Cyberpunk 2077: How to use Throwing Knives in Version 2.0

As part of its huge patch 2.0 update, Cyberpunk 2077 has been hugely transformed. Many features and mechanics have been rebalanced - and one of the most significantly changed systems is the use of Throwing Knives.

Given that it's so different post-patch, the purpose of this page is to guide you through the use of Throwing Knives in Cyberpunk 2077 2.0 - though naturally, remember that what's written here is specifically for the new version of the game as of the 2023 release of 2.0 and the Phantom Liberty expansion.

How to Throw Knives in Cyberpunk 2077 2.0

So, here's the basic rub: in the original release version of Cyberpunk 2077 and all version updates up until now, the use of Throwing Knives required investment in your skill tree. But in version 2.0, you don't need a specific skill to throw knives.

That's right - Throwing Knives are available from the moment you start the game, with V able to use them regardless of what you've picked as your character build.

The way it works is simple. You first have to equip a knife to one of V's three weapon slots. As standard, when taken out the knife will be used as a close-quarters melee blade - but by holding the aim button (as if aiming down sights with a gun, or blocking with a sword), V prepares to throw the knife. Pressing the button that'd fire a gun then tosses the knife whereever your aiming reticule is pointed.

On PC this'll be the right mouse button to aim and the left to throw. On console, by default this is the left trigger to aim and the right to throw.

Once a knife is thrown, it'll hurtle off to hit the target. A circle then slowly depletes around the aiming reticule - this is a cooldown until the knife warps back into your hands, so you can fight with or throw it again. If you get close enough to the knife, you can retrieve it early, too.

In addition to Knives, these same mechanics apply to other smaller bladed weapons, such as hatchets.

Upgrading Throwing Knives 

Throwing Knives are powerful, and can be easily used to one-shot enemies when you're trying to maintain stealth. But do remember that your knife throwing abilities can be upgraded.

Simply head into Cyberpunk 2077 2.0's all-new skill tree - here, in the 'Cool' tree, you'll find a variety of skills on the right side of the tree that are related to thrown weapons.

These perks let you lower the cooldown with these weapons, add status effects, and deal additional damage. Skills like 'Scorpion Sting', "Parasite", and "Juggler" are a must for thrown weapons to grow as V levels up. 

While you no longer need to dedicated skill points to unlocking throwing knives, upgrading the associated abilities in the skill tree can make them the center of your play-style, if that's your bag.

Where to get Throwing Knives

As with pretty much all types of weapons in Cyberpunk 2077, there's three primary ways to get your hands on knives for a-throwin'. First, you can loot them both out in the world and from downed enemies. Second, you can craft them. And third, you can buy them.

Keep an eye out for the Melee specific weapon vendors, who are appropriately represented on Cyberpunk's in-game map with a knife icon. Some of these vendors have particularly powerful and rare knives become available in the late game, ideal for throwing.

There's not much advantage to keeping a huge stock of knives, though, given it teleports back to you, with the cooldown of that return to your hands able to be sped up via perks. Like any other weapon, you're better off just having one very good knife equipped - then throw and retrieve.