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Which Assault Rifles Are Actually Worth Using in Cyberpunk 2077?
In the current meta, Psalm 11:6 and Divided We Stand stand out as premier options for general combat. For players who value customization, the Kyubi x-MOD2 is widely considered one of the strongest choices due to its open mod slots. If you are running a stealth build, the Hawk offers a high headshot multiplier that few other rifles can match. To make any assault rifle truly effective in the late game, reaching Level 20 Reflexes for the "Salt in the Wound" perk is essential.
How Assault Rifles Perform in the Current Patch 2.1 Meta
Since the overhaul in Version 2.0 and subsequent refinements in Patch 2.1, the role of assault rifles (ARs) in Night City has shifted significantly. Many players initially find ARs somewhat underwhelming in the early game. This is often referred to as the "Power Curve Problem." When compared to early-game Submachine Guns (SMGs) like the Fenrir , which provides massive elemental utility early on, standard assault rifles can feel like they lack punch.
However, this perception changes as you invest in the Reflexes attribute. Assault rifles are designed for sustained, mid-range engagements. Unlike SMGs, which excel at point-blank spray, or Sniper Rifles, which demand slow, calculated shots, ARs occupy the versatile middle ground. Their effectiveness is tied directly to the Assault skill tree , where perks like "Sharpshooter" and "Gundancer" transform these weapons from shaky bullet-hoses into laser-accurate tools of destruction.
Weapon Sub-types Explained
Understanding the mechanics of your rifle is the first step toward optimizing your build. In Cyberpunk 2077 , assault rifles fall into three distinct technological categories:
- Power
- These utilize standard ammunition that can ricochet off hard surfaces. They are excellent for players who use the "Ballistic Coprocessor" hand cyberware to hit enemies behind cover.
- Tech
- Tech rifles can be charged to fire high-velocity rounds that penetrate walls and armor. They are a top-tier choice for tactical players who prefer to eliminate threats without direct line-of-sight.
- Smart
- Equipped with micro-missile technology, these rounds track targets automatically. You must have a "Smart Link" installed in your hands to utilize this feature effectively.
The Best Iconic Assault Rifles Ranked by Tier
Not all rifles are created equal. Iconic weapons provide unique modifiers that can fundamentally change how a weapon behaves. Based on community testing and meta analysis for Patch 2.1, here is how the top contenders rank.
S-Tier: Psalm 11:6
This Power rifle is a leading choice for fire-based builds. It fires explosive rounds with a high burn chance, making it exceptionally strong against grouped enemies. It synergizes perfectly with the "Pyromania" perk in the Technical Ability tree.
S-Tier: Divided We Stand
A Smart rifle that can target up to five enemies simultaneously. In the current patch, its ability to apply chemical explosions makes it one of the top-rated tools for crowd management and chaotic encounters.
S-Tier: Kyubi x-MOD2
While standard Iconics have fixed stats, the x-MOD2 series allows for two mod slots. This makes it a top-tier option because you can install Tier 5 mods like "Firecracker" to create a custom weapon that outperforms standard Iconics.
A-Tier: Specialized Powerhouses
These weapons are remarkably effective but may require a specific playstyle or build to reach their full potential.
- Hawk: This variant of the Kyubi is a premier tool for stealth. With a 150% headshot multiplier and a unique debuff that marks enemies, it is a popular choice for players who prefer semi-auto precision.
- Moron Labe: Known for its high fire rate and increased chance to dismember, this rifle is a "Run and Gun" staple. It turns the standard Ajax into a much more aggressive weapon.
- Umbra x-MOD2: Similar to the Kyubi variant, this full-auto rifle offers exceptional customization. It is widely regarded as a "blank slate" that can be tuned for stability or raw damage depending on your mod choice.
B-Tier: Reliable but Outclassed
These rifles are solid choices but are often overshadowed by the S-Tier options in the late game.
