Skippy’s Transformation: Unlocking the Secrets of Cyberpunk 2077’s Smartest Gun

Yes, Skippy definitely changes after 50 kills in Cyberpunk 2077. This transformation is a key element of Skippy’s unique personality and gameplay mechanics. The smart pistol will initiate a dialogue and permanently switch firing modes based on your initial choice and subsequent interactions. Understanding this mechanic is crucial for players who want to fully utilize Skippy’s potential or achieve a specific outcome with this iconic weapon.

Understanding Skippy’s Quirks: The 50-Kill Transformation

Skippy, the AI-powered smart pistol, is one of the most memorable weapons in Cyberpunk 2077, not just for its power, but for its personality. But this personality comes with a catch: after you’ve racked up 50 kills with Skippy, it triggers a dialogue and, more importantly, a permanent shift in its firing mode. This mechanic is intricately tied to your initial decision when you first found Skippy.

When you first pick up Skippy, you’re presented with a choice:

• Stone Cold Killer (Lethal): Targets headshots, maximizing damage.
• Puppy-Loving Pacifist (Non-Lethal): Aims for the lower extremities, incapacitating enemies instead of killing them.

The seemingly straightforward choice has long-term consequences. After those initial 50 kills, Skippy gets introspective and reveals a hidden feature. If you initially chose Stone Cold Killer, Skippy will dramatically switch to Puppy-Loving Pacifist mode after the 50-kill milestone and a few in-game days (around five). Conversely, if you started with Puppy-Loving Pacifist, Skippy will present you with another dialogue option. Choosing “Killing is wrong” will lock him into non-lethal mode permanently. But if you chose “I don’t know” or “I’m not having a conversation with my gun”, you’ll put him in lethal permanently.

This twist is what makes Skippy so interesting. It forces you to consider the ethical implications of your choices within the game and adds a layer of depth to what would otherwise be a straightforward weapon.

Managing Skippy: Maximizing its Potential

Mastering Skippy means understanding how its modes work and manipulating the switch to your advantage.

1. Choosing the Right Starting Mode: If you ultimately want Skippy locked in lethal mode, start with Puppy-Loving Pacifist. Select “I don’t know” or “I’m not having a conversation with my gun” to get the mode to switch permanently to lethal. Conversely, if you prefer the non-lethal option, select Stone Cold Killer to have the weapon switch after your 50th kill.

2. Tracking Your Kills: There’s no in-game counter to tell you how many kills you have with Skippy. The easiest way to gauge this is by simply playing with Skippy as your primary weapon and estimating. After you think you’ve hit the mark, give it some time (24 in-game hours) and keep Skippy drawn. He’ll eventually initiate a dialogue to give you a status update.

3. The Owner Reveal: After a couple of in-game days of having Skippy in your possession, he will reveal who he is supposed to be with.

4. The Regina Dilemma: Once the mode is locked, Regina will be in contact with you, wanting Skippy back. You can do so, but you can keep him if you don’t turn him in.

5. Keeping Skippy: If you don’t return Skippy, it will stay in your stash with you. He will continue to make snide remarks and say “bad user”.

Skippy’s Long-Term Value

Even after the switch, Skippy remains a powerful weapon. It automatically scales to your level, negating the need for manual upgrades.

• Stone Cold Killer: Headshots are always effective, especially against heavily armored enemies.

• Puppy-Loving Pacifist: Non-lethal takedowns can be useful for certain quests or if you prefer a less violent playstyle. Remember, incapacitated enemies can still be hacked or looted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Skippy

Here are some frequently asked questions about Skippy and its mechanics:

How do I know if I got 50 kills with Skippy?

There isn’t a direct kill counter for Skippy. However, after defeating a good number of enemies (estimate around 50), wait about 24 in-game hours while having Skippy withdrawn. Skippy should initiate a dialogue to give you an update.

What happens if you tell Skippy killing is wrong?

If you pick the “killing is wrong” dialogue option after originally selecting Puppy-Loving Pacifist, Skippy will remain in non-lethal mode permanently. There will be no further mode changes after that point.

Does Skippy still switch in Cyberpunk 2077?

Yes, Skippy will switch firing modes after approximately 50 kills, and a few in-game days. The mode it switches to depends on your initial choice and subsequent dialogue choices.

Should I tell Skippy killing is wrong?

That depends on the play style. If you want Skippy to stay in non-lethal mode permanently, select the “killing is wrong” dialogue option. If you don’t care or want him lethal, select “I don’t know” or “I’m not having a conversation with my gun”.

How do I permanently keep Skippy?

To keep Skippy permanently, you need to refuse to return him to Regina Jones after the mode switch has occurred.

What happens if you give Skippy to Regina?

Giving Skippy to Regina completes the quest and rewards you with eddies. However, you lose access to Skippy.

What gun is better than Skippy in Cyberpunk 2077?

While Skippy is powerful, other weapons can be considered superior depending on your build and playstyle. Genjiroh, for example, is a great weapon that can target up to six enemies at the same time.

Should I upgrade Skippy in Cyberpunk 2077?

Skippy automatically scales to your level, so you don’t need to manually upgrade it.

Can you put Skippy in your stash in Cyberpunk 2077?

Yes, you can place Skippy on your stash wall if you refuse to give it back to Regina after the mode switch.

What happens if you don’t give back Skippy?

If you refuse to return Skippy to Regina, he will stay with you but continue to repeat “Bad User” until you return him.

Why can’t I stash Skippy sometimes?

If Skippy is still considered a quest item, you won’t be able to stash it. This usually happens before the mode switch and before you decide whether to return it to Regina.

How many kills before Skippy switches modes?

Skippy switches modes after about 50 kills and a few in-game days.

How do you finish the machine gun quest and keep Skippy?

You can only choose one. To finish the quest, you must return Skippy to Regina. To keep Skippy, you must refuse to return it.

What should I set Skippy to initially?

Set Skippy to the opposite firing mode of what you want to lock it on to. Set to lethal to get non-lethal, and vice versa.

Can you craft Skippy?

Skippy cannot be crafted. It can only be found in a specific location in Watson.

Skippy’s unique mechanics and personality make it one of the most interesting weapons in Cyberpunk 2077. Understanding how it works will allow you to make the most of its potential and add another layer of depth to your gameplay experience. For more insights into video game design and mechanics, explore the resources available at the Games Learning Society website.

GamesLearningSociety.org serves as a vital resource for individuals interested in understanding the intersection of gaming and education.