Navigating the dangerous, neon-drenched streets of Night City requires players to always be prepared for sudden combat encounters. However, walking around public spaces with a loaded firearm drawn can cause unnecessary panic among local citizens and draw the immediate attention of the Night City Police Department. Learning how to properly holster your firearms is essential for maintaining a stealthy presence and fully immersing yourself in the sprawling open-world environment.
The Double Tap Method for Quick Holstering
The most straightforward way to put away your current armament on any platform is by using the dedicated weapon selection command. If you are playing on a PC using a traditional keyboard, simply double-tap the Alt key to instantly put away whatever item V is currently holding. Console players using an Xbox or PlayStation controller can achieve the exact same result by quickly double-pressing the top face button, which corresponds to the Y button or Triangle button respectively.
This quick action tells the game engine to execute a swift sheathing animation, clearing your screen from any weapon models. It is a vital habit to form right after surviving a chaotic firefight to ensure you do not accidentally trigger aggressive responses from nearby neutral characters. Mastering this simple input rhythm allows you to transition seamlessly from high-octane combat situations into peaceful exploration mode within a matter of seconds.
Utilizing the Radial Weapon Menu Alternative
For players who prefer a more deliberate approach to managing their gear inventory, the built-in radial selection wheel provides an alternative solution. By holding down the Alt key on your keyboard or maintaining pressure on the Y or Triangle controller button, you will bring up the full inventory overlay screen. From this visual matrix, you can easily highlight the universal red holster icon located at the bottom of the interface to safely store your active gear.
This particular technique is incredibly useful during complex stealth missions when you want to absolutely ensure that V does not accidentally discharge a weapon. The radial interface briefly slows down the local game world action, giving you plenty of strategic time to evaluate your surroundings. Choosing this option guarantees that your hands remain completely empty before you step into high-security corporate territory or approach sensitive story NPCs.
Why Lowering Your Weapon Matters in Night City
Keeping your armaments visible at all times might make you feel invincible, but the complex artificial intelligence systems of Night City view it as a direct threat. Walking past law enforcement officers or armed gang members with a gun drawn will steadily fill their suspicion meters, eventually leading to open hostility. Holstering your firearm ensures that you can move freely through restricted public zones without triggering dynamic combat responses.
Furthermore, removing the bulky weapon models from your first-person perspective drastically improves your overall visual immersion while exploring the detailed urban architecture. Many custom quest lines and casual side conversations with local vendors cannot be properly initiated unless you approach the characters in a non-threatening manner. Taking a brief moment to clear your hands fundamentally changes how the vibrant dystopian world reacts to your mercenary presence.
