Can You Ditch the Gorilla Arms in Cyberpunk 2077? A Deep Dive
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The gritty streets of Night City offer a dazzling array of enhancements, and among the most iconic are the Gorilla Arms. These powerful cybernetic implants turn your fists into wrecking balls, capable of tearing through metal and bone. But what happens if you decide they’re not for you anymore? Can you actually remove those chromed-up knuckles once they’re bolted on?
The short answer is: Not permanently, no. Once you install arm cyberware, including Gorilla Arms, it is for all intents and purposes permanent in the unmodded game.
While you can’t completely take them off in the sense of reverting back to your original arms, Cyberpunk 2077 does allow you to unequip them at a Ripperdoc. Think of it like swapping out a weapon. You’re not removing your arm entirely, just replacing the Gorilla Arms with another piece of arm cyberware. This functionality is crucial, as it allows players to adapt their build and playstyle as they progress through the game.
Swapping, Not Removing: The Ripperdoc Solution
The key to managing your cyberware lies with the Ripperdocs scattered throughout Night City. These skilled surgeons are your gateway to installing, upgrading, and, crucially, swapping out your cybernetic enhancements. To “remove” your Gorilla Arms, you will instead be swapping them out for another arm cyberware modification.
Here’s the process:
- Visit a Ripperdoc: Head to any Ripperdoc location in Night City. The in-game map will mark them with a surgical icon.
- Access the Cyberware Menu: Talk to the Ripperdoc and select the option to access their cyberware installation menu.
- Navigate to Arms: Find the “Arms” category in the menu.
- Select and Replace: Instead of selecting something to buy, you will see your currently equipped cyberware listed. Select the Gorilla Arms and choose another Arm Cyberware modification to replace them with. For example, you could swap them for the Mantis Blades or the Projectile Launch System.
Why Consider Swapping Your Gorilla Arms?
While the Gorilla Arms are undeniably powerful, they might not be the ideal choice for every player or every situation. Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider swapping them out:
- Changing Your Build: Maybe you initially focused on Body and Strength, but now you want to experiment with a more stealth-oriented or hacking-focused build. Other arm cyberware, like the Monowire, might be a better fit.
- Combat Variety: The Gorilla Arms excel at close-quarters brawling, but they lack the range and versatility of other options. Swapping to the Projectile Launch System, for example, can give you a significant edge in ranged encounters.
- Story and Roleplaying: Depending on your character’s backstory and personality, you might decide that the brutal nature of the Gorilla Arms doesn’t align with your roleplaying goals.
- The Call of the Mantis Blades: Let’s be real. Sometimes, you just want to slice and dice like a chromed-up ninja. The Mantis Blades are the perfect solution.
Is Swapping Cyberware Worth the Cost?
Swapping cyberware at a Ripperdoc comes at a cost – both in Eurodollars (eddies) and in terms of your character’s stats.
- Eurodollar Investment: Installing and swapping cyberware can be expensive, especially for high-tier enhancements. Make sure you have enough eddies before you head to the Ripperdoc.
- Stat Requirements: Certain cyberware options require specific levels in attributes like Body, Reflexes, or Technical Ability. Swapping to a different type of cyberware might require you to reallocate attribute points.
- Cyberware Capacity: Every piece of cyberware takes up Cyberware Capacity. Swapping might be a good way to free some up.
Beyond the Basics: Cyberware and Build Optimization
The ability to swap your Gorilla Arms (or any other cyberware) is essential for optimizing your build and adapting to the challenges of Night City. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations of cyberware to find what works best for you. Remember that Cyberpunk 2077 is all about player choice, and the freedom to customize your character is one of its greatest strengths.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Gorilla Arms and Cyberware Removal
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the mechanics of cyberware removal and the specifics of Gorilla Arms in Cyberpunk 2077:
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Can I get my original arms back after removing Gorilla Arms? No. Once the Gorilla Arms are installed, you can only replace them with other arm cyberware. You cannot revert to having no arm cyberware.
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Does removing Gorilla Arms affect my stats or skills? Yes. Certain skills and perks are tied to specific weapon types, including blunt weapons (which the Gorilla Arms are). Swapping to a different type of arm cyberware may affect your effectiveness with those skills.
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Are there any mods that allow for complete cyberware removal? Yes, there are Cyberpunk 2077 Remove Cyberware Mods available online. These mods allow you to remove cyberware completely, without replacing it. However, using mods may impact game stability and is not officially supported.
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Do all Ripperdocs offer the same cyberware options? The article stated: Every ripperdoc in Night City now carries the same items, meaning it doesn’t really matter where V goes to get cyberware installed; there is no best ripperdoc in Cyberpunk 2077.
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How much do Gorilla Arms cost? The cost of Gorilla Arms varies depending on their tier (Common, Uncommon, Rare, Epic, Legendary). Legendary Gorilla Arms can cost upwards of 100,000 eddies.
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Do Gorilla Arms count as melee weapons? Yes, Gorilla Arms count as melee weapons, specifically blunt weapons. This means they benefit from perks and skills that enhance melee damage and blunt weapon proficiency.
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Can I use Gorilla Arms in the “Beat on the Brat” fighting quests? Yes, you can use Gorilla Arms in Beat on the Brat. In fact, they’re a highly effective choice, especially at higher tiers.
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Are Gorilla Arms lethal or non-lethal? Gorilla Arms can be used for both lethal and non-lethal combat. While they’re capable of delivering devastating blows, they can also be used to subdue enemies without killing them.
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What are the best perks to combine with Gorilla Arms? Focus on perks that enhance blunt weapon damage, attack speed, and stamina regeneration. Perks like “Wrecking Ball,” “Quake,” and “Savage Sling” are particularly effective.
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Can I upgrade my Gorilla Arms? Yes, you can upgrade your Gorilla Arms at a Ripperdoc. Upgrading increases their damage output and unlocks additional modifications.
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Can you force open doors with Gorilla Arms? Yes, you can force open locked doors with Gorilla Arms. This is a useful ability for players who prioritize Body and Strength over hacking skills.
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Do Gorilla Arms affect my ability to use quickhacks? Not directly. However, investing heavily in Body and Strength for Gorilla Arms might mean sacrificing attribute points that could be used to enhance your hacking abilities.
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What are some alternatives to Gorilla Arms? Other arm cyberware options include the Mantis Blades (for quick, slicing attacks), the Monowire (for stealth and long-range attacks), and the Projectile Launch System (for ranged explosives).
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What is the strongest arm in cyberpunk? The Projectile Launch System is the best Arm Cyberware to equip for players who don’t ever get close to enemies.
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Does Street Cred affect which cyberware I can purchase? Yes, Street Cred is needed to purchase high end cyberware. To purchase the gold Legendary Gorilla Arms, you’ll need a Street Cred of 45.
Cyberpunk 2077 is a game about choices, and your cyberware is a key part of defining your V. Experiment, adapt, and find the enhancements that suit your playstyle. And remember, even if you commit to chrome, you always have the option to change things up at your local Ripperdoc.
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