How to equip quickhacks cyberpunk
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Last updated: April 4, 2026
Key Facts
- Quickhacks are special abilities that V can use to remotely manipulate technology and enemies.
- There are two main types of quickhacks: Contagious and Single-Target.
- Quickhacks are managed and equipped through the Quickhack wheel, accessible during combat or stealth.
- The effectiveness and availability of quickhacks depend on V's Intelligence cyberware and perks.
- Players can craft new quickhacks or purchase them from various vendors throughout Night City.
Overview
In the dystopian world of Cyberpunk 2077, quickhacks represent a powerful toolset for players, allowing them to remotely influence the digital and physical realm. Whether you're a stealthy netrunner or a combat-focused mercenary, understanding how to effectively equip and utilize quickhacks is crucial for success. This guide will break down the process, from understanding the interface to managing your quickhack inventory.
What are Quickhacks?
Quickhacks are special abilities that V, the player character, can deploy to interact with the game's environment and its inhabitants. These digital intrusions range from disabling enemy cybernetics, causing weapons to malfunction, to outright taking control of drones or turrets. They are a core component of the Netrunner playstyle but can be beneficial for any build, offering tactical advantages and creative solutions to obstacles.
Accessing the Quickhack Wheel
The primary method for equipping and deploying quickhacks is through the Quickhack wheel. This intuitive interface allows for rapid selection of available hacks during gameplay. To bring up the Quickhack wheel:
- On PC: Hold down the middle mouse button (or the keybind you've assigned to 'Quickhack').
- On PlayStation: Hold down the L1 button.
- On Xbox: Hold down the LB button.
Once the wheel appears, you can navigate through your equipped quickhacks using your mouse or the analog stick. The game typically categorizes quickhacks, making it easier to find what you need. Hovering over a quickhack will display its name, description, RAM cost, and any special effects.
Equipping and Managing Quickhacks
While the Quickhack wheel shows your currently available hacks, the actual process of 'equipping' them involves managing your inventory and ensuring you have the necessary RAM to deploy them. Quickhacks are not 'equipped' in the same way as weapons or cyberware. Instead, they are stored in V's cyberdeck, and their availability is determined by your Intelligence attribute, equipped cyberdeck, and installed quickhack programs.
To manage your quickhacks:
- Access your Inventory: Open your main menu and navigate to the 'Inventory' or 'Cyberware' section.
- Cyberdeck Slot: Your equipped cyberdeck dictates the number of quickhack slots you have.
- Installed Quickhacks: Within your cyberdeck's interface, you'll see slots for installed quickhacks. You can swap quickhacks in and out of these slots. Not all quickhacks you acquire need to be 'installed' simultaneously; you can only use those currently installed on your cyberdeck.
- Acquiring Quickhacks: Quickhacks can be found as loot, purchased from netrunner vendors, or crafted. Crafting allows you to create higher-tier versions of quickhacks using components.
Types of Quickhacks
Quickhacks generally fall into a few categories:
- Offensive Quickhacks: These are designed to deal direct damage or apply debuffs to enemies. Examples include 'Short Circuit' (deals electrical damage) and 'Contagion' (spreads damage over time).
- Control Quickhacks: These manipulate enemy behavior or disable them. Examples include 'Cyberware Malfunction' (disables cyberware) and 'Berserk' (causes enemies to attack each other).
- Stealth/Utility Quickhacks: These aid in stealth or provide other non-combat benefits. Examples include 'Distract Enemies' (draws attention away) or 'Reconnaissance' (reveals enemy stats).
The effectiveness of these hacks is often tied to V's Intelligence attribute and specific perks within the Intelligence skill tree. Higher Intelligence unlocks more powerful quickhacks and increases your RAM capacity, which is the resource consumed when using a quickhack.
Tips for Effective Quickhacking
- Specialize your Cyberdeck: Choose quickhacks that complement your playstyle. If you're focusing on stealth, prioritize hacks that disable cameras or distract guards. If you're aggressive, focus on damage-dealing hacks.
- Monitor your RAM: Quickhacks consume RAM. Ensure you have enough RAM available before engaging in combat. Perks and cyberware can increase your RAM regeneration rate.
- Targeting: When using the Quickhack wheel, you'll need to target an enemy or an environmental object. The game will highlight valid targets. Some quickhacks can 'chain' to nearby enemies, so positioning is key.
- Crafting: Crafting is an excellent way to obtain high-tier quickhacks. Collect components and invest in the relevant crafting perks to create powerful versions of your favorite hacks.
- Environmental Interaction: Don't forget that many environmental objects can be hacked! Cameras, turrets, mines, and even certain machinery can be manipulated to your advantage.
By mastering the Quickhack wheel and understanding how to manage your cyberdeck and quickhack library, you can turn V into a formidable digital phantom, capable of dismantling enemies and navigating the complex world of Night City with unparalleled efficiency.
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