Cyberpunk 2077 cyberware guide: capacity, armor and operating systems
Choose implants that fit your capacity and understand why changing operating systems affects hacking.
Edition covered
Cyberpunk 2077 base campaign using the redesigned 2.x systems on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. PlayStation 4 and Xbox One use older systems. Phantom Liberty’s Dogtown quests, Relic tree and expansion-specific level cap are outside these guides. Publisher pictures are promotional examples and may show different update eras.
Use a ripperdoc to build the loadout
Ripperdocs install and upgrade cyberware. Compare the implant’s tier, capacity cost and effect rather than buying an upgrade because its name sounds familiar. Your available capacity limits the total installation, so an expensive implant can force a tradeoff with several smaller effects you already rely on.
Choose the operating system first
The operating system strongly shapes what V can do. A cyberdeck provides quickhack slots and RAM; Sandevistan supports time-slowing combat; Berserk supports an aggressive melee approach. The basic system uses one operating-system slot, so replacing the cyberdeck changes access to ordinary quickhacking.
| Choice | Main purpose | What to account for |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberdeck | Quickhacks, slots and RAM | Choose compatible hacks and manage their RAM cost. |
| Sandevistan | Time-slowing combat ability | Replacing a deck removes its normal quickhack loadout. |
| Berserk | Melee-oriented combat ability | Read activation restrictions and weapon behavior. |
| No installed operating system | Frees that implant choice | You give up the active tools a deck or other OS supplies. |
Treat armor as part of the implant plan
The 2.x overhaul moved most armor value to cyberware. Clothing mainly controls appearance, although some items retain specific bonuses. Check the defensive effect of an implant alongside its capacity requirement, and keep a loadout that helps you survive while you learn the chosen weapon or movement tools.
| Category | Example function | Build question |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Hacking or a combat mode | Which core approach do you want? |
| Arms | Gorilla Arms, Mantis Blades, Monowire or Projectile Launch System | Does the selected arm tool fit your perks? |
| Legs | Movement options such as Reinforced Tendons | Would mobility solve your approach problem? |
| Integumentary system | Protection and other defensive effects | How much survivability fits the capacity budget? |
| Circulatory system | Health and recovery effects | Does the implant complement your healing plan? |
Upgrade deliberately as tiers improve
Cyberware can be upgraded through the ripperdoc screen using the displayed requirements. A higher-tier effect may also change its capacity demand. Review the resulting total before committing resources, and check whether a perk is required for an additional slot or special capacity behavior.
A cosmetic outfit and a defensive implant solve different needs; inspect the actual armor stat in the 2.x loadout.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| CD Projekt Red: Update 2.0 systems | www.cyberpunk.net |
| CD Projekt Red: official build planner | www.cyberpunk.net |
| CD Projekt Red: Hack-and-Slash Netrunner build | www.cyberpunk.net |