How to Wield Steel and Chrome: A Comprehensive Guide to Cyberware in Cyberpunk
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Cyberware is the beating heart of Cyberpunk 2077. It’s what separates you, V, from the fleshy masses in Night City, allowing you to become a chrome-plated agent of chaos, a stealthy netrunner, or an unstoppable force of nature. To put it simply, using cyberware involves a three-step process: installation at a Ripperdoc, modification via your inventory screen, and finally, active utilization in the game world, which differs depending on the specific implant. Let’s delve into each stage to ensure you master the art of becoming more machine than man.
Finding Your Chrome: The Ripperdoc Experience
The first crucial step to using cyberware is finding a Ripperdoc. These are the back-alley surgeons of Night City, the ones who’ll slice you open and slot in the tech that will redefine your capabilities. Think of them as your friendly neighborhood body modification experts, albeit ones who may or may not ask too many questions about the origins of your eddies.
Visiting a Ripperdoc: Choosing Your Implants
Ripperdocs are marked on your map with an icon resembling a surgical clamp. When you visit one, you’ll enter their clinic where you can browse their inventory of cyberware. Different Ripperdocs may specialize in different types of augmentations or carry unique items, although after patch 2.0 they all have the same items in stock. You can select different body parts and see what cyberware is available for each slot. Be mindful of the following:
- Cyberware Capacity: Every piece of cyberware requires a certain amount of Cyberware Capacity. This limits how much you can install. You can increase your Capacity by leveling up, acquiring perks, and installing specific cyberware that boosts it.
- Attributes and Skills: Some cyberware has attribute or skill requirements. Make sure your character meets these requirements before purchasing.
- Cost: Cyberware isn’t cheap. Make sure you have enough eddies (the in-game currency) to afford the implants you want.
- Legal Implications (Minimal): While Cyberpunk 2077 touches upon the legal implications of cyberware, the gameplay focuses more on the practical aspects and less on the bureaucratic hurdles. Still, remember you are dealing with illegal activities, so act accordingly.
Installing Your Cyberware
Once you’ve chosen your cyberware, the Ripperdoc will perform the installation. This process is usually depicted through a short cutscene. After the installation, you can immediately start using some cyberware, but others may require further customization or activation.
Fine-Tuning Your Tech: Cyberware Modification
Many cyberware implants can be further customized with mods. These mods enhance the functionality of your cyberware, adding effects like increased damage, faster cooldowns, or additional abilities.
Accessing the Cyberware Screen
To access the cyberware screen, open your inventory and navigate to the “Cyberware” tab. Here, you’ll see all the cyberware currently installed in your body.
Equipping Mods
Click on a cyberware implant with available mod slots. A window will appear displaying the available mods in your inventory. Select the mod you want to equip and click the “Equip” button. Remember that mods also contribute to your Cyberware Capacity.
Quickhacks and Cyberdecks
If you’re a netrunner, you’ll be particularly interested in Cyberdecks. Cyberdecks are installed in the “Operating System” slot and allow you to perform Quickhacks. To equip Quickhacks, go to the Cyberware screen, select your Cyberdeck, and then choose the Quickhacks you want to slot in. The number of Quickhacks you can equip depends on the tier of your Cyberdeck.
Unleashing the Machine: Using Cyberware in Combat and Exploration
The final step is actually using your cyberware. How you do this depends entirely on the type of implant.
Active Cyberware: Sandevistan, Berserk, and More
Some cyberware implants, like the Sandevistan or Berserk, are activated manually.
- Sandevistan: This operating system slows down time, allowing you to move and react faster than your enemies. To activate the Sandevistan, press the designated buttons (LB + RB on Xbox, L1 + R1 on PlayStation, or hold ‘E’ on PC).
- Berserk: This operating system increases your strength and resilience, allowing you to deal more damage and take more punishment. The activation method is the same as the Sandevistan.
Passive Cyberware: Enhancements That Work in the Background
Other cyberware implants are passive, meaning they provide benefits automatically.
- Subdermal Armor: This implant increases your armor, providing constant protection.
- Optical Implants: These implants can enhance your vision, providing features like zoom, target analysis, or threat detection.
- Leg Implants: These implants can alter your movement, enabling double jumps, charged jumps, or silent movement.
