Does Deathbolt Work With Mantis Blades in Cyberpunk 2077? A Deep Dive
Yes, the Deathbolt perk does work with Mantis Blades in Cyberpunk 2077. When wielding Mantis Blades, defeating an enemy will trigger the perk, restoring 20% of your health and increasing your movement speed by 30% for 5 seconds. This is a crucial survival tool, especially given the aggressive, close-quarters combat style typically associated with Mantis Blades.
Mantis Blades: Your Razor-Sharp Guide
Mantis Blades are one of the most iconic cyberware options in Cyberpunk 2077, offering a unique and visceral combat experience. Integrated directly into V’s arms, these retractable blades transform your character into a deadly melee specialist. But how do they really stack up, and what synergies can you exploit to maximize their effectiveness? Let’s dive deep into the world of Mantis Blades, exploring their mechanics, scaling, modifications, and how they interact with various perks and builds.
Understanding Mantis Blade Mechanics and Scaling
Mantis Blades aren’t just about flashy animations; they’re a strategic choice that profoundly impacts your combat style. The key things to understand are:
- Scaling: Mantis Blades scale primarily with the Reflexes stat and the Blades skill. This means that investing points in these areas will directly increase your damage output.
- Modifications: As you acquire rarer versions of the Mantis Blades, you’ll gain access to modification slots. These mods can significantly enhance their performance, adding elemental damage, increasing attack speed, or providing other beneficial effects.
- Perks: Numerous perks within the Blades skill tree synergize with Mantis Blades, making them even more lethal.
- Attack Types: Holding down the strong attack button allows you to leap toward enemies, dealing significant damage.
Modding Your Mantis Blades for Maximum Carnage
The ability to mod Mantis Blades is what truly sets them apart. Here’s a breakdown of the modding system:
- Rare Mantis Blades: One Edge mod slot.
- Epic Mantis Blades: One Edge mod slot and one Mantis Blade Rotor mod slot.
- Legendary Mantis Blades: One Edge mod slot, one Rotor mod slot, and one additional Mantis Blade mod slot (any type).
Choosing the right mods can dramatically alter your playstyle. For example, adding an elemental damage mod like the Thermal Mantis Blades can exploit enemy weaknesses, while a Rotor mod can boost your attack speed for faster, more frequent strikes.
Perks That Make Mantis Blades Shine
Numerous perks enhance the effectiveness of Mantis Blades:
- Reflexes – Blades – Judge, Jury, and Executioner: Increases damage with blades by 30%/40%/50% against enemies with maximum health. This is critical for quickly eliminating weaker enemies and opening engagements.
- Hidden Dragon: Allows you to perform sneak takedowns from a height using Mantis Blades. This provides a valuable stealth option.
- Blade Finishers: Mantis Blades can trigger blade finisher animations, adding style and efficiency to your combat.
Mantis Blades vs. The Competition: Monowire and Gorilla Arms
The debate rages on: Are Mantis Blades the best cyberware weapon? The answer, as always, is it depends. Let’s compare them to the other popular choices:
- Monowire: Primarily scales with Reflexes/Blades. Excels in netrunner builds and crowd control, allowing for quickhacks.
- Gorilla Arms: Scale with Strength. Essential for “Beat on the Brat” missions and focus on brute force.
Mantis Blades offer a balanced approach, combining damage, speed, and stealth options. Each cyberware option caters to different playstyles, so consider your preferred approach when making your choice.
Stealth and Speed: Mastering the Mantis Blade Playstyle
The strength of Mantis Blades lies in their ability to blend stealth and speed. The Hidden Dragon perk lets you execute silent takedowns, while the high attack speed and mobility allow for rapid strikes in open combat.
The Deathbolt perk is a crucial part of the build, restoring health and increasing movement speed after each kill. This enables you to chain together attacks, sustaining yourself in prolonged fights and maintaining momentum.
Addressing Common Mantis Blade Concerns
Many players wonder about the viability of Mantis Blades in the late game. While they may not deal the highest raw damage compared to some katanas, their crit chance and the Deathbolt perk make them formidable. Maximizing your crit chance will significantly boost your damage output, keeping you competitive even on higher difficulties.
Moreover, Mantis Blades can deflect bullets, further enhancing their defensive capabilities. This makes them a versatile choice for both offensive and defensive strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I get Tier 5 Mantis Blades?
You must reach level 50 Street Cred to purchase Tier 5 Mantis Blades from a Ripperdoc.
2. What stat do Mantis Blades scale off of?
Mantis Blades scale off of the Reflexes stat and the Blades skill.
3. Can you deflect bullets with Mantis Blades?
Yes, Mantis Blades can deflect bullets. The mechanics are affected by the same perks as katanas.
4. Are Mantis Blades good for a stealth build?
Yes, especially with the Hidden Dragon perk, which allows you to perform stealth takedowns from above.
5. Do blade perks work with Mantis Blades?
Yes, blade perks work with Mantis Blades, including those related to finishers and damage bonuses.
6. What are the best mods for Mantis Blades?
The best mods depend on your playstyle. Some popular choices include elemental damage mods (Thermal, Chemical) and Rotor mods that increase attack speed.
7. Are Mantis Blades better than katanas?
It depends on your preference. Katanas can deal more damage and have unique effects, but Mantis Blades offer a unique blend of speed, stealth, and sustain with Deathbolt.
8. Does Body affect Mantis Blades?
Yes, the Body stat increases all melee damage, including that of Mantis Blades.
9. Can I use Mantis Blades in Beat on the Brat?
No, Mantis Blades (and Monowire) are disabled during “Beat on the Brat” missions. You must use Gorilla Arms.
10. How do you do the leaping attack with Mantis Blades?
Hold down the strong attack button to leap towards an enemy and perform a powerful attack.
11. How do I get the Hidden Dragon perk?
The Hidden Dragon perk is located in the Cool skill tree.
12. Are Mantis Blades worth using in the late game?
Yes, with the right perks and mods, Mantis Blades remain a viable option even in the late game, especially when focusing on crit chance and the Deathbolt perk.
13. Can Mantis Blades apply status effects?
Yes, you can apply status effects by equipping elemental damage mods like Thermal or Chemical mods.
14. Where can I find Mantis Blade mods?
Mantis Blade mods can be found at Ripperdocs, as loot from enemies, and as rewards from completing quests.
15. How does the Deathbolt perk affect Mantis Blade gameplay?
The Deathbolt perk provides significant sustain and mobility after each kill, allowing you to maintain momentum in combat and survive prolonged encounters. The 20% health restoration is crucial, especially when dealing with multiple enemies.
Conclusion: Embracing the Mantis Blade Lifestyle
Mantis Blades are more than just a weapon; they’re a lifestyle. They demand an aggressive, fast-paced playstyle that rewards skill and precision. With the right build and a mastery of their mechanics, you can turn V into a whirlwind of steel and blood. Embrace the Mantis Blade, and carve your path through the neon-lit streets of Night City!
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