Cyberpunk 2077: 20 Phantom Liberty Best Perks [Our Picks]

This guide covers the best perks to unleash your character's potential in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty.

In Cyberpunk 2077, perks offer unique passive abilities that shape your gameplay. Skill trees house distinct perks, each demanding attribute points for unlocking, with higher-tier perks necessitating more points in the associated attribute. With over 200 perks to choose from, read on to discover the best Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty perks.

Key Takeaways
  • Cyberpunk 2077 boasts an extensive perk system, featuring well over 200 perks that significantly impact gameplay.
  • Perks are ranked based on attributes, requiring players to invest attribute points to unlock and access higher-tier perks.
  • The advantages of acquiring the best perks include enhanced and unique abilities for conquering challenges in Cyberpunk 2077.
  • The disadvantage lies in the need to allocate attribute points strategically, as overspecialization can limit versatility.

Cyberpunk 2077 Best Phantom Liberty Perks And Relic Perks

Relic Perks Tree
The Relic Perks Tree (image credit: eXputer)

With the Phantom Liberty expansion in Cyberpunk 2077, a new Perk Tree, the Relic Perks, has emerged, shifting away from the traditional Perk Points system. Players now utilize Relic Points, obtained by finding Militech Data Terminals in Dogtown. There are 9 unique Relic Perks, and to unlock them all, you’ll need a total of 15 Relic Points.

Here is a table detailing the 20 best perks with comparison in Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty:

PerkAttributeRequired PerksLevels
Feline Footwork4 CoolNone1
Ninjutsu15 CoolFeline Footwork3
Painkiller4 BodyNone1
Comeback Kid4 BodyPainkiller1
Sensory ProtocolRelicEmergency Cloaking1
Dorph-Head4 BodyPainkiller1
Gag Order4 CoolKiller Instinct1
Road Warrior4 CoolNone1
License To Chrome15 Technical AbilityAll Things Cyber3
Die! Die! Die!9 BodyNone2
Focus9 CoolNone2
Quick Getaway4 CoolKiller Instinct1
Overclock15 IntelligenceEmbedded Exploit3
Serpentine15 CoolNinjutsu1
Lead And Steel9 ReflexesSlippery2
JailbreakRelicNone1
Adrenaline Rush15 BodyPainkiller3
Creeping Death15 CoolNinjutsu1
Vulnerability AnalyticsRelicNone1
Army Of One4 BodyPainkiller1

1. Feline Footwork

Cyberpunk 2077 Best Phantom Liberty Perks - Feline Footwork
Best Perks – Feline Footwork (image credit: eXputer)

Feline Footwork is a vital Cool perk featured in Cyberpunk 2077, and it conveniently belongs to the tier 1 Cool perks category. You can acquire the perk early in Cyberpunk 2077, providing an immediate boost to your character. When you crouch, it grants you a valuable speed boost and a potent Mitigation Chance.

Attribute 4 Cool
Required Perks None
Levels 1
Effects When crouched:

  • +15% in Movement Speed
  • +15% in Mitigation Chance

Mitigation Chance is a fundamental concept in Cyberpunk 2077, representing a percentage chance to reduce incoming damage based on your current Mitigation Strength. With Feline Footwork in play, your Mitigation Chance gets a substantial boost. For instance, with a 50% Mitigation Chance, you become remarkably resilient during extended battles.

Feline Footwork is a must-have perk for any Cyberpunk 2077 player, providing both mobility and durability to help you tackle the challenges of Night City effectively.

2. Ninjutsu

Cyberpunk 2077 Best Phantom Liberty Perks - Ninjutsu
Best Perks – Ninjutsu (image by us)

Ninjutsu is a remarkable perk in Cyberpunk 2077, offering three progressively valuable tiers. By reaching Level 2, you can pair it with Feline Footwork for an immediate 30% Mitigation boost. Additionally, the increased crouching movement speed enhances stealth.

Attribute 15 Cool
Required Perks Feline Footwork
Levels 3
Effects At Level 1:

+15% Movement Speed

At Level 2:

+15% Mitigation Chance when crouched

At Level 3:

You unlock the ability to sprint while crouching. The unique ability, known as crouch-sprinting, enables you to move swiftly in silence. However, please note that it consumes Stamina.

The standout feature of the perk is the ability to sprint while crouching. Keep in mind that sprinting consumes Stamina, but it allows for silent movement. Ninjutsu is a must-have perk for those seeking stealth and agility in Cyberpunk 2077.

