Navigating the bustling streets of Night City in Cyberpunk 2077 often requires players to align their activities with specific times of day. Whether you are waiting for an NPC to call, aiming to meet a fixer during late-night hours, or simply seeking a specific atmosphere for exploration, controlling the in-game clock is an essential mechanic. Fortunately, CD Projekt Red built straightforward features directly into the interface that allow mercenaries to fast-forward through hours in seconds.
Using the In-Game Skip Time Feature
The most direct way to change the time of day in Night City is through the main character menu interface. Opening your inventory or map screen displays the Skip Time option located in the lower-left area of the menu. Selecting this option opens a radial clock face where players can choose anywhere from 1 to 24 hours to advance instantly.
Once you confirm your choice, the game world immediately shifts to the designated time without long loading screens. This tool is fully accessible throughout most open-world areas, allowing quick adjustments while exploring streets or alleys. However, it cannot be used during combat, high-stakes story missions, or while actively driving vehicles.
Waiting at Mission Markers
In addition to manual menu adjustments, many jobs and side quests feature context-sensitive wait spots. When a quest step specifies meeting someone at a particular hour, approaching the designated area typically reveals a prompt to wait. Interacting with this prompt automatically advances the clock to the exact minute required for the encounter.
This contextual system prevents players from having to manually calculate time differences before triggering narrative events. It also ensures that critical NPCs spawn correctly into their intended locations. Utilizing these prompts saves time and keeps the narrative momentum flowing smoothly during longer questlines.
Resting in V's Apartments and Safehouses
Another immersive way to advance time in Cyberpunk 2077 is by having V sleep in an owned apartment or safehouse bed. Interacting with a bed allows you to choose a rest period, which naturally passes six in-game hours. Beyond simply advancing time, sleeping grants a beneficial status effect that boosts experience points for a limited duration.
Returning to V's apartment offers a great routine for players who prefer roleplaying over instant menu options. It allows you to reset the day-night cycle while preparing V for upcoming combat encounters with extra combat perks. Taking advantage of these safe areas adds depth to the overall merc experience in Night City.
Why Controlling Time Matters for Night City Mercs
Managing the clock in Night City is not just about aesthetic preferences or waiting for shopkeeper restocks. Certain gigs, iconic events, and vendor inventories are tied directly to specific operating hours across different districts. Knowing how to efficiently manipulate time ensures you never miss crucial opportunities or get stuck waiting aimlessly in empty alleys.
Mastering time mechanics helps players optimize their progression and streamline complex quest sequences across Night City. Whether relying on the quick menu, bed resting, or mission prompts, adjusting time gives you full control over your mercenary itinerary. Utilizing these tools effectively allows for a smoother, more engaging journey through the cyberpunk underworld.
