Rules reference
Skills in Cyberpunk RED
Skills overview and how checks typically work. Cyberpunk RED is a tabletop RPG set in Night City in the year 2045, a dystopian future where corporations rule, cyberware is common, and life is cheap. Players take on the roles of Edgerunners: cyberpunks, netrunners, solos, and other denizens of the mean streets trying to survive and thrive in a world of chrome and corruption.
Key points
Skills describe trained competence. Use this page to quickly understand what the skill list covers and how to pick priorities.
Copyable facts
- 10 Roles: Netrunner, Solo, Tech, Medtech, Media, Exec, Lawman, Fixer, Nomad, Rockerboy
- d10 system: Roll Stat + Skill + 1d10 against Difficulty Value
- Improvement Points (IP): Used instead of XP for advancement
- Cyberware system: Enhance abilities but cost Humanity
- Role Abilities: Unique powers for each Role
- Combat system: Fast-paced action with armor, weapons, and cyberware
What’s in this system
Skills
Showing 56 of 56
Basic TechElectronics/Security TechStealthPerceptionHandgunShoulder ArmsMelee WeaponBrawlingAthleticsConcentrationConceal/Reveal ObjectLip ReadingTrackingEnduranceEvasionMartial ArtsArcheryAutofireHeavy WeaponsDrive Land VehiclePilot Air VehiclePilot Sea VehicleRidingFirst AidHuman PerceptionConversationPersuasionStreetwiseTradingBriberyInterrogationLeadershipPersonal GroomingWardrobe & StyleLocal ExpertEducationLanguageLibrary SearchScienceCybertechDemolitionsLand Vehicle TechSea Vehicle TechWeapons TechActingPlay InstrumentAir Vehicle TechCompositionContortionistDanceDrive LandInterfaceParamedicResist Torture/DrugsTacticsWilderness Survival
Full Cyberpunk RED skills list (46)
| Skill | Linked attribute | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Tech | TECH | General repair and jury-rigging gear |
| Electronics/Security Tech | TECH | Bypassing alarms and cracking electronic security |
| Cybertech | TECH | Installing, repairing, and understanding cyberware |
| Weapons Tech | TECH | Maintaining and customizing weapons |
| Demolitions | TECH | Placing and disarming explosives |
| Land Vehicle Tech | TECH | Repairing and modifying ground vehicles |
| Sea Vehicle Tech | TECH | Maintenance and repair for boats and watercraft |
| Stealth | DEX | Staying unseen and unheard |
| Perception | INT | Noticing danger and important details |
| Tracking | INT | Following trails and breadcrumbs |
| Concentration | WILL | Staying focused under pressure |
| Conceal/Reveal Object | INT | Hiding items or finding hidden ones |
| Lip Reading | INT | Understanding speech by watching lips |
| Handgun | REF | Pistols, revolvers, and one-handed firearms |
| Shoulder Arms | REF | Rifles, shotguns, and assault rifles |
| Autofire | REF | Walking bursts across targets |
| Heavy Weapons | REF | Grenade and rocket launchers |
| Archery | REF | Bows and crossbows |
| Melee Weapon | DEX | Blades, batons, and melee weapons |
| Brawling | DEX | Fists and dirty fighting |
| Martial Arts | DEX | Formal close-quarters combat training |
| Evasion | DEX | Ducking and weaving to avoid attacks |
| Athletics | DEX | Running, jumping, climbing, and physical stunts |
| Endurance | WILL | Pushing through pain and exhaustion |
| First Aid | TECH | Emergency medical treatment |
| Drive Land Vehicle | REF | Driving cars, bikes, and trucks |
| Pilot Air Vehicle | REF | Flying AVs and aircraft |
| Pilot Sea Vehicle | REF | Handling boats and watercraft |
| Riding | REF | Controlling animals and mounts |
| Human Perception | EMP | Reading emotions, motives, and lies |
| Conversation | EMP | Drawing out information through talk |
| Persuasion | COOL | Convincing people through charm or pressure |
| Streetwise | COOL | Knowing how the street works |
| Trading | COOL | Haggling and cutting deals |
| Bribery | COOL | Greasing the right palms |
| Interrogation | COOL | Leaning on people until they crack |
| Leadership | COOL | Rallying allies and giving orders |
| Acting | COOL | Pretending to be someone you're not |
| Play Instrument | TECH | Performing music live |
| Personal Grooming | COOL | Looking sharp enough to pass anywhere |
| Wardrobe & Style | COOL | Dressing the part |
| Education | INT | General schooling and book learning |
| Local Expert | INT | Knowing a specific neighborhood inside out |
| Language | INT | Speaking a particular language |
| Library Search | INT | Digging through archives and databases |
| Science | INT | Specialized scientific knowledge |
Examples
Example: DV check in play
You attempt a hack or a shot: roll Stat + Skill + 1d10 vs DV. Before rolling, agree what success changes (access gained, target down, alarm triggered on failure).
Example: Planning beats brute force
If you can’t hit the DV reliably, change approach: get better positioning, better tools, or reduce risk first.
Common mistakes (smallest fix)
- Mistake: Rolling without stakes. Fix: Say what success changes and what failure costs before rolling.
- Mistake: Treating failure as ‘nothing happens’. Fix: Fail forward: you still learn something, but pay a cost (time, exposure, resources, harm).
Build guides for Cyberpunk RED
Cyberpunk RED FAQ
What are Roles in Cyberpunk RED?
How does the d10 system work in Cyberpunk RED?
How does Improvement Points (IP) work?
How does cyberware affect Humanity?
What's the difference between Stats and Skills?