Best Weapons In Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty – Iconic Weapon Locations

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Cyberpunk 2077’s Phantom Liberty expansion significantly enhances your arsenal possibilities within the dangerous Dogtown district. Beyond the gripping espionage narrative and new explorable zones, you’ll discover numerous iconic-tier equipment pieces featuring game-changing modifiers and distinctive combat effects. This comprehensive guide details the most powerful armaments we’ve secured through main operations, side missions, and specialized vendors. Critical warning: spoilers ahead for Phantom Liberty content.

Our categorization begins with Black Market Vendor acquisitions, as these represent fresh additions introduced via Update 2.0. Subsequent sections cover narrative reward weapons and those obtained through exploration activities. Interestingly, while Dogtown’s airdrops occasionally contain iconic-quality items, our findings indicate these are exclusively cyberware enhancements rather than traditional firearms.

Additionally, the comprehensive skill and perk system revisions implemented in Update 2.0 demand careful consideration, as your selected abilities should strategically align with your preferred weapon loadout and combat approach.

Location: Black Market Vendor – Upon initiating the expansion’s storyline, you’ll venture into Dogtown and eventually reach the EBM Petrochem Stadium complex. The marketplace area contains multiple merchant stalls, including the specialized Black Market Vendor. This merchant stocks numerous iconic weapons from the original game that you may have overlooked during your initial playthrough. Implementing a 24-hour time skip mechanic can refresh the vendor’s inventory, potentially revealing additional rare armaments.

One standout Phantom Liberty iconic weapon available here is the devastating Order shotgun:

Strategic Insight: The Order shotgun excels in corridor combat and choke point defense. Its EMP trail effectively disables enemy cyberware and robotics, making it particularly valuable against heavily augmented opponents and automated defenses.

Location: Black Market Vendor – Similar acquisition method as previously described, purchasable for 99,540 credits. Pro tip: Farm credits efficiently by completing organized crime activities in Pacifica before visiting Dogtown to ensure you can afford multiple iconic purchases.

Beyond vendor purchases, Phantom Liberty’s main narrative missions yield several exceptional iconic weapons that complement the expansion’s spy thriller themes. These typically become available after key story beats and often feature espionage-oriented modifications like silencers, reduced detection time, and non-lethal takedown capabilities.

Side gigs throughout Dogtown also conceal powerful armaments, though these require thorough exploration and sometimes specific completion conditions. Unlike the base game, many Phantom Liberty iconic weapons incorporate new gameplay mechanics that reward tactical positioning and situational awareness.

Airdrop Mechanics Clarification: While airdrops signal valuable loot opportunities, they predominantly contain iconic cyberware such as neural processors, skeletal enhancements, and optical camo systems. While not weapons per se, these cyberware pieces can dramatically enhance your combat effectiveness when paired appropriately with your chosen firearms.

Common Mistake: Many players waste time rushing every airdrop expecting weapons, when vendor purchases and quest rewards provide more reliable iconic firearm acquisition methods.

Perk Synergy Strategies: The Order shotgun’s charging mechanic pairs exceptionally well with technical ability perks that reduce charge time and increase energy weapon damage. Combining this with reflexes perks that improve shotgun effectiveness creates a devastating close-quarters build.

Loadout Combination Tips: Balance your iconic weapon selection between different range capabilities. Pair the Order shotgun with a precision rifle or smart weapon to handle enemies at distance while maintaining close-range dominance.

Advanced Tactics: Master the hip-fire charging technique to maintain mobility while preparing devastating area-denial shots. The EMP trail not only damages enemies but also creates temporary cover by disabling surveillance systems and automated turrets.

Time Investment Estimates: Completing all main story iconic weapon acquisitions typically requires 8-10 hours, while collecting all vendor and side gig weapons may take 15-20 hours depending on exploration thoroughness.

For broader gameplay strategies, consult our Complete Guide to master fundamental combat mechanics that apply across multiple weapon types.

Mission: Firestarter – This devastating LMG becomes available during the intense confrontation with Colonel Hansen’s forces. Unlike standard issue weapons, it features specialized modifications that make it exceptionally effective against armored targets and heavily fortified positions. For optimal performance, maintain sustained fire on priority targets to activate the escalating fire rate bonus, turning this weapon into a veritable bullet hose during extended engagements.

Mission: Firestarter – Colonel Hansen employs this distinctive blade throughout your encounter, repeatedly hurling it with deadly accuracy. To secure this iconic weapon, you must first systematically dismantle his health bar through conventional combat, then execute the finishing move using his own knife when prompted. This unique takedown sequence differs significantly from the acquisition method for the Blue Fang, which follows an entirely separate unlock path involving stealth infiltration rather than direct confrontation.

This brutal melee weapon excels in tight spaces where firearms become cumbersome. The charge mechanic requires precise timing – initiate your swing just before entering engagement range to maximize damage output. Against staggered opponents, the attack speed bonus creates devastating combos that can clear groups of enemies rapidly when paired with proper crowd control tactics.

Mission: Firestarter – When confronted with the critical narrative choice, selecting to assist Songbird’s escape rather than her capture unlocks access to specialized equipment. After making this decision, you’ll recover your gear from security lockers, then advance through subsequent combat zones alongside your temporary ally. During the intense firefight that follows, one of Hansen’s elite lieutenants will drop this particular item, but only if you’ve chosen the escape path. This branching narrative element demonstrates how class selection and mission approach significantly impact your available arsenal.

During the ‘Heaviest of Hearts’ gig, once you gain access to VIP Room 06, locate this specialized firearm among the stored luggage. This weapon becomes available early in your Dogtown exploration, making it an excellent mid-game acquisition.

Strategic Insight: The lock-on capability makes this weapon particularly effective against agile enemies, while the immobilization effect creates excellent crowd control opportunities. The temporary crit chance boost upon equipping suggests this weapon works best when swapped in during intense firefights rather than as a primary weapon.

The ‘Run This Town’ job becomes accessible only after completing both the Firestarter operation and the main Phantom Liberty questline. Following Colonel Hansen’s demise, you’ll face the critical decision of determining Dogtown’s new leadership. Mr. Hands provides this weapon at the mission’s commencement, offering immediate combat advantages.

Advanced Tactics: The poison application synergizes perfectly with stealth builds, while the preserved stealth bonus allows for aggressive positioning after initial engagement. This weapon excels in hit-and-run tactics where maintaining stealth advantages during combat transitions provides significant tactical superiority.

Dante’s Variant: Eliminating Dante at the mission’s conclusion yields his distinctive weapon drop. This version emphasizes precision and ranged combat effectiveness with its specialized modifiers.

Bree’s Alternative: Opting to spare Bree and eliminate Dante instead results in her depositing the weapon on a nearby workstation for collection. This decision path maintains narrative consistency while ensuring weapon acquisition.

Decision Analysis: The identical stats between both versions indicate the choice revolves purely around narrative preference rather than gameplay optimization. Consider your character’s alignment with either faction when making this determination.

Build Optimization: Each weapon caters to specific playstyles. The Heaviest of Hearts weapon excels in tech-focused builds leveraging its lock-on capabilities, while the Run This Town variant complements stealth-oriented approaches. The Shot By Both Sides options suit precision-focused marksmen builds.

Mission Preparation: Before pursuing these weapons, ensure your character level and equipment can handle the associated combat challenges. The Run This Town mission particularly demands advanced gear and combat proficiency.

Common Pitfalls: Many players attempt these missions under-leveled, resulting in difficult combat scenarios. Additionally, some overlook the permanent consequences of the ‘Shot By Both Sides’ decision, so consider your choice carefully as it cannot be reversed.

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