In the sprawling, high-tech world of Cyberpunk 2077, weapons are more than just tools for survival they’re symbols of identity, style, and storytelling. Among them, iconic weapons stand out not only for their unique stats and visuals but for their deep ties to quests, characters, and the player’s journey through Night City. However, it’s not uncommon for players to accidentally sell, dismantle, or lose these prized weapons. Thankfully, CD Projekt Red has implemented ways for players to reacquire iconic weapons, allowing you to restore your arsenal and continue your legacy in style.
Understanding Iconic Weapons in Cyberpunk 2077
What Makes a Weapon Iconic?
Iconic weapons in Cyberpunk 2077 are special versions of existing weapon types, distinguished by their unique perks, visual designs, and lore significance. Many are tied to story events or side quests and often have traits that can’t be found on standard gear. Some shoot explosive rounds, others cause bleeding effects, and some are built to pair with specific character builds or cyberware.
Examples of Notable Iconic Weapons
- Skippy A smart pistol with a quirky AI personality and unpredictable behavior.
- Satori A katana with a high crit damage multiplier, found during the Heist mission.
- Overwatch A powerful sniper rifle gifted by Panam Palmer.
- Ba Xing Chong A smart shotgun created through crafting, known for its devastating power.
Why Players Lose Iconic Weapons
Common Mistakes
Iconic weapons are often acquired early or mid-game, and players especially new ones might not realize their long-term value. These items can be accidentally sold to vendors, dismantled for components, or simply left behind during missions. Because the game doesn’t initially lock or warn players when they attempt to dismantle or sell an iconic weapon, it’s easy to lose them during routine inventory clean-up.
Inventory Overload
Night City is filled with loot. As players progress, inventory management becomes a challenge. With limited space and constant upgrades available, iconic weapons can sometimes be overlooked or deemed underpowered, leading to their disposal. However, many iconic weapons can be upgraded through crafting, making them viable throughout the game.
How to Reacquire Iconic Weapons
New Game Plus and Weapon Persistence
While a true New Game Plus mode has been widely requested by fans, updates to the game and thePhantom Libertyexpansion have improved how iconic weapons are handled. In certain scenarios, you can reacquire iconic weapons through repeatable missions, special vendors, or by revisiting the locations where they were first found.
Crafting and Blueprints
If you dismantled an iconic weapon, there’s good news many iconic weapons, once obtained, unlock their crafting blueprints in your inventory. This means you can re-craft them at any time using the right materials, provided you meet the necessary technical skill level. To do this:
- Open your Crafting menu.
- Navigate to the Iconic Weapons section.
- Check if the weapon you lost is available to craft.
- Collect the needed components and hit ‘Craft.’
Vendors and Special Vendors
In some rare cases, iconic weapons may show up at specific vendors, especially those linked to missions. After updates, vendors were given expanded inventories, and players have reported seeing lost iconic weapons reappear. While not guaranteed, checking back with weapon shops in Watson, Westbrook, and Pacifica is always a smart idea.
Revisiting Locations
Certain iconic weapons are tied to physical locations in the world. If you know where you originally found the weapon, try going back. For example:
- Satori Found during the Heist on Yorinobu’s AV. Miss it once, and you won’t be able to retrieve it again in that save, so replaying or loading an earlier save may be required.
- Fenrir Acquired in a monk-related side quest. The weapon is in a room in the back and can be missed entirely.
If you remember where the weapon came from and haven’t completed the quest or left the area permanently, it may still be waiting for you.
Crafting and Upgrading Iconic Weapons
Benefits of Crafting
One of the best features of iconic weapons is their scalability. When you reacquire one through crafting, it adjusts to your current level, making it relevant again even late in the game. Crafting an iconic version also allows for modification with scopes, muzzles, and mods if the weapon type supports them.
How to Upgrade
To upgrade iconic weapons:
- Go to the Crafting tab in your menu.
- Find the weapon under the ‘Upgrades’ section.
- Use upgrade components to increase its tier (Rare â Epic â Legendary).
- Some weapons require special rare materials, so loot thoroughly and break down junk items regularly.
Tips to Avoid Losing Iconic Weapons
Mark as Favorite
After updates, you can mark weapons as favorites, which prevents accidental selling or dismantling. Always mark your iconic weapons immediately after obtaining them.
Store Extras in Your Stash
Use the stash in V’s apartment or vehicles to store weapons you’re not currently using. This keeps them safe and clears up inventory space without risking loss.
Upgrade Instead of Replacing
If you love the design or story behind an iconic weapon, don’t toss it when you find something with higher stats. Instead, invest in upgrades to keep it viable. Crafting perks can also reduce upgrade costs, making it easier to maintain your favorite gear.
Iconic Weapons and Phantom Liberty
New Opportunities
ThePhantom LibertyDLC introduces new iconic weapons and even more refined systems for managing them. With additions like new blueprints, enhanced loot mechanics, and fresh questlines, players have more chances than ever to experiment and rebuild their iconic collections.
New Vendors and Perks
Dogtown introduces vendors who may stock rare components or even iconic gear. Engaging with these characters and completing new missions can unlock opportunities to find or rebuild lost weapons.
Iconic weapons are more than flashy collectibles they’re a core part of theCyberpunk 2077experience, blending lore, gameplay, and personal choice. Losing one can be frustrating, but with the game’s improved systems for reacquisition through crafting, vendors, and quest design, it’s rarely a permanent loss. Whether you’re hunting down Skippy again or reforging your beloved Overwatch sniper, the tools are there to rebuild your perfect arsenal. So dive back into Night City, reclaim what’s yours, and make your legacy one shot at a time.