Table of Contents

What Ripperdoc Has the Best Gear? A Cyberpunk 2077 Deep Dive

Let’s cut straight to the chrome: determining which ripperdoc in Cyberpunk 2077 has the “best” gear isn’t as simple as a single answer. It depends entirely on your playstyle, your build, and what you’re trying to achieve in Night City. However, if we’re talking about raw availability of legendary cyberware and high-end mods, Fingers (despite his… questionable ethics) stands out, followed closely by Viktor Vektor and Robert Colliers. But remember, best for one V might be completely useless for another. This article will delve into why, breaking down the key considerations and highlighting the strengths of various ripperdocs.

Understanding Your Cyberware Needs

Before we start comparing chrome shops, it’s crucial to define what constitutes “best” for you. Consider these factors:

Your Build: Are you a netrunner, a solo, a techie, or some hybrid? The best cyberware for a netrunner will focus on RAM, quickhack slots, and upload speed, while a solo needs enhancements to strength, reflexes, and survivability.
Your Playstyle: Do you prefer stealth, direct combat, or hacking from afar? This will influence your choices for optical implants, operating systems, and movement enhancers.
Your Budget: High-end cyberware comes at a hefty price. Early in the game, you’ll need to prioritize based on cost-effectiveness, but later, money becomes less of an issue.
Your Ethical Stance: Some ripperdocs, like Fingers, have morally dubious reputations. Are you willing to overlook their practices for access to powerful gear?

The Top Contenders: Ripperdoc Rundown

Let’s examine some of the most notable ripperdocs in Night City, focusing on their specialties and key offerings:

Fingers MD (Japantown)

Pros: Offers a wide selection of legendary cyberware, including crucial implants like the Sandevistan and powerful cyberdecks. His stock often includes items not found elsewhere, making him a must-visit for optimizing specific builds.
Cons: He’s a morally reprehensible character. Punching him during a mission will lock you out of his shop forever. You might also feel a little dirty buying from him.
Notable Gear: Sandevistan Mk.5, high-end cyberdecks, various legendary mods.

Viktor Vektor (Little China, Watson)

Pros: Your first ripperdoc and a genuinely decent human being. Viktor offers a good selection of early to mid-game cyberware, and his discounts make him a great choice for those on a budget. He’s also a reliable source for essential upgrades like the Kiroshi Optics Mk.3.
Cons: His stock is less extensive than Fingers’ or Robert Colliers’ and generally doesn’t include the absolute top-tier legendary items.
Notable Gear: Kiroshi Optics Mk.3, early-game cyberware, affordable upgrades.

Robert Colliers (Wellsprings, Heywood)

Pros: A reliable option with a good selection of cyberware across different categories. He often carries unique mods and cyberware not found at other locations.
Cons: Can be a bit pricier than Viktor.
Notable Gear: Varied selection of cyberware and mods, worth checking regularly for unique finds.

Cassius Ryder (Westbrook, Charter Hill)

Pros: Specializes in combat-focused cyberware, particularly implants that enhance reflexes and damage output.
Cons: Less useful for netrunners or characters focused on stealth.
Notable Gear: High-end reflex enhancers, implants for melee and ranged combat builds.

Octavio’s Clinic (Pacifica, Coastview)

Pros: Good place to find unique cyberware, especially mods and some lower-end operating systems.
Cons: Not as much legendary equipment.
Notable Gear: Special mods

Other Ripperdocs

Several other ripperdocs populate Night City, each with their own specific inventory and prices. Exploring different locations can uncover hidden gems and unique combinations. Don’t be afraid to hop around and compare offerings!