- Pit Bull: Offers 50% armor penetration and increased movement speed on kills. It is a strong contender for high-mobility builds but lacks the explosive utility of the Psalm.
- Hypercritical: A semi-auto rifle that knocks enemies down. While fun, its slow fire rate makes it less efficient than a dedicated Sniper or a faster AR in most Patch 2.1 scenarios.
Top 5 Assault Rifles Comparison
| Weapon | Type | Iconic Effect | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psalm 11:6 | Power | Explosive/Thermal Rounds | Crowd Chaos |
| Divided We Stand | Smart | Targets 5 Enemies | Low Aim Effort |
| Kyubi x-MOD2 | Power | 2 Open Mod Slots | Custom Builds |
| Hawk | Power | 150% Headshot Multiplier | Stealth/Precision |
| Moron Labe | Power | High Dismemberment | Close Quarters |
Where to Find Every Iconic Assault Rifle in Night City and Dogtown
Acquiring these weapons often requires completing specific side activities or exploring hidden corners of the map. Here is how to secure the most popular models.
Crafting the Classics: Psalm 11:6 and Moron Labe
Both of these rifles are obtained through "Suspected Organized Crime" activities in the Watson district. You do not find the gun itself; you find the Crafting Spec . According to GameRant's weapon guides , you must defeat the leader of the gang activity to loot the spec from their body. Once you have it, you can craft the weapon at any time, provided you have the necessary components.
Image source: GameRant
Winning the "Stadium Love" Competition
To get Divided We Stand , you must participate in the "Stadium Love" quest in Rancho Coronado. You are tasked with a shooting competition by the 6th Street gang. To win the rifle, you need to hit at least 44 out of 46 targets while intoxicated. If you fail the competition, you can also obtain the weapon by eliminating the gang members, though winning is the more "diplomatic" route.
The Dogtown Secrets (Phantom Liberty)
The Phantom Liberty expansion introduced the x-MOD2 series, which are hidden in the environment rather than rewarded via quests.
- Kyubi x-MOD2: This is located at the bottom of a circular pool in the Golden Pacific area of Dogtown. You will need to dive down to find it resting on the floor of the pool.
- Umbra x-MOD2: This is found in the Wild Blue hotel during the "Lucretia My Reflection" quest. It is tucked away in a side room; many players miss it because it doesn't have a quest marker.
- Hawk: This is given to you by Solomon Reed during the main Phantom Liberty storyline. It is one of the few rifles that consistently rewards a high-precision, semi-auto playstyle.
How to Build a High-Performance Assault Rifle Character
To make assault rifles viable on "Very Hard" difficulty, you cannot simply rely on the weapon's base stats. You must build into the Reflexes tree. The most significant advancement for AR users is the Salt in the Wound perk, located at the Level 20 cap of the Reflexes attribute.
The "Salt in the Wound" Threshold
This perk is a significant step forward for AR viability. It works by adding a massive damage bonus to the 7th consecutive hit on the same target. Because assault rifles have high fire rates, you can trigger this bonus multiple times in a single magazine. This makes ARs exceptionally strong against bosses and "Smasher-tier" enemies, where sustained fire is more important than single-shot burst.
Essential Perks for Stability
Beyond the Level 20 cap, you should prioritize the following perks:
- Sharpshooter: Each hit increases your accuracy and stability. This is vital for long-range engagements.
- Gundancer: Aiming no longer slows your movement. This allows you to "strafe" effectively, making you much harder to hit while you maintain fire.
- Air Dash: While not a weapon perk, combining Air Dash with AR fire allows for highly mobile combat that few other builds can replicate.
Customizing the x-MOD2 Series for Increased Damage
The x-MOD2 series is unique because it bridges the gap between standard weapons and Iconics. Most Iconic weapons in Cyberpunk 2077 have locked mod slots, meaning you cannot change their behavior. The x-MOD2 variants change this by offering two open slots.
