The 2.0 update for Cyberpunk 2077 completely overhauled how V levels up. Instead of the old, convoluted perk system, CD Projekt RED introduced a streamlined Skill Progression system that rewards you organically for how you play.
If you are looking to build the powerful merc, creating this system is crucial. This pillar guide breaks down the five core skills introduced in the update and gives you a short explanation of each path and exactly what you need to do to hit the rank 60 cap. Use this overview as a hub to branch out into deeper, dedicated builds for each playstyle.
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Skill Progression System: What is it?
In the 2.0 update, Skills function as passive enhancements. You no longer need to manually spend points to level them up. Instead, they level up naturally in the background as you complete gigs, engage in combat and explore Night City.
Each of the five skills is capped at Rank 60. Every five levels, you unlock a milestone that grants a specific passive bonus.
The Five Cyberpunk 2077 Skills Explained
Headhunter
The stealth and precision path. The Headhunter skill is all about lethal accuracy and staying entirely out of sight. This tree provides passive bonuses that increase your headshot damage, boost your damage against vulnerabilities and improve your stealth capabilities.
How to level it up: Accuracy is key. The absolute fastest way to progress the Headhunter skill is by consistently scoring headshots on enemies during combat, regardless of the weapon you have equipped. Throwing knives and axes also grant massive Headhunter XP.
Netrunner
The hacker path. If you prefer manipulating the battlefield from the shadows, the Netrunner skill improves your quickhacking capabilities both in and out of combat. This skill increases your RAM capacity, speeds up your RAM recovery rate and eventually unlocks powerful Overclock perks that allow you to detect and hack enemies through cover.
How to level it up: Hack everything in sight. While jacking into access points and terminals around Night City yields some experience, actively using quickhacks on enemies during combat is the most reliable way to max this out.
Shinobi
The speed and blades path. The Shinobi progression tree is designed for players who want to embrace a high-speed, ninja-like playstyle. It rewards agility and rapid strikes and grants passive buffs to movement speed.
How to level it up: Keep moving and use exotic weapons. You earn Shinobi XP by using Katanas, Machetes, Chainswords and Mantis Blades, as well as Assault Rifles and SMGs. You also gain points simply by performing acrobatic maneuvers like sliding, dashing, running and climbing in combat.
Solo
The brute force path. Among all Cyberpunk 2077 Skills, Solo is the ultimate heavy-hitter skill tree. If your approach to a gig involves kicking the front door down, this is your path. The Solo skill grants massive boosts to carrying capacity, maximum health, melee weapon attack speed and finisher damage.
How to level it up: Get up close and personal. You must use close-range, heavy-hitting weaponry to advance here. This includes Shotguns, LMGs, Clubs, Fists, Gorilla Arms and other blunt melee objects.
Engineer
The gadget and tech path. The Engineer tree is for players who rely on explosive ordnance, elemental damage and cutting-edge chrome. Advancing this skill buffs your total armor, increases your overall Cyberware capacity and boosts the effectiveness of tech weapons, grenades and healing items.
How to level it up: Adapt a highly technical combat style. Ditch standard bullets and focus on using thrown explosives, damage-over-time elemental effects, Projectiles and the game’s Crafting system.
How to Fast-Track Your Progression
While playing naturally is the intended way to reach Rank 60, there is a limited shortcut. Progression Shards are consumable items found on defeated foes around Night City that instantly grant you skill experience.
Note: Progression Shards are ONE-TIME PURCHASES only (5 of each type total), not unlimited.
If you own the Phantom Liberty expansion, you can get an early XP boost:
- Head to the Black Market inside EBM Petrochem Stadium in Dogtown
- Locate the Junk Shop vendor (near the fast travel point)
- Purchase Progression Shards using €$ (Eurodollars)
- You can only buy each shard type once (5 Progression Shards + 1 Legendary Perk Shard total)
- Each Progression Shard grants 5,000 XP to one skill (level 10→15)
- The Legendary Perk Shard grants 1 bonus perk point instead of XP
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