How to Holster Weapon Cyberpunk 2077 a Complete Guide with Tips and Controls

How to holster weapon Cyberpunk 2077 is simple: hold down the weapon swap key or use the weapon wheel to put away your gun quickly. On PCs, holding the ALT key brings up the quick-select menu where you can holster your weapon, while on consoles, double-tapping the weapon swap button does the trick. Starting with these basic controls helps you avoid unwanted confrontations in Night City.

How to Holster Your Weapon in Cyberpunk 2077 on All Platforms

Holstering your weapon in Cyberpunk 2077 varies slightly depending on your platform. On PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, you use a double tap of the weapon swap button to put your weapon away. You can also holster through the weapon wheel by holding the weapon button and selecting the unequip option. These methods let you lower your weapon quickly, helping you avoid unwanted attention or just walk around more naturally.

Holstering on PC: Default Controls

On PC, the default key for holstering your weapon is the Left Alt key. You can double tap Left Alt to put your weapon away instantly. Holding Left Alt brings up the weapon wheel, where you can manually select to holster your weapon by choosing the unequip option. Using the weapon wheel also lets you switch to other weapons or melee gear if you want. Follow these steps to holster your weapon using the default controls on PC:

1. Press Left Alt once to draw the weapon wheel.
2. Release Left Alt if you only want to bring up the wheel temporarily.
3. Double tap Left Alt quickly to holster your currently equipped weapon immediately.
4. If using the weapon wheel, highlight the unequip icon to holster manually.
5. Release Left Alt to exit the weapon wheel after selecting unequip.

Console Holster Buttons: PlayStation and Xbox

On PlayStation 5, you double tap the Triangle button to holster your weapon. On Xbox Series X|S, the equivalent button is Y. Holding Triangle or Y opens the weapon wheel for quick selection or manual holstering by choosing the unequip option. Double tapping these buttons works to draw your weapon again or holster it smoothly. To holster your weapon on consoles, you can:

1. Quickly double tap Triangle (PS5) or Y (Xbox) to put away your weapon.
2. Hold Triangle or Y to display the weapon wheel.
3. Navigate to the unequip slot to holster manually using the wheel.
4. Release the button to confirm your choice and exit.

Alternative Methods: Weapon Wheel and Quick Swap

The weapon wheel offers an alternative way to holster your weapon. On all platforms, holding the weapon switch button (Left Alt on PC, Triangle on PS5, Y on Xbox) opens the wheel. Here, you can highlight an empty slot or unequip option to holster your weapon manually. This method can be slower but allows precise weapon management.

Another common way to holster weapons quickly is the double tap of your weapon swap button. This button cycles through your equipped weapons, so rapidly pressing it twice signals the game to put your weapon away. Using this quick swap method prevents accidentally keeping your gun out in situations where you want to appear unarmed or reduce tension.

Using the Weapon Wheel to Holster or Switch Weapons

You can holster your weapons in Cyberpunk 2077 by using the in-game weapon wheel. The wheel includes an option to put away your weapon entirely, either by selecting an unequip icon or switching to fists. This method is a bit slower than double-tapping a button but gives you direct control over which weapon or fists are active.

Opening the Weapon Wheel

The weapon wheel is the radial menu that lets you view and switch between all your available weapons. Accessing this wheel depends on your platform and control scheme, but it is the central hub for holstering via selection.

On PC, hold the key assigned for the weapon wheel, usually the Tab key. On consoles like PlayStation and Xbox, hold the L1 or LB button respectively. For Nintendo Switch, use the button that cycles weapons or opens the radial menu, which may vary if using Joy-Con controls.

1. Hold the weapon wheel button for your platform to open the radial menu.
2. Observe the displayed weapons arranged around the wheel, with current or last used weapon highlighted.
3. Handle the wheel using your mouse, right stick, or directional keys to browse through available weapons.

Remember that the weapon wheel will pause the game momentarily, but using it repeatedly can slow down your reactions in combat situations.

Selecting the ‘Unequip’ or Fists Option

Within the weapon wheel, there’s a specific option designed to holster your weapon by effectively putting it away. This is usually represented by an icon of a firearm with a red strikethrough or by selecting your fists alone.

Choosing the fists option automatically unequips all guns or blades you’re holding. The red gun icon explicitly signals that no weapon will be drawn after selection, placing you in a neutral combat stance without a weapon brandished.

