Cyberpunk 2077: 15 Best Early OP Weapons & How to Get Them (March 2026)

Night City is a dangerous place, and having the right arsenal early on can mean the difference between becoming a legend or just another flatlined wannabe edgerunner. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll show you exactly where to find the 15 most overpowered weapons you can get in the early game of Cyberpunk 2077, including iconic pistols, devastating shotguns, and legendary katanas that will carry you through your entire playthrough.

Cyberpunk 2077: Top Early Game Weapons

Weapon	Type	Location	Special Features
Skippy	Smart Pistol	Vista Del Rey alley	Talking AI, auto-headshots
Lizzie	Tech Pistol	Lizzie’s Bar	Fires multiple rounds, burn chance
Dying Night	Power Pistol	Wilson’s shop	Free, movement damage boost
Satori	Katana	The Heist mission	5x critical damage
Fenrir	SMG	Sacrum Profanum quest	10% quickhack chance

Why Early Game Weapons Matter in Cyberpunk 2077?

With the release of Patch 2.3 coming later in March 2026, weapon balance has never been more important. The right early game weapon can transform your entire playthrough, especially on higher difficulties where every advantage counts. These weapons aren’t just stopgaps until you find something better – many of them remain viable throughout the entire game when properly upgraded.

Skippy: The Ultimate Smart Pistol

How to Get Skippy

Skippy is arguably the most unique weapon in Cyberpunk 2077, and you can grab it incredibly early. Head to an alley in Vista Del Rey, Heywood (near the locked door with graffiti). You’ll find this iconic smart pistol next to a corpse.

Why Skippy Dominates

What makes Skippy special isn’t just its stats – it’s the built-in AI personality that makes combat both effective and entertaining. When you first pick up Skippy, you’ll have two firing modes to choose from:

• Stone Cold Killer: Automatic headshot targeting
• Puppy-Loving Pacifist: Targets limbs only

Pro Tip: Choose “Puppy-Loving Pacifist” initially. After 50 kills, Skippy will permanently switch to the opposite mode, giving you permanent headshot targeting – the most powerful option.

Skippy’s Stats

• +85% Headshot Damage Multiplier
• 2 Mod Slots
• Smart weapon tracking without Smart Link (initially)
• 1.2-second lock-on time

Lizzie: The Pink Powerhouse

Location and Requirements

Lizzie can be found during the “Automatic Love” main quest. When you meet Judy at Lizzie’s Bar, explore the area before heading to her room. You’ll find this iconic tech pistol in a separate room to the right, placed on a table.

Warning: This is a missable weapon! If you progress too far in the quest without grabbing it, you’ll need to either reload or purchase it later from the Dogtown vendor (if you have Phantom Liberty).

Lizzie’s Devastating Features

• Fires 3-4 rounds per shot (5 when fully charged)
• +150% Headshot Damage Multiplier
• +50% Armor Penetration
• 0.85 second charge time
• Chance to apply burn status

This pink pistol isn’t just stylish – it’s one of the most powerful early game weapons that scales excellently into late game with proper upgrades.

Dying Night: V’s Signature Weapon

The Easiest Iconic to Get

Dying Night holds special significance as V’s personal handgun. After completing “The Rescue” mission, head to Wilson’s 2nd Amendment shop in your apartment megabuilding. Complete “The Gun” side quest, and Wilson will give you this weapon for free.

Performance Stats

• Full auto fire rate
• +50% Headshot Damage
• Increased damage based on movement speed
• Enhanced melee damage with bayonet attachment
• Significantly reduced reload time

Satori: The Critical Hit Monster

Mission: The Heist

Satori is one of the most powerful katanas in the game, but it’s easily missed. During “The Heist” main mission, when you reach the rooftop, look for Saburo Arasaka’s AV (flying vehicle). Take out the guards and search inside the vehicle to find this legendary blade.

Why Satori Destroys

• 500% Critical Damage Multiplier (5x damage on crits!)
• Improved leap attacks in Update 2.0+
• Low base damage offset by massive crit potential
• Scales incredibly well with blade perks

Black Unicorn: The Witcher’s Gift

GOG Exclusive Weapon

The Black Unicorn is a special reward for linking your game with GOG (CD Projekt’s platform). This katana, inspired by The Witcher 3, features:

• No stamina cost for attacks
• Black blade with Witcher runes
• Excellent early game damage
• Unique visual design

Simply link your accounts, and the weapon appears directly in your inventory – no quest required!

Fenrir: The Thermal SMG

Quest: Sacrum Profanum (Losing My Religion)

Head to Watson Northside and look for a monk near the waterfront. Complete the “Sacrum Profanum” side job by rescuing a kidnapped monk from Maelstrom gangsters. Your reward is this devastating SMG.

Fenrir’s Unique Abilities

• 10% chance to upload random quickhack on headshot
• High rate of fire
• Thermal damage (pre-patch 2.0)
• Three attachment slots
• Perfect for netrunner builds

Chaos: The Randomizer

The Pickup Mission

During “The Pickup” mission, ensure Royce dies before completing the quest. You can either fight him during negotiations or eliminate him after the boss battle. Loot his body for this tech pistol.

Chaos Features

• Randomizes critical chance, status effects, and damage type after each reload
• Maelstrom-themed red coating
• High damage potential with good RNG
• Unique playstyle for each magazine

Guts: The Shotgun from Edgerunners

Memorial Park Location

Thanks to the Edgerunners update, this iconic shotgun is available immediately after the prologue. Head to Memorial Park and search the bushes near the three monks. Guts is simply lying there, waiting to be claimed.

