As gaming audiences reflect onCyberpunk 2077, now free of major bugs and other existential issues, most agree that one of its greatest strengths is its build variety. UnlikeThe Witcher 3, CD Projekt Red’s previous game,Cyberpunk 2077offers a wealth of unique options for progressionand specialization, making for a surprisingly deep, nuanced, and rewarding action-RPG experience.
Amidst a sea of unique and varied weapons, perks, special abilities, and cyberware upgrades,Cyberpunk 2077’s smart weapons stand out as particularly intriguing. Weapons that fall under the “smart” umbrella have advanced targeting features, able to lock-on to enemies and even wrap around cover, making them a good response to defensive maneuvers. As one might expect, smart weapons typically lack the raw firepower of more traditional guns and even some melee weapons, but they make up for this through their versatility. These benefits aren’t easily won, though, as players need to invest in specific hand cyberware, taking up a full cyberware slot, if they wish to make use of smart weapons' advanced targeting.
Project Orion Should Expand Cyberpunk 2077’s Approach to Smart Weapons and Cyberware
Cyberpunk 2077: Gear Requirements Breed Specialization, Which Breeds Build Variety
It’s not hard to access the cyberware required to use smart weapons; it will probably be among the first implants most players install. But using this implant requires sacrifice, as it occupies one ofCyberpunk 2077’s precious cyberware slots. With so few slots available, dedicating one to a single weapon type represents a major investment and commitment.
But this is what makes investing in, and elevating, a smart weapons build satisfying. If there were no trade-off, then working toward such a build wouldn’t be rewarding, since it wouldn’t be crafted by the player, but rather handed to them from the outset. By the same token, rejecting the smart weapon implant in favor of something else, something that could benefit a different playstyle, instills the cyberware system and gear grind with a sense of player agency. It’s these fundamental design strengths, which are mirrored in countless other RPGs, that help makeCyberpunk 2077’s build-crafting so rewarding. CD Projekt Red could take this concept and run with it comeProject Orion,Cyberpunk’s code-named sequel.
It’s important to note that players aren’t barred from using smart weapons if they don’t have the requisite cyberware implant. They just can’t utilize its advanced features.
Cyberware Gatekeeping Shouldn’t Be Limited to Just Smart Weapons in Project Orion
All told, there are sixdifferent weapon categories inCyberpunk 2077, encompassing both melee weapons and firearms. They are distinct from each other through unique features or attributes:
While specific gear and perks can enhance the effectiveness of any of these weapon types, none of them have the equivalent of smart weapons' cyberware synergy. Thus,Project Orion’s build-crafting optionscould be expanded by linking weapon-specific benefits or abilities to pieces of cyberware. For instance, perhaps tech or power weapons could have an alternate firing mode that can only be utilized if the player has a particular piece of cyberware installed.
However such atheoretical mechanic would manifest inProject Orion, its benefit would be defined by its deepening of its predecessor’s build variety. Locking features or abilities behind cyberware is restrictive, but such restrictions are what make build-crafting satisfying and deep. Therefore, implementing more cyberware-centric weapon abilities should be viewed as an opportunity for player expression.
Cyberpunk 2077
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Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world action-adventure from the creators of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, CD Projekt Red.Set in Night City, a megalopolis obsessed with power, glamour and body modification, you play as V, a mercenary outlaw going after a one-of-a-kind implant that is the key to immortality.Upgraded with next-gen in mind and featuring free additional content, customize your character and playstyle as you take on jobs, build a reputation, and unlock upgrades.The relationships you forge and the choices you make will shape the story and the world around you. Legends are made here. What will yours be?