3. Painkiller

Cyberpunk 2077 Best Phantom Liberty Perks - Painkiller
Best Perks – Painkiller (image captured by us)

The Painkiller perk should be a priority for every character, regardless of their chosen build in Cyberpunk 2077. Painkiller, a tier-one perk, comes with no specific prerequisites, making it an early-game essential.

Attribute 4 Body
Required Perks None
Levels 1
Effects Unlock slow Health Regeneration while in combat.

Painkiller unlocks gradual Health Regeneration during combat. While the regeneration may appear modest, it serves as a gateway to numerous other abilities that help you maintain your health in dangerous situations. This is especially crucial for melee-oriented characters, who often endure more damage than other character types. Make Painkiller your initial choice to enhance your survivability in Night City.

4. Comeback Kid

Cyberpunk 2077 Best Phantom Liberty Perks - Comeback Kid
Best Perks – Comeback Kid (image by eXputer)

Next up in the list of Cyberpunk 2077 best Phantom Liberty perks is Comeback Kid. Once you’ve acquired Painkiller, the next essential step is unlocking Comeback Kid. Comeback Kid operates by providing you with a +1% Health Regeneration Rate for every percentage of health you’re missing.

Attribute 4 Body
Required Perks Painkiller
Levels 1
Effects Health Regeneration Rate increases by +1% for every percentage of missing Health.

What’s particularly advantageous is that there seems to be no stated limit. Therefore, if you find yourself at 90% Health Missing, you’ll enjoy an impressive 90% Health Regeneration Rate. Comeback Kid perk can be a lifesaver in numerous encounters, allowing you to recuperate swiftly simply by keeping a low profile.

5. Killer Instinct

Cyberpunk 2077 Best Phantom Liberty Perks - Killer Instinct
Best Perks – Killer Instinct (image credit: eXputer)

Among the intriguing best Phantom Liberty perks, Killer Instinct holds its own appeal. It shines when wielding blades like knives and axes, but more significantly, it greatly benefits silenced firearms.

Attribute 4 Cool
Required Perks None
Levels 1
Effects
  • +25% damage with knives, axes, and silenced firearms outside of combat.
  • Provides estimated damage preview.

Outside of combat, these weapons gain a substantial +25% damage boost. For those who appreciate the stealthy approach, Killer Instinct is a time-saver, sparing you from engaging every adversary in a room simultaneously. It’s a choice that adds efficiency and subtlety to your arsenal.

6. Sensory Protocol (Relic Perk)

Cyberpunk 2077 Best Phantom Liberty Perks - Sensory Protocol
Best Perks – Sensory Protocol (image by us)

In Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty expansion, Relic Perks shine bright. Unlock them by downloading data from Militech Data Terminals in Dogtown, opening up new possibilities for you. Among these, Sensory Protocol stands out, a gem for stealth enthusiasts.

Attribute Relic
Required Perks Emergency Cloaking
Levels 1
Effects While crouched, if an enemy detects you, time temporarily decelerates. To swiftly exit combat, dodge or dash out of the enemy’s line of sight.

Cooldown: 120 seconds

When an enemy detects you crouching, Sensory Protocol momentarily slows down time. This perk allows for evasive maneuvers or swift retreats to cover, maintaining stealth even when compromised. A great addition to stealthy builds, it pairs exceptionally well with other stealth perks, enabling you to excel in silent takedowns and staying undetected.

7. Gag Order

Cyberpunk 2077 Best Phantom Liberty Perks - Gag Order
Best Perks – Gag Order (image captured by us)

In Cyberpunk 2077, there are moments when an adversary suddenly turns around just as you attempt a silent takedown. This is where the Cool perk, Gag Order, proves invaluable. It enables you to swiftly strike your target, delaying their detection.

Attribute 4 Cool
Required Perks Killer Instinct
Levels 1
Effects Hitting an enemy immediately after their detection:

  • Delays detection by other nearby enemies.

In practice, if your attack is potent enough, you can eliminate an opponent without raising the alarm. Gag Order provides a strategic advantage for those seeking to maintain stealth in Cyberpunk 2077, ensuring you can effectively navigate tense situations without alerting others.

8. Road Warrior

Cyberpunk 2077 Best Phantom Liberty Perks - Road Warrior
Best Perks – Road Warrior (image credit: eXputer)

In Cyberpunk 2077, vehicular combat might not be everyone’s forte, but the Road Warrior perk offers intriguing advantages. It allows you to activate slow time while driving, making precision maneuvers a breeze. Additionally, it permits the simultaneous activation of Kerenzikov when aiming or handbraking, a remarkable feat.