Why Guts Dominates Early Game

• Massive close-range damage
• Cannon-like recoil and impact
• No quest requirements
• Available immediately after Act 1 begins

Plan B: Dex’s Revenge

After The Heist

This weapon has special story significance. After “The Heist” mission, return to the landfill where V was dumped. Search Dex DeShawn’s body to claim his custom Liberty pistol.

Unique Features

• Uses Eddies (money) as ammo instead of bullets
• +200% Headshot Damage
• High bleed chance
• Gold and black custom design
• “Dex” engraving adds style points

Widow Maker: The Tech Precision Rifle

Ghost Town Mission

After meeting Panam during the “Ghost Town” quest, help her recover her vehicle. When she asks for help getting revenge on Nash, agree to assist. After defeating Nash, loot his body for this powerful tech weapon.

Widow Maker Stats

• +150% Headshot Damage Multiplier
• +50% Armor Penetration
• 20% Poison Chance
• 1.2 second charge time
• See enemies through walls while aiming

Additional Powerful Early Weapons

Scalpel (Katana)

• Quest: Big in Japan
• Location: Complete the quest and grab it near barrels at the meeting point
• Features: +50% Crit Chance with Sandevistan, electrical damage

Kongou (Pistol)

• Mission: The Heist
• Location: Yorinobu’s suite, next to the bed
• Features: Built-in ricochet without cyberware, minimal recoil

Overwatch (Sniper Rifle)

• Quest: Riders on the Storm
• Reward: Gift from Panam
• Features: Built-in silencer, +300% headshot damage

Divided We Stand (Smart AR)

• Quest: Stadium Love
• Location: Complete the quest in Santo Domingo
• Features: Targets 5 enemies simultaneously, chemical explosion chance

Psalm 11:6 (Assault Rifle)

• Quest: Just Say No (requires 20 Street Cred)
• Location: Quest reward
• Features: Thermal damage, high accuracy

Weapon Upgrade Tips for 2026

With the changes in Update 2.0 and upcoming 2.3 patch:

1. Save Your Components: Disassemble unwanted weapons for crafting materials
2. Prioritize Iconic Weapons: They have unique perks worth upgrading
3. Match Your Build: Choose weapons that complement your attribute distribution
4. Consider Weapon Types:
   • Power Weapons: Traditional firearms with ricochet
   • Tech Weapons: Charge shots, wall penetration
   • Smart Weapons: Auto-targeting with Smart Link

Best Weapon Combinations

For maximum effectiveness, I recommend pairing weapons:

• Stealth Build: Overwatch + Satori
• Run & Gun: Fenrir + Dying Night
• Netrunner: Skippy + Fenrir
• Tank Build: Guts + Widow Maker

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Missing Missable Weapons: Satori, Lizzie, and Chaos can be permanently missed
2. Selling Iconic Weapons: Never sell these – they can’t be reacquired easily
3. Ignoring Free Weapons: Dying Night and Black Unicorn cost nothing
4. Wrong Skippy Choice: Remember to choose Pacifist mode first

Platform-Specific Tips

PC Players

• Use cyberpunk save editor to experiment with builds
• Mods can enhance weapon visuals

Console Players

• Focus on weapons that don’t require precise aiming (Smart weapons)
• Guts shotgun is perfect for controller gameplay

Future-Proofing Your Arsenal

With Patch 2.3 delayed but coming soon, these weapons remain top-tier choices. The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 release will likely bring new players who can benefit from this guide.

Conclusion

These 15 weapons represent the absolute best options for dominating Night City from the start. Whether you prefer the talking personality of Skippy, the raw power of Guts, or the critical-hit mastery of Satori, there’s a perfect weapon for every playstyle.

Remember to grab these weapons early – some are missable, and having them from the beginning transforms your entire playthrough. With proper upgrades and the right build, many of these “early game” weapons will serve you well into the endgame and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best overall early game weapon in Cyberpunk 2077?

Skippy is arguably the best due to its unique AI, automatic headshot targeting (after 50 kills), and the fact it doesn’t initially require Smart Link cyberware. It’s both powerful and entertaining to use.

Can I get these weapons if I’ve already progressed past their missions?

Some weapons like Satori and Lizzie are permanently missable if you don’t grab them during their specific missions. However, if you have the Phantom Liberty DLC, the Black Market vendor in Dogtown sells many missed iconic weapons for a high price.

Do these weapons scale with my level?

Yes, when you find these weapons, their base stats scale to your current level. However, you’ll need to upgrade them using components to keep them competitive as you progress through the game.

Which early weapon is best for a stealth build?

Overwatch is the best early stealth weapon due to its built-in silencer and massive headshot damage. Pair it with throwing knives or a katana like Satori for close encounters.

Is it worth upgrading early game weapons?

Absolutely! Many of these iconic weapons have unique perks that make them viable throughout the entire game. Weapons like Skippy, Lizzie, and Satori can easily carry you to the endgame with proper upgrades.

What’s the easiest powerful weapon to get immediately?

Guts is the easiest – just go to Memorial Park after the prologue and pick it up from the bushes. No combat, no quests, just free devastating firepower.

Can these weapons be used with any build?

While you can use any weapon with any build, some synergize better. Smart weapons work best with Intelligence builds, Tech weapons with Technical Ability, and melee weapons with Reflexes or Body builds.

Will Patch 2.3 change these weapons?

Based on previous patches, CD Projekt Red typically buffs underperforming weapons rather than nerfing popular ones. These weapons should remain powerful choices even after future updates.