Cyberpunk 2077 Complete Guide: Builds, Lifepaths, Romance & Endings
Key Takeaways
- Lifepaths only affect the first 30 minutes and some dialogue options; they don't lock you out of any endings or romances.
- The best builds in patch 2.0 focus on one or two attributes maxed to 20, with Intelligence dominating for netrunners and Reflexes for blade users.
- Romance options are locked to specific gender-locked V voices—check before you invest time.
- Endings depend on main story choices and a single side quest chain for the "secret" ending.
Cyberpunk 2077 Complete Guide: Builds, Lifepaths, Romance Options, and All Endings
After 400 hours across three playthroughs, I can tell you that Cyberpunk 2077 is a game of second chances. The 2.0 overhaul fixed most of the original's problems, but the sheer number of choices still overwhelms new players. This guide cuts through the noise.
Best Builds for Patch 2.0
Forget the old "jack of all trades" approach. In 2.0, you need to specialize. Here are three builds that actually work.
#### Netrunner Build (Intelligence 20, Cool 20)
This is the stealth god build. Put 20 points in Intelligence for the "Queue Mastery" perk that lets you upload three quickhacks instantly. Pair it with the Tetratronic Rippler MK.4 deck—it reduces RAM costs by 50% after a kill. I cleared the Pacifica Grand Imperial Mall without firing a bullet.
- Cyberware: Synaptic Accelerator for reflex boost, Reinforced Tendons for double jump.
- Weapons: Any silenced pistol with the "Silent and Deadly" perk from Cool.
- Key Perk: „Spillover" from Intelligence—hacks jump to nearby enemies.
#### Sandevistan Berserker (Reflexes 20, Body 15, Tech 15)
This is for players who want to see enemies in slow motion. Max Reflexes for the „Sandevistan: Falco" mod (15-second duration, 15-second cooldown). Combine with the „Juggernaut" perk from Body for damage reduction.
- Cyberware: Bioconductor to reduce cyberware cooldowns.
- Weapons: The "Tinker Bell" baseball bat from the Beat on the Brat quest, or a Legendary Katana with the "Bleed" mod.
- Tip: Use the „Apogee" Sandevistan for 85% slow but shorter duration.
#### Tech Weapon Sniper (Tech 20, Cool 15, Reflexes 15)
Tech weapons ignore armor when charged. Max Tech for „Engineering" perks that boost charge speed by 30%. Use the "Grad" sniper rifle—it shoots through walls.
- Cyberware: Optical Camo for invisibility while aiming.
- Key Perk: „Firestarter" from Tech—charged shots cause explosion on crit.
Lifepaths: Which One Actually Matters?
| Lifepath | Starting Quest | Unique Dialogue | Best For |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Street Kid | The Girl Who Stole | Street slang, gang connections | Roleplay as a local fixer |
| Nomad | The Highwayman | Badlands lore, vehicle knowledge | Roleplay as an outsider |
| Corpo | The Heist | Corporate politics, backstabbing | Roleplay as a fallen exec |
Verdict: None of them lock endings or romances. Street Kid gives the most unique dialogue in Act 2, but Nomad's starting area in the Badlands is the most fun. Corpo has the worst first 30 minutes—you spend it in an office. Pick based on flavor, not mechanics.
Romance Options Complete List
Romances are tied to V's voice. If you pick a masculine voice, you can only romance Panam and Kerry. If feminine, only Judy and River. There is no way to change this without mods.
- Panam Palmer (Female V only, masculine voice): Complete her entire questline ending with "Riders on the Storm." She's the most popular romance because her ending is the happiest.
- Judy Alvarez (Male V only, feminine voice): Complete "Pyramid Song" and choose romantic dialogue. She's sensitive but loyal.
- Kerry Eurodyne (Female V only, masculine voice): Requires completing Johnny's questline and the „Second Conflict" gig. He's a rockstar with baggage.
- River Ward (Male V only, feminine voice): Complete "The Hunt" and attend his family dinner. He's the only male option for feminine V.
Tip: If you want to see all romance scenes in one playthrough, you can't. The game forces you to choose a voice at character creation. Save before committing.
How to Get Every Ending
Cyberpunk 2077 has five main endings, plus one secret. The choice happens at the final mission, but your side quests determine options.
1. The Devil (Arasaka ending): Side with Hanako at the end. Requires completing „The Devil" quest. You become a digital construct.
2. The Sun (Rogue ending): Ask Rogue for help. Requires high friendship with her. You become a legend but die in six months.
3. The Star (Panam ending): Ask Panam for help. Requires completing her entire questline. You leave Night City with the Aldecaldos—the happiest ending.
4. The Temperance (Johnny ending): Let Johnny take over. Requires high friendship with him. He leaves Night City.
5. Path of Least Resistance (Suicide ending): Don't ask anyone for help. V dies alone.
Secret Ending: To unlock „Don't Fear the Reaper," you must choose a specific dialogue option during the Oil Fields quest. When Johnny asks if you'd ever let him take over, say "Yeah, I know. I know." Then wait five minutes without selecting anything at the final choice. Johnny will offer to storm Arasaka alone. It's the hardest ending but lets you save everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I change my lifepath mid-game?
No. Lifepath is chosen at character creation and can't be changed. It only affects early game and some dialogue. If you want a different one, start a new save.
Q: What's the best build for a first playthrough?
The Sandevistan Berserker. It's forgiving, requires less aiming, and the slow-motion effect makes combat feel like The Matrix. You don't need to min-max like netrunner builds.
Q: Do romance options affect endings?
Only indirectly. Romancing Panam unlocks the Star ending. Romancing Kerry or River doesn't change endings, but their dialogue appears in the final scenes. No romance blocks any ending.
---
*This guide is based on Cyberpunk 2077 version 2.12. Future patches may change perk numbers. Always quick-save before major choices.*