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How to Find Every Iconic Weapon in Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty
Phantom Liberty introduces over 20 new Iconic weapons. Most are found through Dogtown Airdrops , Increased Criminal Activity bosses, or specific story choices in the Firestarter mission. If you miss a weapon during a mission, check Herold Lowe at the EBM Petrochem Stadium; however, he only stocks items from areas that become physically inaccessible. For 2.0 builds, the new x-MOD2 variants are highly recommended as they allow for custom attachments unlike standard Iconics.
Where to Find the Iconic Weapon Vendor in Dogtown
One of the most significant additions in the Phantom Liberty expansion is the Black Market, located within the EBM Petrochem Stadium. This is the home of Herold Lowe , a vendor who specializes in "lost" Iconic weapons. For players who accidentally skipped a unique item during a main story mission in the base game or the expansion, Herold is a vital resource.
However, understanding "Herold Logic" is essential to avoid frustration. According to community research and detailed vendor analysis , Herold does not simply sell every Iconic in the game. He only stocks weapons that were located in areas that are now physically inaccessible to the player. For example, if you missed a weapon inside a building that exploded or was sealed off at the end of a quest, it will likely appear in his inventory for a high Eurodollar price (often exceeding $100,000).
Image source: EIP Gaming
Which Weapons Should You Choose in the Firestarter Mission?
The mission "Firestarter" represents the major branching point of the Phantom Liberty narrative. Your choice to side with either Reed or Songbird significantly impacts the loot you can acquire. This is the most common point where players miss out on some of the most powerful gear in the game.
If you choose to side with Reed, you will face Colonel Kurt Hansen in a direct confrontation. Defeating him allows you to loot three distinct Iconics: the Bald Eagle (Revolver), Wild Dog (LMG), and Fang (Knife). These three weapons are designed to work in tandem, particularly the Bald Eagle and Fang, which have a unique synergy where shooting an enemy's leg with the revolver returns the thrown knife to your hand instantly.
Siding with Songbird makes acquiring these items slightly more complex. While you can still obtain the Bald Eagle and Wild Dog by taking a specific path—hanging a right before reaching the equipment lockers—the Fang knife is much harder to secure in this narrative branch. Many players find that siding with Reed is the more efficient path for collectors, as it guarantees the "Hansen Trio" in a single encounter.
Firestarter Loot Decision Matrix
| Story Choice | Primary Boss | Guaranteed Weapons | Missable Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side with Reed | Kurt Hansen | Bald Eagle, Wild Dog, Fang | Low (Direct Drop) |
| Side with Songbird | N/A (Escape) | Bald Eagle, Wild Dog | High (Requires specific pathing) |
How to Recover the NDI Osprey if You Missed It
The NDI Osprey is a premier Power Sniper Rifle that fires explosive rounds, making it a favorite for Reflex-based builds. It is typically found during the mission "Birds With Broken Wings" inside Alex's safehouse. A common pitfall for players is assuming the safehouse is permanently locked once the mission concludes, leading many to believe the weapon is lost forever if not grabbed immediately.
However, there is a "Side Door Trick" that many mainstream wikis overlook. If you find the main bar entrance to the safehouse is closed, head to the back of the building near the Tarot card mural. There is a secondary service entrance that often remains accessible if you were scanned by the security camera during the initial mission. This allows you to re-enter the basement and claim the Osprey even in the late game. As noted in IGN's weapon database , this rifle ranks among the top long-range options due to its hip-fire spread and explosive utility.
Where to Find Every Iconic Weapon in Dogtown Airdrops
Dogtown introduces a dynamic "Airdrop" mechanic where supply crates fall from the sky at semi-random intervals. These drops are marked by red smoke and a heavy presence of Barghest or Scavenger forces. While most drops contain standard Tier 5 components, specific drops are guaranteed to contain Iconics.
To identify a high-value drop, look at the UI icon on the crate. A Yellow Ammo/Weapon Icon indicates a unique item is inside. The following weapons are exclusively found through this mechanic:
- Alabai (Power Shotgun): Offers a massive +85% headshot multiplier and inflicts a unique burn effect that spreads between enemies.
- Laika (Tech Revolver): A double-barrel Tech revolver that fires explosive rounds. It is widely regarded as a top choice for Tech-focused builds due to its synergy with the "Bolt" perk.
- Taigan (Power Revolver): A variant of the Burya that applies burn and deals increased damage to burning targets.
- Borzaya (Tech Sniper): A fast-firing sniper that rewards precision with increased reload speed and chemical damage.
Locations for Increased Criminal Activity Boss Weapons
Dogtown features three "Increased Criminal Activity" zones, which act as mini-dungeons culminating in a boss fight. Each of these bosses carries a specific Iconic weapon that cannot be found anywhere else.
Agaou (Axe)
Location: Luxor High Wellness Spa.
Effect: Throwing this axe creates a shockwave that deals electrical damage to all nearby enemies. It is a premier choice for "Cool" builds focusing on stealth and throwing weapons.
Sparky (Sniper)
Location: Terra Cognita.
