🦾 Starting Cyberware
“Everybody’s got chrome, choom. The question is how much of yourself you’re willing to trade for it.”
Your character starts with some cybernetic upgrades already installed — no extra cost, no surgery needed. Think of it like the stock apps on a new phone. You get them for free, but they still take up space.
🤔 What IS Cyberware?
Cyberware is cybernetic technology installed into your body. In Night City, it’s as common as tattoos — most people have something. A Neural Link to interface with machines, enhanced eyes for better vision, maybe an internal phone so you never lose it.
Three Independent Systems
Your body has three main “slots” for chrome — each works on its own:
- Neural Link = brain-computer interface. Required for Neuralware only (Speedware, Interface Plugs, Chipware Socket)
- Cyberaudio Suite = independent audio system in your skull. Has its own option slots for add-ons (Radio, Recorder, etc.)
- Cybereye = independent optical implant. Has its own option slots for add-ons (MicroOptics, Image Enhance, etc.)
They don’t depend on each other. A Rockerboy can have Cyberaudio without a Neural Link, and a Solo can have a Neural Link without Cyberaudio.
Where Does It Go?
| Location | Types | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 🧠 Head | Neuralware, Cyberoptics, Cyberaudio | Neural Link, Cybereye, Cyberaudio Suite |
| 🫁 Body | Internal, External | Biomonitor, Subdermal Pocket, Hidden Holster |
| 💪 Limbs | Cyberlimbs, Hand options | Gorilla Arms, Tool Hand, Wolvers |
| 🔌 Ports | Interface hardware | Interface Plugs, Chipware Socket |
| 💄 Fashion | Cosmetic chrome | Chemskin, Techhair, Light Tattoo, Shift Tacts |
⚠️ Humanity Loss
Every piece of cyberware costs Humanity — a measure of how connected you feel to other people. More chrome = lower Humanity = lower EMP stat.
🟢 Don't Panic!
At character creation, Humanity Loss is a fixed number, not a dice roll. The book has already calculated how much Humanity each Role’s starting cyberware costs. You just subtract it.
The typical starting loss is 9-17 points — dropping your EMP by 1 or 2. That’s completely normal. You’re nowhere near Cyberpsychosis.
What low Humanity actually means for roleplay:
- EMP 4-5: You’re a bit distant. Social situations feel slightly awkward.
- EMP 3: You’re noticeably cold. People sense something is off.
- EMP 2 or less: You struggle with empathy. Emotions feel muffled.
This isn’t punishment — it’s character flavor. Your chrome makes you powerful but a little less human. That’s the deal.
Humanity & EMP Thresholds
| Humanity Range | EMP |
|---|---|
| 80-89 | 8 |
| 70-79 | 7 |
| 60-69 | 6 |
| 50-59 | 5 |
| 40-49 | 4 |
| 30-39 | 3 |
| 20-29 | 2 |
| 10-19 | 1 |
| 0 | 0 — Cyberpsychosis ⚠️ |
📖 How To Install Your Starting Chrome
- Find your Role below
- Write down the cyberware listed — you get everything
- Where you see “OR” — choose one option
- Subtract the Total Humanity Loss from your starting Humanity (EMP × 10)
- Check the threshold table above to see if your EMP dropped
Example: Solo Starting Chrome
Starting Humanity: EMP 6 × 10 = 60
Solo gets: Neural Link (HL 7) + Sandevistan (HL 7) = Total HL: 14
New Humanity: 60 - 14 = 46
EMP drops from 6 to 4 (crossed 60 and 50 thresholds)
This Solo is already a bit cold and detached — but that’s the price of being the fastest gun in the room.
⚔️ Solo
Combat chrome for the battlefield.
| Cyberware | What It Does | HL |
|---|---|---|
| Neural Link | Foundation — required for Speedware and most neuralware | 7 |
| Sandevistan OR Wolvers | Speedware: +3 Initiative when activated (1 min, 1hr cooldown) OR Heavy Melee Weapon claws from your knuckles | 7 |
Total Humanity Loss: 14 (-2 EMP)
Sandevistan or Wolvers?
