In the world of Cyberpunk 2077, survival depends on more than firepower — it requires instinct, adaptability, and the ability to outthink your enemies in a city designed to consume the weak. That’s where the mission “Practice Makes Perfect” comes in. This optional tutorial serves as a brief but essential introduction to the game’s core mechanics, from combat to stealth to hacking.
Though it can be skipped, the mission offers a solid foundation for new players, especially those unfamiliar with CD Projekt Red’s blend of action and role-playing systems.
🎯 Mission Context: After Your Lifepath
“Practice Makes Perfect” takes place immediately after the Lifepath-specific opening mission (The Nomad, The Streetkid, or The Corpo-Rat), just before “The Rescue” mission begins. In it, V is being trained in a Virtual Reality (VR) combat simulation under the guidance of T-Bug, a skilled Netrunner and trusted ally.
Presented as a high-tech training session, the mission walks you through four key aspects of gameplay in a sleek digital dojo — a stark contrast to the gritty reality of Night City.
🕹️ Training Modules Overview
The tutorial is broken down into four distinct segments. Players can choose to complete all, some, or none of them — but each is tailored to prepare you for real combat situations.
1. Basic Combat Training
- Learn to aim, shoot, and reload with a pistol.
- Understand how to take cover and use the environment to your advantage.
- Practice precision targeting — essential for scoring critical hits on enemies.
2. Stealth Training
- Get introduced to crouching, sneaking, and avoiding detection.
- Learn how to distract enemies using environmental objects.
- Perform silent takedowns from behind or while hiding.
3. Hacking Tutorial
- Familiarize yourself with Quickhacks, an integral part of V’s skillset.
- Learn how to overload enemy cyberware or distract them by remotely controlling cameras and electronics.
- Understand Breaching Protocol — a mini-game that allows you to weaken enemy networks or gain strategic advantages.
4. Advanced Combat (Melee)
- Try out melee combat with a katana.
- Learn how to block, parry, and strike with precision.
- This segment is particularly useful if you plan to specialize in close-quarters combat or use melee builds.
🤖 Why This Mission Matters
While Cyberpunk 2077 offers a lot of freedom in how you build and play your character, the game can be unforgiving if you don’t understand the tools at your disposal. “Practice Makes Perfect” gives you a safe space to experiment, make mistakes, and get comfortable with different playstyles.
Moreover, the mission is narratively justified — taking place in a VR construct operated by T-Bug, making it feel like a natural part of the game world rather than a detached tutorial. It’s another example of how Cyberpunk 2077 blends exposition and gameplay without breaking immersion.
🧠 Helpful for Beginners and Veterans Alike
Even experienced players might find value in the tutorial if they’re returning after a break or trying out a new build (e.g., Netrunner, Blades, Stealth). The mission also subtly introduces some of the game’s interface systems, like enemy markers, breach protocols, and stealth indicators.
And importantly, it doesn’t lock you into anything — you can skip it entirely and still jump into the action, but you’ll be going in blind.
✅ Conclusion: Sharpen Your Skills Before the City Tests Them
“Practice Makes Perfect” is a simple yet effective mission that gives players the opportunity to learn the basics before diving into the chaos of Night City. Whether you choose to hack, sneak, shoot, or slash your way through the game, this brief training session ensures that when the bullets start flying — you’re ready.
It’s optional, yes — but in a city where hesitation is fatal, a little practice might be the smartest move you’ll make.