Cyberpunk 2077 is a game brimming with customization, and one of the most exciting avenues for personalizing V’s abilities lies within the Relic skill tree. This unique branch of the skill tree isn’t available from the outset; it’s a special unlock tied to the Phantom Liberty expansion.
For those eager to delve into the powerful abilities offered by the Relic tree, understanding the process is key. This guide will walk you through exactly how to access and begin investing in these game-changing skills, ensuring you can harness the full potential of your augmented V.
Accessing the Relic Skill Tree in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
The Relic skill tree is a brand-new addition introduced with the Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty expansion. This means that if you haven’t purchased and installed Phantom Liberty, you simply won’t be able to access these skills. It’s a core component of the expansion’s new gameplay mechanics and progression systems.
Once you have Phantom Liberty installed, the Relic skill tree doesn’t immediately appear in your character’s menu. Instead, it’s unlocked through a specific questline within the expansion’s narrative. This ensures that players experience the introduction of these new abilities organically as they progress through the story.
The Triggering Quest: ‘lucretia My Reflection’
The primary method for unlocking the Relic skill tree is by progressing through the main story missions of the Phantom Liberty expansion. Specifically, the quest that initiates the availability of the Relic skill tree is called ‘Lucretia My Reflection’.
This mission is a significant turning point in the Phantom Liberty narrative. Without delving into major spoilers, it involves V undertaking a critical task that directly leads to them gaining access to this specialized set of abilities. You’ll know you’re getting close when the game begins to integrate new mechanics and story elements that hint at enhanced cyberware capabilities.
What Happens During ‘lucretia My Reflection’?
During the ‘Lucretia My Reflection’ quest, V will encounter specific narrative events and character interactions that are designed to introduce the concept of the Relic skill tree. This quest often involves a pivotal moment where the player is presented with new opportunities and technologies that tie directly into the Relic abilities.
Upon completing the objectives of ‘Lucretia My Reflection’, you will find that a new tab or section has become available in your character’s skill menu. This new section is your gateway to the Relic skill tree, allowing you to view the available perks and begin allocating your newly acquired Relic points.
Where to Find the Relic Skill Tree in the Menu
Once unlocked, the Relic skill tree is integrated into your existing character menu. You’ll navigate to your character screen as you normally would. Within this screen, you’ll notice a new dedicated tab or section specifically for the Relic skills. It’s usually clearly labeled and visually distinct from the other skill trees (Body, Reflexes, Technical Ability, Cool, and Intelligence). (See Also: How Tall Does Apple Tree Grow? Your Complete Guide)
This dedicated area will display all the perks available within the Relic tree. You’ll be able to see the prerequisites for each perk, their effects, and the cost in Relic points to unlock them. This is where you’ll spend your time planning your build and investing in the abilities that best suit your playstyle.
Understanding Relic Skill Points
Relic skill points are the currency used to unlock and upgrade perks within the Relic skill tree. These points are not the same as your regular attribute points or perk points. They are earned and acquired through specific means within the Phantom Liberty expansion.
How to Earn Relic Skill Points
The primary way to acquire Relic skill points is by finding them in the world. They are often hidden within specific locations and are tied to progression and exploration within Dogtown, the new area introduced in Phantom Liberty.
- Militech Data Terminal Rewards: Interacting with certain Militech Data Terminals scattered throughout Dogtown can yield Relic skill points as rewards for completing associated mini-objectives or challenges.
- NCPD Scanner Hustles: Completing NCPD Scanner Hustles in Dogtown can sometimes reward you with Relic skill points, especially for more challenging or multi-stage hustles.
- Iconic Item Drops: Certain rare and unique items, particularly those found during specific missions or in hidden caches, may grant Relic skill points upon acquisition.
- World Exploration: Simply exploring the vast and detailed environment of Dogtown can lead to discovering hidden stashes or interacting with objects that provide Relic skill points. Keep an eye out for glowing icons or unusual environmental cues.
It’s important to note that Relic skill points are a finite resource. This means that you cannot max out every single perk in the Relic tree within a single playthrough. You’ll need to make strategic choices about which abilities you want to prioritize based on your desired build and combat style.
Relic Skill Tree Perks: A Glimpse Into New Abilities
The Relic skill tree introduces a host of powerful and unique abilities that can significantly alter your combat and exploration experience. These perks often focus on enhancing cyberware, introducing new combat maneuvers, or providing passive buffs that synergize with specific playstyles.
Some notable examples of the types of perks you can expect to find in the Relic skill tree include:
- Enhanced Cyberware Synergy: Perks that boost the effectiveness, cooldown reduction, or activation speed of your cyberware implants. This can make your Sandevistan or Berserk even more potent.
- New Combat Techniques: Abilities that unlock new combat moves, such as specialized aerial attacks, improved dodging, or unique melee finishers that consume Relic energy.
- Cyberware Overclocking: Perks that allow you to temporarily push your cyberware beyond its normal limits, offering significant power boosts at the cost of potential drawbacks or resource drain.
- Unique Weapon Interactions: Some Relic perks might offer special bonuses or functionalities when using specific types of weapons or performing certain actions with them.
The exact nature and availability of these perks will become clear as you unlock the tree and explore its branches. Experimentation and careful planning are key to building a V that truly benefits from the Relic skill tree’s offerings.