- Sandevistan = initiative boost. You go first in combat. Great for ranged fighters.
- Wolvers = retractable claws (Heavy Melee Weapon). Always armed, concealable. Great for melee builds.
- Neither is “better” — pick what fits your Solo. Guns-blazing → Sandevistan. Up-close-and-personal → Wolvers.
🌐 Netrunner
Essential chrome for jacking into the NET.
| Cyberware | What It Does | HL |
|---|---|---|
| Neural Link | Foundation — required for Interface Plugs | 7 |
| Interface Plugs | Required for Netrunning — physical ports to jack in | 7 |
| Shift Tacts | Color-changing contact lenses (fashionware) | 0 |
Total Humanity Loss: 14 (-2 EMP)
Just the Essentials
🎸 Rockerboy
Performance and audio chrome.
| Cyberware | What It Does | HL |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberaudio Suite | Audio foundation — has 3 option slots for upgrades | 7 |
| Audio Recorder | Record audio directly to memory chip or Agent | 2 |
| Chemskin | Skin pigment changes — permanent color/pattern | 0 |
| Techhair | Color-light-emitting artificial hair | 0 |
Total Humanity Loss: 9 (-1 EMP)
Fashion Bonus
Chemskin + Techhair together give +2 to Personal Grooming. You look preem without trying.
🔧 Tech
Tech-focused chrome for detailed work.
| Cyberware | What It Does | HL |
|---|---|---|
| Cybereye | Artificial eye — has 3 option slots | 7 |
| MicroOptics | 400x magnification in your Cybereye | 2 |
| Skinwatch | Subdermal LED clock | 0 |
| Tool Hand | Fingers contain screwdriver, wrench, drill, etc. | 3 |
Total Humanity Loss: 12 (-2 EMP)
Built-In Toolkit
Your Tool Hand means you always have basic tools on you. Perfect for field repairs.
🏥 Medtech
Medical support chrome.
| Cyberware | What It Does | HL |
|---|---|---|
| Biomonitor | Subdermal vital signs readout — links to Agent | 0 |
| Cybereye | Artificial eye — foundation for optical upgrades | 7 |
| TeleOptics | See detail up to 800m away. +1 to Aimed Shots at 51m+ | 3 |
| Nasal Filters OR Toxin Binders | Immune to toxic gases OR +2 to Resist Torture/Drugs | 2 |
Total Humanity Loss: 12 (-2 EMP)
Nasal Filters or Toxin Binders?
- Nasal Filters = immune to gas, fumes, smoke. Great for dangerous environments.
- Toxin Binders = +2 to Resist Torture/Drugs. Better for getting drugged/poisoned situations.
- Both are useful. Pick based on what sounds more fun to RP.
📺 Media
Recording and investigation chrome.
| Cyberware | What It Does | HL |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberaudio Suite | Audio foundation — has 3 option slots | 7 |
| Amplified Hearing OR Voice Stress Analyzer | +2 to Perception (hearing) OR +2 to Human Perception & Interrogation | 3 |
Total Humanity Loss: 10 (-1 EMP)
Amplified Hearing or Voice Stress Analyzer?
- Amplified Hearing = hear things others can’t. Eavesdrop, detect footsteps.
- Voice Stress Analyzer = detect lies. +2 to reading people.
- Investigative Medias → VSA. Field reporters → Amplified Hearing.
💼 Exec
Communication and business chrome.
| Cyberware | What It Does | HL |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberaudio Suite | Audio foundation | 7 |
| Internal Agent | Built-in smartphone in your head | 3 |
| Subdermal Pocket | Hidden 2”×4” storage space under your skin | 3 |
| Voice Stress Analyzer OR Amplified Hearing | +2 to Human Perception & Interrogation OR +2 to Perception (hearing) | 3 |
Total Humanity Loss: 16 (-2 EMP)
Corporate Edge
With an Internal Agent and a hidden pocket, you’re always connected and always armed. The VSA lets you read everyone in the boardroom.
