Slicing Through the Static: Obtaining Electric Mantis Blades in Cyberpunk 2077
So, you want to electrify your enemies with a flick of the wrist in Night City? You’ve set your sights on the Electric Mantis Blades in Cyberpunk 2077. Good choice, choomba! These bad boys don’t just slice; they fry, offering a unique edge in combat. Unfortunately, there isn’t an electric damage mod available, the electric mod variants must be acquired as a whole.
Let’s cut to the chase: there’s no single location to grab pre-modded Electric Mantis Blades. Instead, you’re dealing with a few core methods:
- Ripperdoc Shopping: This is your primary method. Keep checking back at different Ripperdocs throughout Night City. The cyberware they stock rotates as you level up and increase your Street Cred. So, if you don’t see them at one doc, try another, or come back later. Look under the “arms” section of their inventory. Keep in mind that Street Cred is crucial here. You’ll need a minimum of 20 just to start seeing Mantis Blades, and the better variants (including those with elemental damage) usually require even higher cred.
- Loot and Random Drops: While not guaranteed, elemental Mantis Blades (including the electric ones) can drop from enemies or be found in loot boxes. This is rare, so don’t rely on it. Focusing on high-level areas and completing gigs will improve your chances, but it’s still largely down to luck.
- Crafting (With the Right Perks): If you’ve invested heavily in the Technical Ability skill tree and unlocked the relevant crafting perks, you might be able to craft elemental Mantis Blades. This requires finding the crafting specs first, which are also randomly found throughout the game world. This is the most complex method but offers the most control.
Mastering the Blade: Everything You Need to Know
Gearing Up: Street Cred, Eurodollars, and Finding the Right Ripperdoc
The journey to becoming a blade-wielding electric ninja in Cyberpunk 2077 isn’t just about finding the right tools, it’s about having the right reputation and resources.
- Raise Your Street Cred: This is non-negotiable. Complete gigs, side missions, and NCPD scanner hustles. The more you do, the higher your Street Cred climbs, unlocking better gear and more potent cyberware at Ripperdocs. Focus on districts like Watson early on and slowly move into the more dangerous areas.
- Stockpile Eurodollars (eddies): Cyberware isn’t cheap. Even the basic Mantis Blades will set you back a good chunk of change. Start saving early and often. Completing gigs, selling unwanted weapons and gear, and even hacking access points can all contribute to your coffers.
- Ripperdoc Roulette: Not all Ripperdocs are created equal. Their stock varies, and some specialize in certain types of cyberware. Explore different clinics throughout Night City to find the right vendor. Victor Vector in Watson is a good starting point, but don’t limit yourself. Keep checking back with them as your level increases.
Beyond the Basic Slice: Understanding Mantis Blade Variants
Once you’ve got your Electric Mantis Blades, remember they’re just the beginning. You can further customize them with mods to enhance their damage, add status effects, and tailor them to your playstyle. Experiment and find what works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mantis Blades in Cyberpunk 2077
1. How do you get different Mantis Blades in Cyberpunk?
You primarily acquire Mantis Blades by purchasing them from Ripperdocs or finding them as loot in various locations around Night City. The rarity, level, and type (Physical, Thermal, Toxic, Electrifying) depend on your Street Cred and the Ripperdoc’s stock.
2. How do you get MaxTac Mantis Blades?
MaxTac Mantis Blades are found in a crate in V’s apartment at Megabuilding H10 in Little China, Watson, next to the wardrobe. This is a free set of blades.
3. What’s better, Mantis Blades or Monowire?
It depends on your playstyle. Monowire is great for netrunner builds, while Mantis Blades are ideal for a bullet-time ninja approach. Monowire has a wider reach and can hit multiple enemies, while Mantis Blades excel in one-on-one combat.
4. Which Mantis Blades are the best?
There isn’t a single “best,” but Physical Blades are a solid choice due to their inherent boost to crit chance. However, the elemental variants (Thermal, Toxic, Electrifying) can be incredibly effective depending on enemy weaknesses and your build.
5. Is there a legendary blade for Mantis Blades?
Yes, Mantis Blades come in different rarities: Rare, Epic, and Legendary. Higher rarity means a higher price, Street Cred requirement, and more mod slots.
6. Should I get gorilla arms or Mantis Blades?
Mantis Blades scale with Reflex, do high damage, and have perks that enhance their use, but are slower compared to katanas. Gorilla Arms scale with Strength, are necessary for “Beat on the Brat” missions, and offer a non-lethal melee option. Your choice depends on your build and preferred combat style.
7. Does monowire do more damage than Mantis Blades?
Generally, Monowire can output more damage per second (DPS) than Mantis Blades, especially the Legendary Monowire. However, this can vary depending on builds and mods.
8. Where are the best free Mantis Blades in Cyberpunk?
Besides the MaxTac Mantis Blades found in V’s apartment, you can sometimes find Mantis Blades by looting boxes throughout Night City. However, the easiest way to get them is by visiting a Ripperdoc.
9. Do any Ripperdocs sell legendary Mantis Blades?
Most Ripperdocs stock Mantis Blades, but you’ll need high Street Cred (20+) and a significant amount of Eurodollars to purchase even the rare-level ones. The availability of Legendary versions depends on your level, Street Cred, and the Ripperdoc’s specific inventory.
10. Can you deflect bullets with Mantis Blades?
Yes, Mantis Blades can deflect bullets and are affected by the same perks as katanas.
11. How do you get purple Mantis Blades in Cyberpunk?
Purple (Epic) Mantis Blades are obtained the same way as other variants: by purchasing them from Ripperdocs when you meet the required Street Cred and level.
12. What is the best Sandevistan?
The Militech “Apogee” Sandevistan is generally considered the best. It slows time by 85%, increases headshot damage, and allows for incredibly fast attacks.
13. Are Mantis Blades better than katanas?
Katanas often outperform Mantis Blades in both speed and power due to crafting perks and unique effects available on specific katanas. However, Mantis Blades have their own advantages, particularly with specific builds.
14. Can you use Sandevistan with monowire?
Yes, the Sandevistan is excellent with melee weapons like Gorilla Arms, Mantis Blades, or Monowire. However, melee weapons will hit at your increased speed, and ranged attacks may not be as effective.
15. Does the blades skill tree apply to Mantis Blades?
Yes, the Reflex skill tree with the Blades skills affects both swords and Mantis Blades.
Leveling Up Your Knowledge: The Educational Side of Gaming
Understanding game mechanics and optimizing your character builds isn’t just about winning; it’s about problem-solving, critical thinking, and strategic planning. These are skills that translate far beyond the digital world. To explore the broader educational aspects of gaming, visit the Games Learning Society website.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Blade
Obtaining and mastering the Electric Mantis Blades in Cyberpunk 2077 requires dedication, exploration, and a bit of luck. Keep grinding those gigs, checking those Ripperdocs, and experimenting with different builds. Once you’re slicing through enemies with crackling energy, you’ll know it was worth the effort. Now get out there and electrify Night City, choomba!