1. Open the weapon wheel.
2. Move your cursor or right stick to the icon showing fists or the gun with a strikethrough.
3. Select this option to put away any drawn weapon.
4. Wait for a brief animation showing your character lowering the weapon from ready to holstered.

Selecting fists is essential in public areas to avoid unwanted attention or escalating police responses.

Confirming Holstering and Closing the Wheel

Once you’ve made your selection to holster, the wheel will close automatically or after you release the holding button. The on-screen HUD will update to reflect that no weapon is active.

Confirm that the weapon is holstered by checking your character’s stance and the absence of weapon crosshairs. This also frees up the screen and reduces any visual clutter, helping with looting or dialogue scenes.

1. Release the weapon wheel button to close the radial menu.
2. Notice the character’s animation changing to an unarmed stance.
3. Look for removal of weapon indicators on the HUD to confirm the weapon is holstered.

The weapon wheel method usually takes a little more time than double-tapping the holster button, so use it when precision or weapon choice matters over speed.

Customizing Holster Keybindings and Troubleshooting Issues on PC

On PC, the holster function in Cyberpunk 2077 works by double-tapping the key bound to Cycle Weapon. Since holstering is tied directly to this action, changing the key for holstering means rebinding Cycle Weapon. When holstering doesn’t respond, it usually involves control conflicts, latency, or issues with the control scheme. Adjusting the keybindings and troubleshooting those conflicts will restore smooth holstering.

Accessing the Control Settings Menu

Begin by pressing the Escape key to open the main menu while in the game. From there, select Settings, then navigate to the Key Bindings tab. The Cycle Weapon action holds the holster function by default, so you’ll find the holster tied to whatever key is listed under Cycle Weapon.

Using a controller rather than a keyboard calls for finding the Control Scheme option on the right side of the Settings screen. This will tell you which button corresponds to Cycle Weapon and, thus, to holstering. Changing control schemes means the key or button for holstering could differ.

How to Change the Holster Keybind

Once inside Key Bindings, search for the Cycle Weapon command. It controls three actions: single press for weapon swap, double press for holstering, and hold to open the weapon wheel. Changing this key will simultaneously update your holster button. Follow these steps to rebind the holster function:

• Press Escape, then select Settings and Key Bindings.
• Locate Cycle Weapon in the list, which might be under the Combat or Weapons category.
• Click on the assigned key next to Cycle Weapon to enter the remapping mode.
• Press your preferred key or button for holstering and swapping weapons.
• Confirm changes and exit the menu.

Doing so lets you use a more comfortable or accessible key for holstering without separating the function from weapon swapping. This is important because Cyberpunk 2077 does not assign a unique button solely for holstering.

Common Problems and Fixes When Holstering Fails

Holstering may not work if the keybinding conflicts with another command or if there are input delays. One typical cause is having multiple bindings assigned to the same key, which can block expected actions like holstering.

Another issue is using an incompatible control scheme. For example, the default PC setup requires double-tapping the assigned Cycle Weapon key to holster, but alternate control schemes or custom settings can change this behavior. Ensure you know your current control scheme by checking Settings under Control Scheme. Here’s a checklist to troubleshoot holster problems:

• Verify the key bound to Cycle Weapon is functioning and not used by other commands.
• Confirm you are double-tapping the key quickly enough (within a second) to trigger holstering.
• Switch control schemes to see if holstering responds differently.
• Update the game to the latest version, as patches can fix input bugs.
• Try restarting the game if inputs stop responding.
• Test your keyboard or controller in other games or menus to rule out hardware issues.

Following these steps helps avoid holster failure during gameplay, keeping your transitions smooth and responsive.

Special Weapon Types and How They Affect Holstering

Cybernetic weapons such as Mantis Blades, Gorilla Arms, and Monowire behave like your regular guns in the holstering system. They share the same weapon rotation and can be drawn or holstered through the weapon wheel or your assigned holster key. You can put these weapons away at any time just like firearms, which helps prevent making NPCs in Night City uneasy since walking around with a weapon out raises tension.

Since cyberware weapons are integrated into your rotation, holstering them doesn’t require any special steps beyond what you’d do with guns. For example, if you have Mantis Blades equipped, pressing your holster button will retract the blades and put them out of sight. This triggers the same animation as lowering a conventional weapon. The main difference is the added mechanical sound effects or visual cues unique to these cybernetic arms, but the result is the same: your character cannot attack while holstered.

