find it: You’ll find the Couperet during your first meeting with Placide, one of the Voodoo Boys, during the “M’ap Tann Pélen” quest in Act 2.

The Best Katanas in Cyberpunk 2077

Byakko

For those who want to embody the true spirit of a samurai, the Byakko katana offers both style and substance. With decent attack speed and high damage, it also grants a speed buff after each kill, allowing you to chain kills more efficiently.
Where to find it: Complete all 8 of Wakako’s contracts in Westbrook to earn the Byakko as a reward.

Scalpel

If you’re using a Sandevistan build, the Scalpel katana is a must-have. Its special ability boosts critical hit chances when under the effect of Sandevistan, and every strike while in this state causes bleeding.
Where to find it: Complete the “Big in Japan” side quest in Act 2. After finishing the quest, you’ll find the Scalpel next to the final meeting point.