How to Choose and Install a Top-Rated Mod Menu for Cyberpunk 2077

Modding Night City has evolved significantly since the game's initial release. With the arrival of Patch 2.13, the technical landscape has shifted, requiring players to be more diligent about version compatibility and framework dependencies. A mod menu is not just a collection of cheats; it is a sophisticated interface that allows you to manipulate game variables, adjust character aesthetics, and bypass repetitive mechanics in real-time.

Whether you are looking to fix a broken quest, experiment with high-end Cyberware without the grind, or simply capture the perfect screenshot using advanced camera tools, choosing the right menu is essential. In this guide, we will break down the leading options available today and provide a diagnostic workflow to ensure your mod stack remains functional through future updates.

Which Cyberpunk 2077 Mod Menu Should You Choose?

The "best" menu depends entirely on your specific needs. Some players want a lightweight tool for hotkeys, while others require a comprehensive suite of "God Mode" features. Based on community feedback and technical stability in the current patch environment, four primary options dominate the scene.

Feature Comparison Matrix

Feature	Simple Menu	MenuMod	RED Cheat Menu	AMM
Item Spawning	Yes	Yes	Limited	Vehicles Only
God Mode	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
NoClip / Fly	No	Yes	No	No
NPC Swapping	No	No	No	Yes
Complexity	Low	Medium	Low	High

The Essential Foundation: How to Install Cyber Engine Tweaks

Before you can use any mod menu, you must install Cyber Engine Tweaks (CET) . CET is not just a mod; it is a scripting framework that allows other mods to hook into the REDengine. Without it, your menus will simply not load. According to expert modders, CET is the single most important prerequisite for any PC modding endeavor in Night City.

As of Patch 2.13, ensuring you have the correct version of CET is critical. Game updates often break the memory offsets that CET relies on, so always check the "Posts" tab on Nexus Mods to confirm the current build is functional. You can find a detailed video guide for Patch 2.13 installation to visualize the process.

1. Download CET: Visit the Cyber Engine Tweaks page on Nexus Mods and download the latest version manually.
2. Locate Game Folder: Navigate to your Cyberpunk 2077 installation directory (e.g., SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\Cyberpunk 2077 ).
3. Extract Files: Open the downloaded ZIP and drag the bin folder into your main Cyberpunk 2077 folder. It should merge with the existing bin directory.
4. The First Launch: Launch the game. A window will appear asking you to "Bind Key." This is the key you will use to open the CET overlay. Choose a key that doesn't conflict with game controls (like F6 or ~ ).

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Your First Mod Menu

Once CET is active, installing a menu like Simple Menu or MenuMod is a straightforward process of placing .lua scripts into the correct sub-folder. While many users prefer Vortex for its ease of use, manual installation remains the gold standard for troubleshooting because it eliminates issues related to symlinks and deployment paths.

Manual Installation Workflow

Most mod menus consist of a folder containing a init.lua file. This folder must be placed within the CET plugins directory. Follow this exact path to ensure the game recognizes the mod:

For example, if you are installing Simple Menu, your final path should look like this: ...mods\SimpleMenu\init.lua . If you place the files directly into the mods folder without their parent folder, the menu will fail to load.

Vortex Deployment Nuances

If you choose to use the Vortex Mod Manager, there is a critical rule: The Mod Staging Folder must be on the same drive as the game. If they are on different drives, Vortex cannot create the "Hardlink Deployment" necessary for the game to see the files. After installing a mod in Vortex, always remember to click the "Deploy Mods" button in the top toolbar. Many users find that their mods don't appear simply because they forgot this final step.

Why Is My Mod Menu Not Showing Up?

The most common pain point for players is a menu that simply refuses to appear in-game. This usually indicates a break in the "Mod Stack" hierarchy. To identify the culprit, we recommend a diagnostic hierarchy known as the "No Intro Videos" test.

The Diagnostic Hierarchy

• The Framework Test: Install a simple mod like "No Intro Videos." If the intro videos are skipped, your base engine (Redscript/CET) is working. If the videos still play, the issue is with your framework installation, not the mod menu itself.
• Version Mismatch: Patch 2.13 introduced changes that required updates for most scripting tools. If you are using a version of CET from Patch 2.12, it will not function. Always verify your version numbers against the latest game update.
• Overlay Conflicts: If you can't open the CET console, try disabling other overlays. Third-party software like RivaTuner, MSI Afterburner, or even the Windows Game Bar can sometimes prevent the CET window from capturing keyboard input.
• Log File Analysis: Navigate to bin\x64\plugins\cyber_engine_tweaks and open cyber_engine_tweaks.log . Look for lines that say "Failed to load plugin." This will tell you exactly which file is causing the crash.

In recent months, many users have reported that the "Bind Key" prompt disappears and never returns. If this happens, you can reset your keybinds by deleting the bindings.json file located in the cyber_engine_tweaks folder. The game will prompt you to choose a new key on the next launch.

Advanced Tips for Managing Your Mod Stack

As you add more mods, the complexity of your installation increases. Understanding the "Mod Stack" hierarchy is vital for maintaining a stable game. Most modern Cyberpunk mods follow this dependency chain: CET → Redscript → TweakXL → Mod Menu . If any link in this chain is outdated, the entire stack may collapse.

Using Native Settings UI

To keep your screen clean, many developers are moving away from floating CET windows and toward the "Native Settings UI" framework. This allows mod menus to appear directly within the game's standard "Settings" or "Journal" menus, providing a much more immersive experience. If a mod offers a "Native UI" version, it is generally a top-tier choice for long-term play.

Version Rollback Strategy

If a major game update breaks your favorite mod and the developer hasn't updated it yet, you can use the Steam Console to roll back your game version to Patch 2.12. This is a common strategy among the modding community to maintain stability during the weeks following a new patch release. However, keep in mind that this will prevent you from accessing any new features or bug fixes introduced in Patch 2.13.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a mod menu on PS5 or Xbox Series X?

No, mod menus for Cyberpunk 2077 are currently exclusive to the PC platform (Steam, GOG, and Epic Games Store). Consoles do not support the scripting frameworks like Cyber Engine Tweaks required to run these menus.

Will using a mod menu get me banned from the game?

No. Cyberpunk 2077 is a strictly single-player experience. There are no anti-cheat systems like Valve Anti-Cheat (VAC) or Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) that would result in a ban for using mods or cheats in your own game.

How do I open the mod menu once I'm in the game?

Most menus are accessed through the Cyber Engine Tweaks (CET) overlay. You must first press the "Bind Key" you chose during installation (usually F6 or ~). Once the CET console is open, the mod menu window should appear automatically or be selectable from a list.

Does Simple Menu work with the Phantom Liberty DLC?

Yes, Simple Menu and most other leading mod menus have been updated to support the Phantom Liberty expansion. You can spawn DLC-specific items and vehicles just like base-game content.

What should I do if my game crashes on startup after installing a menu?

The first step is to remove the most recently added mod folder from the plugins\cyber_engine_tweaks\mods directory. If the game still crashes, the issue is likely an outdated version of Cyber Engine Tweaks itself. Reinstall the latest version of CET to fix this.

Is there a mod menu that allows for infinite Cyberware capacity?

Yes, MenuMod is highly impactful for this specific purpose. It includes a toggle for "10k Cyberware Capacity," allowing you to equip every piece of legendary Cyberware simultaneously without hitting the game's standard limits.