Starting your journey in Cyberpunk 2077 can feel overwhelming due to the sheer variety of firepower available across Night City. Equipping effective gear early on makes a massive difference when taking on tough encounters in Watson. Finding reliable weapons during the opening hours helps build momentum before tackling major story missions.
Top Iconic Pistols for Early Encounters
One of the earliest powerful options players can acquire is the Iconic pistol named Dying Night. You can pick up this weapon for free from Wilson's gun shop inside V's apartment building right after completing the tutorial. Its increased headshot multiplier and fast reload speed make it a dependable sidearm during early skirmishes.
Another excellent pistol to grab early is Kongou, which can be found during the Heist mission in Yorinobu Arasaka's penthouse suite. Look carefully on the nightstand beside the bed before completing your primary objectives in the room. Kongou offers reduced recoil and a higher critical hit chance, making it ideal for precision shooters.
Devastating Power and Tech Shotguns
For players who prefer close-range combat, the M-179e Lizzard offers exceptional punch against grouped enemies in tight hallways. You can easily purchase or loot basic variants from Scavenger hideouts throughout the Watson district. Its wide spread ensures high damage output even without spending heavy points into combat attributes.
Alternatively, Tech shotguns like the DB-2 Satara provide unique tactical advantages by shooting through solid cover. You can purchase one from local Ripperdocs or weapon vendors around Kabuki early in Act 1. Charging up shots allows you to eliminate entrenched enemies without exposing yourself to incoming fire.
Essential Early Melee Options
If you prefer stealth or close-quarters melee action, acquiring a strong blade early keeps your options open. The Nehan throwing knife can be looted directly from Saburo Arasaka's body during the Heist mission sequence. When paired with Satori, it causes severe bleeding effects that rapidly deplete enemy health pools.
For non-lethal stealth approaches, the Electric Baton Gamma serves as a highly reliable tool for taking down targets quietly. These batons frequently drop from NCPD Hustles and gang encounters across Northside. They allow players to incapacitate enemies without alerting surrounding guards in restricted zones.
Smart Weapons for Automatic Targeting
Smart weapons take the pressure off aiming by firing micro-projectiles that track targets automatically. The Smart Pistol Smartgun G-58 Dian can occasionally be found in hidden stashes across Watson during gig missions. To utilize its tracking capabilities properly, make sure to equip a Smartlink cyberware upgrade from a local vendor.
Exploring side activities and looting hidden containers is the best way to keep your arsenal updated. Taking the time to search bosses and crime scenes guarantees a steady stream of rare gear. Equipping the right early weapons ensures smooth progression into the dangerous late-game districts.