Dual-wielded weapons affect holstering by requiring both weapons to be put away simultaneously. The holster command applies to your entire loadout visible on screen, so pressing your holster key or selecting “holster” on the weapon wheel will retract both guns or blades at once. You don’t need to holster each weapon individually, which speeds up gameplay and avoids confusion. The system treats the dual-wield as a single active setup.

Melee weapons like tech swords or baseball bats follow a similar logic but behave slightly differently depending on how they’re equipped. If the weapon is in your hands, holstering will drop it into your inventory pocket, making it unavailable for immediate use but still accessible. This process doesn’t have a special holster animation because melee weapons don’t have specific holsters like guns or cyberware arms. Be aware that some melee weapons might take a brief moment before they are fully “holstered” in terms of game mechanics, meaning you might see a small delay before your character switches to fists or another weapon.

Holstering cybernetic and melee weapons matters, especially in crowded areas. Drawing weapons unnecessarily can alert enemies or bystanders, causing hostile or wary reactions. Holstering those weapons reduces this risk and allows smoother interaction with non-combat situations like dialogue and exploration. For quick holstering, use your pre-configured holster key, or cycle through your weapon wheel to select the “none” option.

Sometimes holstering might feel unresponsive if the game is lagging or if you have specific abilities or cyberware perks active that affect weapon handling speed. Experiment with disabling those perks temporarily or changing the keybinds if the holster command doesn’t register immediately. In rare cases, you might notice a short delay in fully holstering dual-wield setups because the game has to process two weapons at once. Waiting a second before moving avoids any animation glitches.

How Game Version Updates Changed Holstering Mechanics

The original version of Cyberpunk 2077 featured a simple holstering mechanic where you could put away weapons by either using the weapon wheel or a dedicated holster key, depending on the platform. This basic system allowed you to toggle weapons on and off quickly but lacked some of the nuance needed for immersive high-speed combat situations. The process was straightforward: on PC, pressing the holster key put away your current weapon, while on consoles, selecting an empty slot or pressing the designated button did the same. However, you didn’t get any additional gameplay effects or smooth transitions associated with holstering beyond the basic animation and weapon swap.

Patch 2.0 introduced notable changes aimed at improving the flow of combat and player experience. In this update, holstering became integrated with the overall combat pacing, allowing for quicker weapon swaps without interrupting sprinting or dodging. The patch improved the smoothness of holster animations and made it possible to bind holstering to more convenient controls, especially for players who prefer mouse and keyboard setups. Importantly, the holstering action in this patch could automatically trigger in certain situations, such as when entering vehicles or interacting with NPCs, reducing the need for manual input and improving immersion. This update also linked some new audio cues and visual effects to the holster action, subtly reinforcing that your weapon is secured or drawn.

The Phantom Liberty DLC built on patch 2.0 by adding new weapon types and tactical features that affect holstering mechanics. With the introduction of specialized arsenals, certain weapons in Phantom Liberty come with unique holstering animations or restrictions. For example, heavy or experimental weapons can no longer be holstered instantly during combat but require a brief delay, adding a layer of strategic decision-making when switching gear mid-fight. The DLC also introduced optional auto-holster settings keyed to stealth mechanics, so your weapon is automatically put away when sneaking, reducing noise and detection chances. These additions emphasize realism over the rapid toggle system of earlier versions.

Each update has fine-tuned holstering controls to match the evolving gameplay demands of Cyberpunk 2077. The original game gave you basic control, patch 2.0 streamlined and improve convenience, and Phantom Liberty added contextual complexity tied to new gear and stealth systems. Players who want the fastest weapon swaps can benefit from the 2.0 changes, while those focusing on tactical stealth combat will find Phantom Liberty’s auto-holster features advantageous.

Despite these improvements, some users noticed a slight input delay in holster commands with Phantom Liberty, especially on lower-end hardware. This can disrupt rapid firefights if you rely on quick holstering. Adjusting keybindings or toggling off auto-holster options may help regain responsiveness. Always update scripts and mods after major patches to avoid conflicts that affect holstering mechanics.

Keep in mind that auto-holster features in Phantom Liberty may delay manual weapon swaps during combat, so test controls thoroughly to match your preferred playstyle.

