In Cyberpunk 2077, your weapon choice early on can shape how you handle Night City’s toughest corners. While skill trees and cyberware are essential, nothing gives you an edge like the right gun or blade in the first 10 hours. From AI-driven pistols to iconic melee weapons, the best early game weapons will give you power, style, and flexibility from the start.
With that in mind, here’s a look at the gear worth picking up early, one for each weapon chosen for its real in-game value.
Skippy
Skippy is more than just a weapon — it talks to you, jokes around, and even decides whether to go lethal or non-lethal based on your initial choice. After 50 kills, it locks into one mode. Despite its odd personality, this pistol is handy thanks to its tracking bullets and smart-targeting system. It’s ideal for Intelligence-based builds but strong enough to carry anyone through the early game with ease.
How to get it: Loot a body in an alleyway in Vista Del Rey
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La Chingona Dorada
These twin power pistols once belonged to Jackie Welles and now serve as a tribute to him. Both are stylish and hit hard. Even though you can’t dual-wield them, the damage and accuracy make them worth using. They feel personal, and they hold up well against enemies in early and mid-game combat.
How to get them: Appear at El Coyote Cojo 24 hours after completing “Heroes”
Fenrir
Fenrir is an enhanced Saratoga (Power SMG) that comes modded with a higher fire rate and improved damage. What makes it special is the chance to auto-upload a random quickhack on headshots. For netrunner hybrids or anyone relying on fast takedowns, this weapon provides a perfect balance of speed and utility right from the start.
How to get it: Reward from the “Losing My Religion” side job (Northside cargo bay)
Hypercritical
Firing this Power Precision Rifle feels different — it hits like a shotgun but handles like a rifle. It launches powerful shots that can send enemies flying, stun them, or tear them apart on impact. The reload time is slow, but the raw impact makes up for it. If you ask us, it’s great for players who want force over finesse.
How to get it: Reward from completing “Concrete Cage Trap”
Kongou
Kongou is a compact power pistol with quick-fire capability and a sleek design. It’s Yorinobu Arasaka’s personal sidearm, and it shows. With low recoil, high headshot damage, and the ability to bounce bullets via ricochet (even without cyberware), this weapon is ideal for stealthy players or those who prefer a balanced pistol with extra speed.
How to get it: Found during “The Heist”
Overwatch
This power sniper rifle may no longer shoot through walls post the recent patch, but it remains handy thanks to its built-in suppressor. It’s the only silenced sniper in the game, making it essential for stealth runs. The context (Panam giving it to you) adds weight, but its performance is what keeps it relevant throughout most of the early game.
How to get it: Complete “Riders on the Storm” (Panam storyline)
Satori
Once easy to miss when Cyberpunk launched, Satori is now easier to grab and absolutely worth it. It rewards parrying with the ability to leap at enemies and slice them down in one quick motion. It’s stylish, it hits fast, and it’s one of the most satisfying melee weapons you can get early. If you’re pursuing a katana build or enjoy close-range combat, this blade is highly recommended by us.
How to get it: Onboard Saburo Arasaka’s AV during “The Heist”
This concludes our guide on the best early game weapons in Cyberpunk 2077