Cyberware Categories and Essential Implants

To further clarify your choices, let’s break down the major cyberware categories and highlight some essential implants:

Operating System: Dictates your hacking abilities. Netrunners need a powerful cyberdeck with plenty of RAM and quickhack slots. Solos might prefer a Berserk OS for increased damage and survivability.
Frontal Cortex: Enhances your cognitive abilities. Look for implants that boost RAM, crit chance, or quickhack upload speed.
Ocular System: Improves your vision and provides tactical advantages. Kiroshi Optics are essential, offering zoom, threat detection, and target analysis.
Circulatory System: Enhances your stamina, health regeneration, and overall survivability.
Nervous System: Improves your reflexes and movement speed. The Sandevistan is a game-changer, allowing you to slow down time and react with superhuman speed.
Integumentary System: Provides armor and damage resistance. Consider implants that offer thermal resistance or immunity to specific status effects.
Skeletal System: Increases your carrying capacity and physical strength. Essential for melee builds.
Hands: Modifies your weapon handling and provides access to smart weapon targeting.
Arms: Grants access to powerful melee weapons like the Gorilla Arms, Mantis Blades, Monowire, or Projectile Launch System.
Legs: Enhances your movement speed, jump height, and stealth capabilities. The Fortified Ankles are essential for navigating Night City’s verticality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further assist you in your cyberware journey:

1. Where can I find the legendary Sandevistan?

Fingers in Japantown is a reliable source, assuming you haven’t punched him. Other ripperdocs may occasionally stock it, but Fingers is the most consistent option.

2. How do I unlock better cyberware at ripperdocs?

Ripperdoc inventories scale with your street cred and character level. The higher both are, the better the gear they’ll offer.

3. Is it worth it to pay for cyberware upfront, or should I wait for a discount?

Viktor offers a discount for his services, making him a good choice early on. However, if you need a specific piece of cyberware urgently, don’t hesitate to pay full price.

4. What’s the best cyberdeck for a netrunner build?

The Tetratronic Rippler Mk.4 and Netwatch Netdriver Mk.5 are considered top-tier, offering excellent RAM, quickhack slots, and upload speeds.

5. Where can I find iconic cyberware?

Iconic cyberware is often obtained through specific quests or from named ripperdocs. Keep an eye out for unique dialogue options and quest rewards.

6. What are the best leg implants for traversal?

Fortified Ankles (double jump) and Reinforced Tendons (charge jump) are essential for navigating Night City’s verticality.

7. How does armor work with cyberware?

Cyberware with armor stats directly contributes to your overall armor rating, reducing incoming damage. Prioritize implants with high armor values for increased survivability.

8. Can I remove cyberware after installing it?

Yes, you can remove cyberware at any ripperdoc. However, removing cyberware that has mods will destroy the mods.

9. What is the cyberware capacity system?

Cyberware capacity is the amount of cyberware your body can handle. The limit increases as you level. You can get perks to increase Cyberware Capacity.

10. How can I increase my cyberware capacity?

Increase your character level or invest in perks that increase your cyberware capacity limit.

11. What should I do if I accidentally punched Fingers?

Unfortunately, you’re locked out of his services permanently. You’ll need to find alternative sources for the cyberware he sells.

12. Are there any ripperdocs in the Phantom Liberty expansion with unique gear?

Yes! The Black Market vendors in Dogtown offer cyberware that isn’t available anywhere else in the game.

13. How often do ripperdoc inventories reset?

Ripperdoc inventories typically reset after a certain amount of in-game time has passed. Sleeping for 24 hours is a good way to force a reset.

14. What is the best way to farm money for cyberware?

Completing gigs and side quests is the most efficient way to earn money in Cyberpunk 2077.

15. Where can I learn more about the ethical implications of cyberware modification?

The world of Cyberpunk 2077 is filled with complex moral dilemmas, and the use of cyberware is no exception. The Games Learning Society, at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, researches and discusses many of these issues as they relate to game narratives and ethical decision-making in interactive entertainment. Feel free to visit GamesLearningSociety.org to explore more!

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Chrome

Ultimately, the “best” ripperdoc in Cyberpunk 2077 is the one who can provide the cyberware that perfectly complements your build and playstyle. Experiment with different implants, explore various locations, and don’t be afraid to invest in upgrades that enhance your unique V. Night City is a dangerous place, but with the right chrome, you can become an unstoppable force.

Choosing the right ripperdoc and the right gear is critical in Cyberpunk 2077. By considering your build, budget, and ethical considerations, you can fine-tune your V to dominate Night City.

What ripperdoc has the best gear?