Cyberpunk 2077 Hacking Explained: How It Works, Get More Abilities & More

Developed by CD Projekt Red, Cyberpunk 2077 is easily one of the most hotly anticipated video game releases of 2020. The game takes place in the not so distant future where players take control of a character named a V, a mercenary who takes on odd jobs here and there and gets caught up in some corporate espionage. If you’re wondering how the hacking system works in Cyberpunk 2077, here’s everything you need to know about that.

Hacking Explained in Cyberpunk 2077

Because this is a sci-fi game, you can bet there’s going to be some hacking involved in the process. While the tutorial does give you a rudimentary rundown of how hacking works, it’s not exactly a very clear explanation, so we’re here to help you out.

First off, hacks can be done by consuming RAM. By holding down the L1 or LB button, you’ll enter scanner mode. Hover over an enemy or a piece of tech, and you’ll see your hacking options. You can then press up or down on the d-pad to scroll through your available hacks, and make your selection from there.

At the start of the game, you’ll have access to Reboot Optics and Short Circuit, which allow you to immobilize your enemies for a few seconds, giving you a window of opportunity to take them out with a sneak attack. You can also actively hack enemies while in combat, though you won’t be able to restore your RAM until after the fight.

There is, however, a perk that you can get that will allow your RAM to recharge slowly during combat called Biosynergy. It’s one of the first Quickhacking Perks you can unlock, and can be stacked three times.

Breach Protocol

Breach Protocol is the very first ability you’ll get acquainted with in Cyberpunk 2077, and the tutorial for it can be pretty confusing as well. Essentially, what Breach Protocol does is that it reduces the amount of RAM needed for your other hacking abilities.

This ability is also accessed by entering scanner mode and using the d-pad to select it. Once you’ve selected it, you’ll then have to clear a short mini-game to get it to activate.

On the right side of your screen, you’ll see a sequence of letters and numbers. You’ll need to enter a sequence on the left side of the screen and choose the right rows and columns to match up with the ones you see on the right side.

You’ll start with choosing two letters and digits on any of the rows, then you’ll be able to select another option in the same column as your first selection. It doesn’t matter if you select any extra options as long as you manage to get the sequence of the letters and digits that the game showed you.

Other Quickhacking Abilities

As you progress in the game and level up further, you’ll be able to invest more perk points into the hacking tree, unlocking more quickhacking abilities for V to use. You can also purchase new quickhacks from stores you come across in the open-world.

To change out your quickhack abilities, bring up your character menu and go to the Inventory tab. In the bottom right corner, select your Cyberdeck, and you’ll be able to change out your quickhack abilities from there.

As you get further in the game, you can also get better Cyberdecks that will give you more RAM to work with, as well as additional ability slots so that you can equip more of them at once.

That’s all you need to know about how hacking works in Cyberpunk 2077. Be sure to check our guide wiki for more tips and information on the game.