Police and Wanted Levels in Cyberpunk Patch 2.0

Learn how to manage and escape the NCPD's wanted levels in Cyberpunk 2077 Patch 2.0. Discover strategies for each star level, from beat cops to Maxtac.

Crime and punishment in Cyberpunk 2077 patch 2.0 is straightforward, similar to games like Grand Theft Auto. Committing illegal actions, such as harming civilians or NCPD (NPCs with a yellow chevron), being detected in restricted areas, or stealing police vehicles, will increase your wanted level, indicated by stars on your screen near the minimap. It's relatively difficult to gain a wanted level unless you intentionally provoke it, often through accidental civilian casualties.

The wanted level progresses from one to five stars. While there's no specific crime that raises your level faster, causing civilian casualties and engaging the NCPD will increase it. Gameplay-wise, there are no EXP or drops associated with gaining wanted levels.

Wanted Level Breakdown:

One Star Wanted Level:

Committing a minor offense results in a one-star wanted level. Cops will attack if they spot you and will be marked on your minimap, but they won't actively search for you if you break line of sight. Avoiding blue dots on the map and maintaining line of sight is usually enough to resolve this level.

Two Star Wanted Level:

This level introduces active pursuit. Cops will actively seek you out if they spot you. Patrol cars, each carrying two beat cops, will head to your last known location. While beat cops are not highly lethal, they can overwhelm you with numbers, requiring effort to escape.

Three Star Wanted Level:

A significant escalation, with cops arriving in greater numbers via larger vehicles, often in groups of four. They are reinforced by robots and heavily armored tactical officers, with occasional snipers. Seeking refuge in alleys and ruins is recommended over open areas.

Four Star Wanted Level:

A minor increase from three stars. Enemy ranks may include hostile netrunners, and APCs may arrive, though their mounted weapons are not used.

Five Star Wanted Level:

The highest level involves hordes of NCPD, including very dangerous Maxtac Operators who deploy via dropship. They are heavily armed, armored, and cybernetically enhanced. NCPD netrunners may disable your vehicle, making escape on foot advisable.

How to Lose Your Wanted Level:

To escape the NCPD in patch 2.0, break their line of sight by using alleys, entering buildings, and making frequent turns. Avoiding open areas and roads is crucial, especially at higher wanted levels. Once line of sight is broken, the wanted stars will become transparent and then flash if you remain undetected, indicating the search is being called off.

The NCPD is not overly persistent and won't search every corner. Hiding behind cover, in shipping crates, or on rooftops is often sufficient. They tend to not deviate far from the last known location, and reinforcements may appear on nearby roads, even if above or below you.