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Every Cyberpunk 2077 Character Class and What They Do

July 17, 2025 by
Lewis Calvert

Introduction to Cyberpunk 2077’s Character Classes

Cyberpunk 2077 offers players multiple ways to experience Night City through its flexible character class system. Understanding every cyberpunk 2077 character class and what they do is crucial for creating the perfect build that matches your playstyle. Whether you prefer sneaking through shadows, hacking systems, or going in guns blazing, each class offers unique advantages and gameplay mechanics.

The Core Attribute System

Body Attribute Classes

The Body attribute focuses on physical prowess and raw strength. Characters who invest heavily in Body become unstoppable forces in combat, capable of wielding the heaviest weapons and absorbing significant damage.

Solo/Street Brawler Build:

  • Primary focus on melee combat and shotguns
  • High health and stamina regeneration
  • Excellent for close-quarters combat
  • Devastating gorilla arms and blunt weapon mastery

Reflexes Attribute Classes

Reflexes governs speed, agility, and precision. This attribute creates some of the most dynamic combat experiences in the game.

Gunslinger Build:

  • Master of pistols and revolvers
  • Lightning-fast draw speeds
  • Critical hit specialists
  • Perfect for players who enjoy stylish gunfights

Blade Runner Build:

  • Katana and knife combat expert
  • Incredible mobility and dodging
  • Time dilation abilities
  • Ideal for players seeking fluid melee combat

Intelligence-Based Hacking Classes

Netrunner Build

The Netrunner represents the quintessential cyberpunk hacker archetype. These characters can:

  • Breach security systems remotely
  • Control enemy cyberware
  • Disable cameras and turrets
  • Manipulate the battlefield without direct confrontation

As noted by gaming experts at Bigwritehook, understanding these technical builds requires patience and strategic thinking.

Techie Build

Techies combine hacking with engineering skills:

  • Craft powerful weapons and armor
  • Hack through tech weapons
  • Innovative problem-solving approaches
  • Excel at both combat and exploration

Technical Ability Focused Classes

Engineer Build

Engineers focus on crafting and technical weapons:

  • Master crafters of legendary items
  • Tech weapon specialists
  • Can bypass many security measures
  • Resourceful in finding alternative solutions

Mechanic Build

Mechanics excel at vehicle combat and maintenance:

  • Enhanced driving abilities
  • Vehicle weapon mastery
  • Superior understanding of Night City’s infrastructure

Cool Attribute Classes

Assassin Build

Cool governs stealth and critical damage:

  • Silent takedown specialist
  • Sniper rifle mastery
  • Invisible movement through enemy territory
  • Perfect for players who prefer tactical approaches

Cold Blood Build

This build focuses on maintaining composure under pressure:

  • Increased damage resistance during combat
  • Enhanced healing abilities
  • Unshakeable in high-stress situations

Hybrid Character Classes

Street Samurai

Combining Body and Reflexes creates versatile warriors:

  • Balanced melee and ranged combat
  • Adaptable to various situations
  • Strong survivability
  • Excellent for beginners

Corporate Spy

Mixing Intelligence and Cool produces sophisticated operatives:

  • Advanced hacking capabilities
  • Stealth infiltration expert
  • Calculated approach to missions
  • Ideal for story-focused players

Advanced Class Combinations

Cyberninja Build

This legendary combination merges multiple attributes:

  • Blade combat mastery
  • Optical camouflage abilities
  • Enhanced reflexes
  • Devastating surprise attacks

Data Fortress Build

For players who want maximum hacking power:

  • Legendary netrunning abilities
  • Impenetrable digital defenses
  • Can control entire areas remotely
  • Requires strategic planning

Class Progression and Development

Early Game Considerations

When starting your journey, focus on:

  • Choosing one primary attribute
  • Consistent point allocation
  • Understanding weapon requirements
  • Building complementary skills

Mid-Game Optimization

As you progress:

  • Specialize in specific weapon types
  • Maximize your chosen attribute
  • Acquire legendary cyberware
  • Develop signature combat styles

Late Game Mastery

Advanced players should:

  • Combine multiple class elements
  • Perfect their chosen playstyle
  • Experiment with legendary builds
  • Master Night City’s systems

Equipment and Cyberware by Class

Class Type Primary Weapons Essential Cyberware Key Attributes
Solo Shotguns, Melee Gorilla Arms, Subdermal Armor Body, Reflexes
Netrunner Smart Weapons Cyberdeck, Memory Boost Intelligence, Cool
Techie Tech Weapons Frontal Cortex, Nervous System Technical, Intelligence
Assassin Sniper Rifles Optical Camo, Kerenzikov Cool, Reflexes

Tips for Mastering Each Class

Combat Strategies

Different classes require unique approaches:

  • Solos should engage directly and aggressively
  • Netrunners work best from cover and distance
  • Techies combine direct combat with environmental control
  • Assassins eliminate threats before being detected

Skill Development

Focus on complementary skills:

  • Athletics for all physical builds
  • Breach Protocol for hacking classes
  • Crafting for self-sufficient characters
  • Stealth for covert operations

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Attribute Spreading

Avoid distributing points evenly across all attributes. Specialization creates more effective characters than generalization.

Ignoring Cyberware

Each class benefits from specific cyberware. Neglecting these enhancements significantly reduces your character’s potential.

Weapon Mismatch

Using weapons that don’t complement your attributes creates inefficient builds that struggle in combat.

Conclusion

Understanding every cyberpunk 2077 character class and what they do opens up countless possibilities for experiencing Night City. Whether you prefer the brutal efficiency of a Solo, the sophisticated approach of a Netrunner, or the balanced versatility of hybrid builds, each class offers unique gameplay experiences. The key to success lies in committing to your chosen path while remaining flexible enough to adapt to Night City’s challenges.

Remember that the most effective characters are those built with purpose and consistency. Choose the class that matches your preferred playstyle, invest in complementary skills and cyberware, and most importantly, have fun exploring the dark, neon-lit streets of Night City with your perfectly crafted character.