Why and When You Should Holster Weapons During Gameplay

Holstering your weapon in Cyberpunk 2077 is a strategic move that can influence how NPCs and the game environment react to you. You reduce the chances of unwanted confrontations by holstering your weapon when you’re not actively engaged in combat. This is especially important in crowded urban areas where tension runs high. When your weapon is visible and ready, NPCs including police are more likely to respond with hostility, which can escalate into fights or police chases. Putting your weapon away signals non-aggression and lets you navigate social or neutral zones more safely.

The gameplay benefits of holstering go beyond avoiding combat. It plays a critical role if you want to take a stealthy approach or engage in roleplay scenarios. For example, moving through areas with enemies or authority figures while your weapon is holstered helps you avoid detection or suspicion, maintaining a low profile. Roleplaying as a non-threatening character becomes more immersive when your weapon isn’t drawn, allowing for quieter exploration and conversation without triggering alarms or hostile reactions.

Knowing exactly when to holster impacts your experience. After finishing a firefight or when entering a public space like a street market or a bar, holster your weapon to prevent random attacks or police suspicion. You can holster your weapon by pressing the dedicated button or using the weapon wheel to select “unarmed.” This action takes only a split second but lowers tension instantly. However, holstering takes away your ability to quickly defend yourself if a sudden attack happens, so consider the situation carefully. You might want to holster in safe or neutral zones but keep weapons ready in dangerous, open combat zones.

In some missions or side activities, holstering is necessary to complete objectives quietly or to interact with NPCs who react negatively if you appear aggressive. For example, if you need to gather information without raising alarm, keeping your weapon holstered avoids prejudice and builds trust with characters. Police are also less likely to detain you instantly if your weapon is out of sight during an encounter following a minor disturbance or a street fight.

Tradeoffs exist between readiness and diplomacy. Leaving your weapon drawn boosts your combat effectiveness but increases risk of hostile engagement and alerting enemies. Holstering requires situational awareness and some patience. You have to weigh whether the risk of sudden attacks is worth the advantage of keeping a low profile. Taking a moment to holster after fight sequences or before entering crowded areas can save you time and headaches by reducing conflict frequency.

Recognizing Visual and Gameplay Indicators of Holstered Weapons

You can tell your weapon is holstered by paying attention to several visual and gameplay signals. Visually, your character will not have a weapon drawn in hand, and the weapon model will either be visibly sheathed on their body or completely hidden. Unlike aiming or combat stance, your character’s posture looks relaxed and free of any holding or ready-to-fire weapon animation. This helps confirm your weapon isn’t active in combat.

In gameplay, the user interface (UI) provides clear clues. The weapon icon on the screen disappears or dims when your weapon is holstered. No ammo count or targeting reticle appears during holster mode. You’ll also notice that your character cannot shoot or perform any attack moves until you switch your weapon back into hand. NPCs in the game won’t react to your weapon unless you have it drawn, so their behavior can indicate your holstered status as well.

Making sure you have your weapon put away before entering safe zones requires intentional action. Use the weapon wheel to select the unequip or holster icon, then release the radial menu to put the weapon away. This avoids accidental confrontation or hostility in peaceful areas, since NPCs or security triggers may activate if you remain armed. Make a habit of confirming your weapon’s visual absence and UI changes before moving into shops, loading zones, or social hubs. Here is a checklist to confirm your weapon is holstered both visually and through gameplay signals:

• Character is visibly not holding a weapon in hand
• Weapon model is sheathed or out of character view
• No aiming reticle or ammo count shown on screen
• Weapon icon on UI is dimmed or disappears entirely
• Attempting to attack or shoot is disabled
• Safe zone NPCs behave neutrally, with no alert or hostility
• Radial weapon wheel confirms unequip or holster option selected and released

These indicators work consistently during normal gameplay and while roaming contested or hostile areas. Some special weapons or cyberware mods may alter animations or visuals slightly, but the UI cues remain reliable. A common mistake is to assume the weapon is holstered when the screen still shows an active ammo count or reticle. Checking the UI first prevents surprise threats or unwanted alerts. Confirming holstered status takes just a second but helps maintain a smooth gameplay experience, especially when switching between action zones and safe spaces.

Fastest Ways and Common Mistakes When Holstering Weapons

Holstering your weapon quickly in Cyberpunk 2077 can give you a tactical advantage by allowing you to move or interact with the environment faster. The fastest way to holster your weapon is to tap the weapon key or button instead of holding it down. This immediately puts your character’s weapon away without having to cycle through the weapon wheel or switch to an unarmed stance. You’ll save valuable seconds during combat or exploration this way.