Strategies for Utilizing the Relic Skill Tree
Once you’ve unlocked the Relic skill tree and started accumulating Relic points, the next step is to develop a strategy for how you want to utilize these powerful new abilities. The Relic tree offers a lot of flexibility, but its finite nature means you need to be deliberate. (See Also: How to Stand a Christmas Tree: A Complete Guide)
Synergizing with Existing Builds
The Relic skill tree is designed to complement and enhance your existing character builds. Consider how the new perks can amplify your current strengths or shore up any weaknesses.
- Stealth Builds: Perks that enhance movement speed, silent takedowns, or provide temporary invisibility can be invaluable for stealth-focused characters.
- Netrunner Builds: While the Relic tree isn’t directly about hacking, some perks might offer utility that aids in combat engagement or survivability while you’re performing netrunning actions.
- Melee/Close-Quarters Combat: Perks that boost melee damage, provide defensive buffs during close combat, or unlock new combat maneuvers will be a natural fit for aggressive melee fighters.
- Ranged Combat: Look for perks that improve weapon handling, critical hit chance, or provide unique firing modes that can benefit ranged specialists.
Think about which cyberware you use most frequently. If you rely heavily on Sandevistan, look for Relic perks that make it even more powerful or reduce its cooldown. If you’re a fan of Berserk, seek out enhancements that boost your melee prowess or survivability.
Prioritizing Perks
With a limited number of Relic points, you’ll need to make tough decisions about which perks to unlock first. Consider the following:
- Early Game Impact: Identify perks that provide significant benefits early on, helping you through the initial stages of Phantom Liberty.
- Core Playstyle Enhancements: Focus on perks that directly improve the mechanics you use most often. If you’re a gunslinger, prioritize perks that enhance aiming or weapon damage.
- Utility and Survivability: Don’t neglect perks that offer defensive advantages or utility that can get you out of tricky situations.
- Synergistic Combinations: Look for perks that work well together, creating powerful combos that amplify each other’s effects.
It can be helpful to look ahead in the skill tree and see what the higher-tier perks require as prerequisites. This can help you plan your point allocation across multiple levels.
Experimentation Is Key
Don’t be afraid to experiment! The beauty of Cyberpunk 2077’s build system is the ability to try different combinations. While respeccing Relic points isn’t as straightforward as some other systems, understanding the core mechanics of each perk will allow you to make informed choices.
Take advantage of the open-world nature of Dogtown. Try out different Relic perks in various combat scenarios to see how they feel and how effective they are for your playstyle. What works for one player might not be ideal for another, so personal testing is invaluable.
Troubleshooting and Common Questions
Even with clear instructions, players may encounter issues or have questions regarding the Relic skill tree. Here are some common ones:
‘i’ve Started Phantom Liberty but the Relic Tree Isn’t Unlocked.’
Ensure you have progressed far enough into the main story of Phantom Liberty. The unlock is specifically tied to completing the ‘Lucretia My Reflection’ quest. If you are before this quest, the tree will not be available. Double-check your quest log to confirm your story progression. (See Also: How to Decorate a Whimsical Christmas Tree: Your Guide)
‘where Can I Find More Relic Skill Points?’
As mentioned, Relic skill points are found throughout Dogtown. They are not awarded through leveling up like regular perk points. Actively explore, complete NCPD Scanner Hustles, and interact with Militech Data Terminals. Keep an eye on your minimap for potential points of interest.
‘can I Respec My Relic Skill Points?’
Respeccing Relic skill points is not as readily available as respeccing regular perk points. While there might be rare instances or specific game mechanics that allow for it, it’s generally advised to plan your Relic build carefully from the start. Focus on perks that align with your long-term character goals.
‘are There Any Prerequisites for the Relic Skill Tree Itself?’
The primary prerequisite for accessing the Relic skill tree is owning and installing the Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty expansion. Beyond that, the unlock is narrative-driven through the main questline of the expansion.
‘do Relic Perks Affect My Base Game Experience?’
Yes, the Relic skill tree and its associated perks are available and can be used throughout the entire game world, including Night City, once unlocked. They add an extra layer of depth and power to your character that extends beyond Dogtown.
‘how Many Relic Skill Points Can I Get?’
The total number of Relic skill points available in the game is finite. This encourages players to make strategic choices about their build. You will not be able to unlock every single perk in the Relic tree without careful planning and prioritization.
‘what If I’m Not Enjoying the Relic Perks I’ve Chosen?’
While full respecs are limited, you can often re-evaluate your choices as you acquire more points. Sometimes, a seemingly minor perk might unlock access to a much more powerful one down the line. Continue to explore the tree and consider how your current investments set you up for future upgrades.
‘are There Any Specific Cyberware Recommendations to Go with the Relic Tree?’
The Relic tree often synergizes exceptionally well with powerful cyberware like Sandevistan, Berserk, or certain optical cyberware. If you’re focusing on combat, enhancing these core cyberware abilities with Relic perks can lead to devastating builds. Consider your preferred combat style when choosing both cyberware and Relic perks.
Conclusion
Unlocking the Relic skill tree in Cyberpunk 2077 is an integral part of the Phantom Liberty experience. By progressing through the main story quest ‘Lucretia My Reflection’, you’ll gain access to a potent new set of abilities. Remember that Relic skill points are a finite resource, so strategize your investments wisely to complement your existing build and playstyle. Explore Dogtown diligently to find these valuable points and craft a truly unique and powerful V.
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