Netrunner's Guide: Stealthing "Transmission" in Cyberpunk 2077 Welcome, fellow netrunners and chrome-plated adventurers!

Welcome, fellow netrunners and chrome-plated adventurers! Your friendly neighborhood cybersecurity consultant (in-game and out) is here to guide you through one of Cyberpunk 2077's pivotal main jobs: "Transmission." This walkthrough is tailored for those rocking a dedicated Netrunner build, favoring digital finesse over brute force. We'll dissect the stealth route, ensuring you bypass the heavy artillery and confront NetWatch directly within their digital stronghold. Think of it as a penetration test, but with Quickhacks instead of Metasploit. Let's dive in.

Setting the Stage: Why Stealth Matters

"Transmission" is a crucial step in uncovering the mysteries of Johnny Silverhand and the Relic. A frontal assault on NetWatch? Highly inadvisable. A well-executed stealth run not only saves you eddies on ammo and healing items but also grants a deeper understanding of NetWatch's operations. Plus, let's be honest, hacking your way through a secure facility is just plain cool. This guide focuses on exploiting digital vulnerabilities, much like a real-world cybersecurity professional would approach a network.

Step-by-Step Stealth Domination

Here's the breakdown of how to ghost your way through "Transmission," Netrunner style:

1. Entry: The Gate's Digital Weakness

Forget scaling the walls like some common street punk. We're going high-tech.

• Option A (Intelligence 7): Approach the main gate. If your Intelligence stat is at least 7, you can remotely hack the gate controls directly. This is the cleanest, most efficient entry. It's like finding an unpatched vulnerability in a corporate firewall – pure satisfaction.
• Option B (The Climb): No dice on the Intelligence check? Head to the left of the gate. You'll find a section of the perimeter fence you can climb over. Less elegant, but still gets the job done. Consider it a physical security bypass, like slipping past a distracted security guard.

2. Infiltration: Shadow Dance

Once inside, stealth is paramount. Think of it as navigating a complex Intrusion Detection System (IDS).

• Optical Camo (Cyberware): If you've invested in Optical Camo, now's the time to shine (or, rather, not shine). Activate it to become virtually invisible for a short period.
• Shadows and Distractions: If you're camo-less, stick to the shadows. Use Ping (more on that later) to identify enemy locations and patrol routes. Hack nearby generators or other devices to create distractions, drawing guards away from your intended path. It's the digital equivalent of a social engineering attack.

3. Building Entry: The Side Door Secret

The main entrance is heavily guarded. Instead, locate the side entrance to the NetWatch building.

• Keypad Hack (Intelligence 5): You'll encounter a keypad-locked door. If your Intelligence is 5 or higher, you can hack the keypad to gain access. This is a simple brute-force attack in the digital realm.

4. Datafort Navigation: Mapping the Terrain

Welcome to the digital heart of NetWatch.

• Ping is Your Friend: Spam Ping liberally. This Quickhack acts like a network scanner, revealing enemy locations, camera positions, and, crucially, access points on the network. Understanding the network topology is key to any successful operation.

• Cover and Movement: Use cover strategically to avoid line of sight. Crouch-walking is essential. Plan your movements carefully, anticipating guard patrols. It's like evading surveillance cameras and motion sensors in a real-world data center.

5. NetWatch Agent Confrontation: The Diplomatic Hack

You'll eventually encounter the NetWatch agent. This is where your Netrunner skills (and a bit of social engineering) come into play.

• Quickhack Assault: The direct approach. Use a combination of Short Circuit and Reboot Optics Quickhacks to disable the agent and any nearby guards. Short Circuit deals damage, while Reboot Optics blinds them, providing a window for escape or further hacking.

• The Silver Tongue (Cool 9): If your Cool stat is high enough (9 or more), you can attempt to persuade the agent through dialogue. This requires careful selection of dialogue options, but can avoid combat entirely. Think of it as a carefully crafted phishing email that bypasses their security protocols.

6. Data Acquisition: Uploading the Payload

The ultimate goal: access the NetWatch server room and upload Alt Cunningham's virus.

• Server Access: The Netwatch server uses multiple layers of security to prevent unauthorized access. Use the Mass Vulnerability quickhack for the fastest and most effective way to bypass the server's security and get to the data behind it.

7. Escape: Ghost Protocol

Time to vanish. Retrace your steps, maintaining stealth.

• Cyberware Malfunction: If you're spotted, use Cyberware Malfunction to disable enemy cyberware, creating a temporary distraction or incapacitating them. It's the digital equivalent of bricking their equipment.
• Fade into the Night: Continue using cover and shadows to evade detection until you're clear of the NetWatch facility.

Netrunner's Arsenal: Tips and Tricks for Digital Supremacy

Here's a collection of pro tips to maximize your Netrunning prowess:

• Quickhack Prioritization: Focus on upgrading Short Circuit, Reboot Optics, Ping, Cyberware Malfunction, System Reset, and Mass Vulnerability. These are your bread and butter for stealth and combat.
• Crafting is King: Don't neglect the Crafting skill (requires Technical Ability 7). Crafting higher-tier versions of your favorite Quickhacks significantly increases their effectiveness.

• Perk Power: The Bartmoss' Legacy: Netrunner Security perk is a game-changer. It significantly reduces Quickhack upload time, allowing you to chain attacks more effectively.
• Cyberware Essentials:
  • Tetratonic Rippler MK.5: Dramatically improves RAM recovery, essential for sustained hacking.
  • Optical Camo: Makes you almost invisible.
  • Memory Boost: Increases your maximum RAM.
  • Reinforced Tendons: Allows you to double jump, providing greater mobility and access to elevated vantage points.
• Exploiting Weaknesses: Most security personnel are vulnerable to distractions. Use this to your advantage.

PC-Specific Optimization: Tweaking for Maximum Performance

Let's optimize your PC for peak Netrunning performance.

• Controls: Remap the "Quickhack" key to a more accessible button (e.g., a mouse side button). Rapid access to your Quickhacks is crucial.
• Settings: Reduce shadow quality and crowd density for improved performance, especially in the datafort area. These settings can significantly impact framerate.
• Mods:
  • Cyber Engine Tweaks: A must-have for performance optimizations and bug fixes.
  • Better Netrunning HUD: Improves visibility of Quickhack options and network information.
  • Simple XP Scaling: Balances the experience rewards, offering a more challenging and rewarding gameplay experience.

Beyond "Transmission": The Road Ahead

Successfully completing the stealth route through "Transmission" is more than just a checkbox on your quest log. It provides access to crucial story information, avoids unnecessary combat, and sets the stage for future Netrunner-focused gameplay. You'll unlock the next main job, "Life During Wartime," and be one step closer to unraveling the mysteries of Night City.

Conclusion: Embrace the Digital Shadows

"Transmission" is a fantastic showcase for the Netrunner playstyle in Cyberpunk 2077. By leveraging stealth, Quickhacks, and a bit of cunning, you can bypass brute force and achieve your objectives with finesse. Remember to adapt your strategies based on your skill level, available Cyberware, and personal preferences. Now go forth, netrunners, and leave no trace in the digital world!