How to Upgrade Weapons Cyberpunk: Master Iconic Upgrades and Components

Wondering how to upgrade weapons in Cyberpunk? This game changed the way gear progression works with the massive 2.0 update. The system now focuses on iconic items, so learning how to upgrade weapons Cyberpunk becomes essential if you want to keep your favorite guns viable. 

In this guide I explain the upgraded mechanics, walk through the steps needed to improve iconic gear, and share strategies for collecting the components you need.

How to Upgrade Weapons Cyberpunk: Quick Steps

The basics of upgrading haven’t completely vanished, but the details matter more than ever. Only iconic weapons can be enhanced now (the unique pistols, rifles, and blades you pick up through quests). You can’t just improve a random shotgun anymore, so start by making sure the gun you want to upgrade has the distinctive gold border that marks it as iconic.

Here’s the process in plain terms:

1. Acquire an iconic weapon. Finish story missions, side gigs, or explore Night City to obtain unique gear. Iconic weapons show up with unique names and special perks.
2. Keep it in your inventory. If the weapon is sitting in your stash, it will not appear in the upgrade menu. Make sure you’re carrying it.
3. Open the crafting menu. Press the pause button, hover over Inventory, and select Crafting to enter the appropriate menu.
4. Switch to the Upgrades tab. At the top of the crafting screen you’ll see an Upgrades tab. Select it to view eligible weapons.
5. Select your weapon and upgrade. Choose the weapon you want to enhance and spend the required crafting components to push it to the next tier. Each upgrade boosts the weapon’s base damage and scales it with your level.

Early on you’ll notice that the number of components increases sharply as you climb from Tier 5 to Tier 5+, and some weapons might even ask for a higher‑tier component than their current level. Because of that, plan ahead and upgrade only the guns that fit your build instead of wasting resources on every iconic item you find. 

For more inspiration on building a library of solo adventures that offer deep customization, take a look at our analysis of the best single‑player Xbox games. It highlights why open‑world RPGs like Cyberpunk 2077 stand out for their freedom and choice.

Understanding Crafting Components and Item Tiers

With Update 2.0, Cyberpunk’s item system ditched color‑coded rarities in favor of tiers. Items range from Tier 1 to Tier 5+, with each level offering better stats than the last. Upgrading an iconic weapon simply increases its tier. 

The switch to tiers also simplified crafting; you no longer need multiple component types. Each tier uses components of the same level, so a Tier 3 upgrade costs Tier 3 components, and so on. The difference shows up mostly in how you gather those parts and how quickly costs rise at the top end.

Crafting components come in five tiers, and they drop in various ways:

• Tier 1-2 components are abundant. You find them by disassembling common weapons and loot. Most street fights will net you a handful.
• Tier 3-4 components are rarer. You’ll pick them up from tougher enemies and higher‑level guns. Save them for mid‑tier upgrades.
• Tier 5 components are precious. These drop from late‑game gear and airdrop events, and you’ll need a lot of them if you want to push an iconic weapon into the coveted 5+ slot. For example, a single upgrade from Tier 5 to Tier 5+ typically costs around seventy‑five Tier 5 components – a huge investment that demands careful resource management.

Because the economy has been rebalanced, vendors no longer sell components. Disassembling weapons and looting chests or Phantom Liberty airdrops are your main sources. The upgrade system also no longer ties to the Technical Ability attribute, so every build can craft and upgrade without investing into a specific skill tree. 

This flexibility means you can focus on the playstyle you enjoy instead of feeling forced into a crafting build. If you’re curious about other role‑playing games that offer this kind of freedom, check out our rundown of the best PS5 RPGs to see how different titles handle progression and customization.

Strategies for Farming Crafting Components

Gathering components is now the core bottleneck. Since you can’t buy them, you need to adopt habits that keep your material stash full. Here are some practical tips:

• Disassemble everything you don’t need. Unwanted pistols, rifles, and melee weapons convert directly into components of their tier. After each fight, open your inventory and break down low‑tier gear. This is the most consistent way to stockpile resources.
• Focus on iconic weapons that suit your build. Don’t upgrade every unique gun you find. Instead, pick a few favorites that match your playstyle – whether that’s a silenced pistol for stealth, a katana for melee, or a tech rifle for hacking. This prevents you from spreading your resources thin.
• Complete airdrop events and explore Dogtown. The Phantom Liberty expansion adds airdrops across Dogtown that contain high‑tier components and iconic weapons. Hunt them down whenever you see one on your map.
• Tackle side gigs and mini‑bosses. Many side quests reward you with iconic weapons or higher‑tier loot. Finishing these missions not only gives you new guns to upgrade but also a stockpile of components from dismantling surplus items.

