Even after 700 hours of navigating Night City’s dystopian streets, Cyberpunk 2077 continues to reveal hidden secrets. A Reddit user on r/cyberpunkgame recently stumbled upon a mechanic that has eluded countless players: performing aerial takedowns by falling onto enemies from height. This discovery has ignited both excitement and frustration within the community, as many realize they’ve missed this stealth option entirely – while others complain it rarely works as intended.
How the Aerial Takedown (Supposedly) Works
According to player testing and community feedback:
- Required Height: A fall of approximately 2-3 stories (exact threshold unclear)
- Activation Method: Must be jumping or falling directly onto an enemy’s position
- Execution: Automatically triggers a takedown animation when conditions are met
- Ideal Scenarios: Best used with double-jump cyberware for precision positioning
However, as many players note, the mechanic is notoriously inconsistent:
“Sometimes I’ll go for one and instead V just fake lands on her feet and I slide off and alert them” – u/Beer-Milkshakes
Why This Mechanic Went Unnoticed
Several factors explain why this feature remained hidden for so long:
- Zero Tutorialization: CD Projekt RED never mentions or teaches this mechanic
- Context-Sensitive Activation: Requires very specific positioning and height
- Buggy Implementation: Many players attempted it but assumed it didn’t exist due to failed attempts
- Alternative Playstyles: Stealth players might avoid jumping combat, while aggressive players ignore stealth options
Community Reactions: “I Thought I Was the Only One!”
The revelation has sparked widespread sharing of similar experiences:
- First-Timers: “Holy shit – learned the same thing today!” – u/slingshot110
- Accidental Discoverers: “I was just hopping with high jump cybernetic and accidentally TKO’d a badge” – u/Art4576
- Frustrated Veterans: “It never works properly when I actually try to use it”
The Bigger Picture: CD Projekt RED’s Design Philosophy
This discovery exemplifies the studio’s approach to immersive simulation:
- Organic Discovery: Mechanics exist without hand-holding
- Environmental storytelling: Gameplay emerges from world interaction
- Player-Driven experimentation: Rewards curiosity and experimentation
Similar hidden features include: - Vehicle-mounted machine guns
- Hidden quests with no map markers
- Environmental interactions that change outcomes
Tips for Attempting Aerial Takedowns
If you want to try this temperamental technique:
- Acquire double-jump or charged jump cyberware
- Find elevated positions near unaware enemies
- Aim directly for the target’s position
- Save first – expect several failed attempts
- Accept that it may not work consistently
Also, Read
- Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.3 Broken on Xbox – VRR Support Fails While PS5 Thrives
- Revitalize Cyberpunk 2077 With Free Job Randomizer Mod – Feel Like a Real Merc
- Cyberpunk 2077’s “Good Day, Choombas” Moment That Won Over the Internet
Why This Matters Beyond One Mechanic
Cyberpunk 2077‘s continued discovery of hidden elements demonstrates:
- Longevity through depth: Games that reward investment maintain player engagement
- Community value: Shared discoveries enhance collective experience
- Imperfect design: Sometimes janky features become beloved quirks
The aerial takedown may be flawed, but its existence – and the community’s reaction to it – exemplifies why Night City continues to captivate players years after release.
Cyberpunk 2077 is available on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and last-gen consoles. The Phantom Liberty expansion adds additional stealth options and mechanics.