Beyond the Lock-On: Why Cyberpunk 2077’s Smart Weapons Are an Untapped Well of Innovation

In the high-tech, neon-drenched world of Night City, the promise of advanced weaponry is as much a part of the cyberpunk aesthetic as chrome implants and corpo intrigue. Among the game’s various weapon types—Power, Tech, and Smart—it is the Smart weapons that hold the most sci-fi potential. These guns, which fire guided projectiles that can track targets and even shoot around corners, are a fascinating piece of the game’s arsenal. While the recent 2.0 update and Phantom Liberty expansion have made significant improvements to their viability, they still feel like they have barely scratched the surface of what is possible. The current implementation, while fun and effective for certain builds, lacks the deep, interconnected systems that could truly make them a game-changer and a defining feature of the cyberpunk genre.

The 2.0 update, in particular, was a major step forward. By tying Smart weapons to the revamped Intelligence tree, CD Projekt Red created a powerful synergy between gunplay and Netrunning. Perks like “Smart Synergy” grant instant lock-on and a damage boost during Overclock, while other perks reward players for combining quickhacks with gunfire. This has elevated Smart weapons from a novelty to a cornerstone of a highly effective “Net-Gunner” build. The addition of new Iconic weapons in Phantom Liberty, such as the Heracles 3AX with its built-in Smart scope, further expanded the options for players. These changes have made Smart weapons a viable, and in some cases a devastating, choice in combat, but they still feel limited by their core mechanics.

The Untapped Potential: A Call for Deeper Integration

The current state of Smart weapons largely boils down to a simple formula: point in the general direction of an enemy, wait for a lock-on, and fire. While this is satisfying, especially for new players or those who prefer a less aim-intensive playstyle, it misses out on a wealth of opportunities for more creative and strategic gameplay. Imagine a system where Smart weapons are not just a point-and-shoot mechanic but an intricate part of a larger, interconnected ecosystem. For example, the existing lore of the game establishes that Smart weapons require a “Smart Link” cyberware in the user’s hand to function. This is a perfect narrative hook for a deeper system.

Here are just a few ways the concept could be expanded:

• Dynamic Homing Paths: Instead of a simple, arcing trajectory, Smart weapons could offer different homing modes. A player could choose a “bouncing” mode to have bullets ricochet off walls to hit enemies in cover, or a “split” mode where a single projectile divides into multiple, weaker rounds to target multiple foes. This would transform a simple lock-on into a tactical decision, forcing players to adapt to the environment and the enemy’s position.
• Cyberware and Weapon Synergy: The synergy with Netrunning is a great start, but it could go further. Different hand cyberware could have unique effects on Smart weapons. A specialized Smart Link could allow for silent, non-lethal projectiles that disable cyberware, a “feedback” cyberware could cause a portion of damage dealt to drain the enemy’s RAM, or a “kinetic link” could allow for a charged shot that delivers a single, devastating hit. This would turn the choice of cyberware into a key part of a player’s build, creating truly unique playstyles.
• Advanced Enemy Countermeasures: The Tyger Claws’ “Masking Ink” is a brilliant but underused mechanic. Expanding on this, enemies could deploy smoke screens that disrupt the Smart Link, emit EMP pulses that temporarily disable the weapons, or use a “smart jammer” that causes projectiles to home in on the user. This would force players to think on their feet, encouraging them to switch between weapon types and use a more diverse combat strategy.
• Weapon and Enemy Tagging: The lore already mentions that Smart weapons predict enemy movement. This could be taken to another level. Smart weapons could have a “tag” mode that marks enemies for other players or even for your quickhacks. A player could tag a group of enemies, and then a well-placed grenade or a more powerful Tech weapon shot would get a significant damage bonus against the tagged targets. This would emphasize a more strategic, supportive playstyle that is currently missing from the combat loop.

The current state of Smart weapons in Cyberpunk 2077 is a vast improvement over their initial release. They are now a satisfying and powerful part of the game’s combat system. However, they remain a simplified version of their full potential. By expanding on the existing lore and incorporating more complex, interconnected systems, CD Projekt Red could transform Smart weapons from a fun gimmick into a truly innovative and genre-defining mechanic. The groundwork is already in place; all that’s left is to build upon it and unleash the true power of Night City’s most advanced firearms.