With the 2.0 update,Cyberpunk 2077perks were nearly completely overhauled. The convoluted, relatively underwhelming skill trees of the launch version of the game have been replaced with much more impactful choices – and the Handguns tree has been removed entirely. The best Revolver and Pistol perks can now be foundthroughout other skill trees, mostly in the Cool tree.
Not all handgun abilities inCyberpunk 2077are Cool perks, though. The Dash ability can be incredibly useful forCyberpunk 2077Handgun builds because it helps V avoid incoming damage at the relatively close range Handguns require. Check through this guide to the bestCyberpunk 2077Handgun perks to find which abilities should take priority in a pistol and revolver-oriented build.
Updated July 30, 2025 by Erik Petrovich: This list of the best Cyberpunk 2077 Handgun Perks has been updated to reflect the many changes of the 2.0 update, including the expansive overhaul of the skill and perk system. As such, this guide features updated recommendations based on the new Handgun perks available in all attribute trees.
5Run ‘n’ Gun
Lets V Fire On The Move, Efficiently
The Run ‘n’ Gun perk is a maxed-Attribute-only Perk in the Cool skill tree that only affects Pistols. When unlocked, this perk completely eliminates the Stamina consumption of hip-firing weapons. When Focus is active, while aiming, V gains 25% Movement Speed, too.
It’s anincredibly useful perk for Handgun builds, though it should be noted that this ability does not affect Revolvers. In a build focused on Pistols, Run ‘n’ Gun is an essential perk to pick.
4Dash
Unlocks An Upgraded Dodge For Faster Movement In Combat
The Dash perk is one of the few Handgun perks that is not found in the Cool tree, instead located relatively low on the Reflex skill tree. Dash doesn’t directly impact players' power with Handguns, but in the close-quarters combat situations that Pistol users often find themselves in, being able to dodge more efficiently is a necessary skill.
Dash has two levels and must be fully upgraded to access the sub-perks that branch out from it on the Cool skill tree. The first level reduces the Stamina cost associated with Dodging and Dashing, while the second level unlocks the Dash mechanic itself, replacing Dodge entirely.
3Focus
No Stamina Cost While Aiming, At First
Focus is an incredibly useful Handgun perk that also affects Precision Rifles and Sniper Rifles, two other weapon categories thatthe Cool attribute tree often encompassesalongside Handguns. At Level 1, Focus increases Headshot and Weak Spot damage, while level 2 unlocks Focus Mode.
If players have a full Stamina bar and aim with a handgun, they activate Focus, which nullifies the Stamina cost of shooting while aiming. However, when the effect ends, V will lose 40 Stamina.
2Deadeye
Increased Weak Spot Damage & General Enhancements
Deadeye is another Cool perk that only affects Handguns, Precision Rifles, and Sniper Rifles, andcomes with three upgrade levels. At level 1, players gain Headshot and Weak Spot damage, and at level 2 shooting will cost 25% less Stamina across the board.
At Level 3, the eponymous Deadeye mode unlocks, greatly enhancing Headshot and Weak Spot damage with no bullet spread, but only when players are above 85% Stamina. It’s incredibly useful on its own, but the sub-perks that branch off of Deadeye can further empower players during combat with Handguns.
1Nerves of Tungsten-Steel
Guaranteed Critical Hits During Deadeye
The Nerves of Tungsten-Steel perk is a max-level Cool perk that makes Deadeye even more powerful when aiming at enemy heads and Weak Spots. With this Perk unlocked, V is guaranteed Critical Hits on every Headshot and Weak Spot shot when Deadeye is active.
As players get further away from their target, the total damage will also increase by up to 25%. Nerves of Tungsten-Steel is a ridiculously powerful perk for the sharpshooting Handgun build, and in the hands of an accurate player, the guaranteed Critical Hits canquickly put a stop to most enemies in the game– except perhaps Adam Smasher.
