Quickhack

Quickhacks are advanced cybernetic abilities in Cyberpunk 2077 that let players manipulate enemies, devices and even vehicles via software “programs” installed on a cyberdeck.

Overview

Quickhacks are uploaded while scanning a target. Each has an upload time, RAM cost, duration and often a cooldown. After Update 2.0, quickhacks became traceable—repeated use will fill a trace bar until enemies discover V’s location (unless you counter it with stealth tools or specific perks/cyberware).

Mechanics

RAM & Upload queue

Uploading quickhacks spends RAM from the installed cyberdeck. Some quickhacks can be queued to start as soon as the previous one finishes.

The Overclock perk (Intelligence) lets you upload hacks even at 0 RAM by paying Health per extra RAM used; it’s a core enabling tool for high-end netrunning loops.

Trace & stealth

Most combat hacks advance an enemy trace. Covert hacks (e.g., Ping, Memory Wipe, Bait) are designed to minimize or avoid trace buildup and support stealth routes.

Spread & line-of-sight

Several hacks can spread to nearby enemies. Spread range, timing and extra spread chances depend on hack tier and the cyberdeck used (see Raven Microcyber below).

With higher-tier Ping you can reveal networks and even hack through walls to connected targets.

Devices & vehicles

Device hacks (cameras, doors, turrets, etc.) and vehicle hacks have their own set of programs and costs. The Carhacker perk unlocks vehicle quickhacks such as Floor It or Self-destruct (deck-dependent).

Cyberdecks

Cyberdecks determine RAM pool, quickhack slots, buffer, and powerful passive bonuses that shape your playstyle.

Raven Microcyber (Mk.1–3). Spread-focused decks: increase spread distance, make spreads instant (apply immediately instead of waiting for first upload to finish), and add extra spread chances while Overclock is active—excellent for contagion-style builds.

NetWatch Netdriver (Mk.5). Remote-hacking specialist: reduces traceability for hacks uploaded via cameras, slashes Device/Vehicle RAM costs, and buffs combat hacks uploaded through devices—ideal for hands-off, camera-centric infiltration.

Tetratronic Rippler (Mk.4–5). Generalist “combo” decks that synergize combat hacks with non-combat uploads (e.g., follow-ups to amplify damage or auto-apply control hacks on Overclock).

Militech Canto Mk.6 (Iconic). Phantom Liberty’s possessed deck that unlocks the Blackwall Gateway ultimate quickhack by default—tying your build to lethal Blackwall energy effects.

Types of Quickhacks

Combat

Deal direct damage or damage-over-time (DoT). Examples: Short Circuit (electrical burst), Overheat (burning DoT), Contagion (poison DoT with spread), Synapse Burnout (heavy nuke scaling with spent RAM).

Control

Debuff, disable or set up finishers. Examples: Reboot Optics (blind/accuracy debuff with headshot synergy at higher tiers), Cyberware Malfunction (stacking disables that can overload), Cripple Movement, Weapon Glitch.

Covert

Low-trace tools that enable stealth routes and intel. Examples: Ping (reveal networks, wall-hacks at higher tier), Memory Wipe, Sonic Shock, Bait, Request Backup.

Ultimate

Expensive, fight-ending programs. Examples: System Collapse, Cyberpsychosis, Detonate Grenade, Suicide, and Blackwall Gateway.

Device & Vehicle

Cameras, doors, turrets and vehicles: Remote Deactivation, Take Control, Assist/Friendly Mode, Initiate Overload, Floor It, Emergency Brake, Self-destruct, etc. (availability depends on deck/tier).

Notable Quickhacks & Interactions

Blackwall Gateway (Ultimate). Spreads to up to 3 enemies (≈20 m) and causes lethal damage to cyberware and neural systems; robots/drones/mechs/turrets are deactivated. Each spread increases RAM cost but uploads faster—core to the Canto Mk.6 fantasy.

Erebus synergy. The Iconic Midnight Arms Erebus (Power SMG) can auto-upload Blackwall Gateway to low-health enemies (and occasionally apply Cyberware Malfunction), effectively turning gunfire into finishing hacks.

Self-ICE (counterplay). A Frontal Cortex implant that automatically negates an incoming enemy quickhack on a cooldown and grants a small Max RAM bonus—useful defense for all builds in NetWatch-heavy areas.

Reboot Optics + headshots. At higher tiers, Reboot Optics increases headshot/weakspot damage and can spread on headshot neutralization, creating stealth-friendly chains.

Upgrades and Perks

Intelligence tree perks reduce traceability, improve RAM economy, and unlock Overclock (use Health for extra “virtual RAM”).

Cyberdeck families add strong passives (e.g., Raven spread, Netdriver camera-hacking economy, Rippler combo bonuses). Choosing a deck reshapes your netrunning loop more than any single hack.

Quickhack tiers upgrade effects (more spread targets, longer duration, combo bonuses, instant detonations, etc.). Vendors (Netrunners), airdrops and access-point datamines are common sources for programs and recipes.

See also

Cyberpunk 2077 • Gameplay Mechanics • Cyberware • Netrunning • Phantom Liberty