Cyberpunk 2077 featured a huge selection of cyberware modifications, but the Cyberpunk tabletop RPG includes even more cool mods that the recently announced Cyberpunk 2 (codenamed Orion) can add to the lineup. From animal-like body modifications to eye-mounted dart guns to an extra set of arms, the possibilities present in the tabletop game that Cyberpunk 2 can pick from offer enticing new gameplay possibilities. Combined with the fact that there are already gameplay rules for these modifications in the Cyberpunk world, and it would be ludicrous to think that CD Projekt Red weren't looking through their old Cyberpunk rulebooks for inspiration on their next video game foray into Mike Pondsmith's world.
While much of the best cyberware in Cyberpunk 2077 is ripped straight from the Cyberpunk RPG rulebooks, there are still more modifications present that have yet to appear in-game that CD Projekt Red could make use of in its next endeavor. Simple cosmetic items give way to game-changing modifications that turn player characters into robotic monstrosities. Some of these modifications could lead to entire new gameplay mechanics that would elevate Cyberpunk 2 even further above Cyberpunk 2077's already impressive suite of options.
Fashionware Brings Character Customization To New Heights
Cyberpunk 2077 already offers an in-depth and expansive character customization screen, and recent updates allow characters to be customized on the fly while in the game. The Cyberpunk TTRPG, however, offers even more in-depth customization of player character visuals on a level CDPR couldn't tap before it released REDmod, Cyberpunk 2077's official modding tool. Chemskin would allow player characters to color their skin any hue they wish, even if they want it outside normal human pigmentation. Light tattoos would elevate and illuminate player character bodies in a way that 2077's tattoos simply can't. Cyberpunk RED also offers a suite of subdermal implants that display vital information such as the time and personal health, though the latter does already appear in the form of Cyberpunk 2077's Biomonitor. Subdermal readouts could take the place of menu selection, and have players looking to their wrist or forearm when they want to browse their inventory.
Cyberoptics Put Beauty And Utility In The Eye Of The Beholder
V's eyes in Cyberpunk 2077 had very little available in of cyberware. Looking to the tabletop game, it's clear that there is a whole world of optical enhancements that Cyberpunk 2 can take advantage of. Anti-dazzle eyes make the immune to the effects of flashbang grenades and other visual impairments. Enhancements to vision like low-light, infrared, and ultraviolet vision could take the place of Cyberpunk 2077's Braindance (or BD) sequences as the scans a scene across different normally-invisible spectra. For those looking for more combat-useful cyberware, Cyberpunk RED includes an optically-mounted dart gun for every player's espionage or assassination needs. Lastly, if Cyberspace is explored more in the sequel, the ability to have eyes that visually layer cyberspace over the real world like the Virtuality eyes in the tabletop game would make cyberspace simple to access and easy to navigate.
Internal Body Cyberware Can Combat A Variety Of Challenges
The inner workings of the human body are an open book in the world of Cyberpunk, and these upgrades help ripperdocs rewrite some of those pages. Enhanced Antibodies, Nasal Filters, and Toxin Binders could provide protection against the game's poison gas grenades and other internal biological attacks. A set of Gills or a Supplemental Air Supply would allow players to explore the world's underwater locations free from the worry of drowning. This can be especially effective as Cyberpunk 2077's sequel can finally ditch Night City, whose underwater areas left players wanting. A Radar/Sonar implant could take the place of Cyberpunk 2077's minimap, allowing a more in-depth look at the world around the player character. And if combat is on the mind, the horrifying Cybersnake throat tentacle or a set of Vampyres (toxin-spewing fangs) will keep enemies on their toes and players in the fight.
External Body Cyberware Shows That Versatility Doesn't Have To Be Skin Deep
The external cyberware like the Mantis Blades, Gorilla Arms, and Monowire were some of the coolest upgrades available in Cyberpunk 2077. As with the previous sections, the tabletop has even more options. While three weapons is more than enough to get the job done most of the time, having a Hidden Holster installed to carry a fourth could mean the difference between life or death in a firefight.
A Grappling Hand would make players capable of exploring the verticality of the environment without the game-changing double jump of Cyberpunk 2077. A variety of upgrades to the feet like concealed in-line skates, webbing for increased swim-speed, and even talons on the toes can make the feet a viable alternative for transportation or combat.
Borgware Transforms Player Characters Into Something Not Totally Human
Borgware begins where humanity ends. These upgrades are impossible to conceal, as they make irreversible and easily noticeable changes to a player character's physicality. But the benefits they provide can be worth the sidelong glances on the street. Take the humble MultiOptic Mount, which allows the to install up to 5 additional cybereyes (and their upgrades/implants). Seen to intimidating effect in Faraday from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, this piece of kit will serve as an intimidation piece as much as an enhancement to vision. If both arms are replaced with cyberarms like Johnny Silverhand's prosthetic arm seen in Cyberpunk 2077, players may wish to go the extra mile and add two more via Cyberpunk RED's Artificial Shoulder Mount. Placed beneath the original two, the benefits of having two more arms are numerous, from dual-wielding two-handed guns to carrying two times as much loot.
Cyberpunk 2077 gave players plenty of options when it came to cybernetically enhancing their version of V. Though many of the upgrades offered, like Monowires, the Gorilla Arms (called Big Knucks in Cyberpunk RED), and the Biomonitor are ripped straight from the tabletop RPG, there are still dozens more options available for CD Projekt Red to choose from when Cyberpunk 2 rolls around. The unused cyberware available to bring in could alter gameplay in dramatic ways, and make Cyberpunk 2 truly stand out from its predecessor. With all the possibilities, one would have to wonder if a non-mod Cyberpunk 2077 cyberpsychosis mechanic would be introduced into the game after it featured so heavily in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners to curtail players from becoming Adam Smasher 2.0.