Effect: A modified Grad sniper rifle that fires electrical rounds. It excels at disabling robotic enemies and drones instantly.
Raiju (SMG)
Location: Kress Street (South).
Effect: A Tech SMG that fires in a 3-round burst when hip-fired and full-auto when aimed. It can shoot through walls without needing to charge, making it exceptionally strong in tight corridors.
How to Get the Secret Cynosure Facility Weapons
If you choose to side with Reed in "Firestarter," you will eventually enter the Cynosure facility during the mission "Somewhat Damaged." This area contains two of the most unique items in the game, but they are mutually exclusive and require high attribute checks.
The Erebus (Power SMG) and the Militech Canto Mk.6 (Cyberdeck) both require a specific crafting component found in the facility's core. To obtain the Erebus crafting spec, you must pass a Tech check that scales with your level (reported to reach as high as 20 at level 60). Additionally, there is an Iconic Crowbar hidden behind a door that requires a Body check of 20 to force open. These items are infused with rogue AI technology, giving them unique visual effects and "Blackwall" combat hacks that disintegrate enemies.
Why x-MOD2 Weapons Are Better for Custom Builds
In the 2.0 update, most Iconic weapons had their mod slots removed to balance their unique abilities. However, Phantom Liberty introduced the x-MOD2 series. These are Iconic variants of standard weapons (like the Kyubi or Umbra) that retain their two open mod slots while gaining the stat boosts of an Iconic.
- Kyubi x-MOD2
- Found at the bottom of the circular pool at the Roaring Rapids. It is a top-tier choice for players who want to add custom scopes and silencers to a high-damage semi-auto rifle.
- Umbra x-MOD2
- Located in a hidden alcove near the Terra Cognita fast travel point. It allows for two Tier 5 mods, which can make it outperform standard Iconics in raw DPS.
- Pozhar x-MOD2
- Found in a construction site near the stadium. This automatic shotgun becomes remarkably effective when paired with the "Firecracker" mod.
Best Iconic Weapon Synergies for 2.0 Builds
With the complete overhaul of the perk trees in Cyberpunk 2.0, certain Iconics have emerged as mandatory pieces for specific playstyles. According to Fextralife's build guides , the synergy between perks and weapon effects is now the primary driver of combat effectiveness.
For Stealth Assassins , the pistol Her Majesty is a top-rated option. It guarantees critical hits whenever Optical Camo is active, allowing you to one-shot most elite enemies without breaking stealth. Meanwhile, Tech Snipers should prioritize the Rasetsu . Its ability to bend bullet trajectories to hit multiple targets makes it one of the strongest tools for clearing entire rooms from a single vantage point.
Key Takeaways for Iconic Collectors
- Check the Black Market vendor only for weapons from story areas that are now sealed off.
- Side with Reed in the Firestarter mission if you want to loot Kurt Hansen's unique revolver, LMG, and knife directly.
- Hunt Airdrops with yellow icons to find exclusive Power and Tech revolvers like the Alabai and Laika.
- Re-enter the safehouse via the side door near the Tarot mural if you missed the NDI Osprey sniper rifle.
- Prioritize x-MOD2 variants if your build relies on specific weapon mods like "Firecracker" or "Pax."
- Invest in Tech and Body attributes (up to 20) if you plan to acquire the secret weapons in the Cynosure facility.
Start your collection by visiting the EBM Petrochem Stadium market to see which items you may have already missed during your journey through Night City.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is the Iconic Weapon vendor in Dogtown?
The vendor, Herold Lowe, is located in the EBM Petrochem Stadium market. He is easily identified by his prosthetic arms and the large display of weapons behind his counter. He primarily sells Iconic weapons that were missed during main story missions in areas that are no longer accessible.
2. Which Iconic weapons are missable in Phantom Liberty?
The most commonly missed weapons are the Bald Eagle , Wild Dog , and Fang , which depend on your choices during the "Firestarter" mission. The NDI Osprey is also frequently missed in the safehouse, though it can be recovered via a side door. Weapons in the Cynosure facility (Erebus/Canto) are also missable if you do not have high enough Tech or Body attributes.
3. Can you upgrade Phantom Liberty Iconic weapons to Tier 5++?
Yes, all Iconic weapons in Phantom Liberty can be upgraded to Tier 5++ using Legendary Weapon Components. However, be aware of a common UI bug where the stat numbers may not appear to change between 5+ and 5++. The actual damage output usually increases, but it is wise to verify by testing the weapon in combat.
4. What is the difference between x-MOD2 and regular Iconic weapons?
Standard Iconic weapons have unique, fixed abilities but usually lack mod slots. x-MOD2 weapons are a special class of Iconics that retain two open mod slots, allowing players to customize them with powerful Tier 5 mods while still benefiting from the higher base stats of an Iconic item.
5. Why isn't Doom Doom appearing in Herold's shop?
Herold only sells weapons that are physically impossible to get elsewhere. If Doom Doom isn't appearing, it is likely because the NPC who carries it (Dum Dum) is still alive in your save file, or the location where it drops is still accessible. Herold's inventory logic is strictly tied to "lost" items, not just "unowned" ones.