Attribute 4 Cool
Required Perks None
Levels 1
Effects
  • Enables Sandevistan use for time slowing while driving.
  • Enables Kerenzikov activation while aiming and handbraking simultaneously.
  • +25% weapon damage when the vehicle is drifting or airborne.

For those skilled in the art of drifting, Road Warrior offers an enticing +25% damage boost. The bonus even applies when you’re airborne, allowing you to slow time, take aim, and unleash devastation upon your adversaries. Road Warrior can turn you into a formidable force on the road, whether you’re a combat enthusiast or a master drifter.

9. License To Chrome

Cyberpunk 2077 Best Phantom Liberty Perks - License To Chrome
Best Perks – License To Chrome (image credit: eXputer)

License To Chrome is a fantastic Perk for any builds that use Cyberware extensively. Like Sensory Protocol, its effects are fairly basic: a 10% increase to all Cyberware stat modifiers, an extra 40 Armor, and an extra slot for Skeleton Cyberware. This gives your Cyberware a decent boost, and it acts as a solid foundation for players to start installing extra Cyberware.

Attribute 15 Technical Ability
Required Perks All Things Cyber
Levels 3
Effects Level 1: +10% boost to all cyberware stat modifiers.

Level 2: +40 Armor.

Level 3: Unlocks an additional cyberware slot for the Skeleton. All Skeleton Cyberware will have enhanced stats.

You’ll want to allocate some Perk Points to side Perks such as Ambidextrous, which unlocks an extra slot for Hand Cyberware. It’s worth putting points into Technical Ability for a Cyberware-focused build, as you will eventually bump up against Cyberpunk’s new Cyberware Capacity mechanic. This mechanic limits how much Cyberware you can install at once.

10. Die! Die! Die!

Cyberpunk 2077 Best Phantom Liberty Perks - Die! Die! Die!
Best Perks – Die! Die! Die! (image credit: eXputer)

The next entry in best Phantom Liberty perks brings firepower to the forefront. At Level 1, it reduces recoil by 15% when your Stamina is low which is a valuable bonus for heavy weaponry enthusiasts.

Attribute 9 Body
Required Perks None
Levels 2
Effects Conditional: Only affects Shotguns, LMGs and HMGs
Level 1:

  • Reduces recoil by -15% when Stamina is low.

Level 2:

  • Boosts fire rate as Stamina decreases (up to a maximum of +25% at 0 Stamina).

Level 2 is where the perk truly shines, offering an increased fire rate as your Stamina depletes. The boost reaches a maximum of +25% at 0 Stamina. While not game-changing, it can be the deciding factor between victory and defeat in the heat of battle.

The perk significantly benefits LMGs and HMGs, making it a worthwhile addition to your arsenal for those who prefer sustained, high-powered firepower.

11. Focus

Focus
Best Perks – Focus (image credit: eXputer)

Focus is a valuable asset for any build. At Level 1, it offers a straightforward advantage – a substantial +10% increase in damage dealt to headshots and weak spots.

Attribute 9 Cool
Required Perks None
Levels 2
Effects Conditional: Only affects Pistols, Revolvers, Precision Rifles and Sniper Rifles

Level 1:

  • +10% Headshot and Weakspot damage.

Level 2:

  • Unlocks Focus mode, which activates automatically when aiming at full Stamina.
  • While active, shooting has no Stamina cost, enabling more accurate shots.
  • When it ends, you lose -40 Stamina.
  • Duration: 2.5 seconds.

The true gem lies in Level 2, where you gain access to Focus Mode. The unique mode triggers automatically when your Stamina is full. In Focus Mode, shooting consumes no Stamina, enabling precise shots without any resource drain. However, once it concludes, you lose 40 Stamina. While this drawback exists, numerous Focus perks are available to further enhance the already powerful ability.

12. Quick Getaway

Quick Getaway
Best Perks – Quick Getaway (image captured by eXputer)

In Cyberpunk 2077, embracing stealth becomes crucial. Quick Getaway, a valuable Cool perk, becomes your ally in maintaining a low profile. It bestows a noteworthy +10% movement speed boost after successfully neutralizing an enemy without detection.

Attribute 4 Cool
Required Perks Killer Instinct
Levels 1
Effects
  • +10% Movement Speed after silently eliminating an enemy.
  • Duration: 30 seconds or until detection.
  • Stacks 2 times.
  • New stacks reset duration.
  • All stacks are removed when the duration ends.

The advantage endures for a generous 30-second window or until you’re spotted. Moreover, it can stack twice, though additional stacks renew the duration. Theoretically, you can sustain heightened movement speed almost indefinitely, as long as you manage to stay concealed and avoid detection. Quick Getaway empowers your stealthy pursuits in Cyberpunk 2077.

