Mastering the Monowire: A Cyberpunk 2077 Quickhacking Guide

The Monowire in Cyberpunk 2077, especially after Update 2.0 and Phantom Liberty, has evolved into a powerful and versatile tool, perfectly suited for a netrunner/melee hybrid build. So, how exactly do you Monowire Quickhack? It’s a two-pronged approach. First, you need the right cyberware and skills. Second, you have to understand how to seamlessly integrate quickhacks into your Monowire combat.

Here’s the breakdown:

1. Acquire the Monowire Cyberware: This is the foundation. Head to a reputable Ripperdoc. The Legendary Monowire is often available at Ripperdocs in Downtown, City Center, and Heywood, Wellsprings. Be prepared to shell out around 35,450 eddies and have a Street Cred of 45.

2. Install a Cyberdeck: You can’t quickhack without a cyberdeck. Equip a cyberdeck in the Operating System cyberware slot at a Ripperdoc. The NetWatch Netdriver Mk. 5 is considered a top-tier choice for quickhacking builds.

3. Unlock the “Jailbreak” Perk: This perk, located in the Intelligence skill tree, is absolutely crucial. It allows you to integrate quickhacks with your Monowire.

4. Equip Quickhacks: Once you’ve unlocked the “Jailbreak” perk and have the Monowire equipped, access your cyberware screen. Select the Monowire arm slot. You should now see an option to open the quickhack menu, similar to a Cyberdeck.

5. Slot Quickhacks into the Monowire: Click the Right Stick (or the corresponding button on your platform) to open the quickhack menu associated with the Monowire. This brings you to a screen where you can choose and equip your available quickhacks. Remember that higher-tier quickhacks require higher-tier cyberdecks.

6. Execute the Quickhack: In combat, charge your Monowire attack. As you charge, you will see quickhack options available on the screen. Select the quickhack you want to use, and release the charge to unleash both the Monowire strike and the selected quickhack.

The key to mastering this hybrid playstyle is understanding the synergy between your melee attacks and your netrunning abilities. Experiment with different quickhack combinations to find what works best for your style and the challenges you face in Night City.

Monowire: More Than Just a Weapon

The Monowire isn’t just about raw damage. Its range and cleaving capabilities make it a formidable choice against groups of enemies. The whip-like arc allows you to hit targets several meters away, and even strike multiple opponents simultaneously. With the Relic skill tree in Phantom Liberty, the Monowire’s potential is amplified further.

Build Synergy: Reflex and Intelligence

Your character build is critical. Since Update 2.0, the Monowire scales off of Reflex/Blades rather than Strength/Brawler. So invest heavily in the Reflex attribute and the Blades skill tree for maximum Monowire damage. Simultaneously, invest in Intelligence to boost your quickhacking capabilities.

Mastering Quickhacks

Effective quickhacking hinges on a few key principles:

• Cyberdeck RAM: The RAM available to V dictates the number and complexity of quickhacks you can deploy. Upgrade your Operating System (Cyberdeck) at a Ripperdoc to increase your RAM capacity.

• Choosing the Right Quickhacks: Not all quickhacks are created equal. Some are better suited for stealth, while others excel in combat. Experiment with different options to find what complements your playstyle. System Reset, Cyberpsychosis, Detonate Grenade, and Suicide are considered powerful Ultimate Quickhacks.

• Understanding Quickhack Blocking: If a quickhack is blocked out in red, it means either it’s already in use or you lack sufficient RAM to cast it.

Stealth and Combat

The Monowire offers both stealth and combat advantages. Its silent nature allows for covert takedowns from the shadows. In open combat, its range and cleaving make it effective against multiple enemies. Combine it with quickhacks to control the battlefield, debuff enemies, or inflict massive damage.

FAQs: Dive Deeper into Monowire Quickhacking

1. Can you quickhack through walls with Monowire?

Prior to updates, a Legendary Ping quickhack allowed for hacking through walls, but this has been nerfed due to its overpowered nature. Now, you can hack devices through walls, but not directly target people.

2. What’s better: Mantis Blades or Monowire for quickhacking?

It depends on your preferred playstyle. Mantis Blades are more suited for a fast-paced, close-quarters ninja build, while the Monowire is ideal for a netrunner/melee hybrid who wants to combine hacking with mid-range melee combat. The Games Learning Society might be interested in how these different play styles appeal to different types of gamers.

3. Is the Monowire a blunt or blade weapon?

The Monowire is classified as a Blade weapon.

4. Why is a quickhack blocked out?

A quickhack can be blocked out for two reasons: either it’s already in use, or you don’t have enough RAM to execute it.

5. What is the best quickhack chip (cyberdeck) in Cyberpunk 2077?

The NetWatch Netdriver Mk. 5 is a widely considered the top-tier choice for quickhacking builds.

6. Where can I find a free legendary Monowire?

While the Legendary Monowire used to be found at a specific location near the “Charter St” fast travel point in Watson, this is no longer the case in the most recent versions of the game. You must purchase it from a Ripperdoc that sells it.

7. Is the Monowire worth it?

Yes, especially after the 2.0 update. It’s a powerful weapon that excels in both melee combat and quickhacking, offering a unique and versatile playstyle.

8. Does Monowire scale off blades?

Yes. Monowire now scales off of Reflex/Blades, not Strength/Brawler.

9. Is Monowire the best melee weapon?

That’s subjective and depends on your playstyle. However, the Monowire’s range, cleaving, and quickhacking synergy make it a strong contender.

10. Where is the best Monowire location?

The Legendary Monowire can be purchased from the Ripperdoc in Downtown, City Center as well as in Heywood, Wellsprings.

11. Is the Monowire silent?

Yes, the Monowire is silent, allowing you to perform stealth kills.

12. What skill does Monowire scale with?

Monowire scales with the Reflex attribute and benefits from the Blades skill tree.

13. Can you deflect bullets with a Monowire?

No, V cannot block enemy projectiles when using the Monowire, even though it’s classified as a Blades weapon.

14. Why can’t I quickhack enemies in Cyberpunk?

You need a cyberdeck installed, quickhacks equipped on that cyberdeck, and you need to activate your scanner (TAB key / Left Bumper / L1) to target enemies.

15. What are the best ultimate quickhacks in Cyberpunk?

System Reset, Cyberpsychosis, Detonate Grenade, and Suicide are powerful choices for Ultimate Quickhacks.

Final Thoughts

The Monowire Quickhack build in Cyberpunk 2077 is a rewarding and powerful playstyle. By mastering the combination of melee combat and quickhacking, you can become a true force to be reckoned with in Night City. Experiment, adapt, and embrace the cybernetic enhancements that make you who you are.

For more insights into game-based learning and the educational aspects of games like Cyberpunk 2077, visit the GamesLearningSociety.org website. Perhaps it’s a place where other gamers can learn and share their best combat moves and hacking techniques.