🚔 Lawman
Department-issue chrome.
| Cyberware | What It Does | HL |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberaudio Suite | Audio foundation | 7 |
| Internal Agent | Built-in comms — no external phone to lose | 3 |
| Hidden Holster | Concealed weapon storage inside your body | 7 |
Total Humanity Loss: 17 (-2 EMP)
Heaviest Starting Chrome
Lawmen have the highest starting Humanity Loss of any role. The Hidden Holster is serious cyberware — but you’re never caught unarmed.
🤝 Fixer
Communication and style chrome.
| Cyberware | What It Does | HL |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberaudio Suite | Audio foundation | 7 |
| Biomonitor OR Techhair | Vital signs readout OR fashionable light-emitting hair | 0 |
| Light Tattoo | Subdermal projected tattoos. (+2 Wardrobe & Style with 3+) | 0 |
| Subdermal Pocket | Hidden storage — stash data chips, keys, contraband | 3 |
Total Humanity Loss: 10 (-1 EMP)
Style Points
Fixers get the most fashionware — look good while making deals. The Subdermal Pocket is perfect for hiding contraband.
🛣️ Nomad
Road and survival chrome.
| Cyberware | What It Does | HL |
|---|---|---|
| Neural Link | Foundation — required for Interface Plugs | 7 |
| Interface Plugs OR Wolvers | Interface with your vehicle directly OR retractable claws | 7 |
| Toxin Binders OR Nasal Filters | +2 Resist Torture/Drugs OR immune to toxic gases | 2 |
Total Humanity Loss: 16 (-2 EMP)
Interface Plugs or Wolvers?
- Interface Plugs = jack into your vehicle (Moto ability). Essential for vehicle-focused Nomads.
- Wolvers = retractable claws. Better for combat-focused Nomads.
- Most Nomads take Interface Plugs — it powers your Role Ability.
📊 Starting Chrome at a Glance
| Role | Total HL | EMP Loss | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎸 Rockerboy | 9 | -1 | Fashionware + Audio |
| 📺 Media | 10 | -1 | Audio + Investigation |
| 🤝 Fixer | 10 | -1 | Fashionware + Hidden Pocket |
| 🔧 Tech | 12 | -2 | Cybereye + Tool Hand |
| 🏥 Medtech | 12 | -2 | Cybereye + Long Range |
| ⚔️ Solo | 14 | -2 | Speedware OR Claws |
| 🌐 Netrunner | 14 | -2 | Interface Plugs (for NET) |
| 💼 Exec | 16 | -2 | Internal Agent + Pocket |
| 🛣️ Nomad | 16 | -2 | Interface OR Claws |
| 🚔 Lawman | 17 | -2 | Hidden Holster (!) |
FAQs
Can I choose NOT to install something? Yes, but you lose it. You don’t get eddies for skipping starting chrome — you just don’t have it.
When can I get more cyberware? During play! Visit a Ripperdoc, spend some eddies, and get new chrome installed. Just remember — every piece costs more Humanity.
Do I roll dice for Humanity Loss at creation? No. At character creation, Humanity Loss is a fixed number (listed above). You only roll HL dice when buying cyberware during play.
What if I’m playing Complete Package? You buy cyberware with your 2,550eb budget. Use the Humanity rules for HL calculations.
🔗 Next Steps
You’re done with character creation! Here’s where to go:
- → How to Play — Learn the core game mechanic
- → Combat — Understand how combat works
- Humanity — Deep dive into Humanity and Cyberpsychosis rules
- The Compendium — Browse future cyberware upgrades
← Starting Gear · Step 6 of 7 · The Bodega →