Cyberpunk 2077 offers a complex network of skills for players to upgrade, and knowing what the best perks are is one of the easiest ways for players to get a jump ahead on the streets of Night City. With the recent success of Netflix series Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and upcoming release of Phantom Liberty on September 26, 2023, it's no surprise to see veteran players and newcomers alike flocking to Cyberpunk 2077. CD Projekt Red has also announced plans for an official follow-up game, although this project is still likely to be a long way off.

In the interim, those who've gone back to play Cyberpunk 2077 will benefit greatly by learning which in-game perks are the best to spend points on, with a key emphasis on early game builds leading to more advanced playthrough options. Picking the best perks in Cyberpunk 2077 can give protagonist V the necessary strengths to perform stealth infiltrations or tank damage in all-out assaults, reducing the likelihood of a "Flatlined" screen interrupting the course of gameplay. As Phantom Liberty is set to overhaul the perk system, it's best for players to take advantage of the classic setup while they still can.

10 Rio Bravo

In Cyberpunk 2077, reflexes are paramount for dodging bullets and returning fire in a timely fashion. Moreover, headshots are the most efficient way of taking enemies out. An essential perk to unlock that can help maximize damage in the midst of close-range combat is Rio Bravo, which can be purchased from the Reflexes and Handgun skill trees.

By activating the Rio Bravo perk, players will be able to incur a staggering extra 10% damage increase upon enemies when using any handgun in the game, including pistols and revolvers. Even better, the Rio Bravo perk can be upgraded thrice to build an undefeatable V in Cyberpunk 2077 and deliver up to a 30% increase in headshot damage.

9 Biosynergy

Similar to health regeneration, RAM, a high-tech equivalent of a mana bar, does not automatically replenish itself in Cyberpunk 2077. Another wise early-game perk to purchase assists with this by including the Biosynergy Intelligence attribute, which can be accessed from the Quickhacking skill tree. The Biosynergy perk enables players' RAM to recover during fights, replenishing four units of combat RAM per minute at the first level. Upgrading this perk to level three can give players access to a whopping 12 sticks of RAM per minute.

For players who prefer taking on Quickhacks while working through the early part of the game, the Biosynergy perk is absolutely paramount as it allows them to access any hack regardless of RAM limitations. It's most helpful when Quickhacking during combat, allowing V to handle complex operations with comparative ease.

8 Mass Vulnerability

Another must-have perk to get early in the massive open-world video game includes Mass Vulnerability, an Intelligence attribute that can be bought from the Breach Protocol skill tree in level three. Once activated, the perk unlocks the Mass Vulnerability daemon to make all opponents - humans and robotic - vulnerable to physical attacks by 30% and for up to three minutes.

When upgraded to level two, the Mass Vulnerability perk reduces Enemy Res by 30% for up to six minutes, making it an ideal way for V to take down enemies by increasing her overall DPS to whatever type of foe crosses their path.

7 Crouching Tiger

For some, Cyberpunk 2077 is more about world exploration and character interaction than outright combat. Those looking to focus on this experience and create the best Cyberpunk 2077 stealth build would be wise to cop the Crouching Tiger perk early on, which can be bought from the Cool/Ninjutsu skill tree.

Once activated, Crouching Tiger increases V's rate of speed as they move through Night City while increasing their sneaking ability by 20%. The perk is paramount for maintaining as low a profile as possible while completing main missions and side hustles. Players will be able to reach their target much more quickly, take them down more efficiently, and earn extra stealth points in the process.

6 Epimorphosis

While the Pack Mule Body Attribute is worth investing in to increase carrying capacity, players in Cyberpunk 2077 can always stash items inside vehicles. As such, the most recommendable Body/Athletic perk to obtain is Epimorphosis, which can be upgraded to increase V's maximum health by up to 100% outside of combat regardless of the rest of a player's build.

Although the Body/Athletics Regeneration and Invincible perks are also ideal, the Epimorphosis perk is too good to pass up. The most fundamental task in Cyberpunk 2077 is to remain alive long enough to complete V and Johnny's main story, and with the Epimorphosis perk, V can increase their overall health by 70% in level one, 80% in level two, and a 100% in level three.

5 Sniper/Frozen Precision

Moving past the early stages of the game, those looking to bolster their ability to shoot accurately from a long distance while increasing the potency of headshots need to get the Sniper perk, a Cool attribute that can be bought from the Ninjutsu skill tree in Cyberpunk 2077.

At level one, the Sniper perk increases damage from headshots outside the combat arena by 30%. At level two, that number jumps to a staggering 50% increase. Even more beneficial, the Sniper perk can be paired with the Frozen Precision perk (Cold Blood skill tree) to double V's total headshot damage, all but ensuring fatalities with a single headshot. The two-for-one value is too good to pass up.

4 Bladerunner

While the Revamp Engineering perk is worth investing in by level 20, the formidable Bladerunner perk can be purchased in level nine for just two perk points. As such, it's one of the best perks for Techie players to get midway through a playthrough. Once activated, the perk increases damage incurred on all mechanical enemies by a whopping 20-40% when upgraded from level one to level two.

Considering how V's foes in the game aren't just human but also consist of sinister AI robots, drones, mechanical turrets, virtual guards, and the like, the Bladerunner perk is invaluable, especially for those who can't yet afford the Lickety Split and Jackpot perks.

3 Assassin

With baleful bots and murderous mechs out of the way thanks to the badass Bladerunner perk, players ought to redirect their combat focus on the various human foes in Night City. The Assassin perk will do the trick, which can be purchased from the Cool/Ninjutsu skill tree.

Once activated, the Assassin perk will increase the damage V inflicts on human enemies by 15%, which will come in handy in the early-to-mid sections of the game no matter how the rest of V's build is comprised, since the majority of their enemies in Cyberpunk 2077 will be human.

2 Tenacious V

In Patch 1.5 of Cyberpunk 2077, the Stronger Together perk was renamed Tenacious V, easily one of the most helpful tools for players looking to make a stretch run from level 12 until the finale. Once activated, the Tenacious V perk allows V to regenerate their health while simultaneously taking damage with no freeze, essentially rendering them impervious in a battle with any type of enemy.

Beyond the flexibility of using Tenacious V for every build possible, the perk becomes even more valuable when paired with Cardio Cure and Hard Motherf*cker, which makes V nearly impossible to kill in the game, especially as the strategic endgame nears.

1 Edgerunner Artisan

When it comes to Crafting and Technical Abilities in Cyberpunk 2077, the Edgerunner Artisan is the most ideal perk to use. Attainable in level 18, the Edgerunner Artisan perk allows V to craft the mightiest and most valuable weapons in the game that they can either use to fight with or sell for eddies. While looting is always a worthy option, those willing to craft need the Edgerunner Artisan perk.

Moreover, it's important for players interested in crafting not to waste time or priceless resources on Crafting perks like Mechanic, Scrapper, Workshop, etc., as they have poor upgrades that aren't worth investing in. Also, by the end of the game, V is going to need to craft the most formidable weapons available and won't be able to do so with such rudimentary perks. Do wise and wait until the endgame to unlock the Edgerunner Artisan in order to finish a strong playthrough of Cyberpunk 2077.