Beginners often make the mistake of holding the holster or weapon switch button too long, which delays holstering. Another common mistake is trying to holster during an animation or while interacting with objects, which can cause the game to ignore your input. Also, some players assume holstering requires opening the weapon wheel, slowing down reaction time.

To avoid glitches or delays when holstering, check that no other actions are interrupting your command. Avoid holstering while sprinting or during close combat animations, as these can cause your weapon to stay drawn longer than expected. Make sure game updates are installed since patches sometimes fix holstering bugs. Clearing temporary files or restarting the game can help if you notice persistent delays.

• Tap the weapon button/key briefly to holster instantly
• Avoid holding the button, which slows the process
• Don’t try to holster during combat animations or interacting with objects
• Ensure your controls are properly mapped for quick access
• Keep your game updated to prevent known holstering glitches
• Restart the game if holstering commands become unresponsive
• Practice holstering in safe zones to build muscle memory

Pressing the holster button at the right moment matters more than holding it; quick taps holster faster and avoid animation lockouts.

Familiarizing yourself with the timing of holstering commands lets you stay ready for combat or stealth. Quick holsters reduce vulnerability when switching between weapons and interacting with NPCs or terminals. Remember that delays often result from competing game inputs or in-game actions that prevent instant weapon changes. Keep holstering controls simple, avoid unnecessary input sequences, and test timing in calm scenarios before jumping into high-pressure situations.

Step-by-Step Action Plan to Holster Weapons in Cyberpunk 2077

Follow these steps to quickly holster your weapon in Cyberpunk 2077 and keep gameplay smooth across all platforms.

1. Before you start playing: Review your current control settings on your platform to locate the holster or weapon wheel key. This ensures you know exactly which button or key to press for holstering.
2. Within your first 10 minutes: Open the weapon wheel by holding the assigned button (e.g., L1 on PlayStation, LB on Xbox, or Tab on PC). Check that your weapon displays an option to holster or switch. If the weapon is active but no holster option appears, you may need to switch to a non-combat stance.
3. After 15 minutes: Customize your keybindings if the default holster key feels awkward. Test your new configuration by holstering and drawing your weapon quickly to confirm it works.
4. During initial gameplay: Practice holstering weapons in safe areas to observe visual cues like V’s hands lowering the weapon or the weapon disappearing from view, signaling it’s holstered.
5. After 30 minutes: Experiment with different weapon types such as ranged firearms and melee weapons. Note that some special weapons like tech rifles don’t holster automatically and require switching them off manually.
6. Regularly after updates: Check patch notes for any changes to holstering mechanics as updates can modify how holstering works or which keys are assigned.
7. Before engaging enemies: Holster your weapon when not in combat to reduce threat visibility and improve stealth options.
8. Whenever you encounter holstering issues: Restart the game or reset keybindings to default if your weapons won’t holster, especially on PC where conflicts may arise.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Holster My Weapon Quickly in Cyberpunk 2077?

Double-tap your weapon swap button to holster immediately. This works on most platforms and helps you switch between combat and exploration smoothly.

Can I Holster My Weapon When Interacting with NPCs?

Yes, holstering prevents hostile reactions from NPCs and facilitates peaceful interactions. Keep your weapon away to avoid unintended fights.

Does Holstering Affect Stealth Gameplay in Cyberpunk 2077?

Holstering your weapon helps you stay discreet and avoid drawing attention. Enemies are less likely to spot you if you’re unarmed.

Is There an Animation for Holstering Weapons in Cyberpunk 2077?

Yes, your character will visibly put their weapon away after holstering. This adds realism and signals to NPCs that you are not threatening.

Can I Set an Auto-Holster Option in Cyberpunk 2077 Settings?

The game does not have an auto-holster feature. You must manually holster your weapon whenever needed.

Does Holstering My Weapon Reduce My Detection by Enemy AI?

Yes, holstered weapons make you less noticeable to enemies. It lowers your combat readiness status, helping with stealth approaches.

Before You Go

Holstering your weapon in Cyberpunk 2077 is straightforward once you know your platform’s controls and game version differences. Make sure to practice using the weapon wheel and customize your keys for the fastest access. Try holstering whenever you want to blend into crowds or switch tactics. Grab your controller or keyboard now and test holstering in a quiet zone to master it before heading into combat.