So, you've just stepped back into the neon-drenched streets of Night City, ready to chrome up your V for another run. The year is 2026, and the cyberware scene has evolved significantly since the game's launch and the massive 2.0 overhaul. But when it comes to decking out your lower half, the age-old question remains: what's the absolute best leg cyberware for maximum mobility? While the options have expanded beyond the original two, the community consensus has largely solidified around one legendary piece of tech. Let's dive into the pros, cons, and why some upgrades just can't compete with the classics.
The New Kids on the Block Just Can't Keep Up 🚫
First, let's talk about the newer additions. Since the 2.0 update, the leg cyberware menu isn't just about jumping anymore. You've got options like the Lynx Paws, which boost stealth and reduce fall damage, or Jenkins' Tendons for a quick speed burst. On paper, they sound useful, right?
But here's the catch for most players: they're boring.
Yeah, we said it. In a game all about active, flashy abilities that make you feel like a cybernetic demigod, passive stat boosts just don't cut it. Lynx Paws might make you a slightly better sneaker, but they don't fundamentally change how you navigate the world. Jenkins' Tendons give you a quick combat sprint, but so does a basic dodge. These upgrades feel like sidegrades at best, often left gathering dust in your inventory while you yearn for the vertical freedom the originals provide. The ability to reach secret rooftops, set up insane ambushes, or just escape a hairy situation by leaping over a building is an active power that simply outshines a flat movement speed increase.
The High Jump Champion with a Fatal Flaw 📈
Going back to the OGs, we have the Fortified Ankles. This was the original high-jump specialist. You hold the button, charge up, and—BOOM—you're on a rooftop. It instantly makes Night City feel smaller and more traversable. Compared to the newer passive options, it's a no-brainer upgrade. The feeling of power is immediate.
However, in 2026's fast-paced combat and exploration meta, control is king. And that's where the Fortified Ankles stumble (pun intended).
-
The Problem: The charged jump is all-or-nothing. You commit to that arc, and you're along for the ride.
-
No mid-air corrections. Need to dodge a sniper shot or adjust your landing at the last second? Tough luck.
-
Clunky platforming. Trying to land on a narrow beam or a specific window ledge becomes an exercise in frustration.
It gives you height, but it robs you of finesse. In a game where air dashing and quick maneuvers are essential for high-level play, this lack of control is a critical weakness.
The Undisputed King of Verticality: Reinforced Tendons 👑
And now, the champion. The piece of cyberware that has remained top-tier since its introduction: the Reinforced Tendons. Why? One word: double-jump.
This isn't just about getting high; it's about total aerial dominion. The double jump provides a perfect blend of everything a Night City merc needs:
-
Height: It reaches nearly the same peaks as the Fortified Ankles.
-
Distance: The second jump propels you forward, covering insane horizontal gaps.
-
Control: This is the game-changer. You can adjust your trajectory mid-flight, correct bad jumps, and dodge incoming fire while airborne.
When paired with perks from the Reflex tree—especially the dash and air dodge abilities—the Reinforced Tendons transform V into a parkour master. Navigating battlefields becomes a fluid dance of double jumps, dashes, and mid-air shots. It's not just a mobility tool; it's a core combat enhancement. For any build that values agility, especially Reflex-focused Sandevistan or Kerenzikov users, this is non-negotiable chrome.
The 2026 Verdict: What Should You Install?
Let's break it down clearly:
| Cyberware | Primary Effect | Pros | Cons | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lynx Paws | Passive Stealth & Fall Dmg Buff | Good for pure stealth runs | Boring, no active mobility | Niche Pick 🎯 |
| Jenkins' Tendons | Combat Speed Boost | Quick engagement/disengage | Outclassed by other moves | Situational ⚡ |
| Fortified Ankles | Charged High Jump | Reaches great heights | Lacks control, clunky | Solid Runner-Up 🥈 |
| Reinforced Tendons | Double Jump | Best control, distance, and versatility | None that matter | THE META CHOICE 🏆 |
Of course, Cyberpunk 2077 in 2026 is still all about player expression. Maybe your tanky, shotgun-wielding V doesn't need to double-jump and prefers the raw sprint of Jenkins' Tendons. That's the beauty of the game! But for the vast majority of players seeking the ultimate in mobility, freedom, and that unbeatable feeling of soaring over Night City's skyline, the answer is clear.
The Reinforced Tendons aren't just the best leg cyberware; they're one of the most impactful upgrades in the entire game. So go see your friendly neighborhood Ripperdoc, get those tendons installed, and experience Night City from a whole new perspective—up in the air.
\u2728 Pro Tip for 2026: Combine Reinforced Tendons with the "Air Dash" perk for ultimate horizontal speed. It's like having your own personal hoverboard! \u2728