Farming can feel grindy, so pace yourself. I like to break it up by alternating between main story missions and open‑world exploration. It keeps the flow fresh and ensures I don’t burn through all my resources. 

For other futuristic adventures that reward exploration and loot, explore our list of games like Cyberpunk 2077. Many of them feature similar upgrade loops and can inspire how you approach Night City.

Build Considerations for Iconic Upgrades

Not every iconic weapon deserves to be pushed to the max. Because upgrade costs climb steeply, prioritize gear that aligns with your character build. If you’re running a stealth build, focus on silenced pistols and stealth blades; if you’re a netrunner, invest in smart guns and tech pistols that pair well with quickhacks. For brawlers, shotguns and blunt weapons hit hard but can burn through components quickly. Pick two or three weapons that you love and stick with them.

Also pay attention to the unique perk on each iconic. Some perks scale beautifully with higher tiers, like increased crit chance or faster charge rates, while others offer diminishing returns. Test each gun after an upgrade to see if the improvement feels worth the cost. It’s often better to save components for a different weapon rather than chase marginal gains.

Finally, remember that your cyberware, skill trees, and clothing mods (even though clothing is now cosmetic) all influence damage. A balanced build often gives bigger returns than simply boosting weapon tiers. Combine upgrades with cyberware that boosts reload speed or crit damage to get the most out of your arsenal.

How to Find and Unlock Iconic Weapons

Iconic weapons are scattered across Night City, and knowing where to look helps you start the upgrade process sooner. Here are common ways to obtain them:

• Main story and character quests. Many missions reward you with unique weapons. For instance, finishing certain acts may net you a legendary pistol or katana.
• Side gigs and NCPD hustles. Smaller jobs often drop special gear when you defeat a gang leader or complete an objective. Check your journal and clear blue icons on your map to discover these opportunities.
• Hidden stashes and exploration. Some iconics are tucked away in chests or guarded by mini‑bosses in out‑of‑the‑way alleys. Explore every corner of Night City, including rooftops and underground garages.
• Expansion content. The Phantom Liberty expansion and later updates added new iconics, including some that upgrade existing weapons. Completing Dogtown quests will unlock these additions.

Once you collect an iconic weapon, keep it in your inventory to make it eligible for upgrading. If you accidentally stash or sell it, you won’t see it in the upgrade tab. Some players also recommend saving before dismantling any iconics you don’t need, as you can’t rebuild them without another copy.

Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Arsenal Sharp

Learning how to upgrade weapons Cyberpunk is more than a mechanical chore; it’s about understanding the systems that define Cyberpunk 2077 after its overhaul. Upgrades are now reserved for the iconic gear that gives your build personality, and the crafting system rewards careful planning. 

Focus on the weapons that matter to you, gather components by dismantling and exploring, and don’t neglect your cyberware and skill trees. This approach keeps your arsenal competitive as you level and ensures that your favorite gun never becomes obsolete.

If you’re ready to jump back into Night City or experience it for the first time, pick up a Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition game key from our marketplace. That way you can put these upgrade tips into practice and explore the neon streets with a fully customized loadout.

FAQs

How do I upgrade weapons in Cyberpunk 2077?

To upgrade weapons in Cyberpunk 2077, you need to collect an iconic weapon and head to the crafting menu. Select the Upgrades tab, choose the weapon, and spend the required crafting components to raise its tier.

What materials do I need to upgrade weapons in Cyberpunk 2077?

The materials you need to upgrade weapons in Cyberpunk 2077 are crafting components that match the item’s current tier. For example, a Tier 3 upgrade requires Tier 3 components, and moving from Tier 5 to Tier 5+ demands a large number of Tier 5 components.

Can I upgrade non‑iconic weapons in Cyberpunk 2077?

No, you cannot upgrade non‑iconic weapons in Cyberpunk 2077 because Update 2.0 restricts upgrades to iconic gear only. Regular weapons scale with your level automatically and stay relevant without needing upgrades.

How do I get more crafting components in Cyberpunk 2077?

To get more crafting components in Cyberpunk 2077, disassemble unwanted weapons and loot, explore Night City for chests, and complete airdrop events introduced in Phantom Liberty. Vendors no longer sell components, so farming them yourself is essential.

What is the best way to find iconic weapons in Cyberpunk 2077?

The best way to find iconic weapons in Cyberpunk 2077 is to complete main story quests, side gigs, and NCPD hustles that reward unique gear. Exploring hidden areas and playing through expansion content like Phantom Liberty also unlocks new iconic weapons