13. Overclock

Overclock
Best Perks – Overclock (image captured by eXputer)

Overclock is the cornerstone Perk for Hacking-focused builds in Cyberpunk 2077. It delivers a 10% boost to RAM recovery and quickhack damage, enabling you to inflict more damage through frequent hacking. At the highest tier, Overclock unlocks an advanced hacking mode, allowing V to execute quickhacks even when RAM reserves fall short.

Attribute 15 Intelligence
Required Perks Embedded Exploit
Levels 3
Effects Level 1: +10% RAM recovery rate.

Level 2: +10% quickhack damage.

Level 3: Unlocks Overclock mode, which can be initiated if you have a cyberdeck. In this mode, you can employ quickhacks even with insufficient RAM, at the cost of 1 Health for each RAM unit exceeding your maximum. Duration: 14 sec. Cooldown: 30 sec.

It is essential to manage health effectively, as exceeding RAM limits with Overclock inflicts a health penalty of 10 HP per unit. To maximize hacking potential, consider complementary Perks like Spillover and Smart Synergy, enhancing your quickhack capabilities and smart weapon proficiency.

14. Serpentine

Serpentine
Best Perks – Serpentine (screen grab by us)

In my perks guide, the focus has often been on Mitigation, and Serpentine is no exception. To access Serpentine, you must first attain the level 3 Ninjutsu perk. With Serpentine, you gain an extra +30% Mitigation chance while crouch sprinting.

Attribute 15 Cool
Required Perks Ninjutsu
Levels 1
Effects +30% Mitigation Chance while crouch-sprinting.

When faced with a formidable group of adversaries, Serpentine allows for swift maneuvering with reduced worry about incoming damage. Serpentine enhances your defensive capabilities and mobility, making it a valuable asset during encounters with multiple foes.

15. Lead And Steel

Lead And Steel
Best Perks – Lead And Steel (image by us)

Lead and Steel, featured in Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty, is an exceptional Perk for Blade weapon enthusiasts, including katanas. It diminishes the Stamina consumption for Blade attacks and equips the player with the ability to deflect incoming projectiles.

Attribute 9 Reflexes
Required Perks Slippery
Levels 2
Effects Level 1: Reduces Stamina cost for Blade attacks by -15%.

Level 2: Unlocks the ability to block incoming projectiles with Blades, consuming Stamina.

The newfound skill empowers you with enhanced survivability during close-quarters combat, especially when facing enemies armed with ranged weapons. By reducing the Stamina cost and utilizing supplementary Perks like Bullet Deflect and Bullet Time, you can expertly counter enemy gunfire, redirecting projectiles with deadly precision.

16. Jailbreak (Relic Perk)

Jailbreak
Best Perks – Jailbreak (screen grab by eXputer)

Jailbreak caters to Arm Cyberware enthusiasts, enhancing Mantis Blades, Gorilla Arms, Projectile Launch System, and Monowire. Mantis Blades users gain a formidable leap attack after dismembering foes or using a Mantis Blades Finisher.

Attribute Relic
Required Perks None
Levels 1
Effects Unlocks new abilities for Arm Cyberware including Mantis Blades, Gorilla Arms, the Projectile Launch System, and Monowire.
  • Gorilla Arms charge with each punch, unleashing a devastating Strong Attack with staggering shockwaves when fully charged.
  • Projectile Launch System overcharges for a five-projectile burst.
  • Monowire gets a Control quickhack slot, activating when a charged strong attack lands.

Jailbreak is a must-have for Arm Cyberware users, offering an array of dynamic combat options.

17. Adrenaline Rush

Adrenaline Rush
Best Perks – Adrenaline Rush (image by us)

Adrenaline Rush, a potent Body perk in Cyberpunk 2077, offers significant advantages across its three tiers. At Level 1, it grants a substantial +35 Max Health boost. Level 2 provides a valuable +20% Health Regeneration bonus from all sources, irrespective of their origin.

Attribute 15 Body
Required Perks Painkiller
Levels 3
Effects Level 1:

  • +35 max Health.

Level 2:

  • +20% Health Regen bonus for all Health Regen effects from any source.

Level 3:

  • Unlocks Adrenaline Rush mode.
  • Blood Pump cyberware and Health Items provide Adrenaline equal to 30% of max Health (up to a maximum of 50% max Health) in addition to their base effects.
  • Adrenaline Rush remains active as long as you have Adrenaline available.

