The streets of Night City have never been more dangerous—or more exhilarating. Since the launch of Update 2.0 and the Phantom Liberty expansion, Cyberpunk 2077 has transformed vehicular combat into a core experience, allowing players to fight back with style and firepower. Whether you're trying to escape the revamped NCPD or chasing down enemies in Dogtown, weaponized vehicles are now essential tools. But how exactly do you acquire and master these deadly machines?
Vehicular warfare isn't just about leaning out the window with a pistol anymore. Update 2.0 introduced a suite of weaponized cars equipped with mounted machine guns and homing missile launchers, turning routine drives into explosive spectacles. These vehicles aren't just gimmicks; they drastically change how you approach chases, ambushes, and even some story missions. If you've been wondering why your enemy suddenly started shooting back from a moving sedan, it's because the game now expects you to use every tool at your disposal.
Acquiring Your First Arsenal on Wheels
To get behind the wheel of a weaponized ride, you first need to add one to your vehicle list. Picking up your phone and scrolling through the contacts won't help—you'll have to visit the right terminals. Head to any Autofixer terminal scattered across the city or simply use the computer in V's apartment. These interfaces offer a rotating stock of vehicles, and after Update 2.0, several combat-ready models are available even to players who haven't purchased the Phantom Liberty expansion.
Look for the Quartz “Specter” as an excellent entry point. This modified muscle car is affordable and comes with a basic machine gun, perfect for getting accustomed to drive-by devastation. If you prefer something with a story behind it, search the warehouse district in the northern part of Watson after completing “The Heist.” There you'll stumble upon the Quadra Type-66 “Hoon”, a tribute to the late Ken Block. Completing the associated side job “I'm In Love With My Car” will make this iconic vehicle permanently yours, complete with its own machine gun and distinct livery.
As you progress through the main Phantom Liberty storyline, more exclusive weaponized vehicles become available for purchase. When browsing a vehicle's details at the Autofixer, pay close attention to the icons: a bullet symbol means it's armed with a machine gun, while a missile denotes—you guessed it—missile launchers. Some high-end models even sport both, letting you alternate between hailing bullets and sending rockets screaming toward your pursuers. Are you prepared to pay the price for that kind of firepower?
Taking the Wheel and Laying Down Fire
Driving a weaponized vehicle feels just like piloting any other car in Cyberpunk 2077, but with one important addition: a newly mapped combat button. On consoles, pressing Triangle (Y on Xbox) activates your vehicle's weapons. If your car packs multiple weapon systems, pressing the same button again cycles through them. The default setting automatically locks onto nearby hostiles, making it easy to keep your eyes on the road while the car's electronics handle targeting. For those who crave manual control, you can switch this off in the gameplay settings. With manual aiming enabled, hold L1 (LB) to aim and squeeze R1 (RB) to fire.
You might be wondering about ammunition—do you have to stock up on thousands of rounds? Fortunately, weaponized vehicles boast an infinite ammo supply, but they still require a reloading period after sustained fire. A prominent weapon icon in the center of your HUD will indicate the cooldown. When it's full again, you're ready to unleash another volley. To holster your car's weapons and return to peaceful driving (or to stick to a stealthy approach), press Circle (B).
Why would you ever unequip them? Sometimes it's smarter to blend in rather than announce your presence with a burst of tracer fire. Especially since the recently overhauled police system responds far more aggressively to public displays of violence. A stray missile shot in a crowded market could quickly spiral into a citywide chase, reminding you that Night City's finest don't play nice anymore.
Strategies That Give You the Edge
Using weaponized vehicles effectively means more than just spraying bullets wildly. Prioritize your targets: missile launchers are devastating against armored enemies and other vehicles, while machine guns excel at thinning out groups of bikers or individual threats. In escort missions—or during escapes—a well-timed switch from guns to missiles can cripple a pursuing convoy. And because your ammo is infinite, don't be stingy. The only thing holding you back is the reload timer, so practice pacing your volleys.
Another aspect to consider is vehicle durability. While you're raining hellfire, your car is still taking damage. Keep an eye on smoke and sparks, and don't hesitate to bail out if your ride is about to become a fireball. That said, the sheer satisfaction of drifting a Type-66 “Hoon” around a corner while launching a rocket at a gangoarder is unmatched. It’s moments like these that prove Cyberpunk 2077 has evolved far beyond its original state.
In 2026, with all updates and improvements fully settled, weaponized vehicles stand as one of the game's most entertaining features. Whether you're a returning veteran or a newcomer diving into Night City for the first time, these machines offer a fresh way to experience the chaos. Go on, call up your favorite ride, and leave a trail of scorched rubber and spent shell casings in your wake.