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 2 of 2
LimitCategories
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).
Character creation
Step-by-step checklist.
Cheat sheets
Quick lookup while you play.

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?

Use RPG Stack while you play

Keep characters, rules references, and tools in one place.