However, it’s Level 3 that truly shines, unlocking the Adrenaline Rush mode. With Adrenaline Rush, both Blood-Pump cyberware in Cyberpunk 2077 and Health items contribute Adrenaline equivalent to 30% of your Max Health (up to a maximum of 50% Max Health).

Adrenaline appears as a yellow bar, functioning as an additional health buffer that absorbs damage before deteriorating. As long as you maintain Adrenaline, you remain in Adrenaline Mode, bolstering your survivability in intense situations.

18. Creeping Death

Creeping Death
Best Perks – Creeping Death (image by eXputer)

Next in the list of best Phantom Liberty perks is Creeping Death. It is closely linked to a new Relic ability, Optical Camo. However, it remains valuable even when you’re not detected, making it relevant in the Cyberpunk 2077 2.0 update before the expansion arrives.

Attribute 15 Cool
Required Perks Ninjutsu
Levels 1
Effects When Optical Camo is active and you neutralize an enemy:

  • +15% Health
  • +15% Stamina
  • +10% Movement Speed
  • Duration: 6 seconds

Eliminating an enemy bestows impressive benefits. These include a +15% Health boost, +15% Stamina increase, and +10% Movement speed enhancement for a duration of 6 seconds. Creeping Death serves as an excellent means to maintain your vital statistics while adeptly maneuvering through Cyberpunk 2077’s stealthy scenarios.

19. Vulnerability Analytics (Relic Perk)

Vulnerability Analytics
Best Perks – Vulnerability Analytics (image by eXputer)

Vulnerability Analytics unveils enemies’ armor and Cyberware vulnerabilities, turning attacks against these weak points into critical hits with boosted armor penetration and weakspot damage bonuses. This perk complements gunslinger builds, especially when combined with Deadeye.

Attribute Relic
Required Perks None
Levels 1
Effects In combat, you gain the ability to identify Vulnerabilities in enemy Armor and Cyberware. Targeting these Vulnerabilities offers the following benefits:

  • 100% Critical Hit Chance
  • +25% Armor Penetration
  • Enhanced damage to Weakspots

Additionally, inflicting substantial damage to a Vulnerabilities triggers an explosion, releasing an EMP blast that harms foes within a 3-meter radius.

Focusing on vulnerabilities can swiftly eliminate non-boss enemies and potentially trigger EMP blasts. When paired with Machine Learning, it becomes even deadlier. Machine Learning offers extra chances for new vulnerabilities and boosts crit damage, potentially stacking up to five times for a devastating gunslinger arsenal.

20. Army Of One

Army Of One
Best Perks – Army Of One (image by us)

In the realm of Cyberpunk 2077 perks, simplicity doesn’t equate to insignificance. Army of One, although considered low-tier, ranks among the best. Army Of One comes to the forefront when you find yourself embroiled in combat against hordes of adversaries.

Attribute 4 Body
Required Perks Painkiller
Levels 1
Effects +10% Health Regen Rate per nearby enemy.

Here’s the appeal: Army of One bestows a remarkable +10% Health Regeneration Rate for each nearby enemy. Regardless of your preferred weapon style, Army Of One proves invaluable. The continuous health gain, albeit gradual, remains advantageous throughout your encounters. In the world of cyber warfare, there’s never a wrong moment to bolster your vitality.

My Opinion On The Best Perks

cyberpunk 2077 why trust me
My hours of Cyberpunk 2077

After getting through Phantom Liberty DLC and testing the 2.0 perks tree on my main character save (Steam ID: LIONT4MER), I can conclude that I personally went for the Invulnerability Analytics relic perk due to how ridiculously OP it is with a crit build since you can kill enemies instantly by targeting their weak points. I also actively use Cyberware, including the Apogee Sandevistan, so you bet I immediately purchased the License To Chrome Perk and followed it up with the Edgerunner perk, which allows me to go full Cyberpsycho.

For a comprehensive guide on finding all Legendary Weapons in the game, don’t miss the guide on All Legendary Weapons Locations In Cyberpunk 2077. While you are at it, make sure to read this Reddit thread to discover new ways to play Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty.

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Usama Mehmood is a Games Specialist, and writer on eXputer who's either hunting for the richest loot in Destiny 2 or endlessly playing his favorite games such as Yakuza or Final Fantasy. Usama has been gaming for 15+ years during which he has accumulated 4000+ hours on Destiny 1 & 2. His constant adoration for video games has allowed him to pursue eXputer as a platform to showcase his striving talents in writing helpful articles. Get familiar with Usama's extensive gaming library on his Steam, PSN, and Xbox profiles.

Experience: 2+ Years || Mainly Covers Reviews And Guides || Education: Bachelors in Physiotherapy.

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