The Best Mods to Install
According to community analysis on Reddit's advanced build threads , the following mods are highly recommended:
- Firecracker: This Tier 5 mod adds explosive damage to every round. When installed on an Umbra x-MOD2, it essentially creates a full-auto version of the Psalm 11:6.
- Severance: A Chimera mod (obtained from the first boss in Phantom Liberty) that gives a high chance to dismember enemies instantly when their health is below 50%.
- Firepower: Another Chimera mod that increases your damage the longer you hold down the trigger, perfectly synergizing with the "Salt in the Wound" perk.
Stealth vs. Loud: Choosing the Right Rifle for Your Playstyle
Assault rifles are surprisingly versatile, but your choice of weapon should reflect your tactical approach. In Patch 2.1, the ability to use silencers on ARs has been restricted to specific models like the Kyubi.
The Stealth AR Build
If you prefer a ghost-like approach, the Hawk is your premier option. Because it is semi-automatic, it behaves more like a Precision Rifle. When paired with the "Nerves of Tungsten-Steel" perk (from the Cool tree), your headshots become devastating. While you cannot put a silencer on most full-auto ARs anymore, the Hawk’s range allows you to pick off enemies from distances where they cannot easily detect you.
The "Run and Gun" Build
For those who want to cause maximum chaos, the Psalm 11:6 paired with Air Dash is a top-tier choice. The explosive rounds stagger enemies, preventing them from returning fire effectively. This build relies on constant movement and high-pressure aggression. You should aim for the chest and let the recoil naturally carry your fire toward the head, triggering "Salt in the Wound" along the way.
Key Takeaways for Assault Rifle Mastery
- Prioritize Reflexes: ARs only reach their full potential once you unlock the Level 20 "Salt in the Wound" perk.
- Hunt for x-MOD2s: The Kyubi and Umbra x-MOD2 variants offer customization that standard Iconics cannot match.
- Use Psalm 11:6 for Groups: The explosive thermal rounds make it one of the top-rated choices for crowd control.
- Stealth with the Hawk: Utilize its 150% headshot multiplier for high-precision takedowns.
- Manage Ammo: Use the "Submachine Fun" perk loop to bypass reloads and maintain constant pressure.
- Smart Link is Mandatory: If using Divided We Stand , ensure your hand cyberware is updated to a Tier 5 Smart Link.
Start your journey by clearing the Organized Crime activities in Watson to secure the Psalm 11:6 crafting spec as early as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which assault rifle is considered a top choice after the 2.1 update?
The Psalm 11:6 remains a leading choice for Power builds due to its explosive rounds. However, many high-level players now prefer the Kyubi x-MOD2 because its two open mod slots allow for the installation of Tier 5 mods like Firecracker, which can result in higher sustained damage than most fixed Iconics.
Can you still put a silencer on assault rifles in Patch 2.1?
In the current version of the game, silencers are mostly restricted to Pistols, SMGs, and specific semi-auto rifles like the Kyubi. Most full-auto assault rifles (like the Ajax or Umbra) no longer support silencer attachments, pushing them toward a more "loud" combat role.
Where exactly is the Kyubi x-MOD2 located?
The Kyubi x-MOD2 is hidden in Dogtown (Phantom Liberty). You can find it at the bottom of a circular swimming pool located near the Golden Pacific fast travel point. It does not require a quest to unlock; you can simply swim down and loot it at any time once you have access to Dogtown.
Are assault rifles better than SMGs in the late game?
Assault rifles generally outscale SMGs in the late game once you have 20 points in Reflexes. The "Salt in the Wound" perk provides a damage boost on the 7th consecutive hit, which is much easier to utilize with the larger magazine sizes and better stability of an assault rifle compared to the erratic spray of an SMG.
How do I get the crafting spec for Moron Labe?
The crafting spec for Moron Labe is dropped by the boss of a "Suspected Organized Crime" activity in West Wind Estate, Pacifica (though some versions of the map place it in Watson). You must defeat the leader, Anton Kolev, and loot his body to obtain the legendary crafting specification.
