With the 2.0 update, Cyberpunk 2077 perks were nearly completely overhauled. The convoluted, relatively underwhelming skill trees of the launch version of the game have been replaced with much more impactful choices – and the Handguns tree has been removed entirely. The best Revolver and Pistol perks can now be found throughout other skill trees, mostly in the Cool tree.
Cyberpunk 2077: Best Starting Attributes and Perks
Night City can be dangerous for newcomers, so it's best to start with these Attributes and Perks to survive whatever Cyberpunk 2077 throws at V.
Not all handgun abilities in Cyberpunk 2077 are Cool perks, though. The Dash ability can be incredibly useful for Cyberpunk 2077 Handgun builds because it helps V avoid incoming damage at the relatively close range Handguns require. Check through this guide to the best Cyberpunk 2077 Handgun perks to find which abilities should take priority in a pistol and revolver-oriented build.
Updated November 8, 2023 by Erik Petrovich: This list of the best Cyberpunk 2077 Handgun Perks has been updated to reflect the many changes of the 2.0 update, including the expansive overhaul of the skill and perk system. As such, this guide features updated recommendations based on the new Handgun perks available in all attribute trees.
5 Run 'n' Gun
Lets V Fire On The Move, Efficiently
- Attribute Requirement: Cool lvl 20
- Other Prerequisites: Fully upgraded Deadeye & Focus perks
The Run 'n' Gun perk is a maxed-Attribute-only Perk in the Cool skill tree that only affects Pistols. When unlocked, this perk completely eliminates the Stamina consumption of hip-firing weapons. When Focus is active, while aiming, V gains 25% Movement Speed, too.
It's an incredibly useful perk for Handgun builds, though it should be noted that this ability does not affect Revolvers. In a build focused on Pistols, Run 'n' Gun is an essential perk to pick.
4 Dash
Unlocks An Upgraded Dodge For Faster Movement In Combat
- Attribute Requirement: Reflexes lvl 6
- Other Prerequisites: Fully upgraded Slippery perk
The Dash perk is one of the few Handgun perks that is not found in the Cool tree, instead located relatively low on the Reflex skill tree. Dash doesn't directly impact players' power with Handguns, but in the close-quarters combat situations that Pistol users often find themselves in, being able to dodge more efficiently is a necessary skill.
Cyberpunk 2077: How to Get Perk and Progression Shards (2.0 and Phantom Liberty)
Perk and Progression shards are a key method of improving V's skills, and are found throughout Cyberpunk 2077.
Dash has two levels and must be fully upgraded to access the sub-perks that branch out from it on the Cool skill tree. The first level reduces the Stamina cost associated with Dodging and Dashing, while the second level unlocks the Dash mechanic itself, replacing Dodge entirely.
Sub-Perks
- Can't Touch This: 100% increased Mitigation chance while Dashing
- Steady Grip: Grants the ability to shoot while Dashing
- Mean Streak: +40% Stamina recovery after killing an enemy in the middle of a Dash
- Mad Dash: +100% Dash when aimed toward distant enemies
3 Focus
No Stamina Cost While Aiming, At First
- Attribute Requirement: Cool lvl 9
- Other Prerequisites: None
Focus is an incredibly useful Handgun perk that also affects Precision Rifles and Sniper Rifles, two other weapon categories that the Cool attribute tree often encompasses alongside Handguns. At Level 1, Focus increases Headshot and Weak Spot damage, while level 2 unlocks Focus Mode.
If players have a full Stamina bar and aim with a handgun, they activate Focus, which nullifies the Stamina cost of shooting while aiming. However, when the effect ends, V will lose 40 Stamina.
Sub-Perks
- Head to Head: Killing enemies with ranged attacks while Focus is active resets its duration
- Deep Breath: Focus slows time by 25%
- No Sweat: -50% Stamina cost for Focus for every enemy neutralized while it was active
- Rinse & Reload: Next reload has +10 Reload Speed after killing an enemy while aiming. Stacks two times, and resets when the player aims
- Pull!: Enhances V's ability to shoot grenades out of the air during Focus, making them easier to hit alongside a stronger explosion
2 Deadeye
Increased Weak Spot Damage & General Enhancements
- Attribute Requirement: Cool lvl 15
- Other Prerequisites: Fully upgraded Focus perk
Deadeye is another Cool perk that only affects Handguns, Precision Rifles, and Sniper Rifles, and comes with three upgrade levels. At level 1, players gain Headshot and Weak Spot damage, and at level 2 shooting will cost 25% less Stamina across the board.
Cyberpunk 2077: Deadeye Perk Explained
Use the Deadeye perk to make pistols extra deadly in Cyberpunk 2077.
At Level 3, the eponymous Deadeye mode unlocks, greatly enhancing Headshot and Weak Spot damage with no bullet spread, but only when players are above 85% Stamina. It's incredibly useful on its own, but the sub-perks that branch off of Deadeye can further empower players during combat with Handguns.
Sub-Perks
- California Reaper: 30% Stamina recovery after neutralizing enemies via Headshot or Weak Spot
- High Noon: During Deadeye, +35% Reload Speed after neutralizing enemies via Headshot or Weak Spot. Time is also slowed 50% during next reload.
- Long Shot: During Deadeye, V's shots deal full damage no matter the distance (but the target must still be within range)
- Quick Draw: +30% Weapon Swap Speed when swapping to Pistols, Revolvers, Sniper Rifles, and Precision Rifles. Also recovers 30% Stamina when swapping weapons.
1 Nerves of Tungsten-Steel
Guaranteed Critical Hits During Deadeye
- Attribute Requirement: Cool lvl 20
- Other Prerequisites: Deadeye & Focus perks
The Nerves of Tungsten-Steel perk is a max-level Cool perk that makes Deadeye even more powerful when aiming at enemy heads and Weak Spots. With this Perk unlocked, V is guaranteed Critical Hits on every Headshot and Weak Spot shot when Deadeye is active.
As players get further away from their target, the total damage will also increase by up to 25%. Nerves of Tungsten-Steel is a ridiculously powerful perk for the sharpshooting Handgun build, and in the hands of an accurate player, the guaranteed Critical Hits can quickly put a stop to most enemies in the game – except perhaps Adam Smasher.
Cyberpunk 2077
- Platform(s)
- PC , Xbox One , Stadia , PS4 , PS5 , Xbox Series S , Xbox Series X
- Released
- December 10, 2020
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
