Since its monumental 2.0 update and the release of the Phantom Liberty expansion, Cyberpunk 2077 has been a different game. The once-maligned RPG has evolved into a critically acclaimed masterpiece, with a combat system that is fluid, deep, and incredibly satisfying. The upcoming 2.4 update is expected to build on this foundation, introducing further balance changes, new content, and quality-of-life improvements. However, as the game stands, there is one crucial stat that remains shackled by its own design: the Technical Ability stat. Unlocking its full potential would not only enhance the gameplay experience but would also pave the way for a more diverse range of character builds. Here’s why Cyberpunk 2077 2.4 needs to take the leash off this valuable stat.

The Current State of Technical Ability

In the current version of Cyberpunk 2077, Technical Ability is primarily linked to two key gameplay systems: crafting and cyberware capacity. At its highest levels, it allows players to craft legendary items, upgrade their gear, and, most importantly, install more advanced and powerful cyberware. This is undeniably important, as cyberware is the lifeblood of most V builds. However, the stat’s utility largely ends there. Once you’ve reached a certain level and acquired the necessary cyberware capacity to use your desired implants, the stat becomes, for many players, redundant. There is no real incentive to invest further points into it unless you are a completionist who wants to craft every single item in the game. This static utility makes Technical Ability a mandatory, but ultimately unexciting, investment for any serious character build.

Consider the contrast with other stats. Cool offers both passive bonuses like stealth and critical hit damage, as well as active, combat-defining perks. Body improves your health and melee capabilities, fundamentally changing how you engage in combat. Intelligence is a godsend for Netrunners, offering a wealth of powerful quickhacks and hacking abilities. Each of these stats offers a dynamic and ever-evolving gameplay experience as you level them up. Technical Ability, on the other hand, feels like a checkbox. You put points in it until you can equip the gear you want, and then you forget about it. This design limits build diversity and can make the endgame feel less rewarding for players who have invested heavily in this tree.

Why Cyberpunk 2.4 Must Redefine Technical Ability

The solution lies in making Technical Ability a more active and engaging stat. The 2.4 update is a perfect opportunity to introduce changes that make it a cornerstone of gameplay, not just a prerequisite for gear. Here are a few ways this could be accomplished:

• Dynamic Environmental Interaction: The game world of Night City is a marvel of environmental design. Technical Ability could be used to interact with the world in more profound ways. Imagine being able to hotwire specific vehicles to use their weapons, overcharge generators to create electrical explosions, or even hack into advanced security systems without relying on an Intelligence build. This would make a Technical V a master of their environment, able to create chaos and tactical advantages in ways no other build can.
• Cyberware Overdrive: What if Technical Ability allowed you to temporarily push your cyberware beyond its safe limits? A perk at a high Technical level could allow you to risk a short-circuit to gain a massive temporary boost to your implants. For example, your Mantis Blades could gain a temporary boost to attack speed and critical hit chance, or your Sandevistan could get a further time dilation effect, but at the cost of a debuff or damage after the effect ends. This would make every combat encounter a strategic choice, adding a layer of risk and reward.
• Weapon and Armor Modification: While crafting is already a part of the stat, it could be expanded to allow for on-the-fly modifications. A high-level Technical V could be able to strip a part off one weapon to add to another, or even craft unique, single-use attachments that grant special properties. This would give players a reason to engage with the world’s loot beyond just finding a better weapon, as they could scavenge for parts to improve their existing gear.

The Path Forward

The success of the 2.0 update and Phantom Liberty proves that CD Projekt Red is not afraid to completely overhaul core gameplay systems. The upcoming 2.4 update is the next logical step in this evolution. By giving Technical Ability the same dynamic and active role as its counterparts, the developers can ensure that Cyberpunk 2077 continues to be a game where every stat point feels valuable and every character build feels distinct. The future of Night City should be one where the techie is as much of a powerhouse as the Netrunner or the Street Samurai, and where the most valuable stat is truly unleashed to its full potential.