Cyberpunk 2077 quickhacking guide: cyberdecks, RAM, queues and tracing
Set up a basic netrunner and understand what makes a hack unavailable or detectable.
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.
Start with a cyberdeck and equipped hacks
A normal quickhack loadout needs a cyberdeck installed at a ripperdoc and quickhacks placed in its available slots. Scan a target to see applicable actions and their costs. Replacing the deck with another operating system is a common reason a returning player no longer sees the expected hacking options.
Read the effect before uploading
Combat, control and covert quickhacks have different uses. Damage is only one option: blinding a target or restricting movement can create a safer weapon attack. Read the current tier’s tooltip because upgraded versions can change the effect and interaction, not merely increase one damage number.
| Quickhack | Basic purpose | Practical use |
|---|---|---|
| Short Circuit | Electrical damage | Direct damage against a selected target. |
| Overheat | Thermal damage over time | Pressure a target while repositioning. |
| Reboot Optics | Interferes with the target’s vision | Create an opening for movement or an attack. |
| Cripple Movement | Restricts movement | Keep a dangerous enemy from closing distance. |
| Ping | Reveals connected targets or devices | Read the local network before committing. |
Build RAM and perk support together
RAM limits the actions immediately available through the deck. Intelligence perks add tools such as queues and Overclock as the tree opens. Overclock can spend health when RAM is insufficient, so use it with a recovery plan; it is not an unlimited free supply of hacks.
| Element | What it controls | Check when it fails |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberdeck | Access to a normal quickhack loadout | Confirm a deck is actually installed. |
| Quickhack slots | Which hacks are equipped | Install the desired hack in an available slot. |
| RAM | Immediate upload resource | Compare available RAM with the displayed cost. |
| Hack Queue perks | Multiple uploads on one target | Buy the relevant Intelligence-tree support. |
| Overclock | Health-backed hacking when RAM is low | Watch health and the ability’s activation state. |
| Target compatibility | Which actions are offered | A device and a human do not expose identical actions. |
Watch detection and trace separately
A hack can affect tracing even if the target has not directly spotted V. Inspect traceability and the current progress display, move when necessary and use the environment to break an engagement. Pre-2.0 Breach Protocol combat routines and older quickhack combinations should not be assumed to work under the redesigned system.
Read the current tooltip before using an old build guide: quickhack tiers and tracing interactions changed across updates.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| CD Projekt Red: Hack-and-Slash Netrunner build | www.cyberpunk.net |
| CD Projekt Red: Update 2.0 systems | www.cyberpunk.net |
| CD Projekt Red: official build planner | www.cyberpunk.net |