Weapon-Specific Cyberware: Mantis Blades and Monowire
Certain arm cyberware, like the Mantis Blades and Monowire, replace your fists and function as melee weapons.
- Mantis Blades: To equip the Mantis Blades, hold down the Cycle Weapon key (default: ALT) and select them, or tap your Fists/Melee key (default: 4).
- Monowire: Similar to Mantis Blades, equip the Monowire via the Cycle Weapon key or the Fists/Melee key.
Understanding these steps is key to mastering cyberware in Cyberpunk 2077. Experiment with different combinations, find the Ripperdocs that suit your needs, and embrace the potential that chrome offers. Remember, in Night City, the only limit is your imagination (and your Cyberware Capacity). For those interested in the educational aspects of gaming, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Cyberware FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about cyberware in Cyberpunk 2077 to further expand your knowledge:
1. Where Do I Get Cyberware Installed?
You need to visit a Ripperdoc to get cyberware installed. Ripperdocs are located throughout Night City and are marked on your map with a surgical clamp icon. After patch 2.0, all Ripperdocs sell the same items.
2. How Do I Equip Cyberware Mods?
Open your Inventory, go to the Cyberware tab, and click on the cyberware you want to modify. This will open a window where you can equip mods from your inventory.
3. Is There a Limit to How Much Cyberware I Can Install?
Yes, there is a limit based on your Cyberware Capacity. You can increase your Cyberware Capacity by leveling up, acquiring perks, and installing specific cyberware that boosts it.
4. How Do I Use the Sandevistan?
Once you have a Sandevistan installed in the “Operating System” slot, activate it by pressing LB + RB on Xbox, L1 + R1 on PlayStation, or hold ‘E’ on PC. This slows down time for everyone but you.
5. What is the Best Sandevistan?
The Militech “Apogee” Sandevistan is often considered the best, slowing down time by 85% and increasing headshot damage. Other builds may prioritize the QianT Sandevistan Mk. 4 for its longer duration and quick cooldown.
6. Can I Use Sandevistan and a Cyberdeck at the Same Time?
No, you can only have one installed, as they both occupy the Operating System slot.
7. How Do I Equip Mantis Blades?
Mantis Blades are installed in your “arms” cyberware slot. To equip them, hold down the Cycle Weapon key (default: ALT) and then select your Mantis Blades, or tap your Fists/Melee key (default: 4).
8. Do I Need Cyberware to Use Tech Weapons?
Tech weapons don’t necessarily require specific cyberware, but you’ll benefit more from focusing on skill trees that enhance their effectiveness.
9. What Happens if I Exceed My Cyberware Capacity?
If you exceed your Cyberware Capacity, you will experience negative effects, such as reduced health or stamina. Be mindful and optimize your build.
10. Is Cyberware Permanent Once Installed?
Not without using mods. Cyberware installed is generally permanent. Once arm cyberware is installed, it is permanent.
11. Can I Remove Cyberware?
Yes, you can visit a Ripperdoc to remove cyberware. However, removing it might not refund the eddies you spent on it.
12. What are Quickhacks, and How Do I Use Them?
Quickhacks are abilities that allow you to hack into enemies and devices. To use them, you need a Cyberdeck installed. Equip Quickhacks via the Cyberware screen and use them in combat by targeting an enemy or device and selecting the Quickhack.
13. Is There a Downside to Using Cyberware?
Yes, there can be downsides. Exceeding your Cyberware Capacity can lead to negative stat effects. Additionally, there are lore-related psychological effects of heavy cyberware use, although these are not directly represented in gameplay.
14. How Do I Get David Martinez’s Sandevistan?
The Sandevistan David Martinez uses in the Cyberpunk Edgerunners anime was added to the game as a usable set in Cyberpunk 2077 as a result of the Edgerunners update. Search for the Militech “Apogee” Sandevistan.
15. What is the Best Cyberware Overall?
There isn’t a single “best” cyberware, as it depends on your playstyle. However, some highly regarded options include the Militech Apogee Sandevistan, Immovable Force, Monowire, and Heal-On-Kill implants.
This information should provide a solid foundation for understanding and using cyberware in Cyberpunk 2077. Now get out there, chrome up, and make your mark on Night City!