Ultimate Hack-n-Slash Netrunner Build

In the neon-drenched streets of Night City, few playstyles capture the essence of Cyberpunk 2077 like the Hack-n-Slash Netrunner. This hybrid approach fuses the digital devastation of quickhacks with the visceral thrill of close-quarters combat, allowing you to dismantle enemies from a distance before closing in for the kill. Perfect for players who crave versatility, this build shines in Update 2.0 and Phantom Liberty, leveraging new perks like Overclock and enhanced cyberware such as Feen-X and Cogito Lattice. Whether you’re frying corporate security or taking down cyberpsychos, this setup delivers overpowered combos capable of 10K+ damage.

Core Concept: Hacking Meets Melee Mayhem

The beauty of the Hack-n-Slash Netrunner lies in its seamless transition between remote control and hands-on slaughter. Start by deploying quickhack chains to weaken groups, recover RAM efficiently, and trigger ultimate abilities. Then, dash in with a monowire or katana to finish stragglers. This build emphasizes **RAM management**, **quickhack synergy**, and **melee enhancements** to keep you in the fight longer than pure netrunners or blade masters.

Key advantages include:

• Infinite sustainability through RAM regen cyberware.
• Quickhack queues for multi-target takedowns.
• Melee weapons boosted by netrunning perks for hybrid damage.
• Adaptability across base game, Phantom Liberty, and updates 2.2+.

Attribute Distribution: Prioritizing Intelligence and Reflexes

Attributes form the foundation of your V. With a level 60 cap in mind (including Phantom Liberty), allocate points to maximize quickhacking power while supporting mobility and blade work. Here’s the optimal spread:

Early game (levels 1-20): Pump Intelligence to 15+ for basic quickhacks, then branch into Reflexes. Mid-to-late game: Max both Int and Ref for peak performance.

Essential Perks: Unlocking Combo Potential

Perk selection focuses on Intelligence and Reflexes trees, with splashes in Cool for utility. Prioritize these for Hack-n-Slash synergy:

Intelligence Tree (Netrunning Core)

• Overclock: Ultimate RAM-to-health conversion for endless hacking.
• Memory Wipe (Tier 4+): Resets enemy detection at low RAM cost.
• Sonic Shock (Tier 5): Cheap combo finisher that stuns and damages two foes.
• Quickhack Queue: Chain hacks without interruption.
• RAM Rebels tree: Boost regen and reduce costs.

Reflexes Tree (Melee Boost)

• Blades/Blunt: Finisher animations and crits for katanas/monowire.
• Slippery: Auto-dodge incoming fire.
• Dash/Crouch: Mobility for closing gaps.

Cool Tree (Sustain)

• Cold Blood: Stacks for damage/resist buffs post-kill.
• Style Over Substance: More RAM on stealth kills.

Full build hits 70+ perks by level 60. Use the official Build Planner for tweaks: cp2077.ly.

Cyberware: The Chrome That Powers It All

Cyberware capacity is king—invest in Technical Ability and mods like Reinforced Tendons. Front-load these for RAM efficiency and melee power.

Swap Mechatronic Core for Memory Boost later. Iconic Sonic Shock minimizes costs. Total capacity: 50+ EDGES by endgame.

Quickhack Arsenal: Devastating Combos

Stock legendary quickhacks for 10K+ combos. RAM management lets you chain endlessly with Overclock.

• Core: Contagion, Overheat, Short Circuit – Spread damage/AoE.
• Combo Starter: Ping/Reboot Optics – Reveal and blind.
• Finisher: Sonic Shock + Memory Wipe – Stun and reset.
• Ultimate: Suicide, Cyberpsychosis, Detonate Grenade – Multi-kills.
• Vehicle hacks for traffic chaos.

Sample Combo: Ping → Contagion → Sonic Shock → Overclock → Suicide (2+ enemies down).

Weapons: Smart Guns and Monowire Mastery

Complement hacks with smart weapons and melee for hybrid play.

• Primary: Lizzie (Smart SMG) – Tracks weakened foes.
• Melee: Monowire (Iconic) – Powered by hacks, slices groups.
• Backup: Satara Shotgun or Skippy Pistol – Close-range burst.
• Yinglong SMG – Early-game smart weapon powerhouse.

Mods: Crunch for armor shred, counters for parries.

Playstyle Tactics: From Stealth to Slaughter

Stealth Phase: Ping enemies, upload Contagion chains, Memory Wipe detections. Loot for RAM regen.

Combat Phase: Queue Short Circuit → Sonic Shock on bosses. Dash in with monowire for cleanses. Activate Overclock for boss melts.

Boss Fights: Cyberpsychosis on adds, Suicide on main target. Kerenzikov for dodges.

Very High difficulty viable—pure netrunners struggle here, but hybrid shines.

Progression Guide: Level 1 to 60

1. Levels 1-15: Int 12, basic hacks (Ping, Reboot). Grab Ex-Disk.
2. 16-30: Ref 15, monowire unlock. Add Sonic Shock.
3. 31-45: Max RAM cyberware, Overclock. Yinglong acquisition.
4. 46-60: Feen-X, full combos. Phantom Liberty relics for extras.

Common Pitfalls and Fixes

• RAM Starvation: Prioritize Ex-Disk over damage mods.
• Melee Vulnerability: Slippery + Cold Blood stacks.
• Update Changes: 2.2+ buffs quickhacks; rebuild if needed.

FAQ

Is this build Phantom Liberty required?

No, but DLC adds Feen-X and better cyberware. Base game viable at level 40+.

Best cyberdeck for beginners?

NetWatch Netdriver—affordable, high slots.

How to get Yinglong?

Found in specific Phantom Liberty gigs; check chapter guides.

Can I swap melee for guns?

Yes, smart rifles work, but monowire synergizes best with hacks.

Works on Update 2.3?

Yes, core remains strong per 2025 tests.