Is the Monowire Good in Cyberpunk 2077? A Deep Dive

Yes, the Monowire is a very good weapon option in Cyberpunk 2077, especially after the substantial changes introduced in Update 2.0. While it might not be the most straightforward choice for every playstyle, it offers a unique blend of stealth, close-quarters combat, and Netrunner synergy, making it a powerful and versatile tool in the right hands. Its effectiveness has skyrocketed, particularly for players who want to lean into a ninja-esque netrunner build. It’s no longer just an “acquired taste,” it’s a genuine powerhouse for specific character archetypes. This article explores why the Monowire is a strong contender for your cybernetic arm slot and tackles common questions about its functionality and optimal use.

The Monowire’s Strengths

The Monowire isn’t about brute force alone; it’s about finesse and strategic combat. Here’s why it shines:

• Netrunner Synergy: The most significant reason the Monowire is considered good post-2.0 is its integration with the Netrunner skill tree. You can now upload Quickhacks through the Monowire, turning it into a potent tool for applying debuffs and controlling enemies. The Jailbreak Relic perk further enhances this by allowing you to deliver any Control Quickhack with it. This elevates the Monowire from a basic melee weapon to a multi-faceted offensive instrument.
• Quick Time-to-Kill: When paired with the correct skills and perks, the Monowire can deliver significant damage quickly. Its fast attack speed and consistent physical damage output allow you to shred through enemies in close-quarters engagements.
• Stealth Capabilities: The Monowire operates silently, making it an ideal weapon for stealth builds. It lets you eliminate enemies without attracting unwanted attention, which is crucial for specific missions and playstyles. It also allows you to smuggle weapons into restricted areas.
• Scalability: The Monowire’s damage is directly tied to your Reflex attribute and the Blades skill tree. As you level up and invest skill points, the Monowire’s damage increases substantially, ensuring it stays relevant even during the latter stages of the game.
• Customization: You have three mod slots to further enhance the Monowire, including the ability to alter its damage type to exploit enemy weaknesses. The standard physical damage is a very dependable all-around choice, but if you know you’ll be facing enemies with specific vulnerabilities, you can adjust your damage type accordingly.
• Satisfying Combat: The Monowire’s fluidity and efficiency in combat, combined with its unique animation, makes it a very satisfying weapon to use. Slicing through enemies feels fluid and powerful.
• Finisher Moves: If you choose the Finisher: Live Wire perk on the Intelligence skill tree, you can activate a finishing move reminiscent of Lucy’s combat style. This adds a stylish flair to eliminating enemies with the Monowire.

Monowire vs. Other Arm Cyberware

How does the Monowire stack up against other popular arm cyberware options?

• Monowire vs. Mantis Blades: The Mantis Blades are a fantastic melee option for those focused on pure damage and speed, especially in a bullet-time ninja build. However, the Monowire has the edge when it comes to netrunner builds, thanks to its ability to deliver Quickhacks. The Monowire also scales better with reflex, if that is your focus.
• Monowire vs. Gorilla Arms: Gorilla Arms are excellent for pure strength-based builds and for brute force. While powerful, they don’t synergize with the Netrunner playstyle in the way the Monowire does. The Monowire also often comes out on top in terms of damage in late game with the right perks.
• Monowire vs. Projectile Launch System: The Projectile Launch System is designed for ranged combat. The Monowire excels in close quarters, making them useful in different contexts. The Monowire is more versatile if you prefer melee and stealth. The Launch System is more for explosive, ranged combat.

When is Monowire NOT the Best Choice?

Despite its strengths, the Monowire may not be the optimal choice for every build:

• Non-Netrunner Builds: If you do not plan on leveling your intelligence or playing as a netrunner, the Monowire’s potential is severely limited. In that case, other melee options such as Mantis Blades or Gorilla Arms may be more effective.
• Preference for Brute Force: If you favor a straightforward, high-damage melee playstyle, the Mantis Blades might be a better fit.
• Focus on Ranged Combat: If you primarily engage in combat from a distance, you might prefer other cyberware options like the Projectile Launch System.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What Skill Does Monowire Scale With?

The Monowire scales primarily with the Reflex attribute and the Blades skill tree. Investing points in Reflex and Blades will significantly increase the Monowire’s damage output.

2. Is the Monowire a Blade or Blunt Weapon?

The Monowire is now classified as a Blade weapon, whereas previously it was a blunt weapon. This change in Update 2.0 allows it to benefit from perks in the Blades skill tree.

3. Can You Use Quickhacks With the Monowire?

Yes, you can upload Quickhacks to enemies using the Monowire. This is one of its key features and a significant advantage for Netrunner builds.

4. Does the Monowire Have Finishers?

Yes, the Finisher: Live Wire perk in the Intelligence skill tree allows you to perform a stylish finisher move with the Monowire.

5. Is the Monowire Silent?

Yes, the Monowire is a silent weapon, making it suitable for stealth gameplay.

6. Does Monowire Do More Damage Than Mantis Blades?

With proper scaling and setup the Monowire has the potential to have higher DPS than Mantis Blades, particularly with the right perks. However, it is often a build-dependent scenario.

7. Do Blade Perks Apply to Monowire?

Yes, since the Monowire is now classified as a blade, perks within the Blades skill tree will apply and affect its performance.

8. What Quickhacks Can You Use With Monowire?

You can install and use the following Quickhacks through the Monowire:

• Cripple Movement: Freezes enemies in place.
• Cyberware Malfunction: Enemies take more damage for a short time.
• Reboot Optics: Makes enemies temporarily blind.
• Weapon Glitch: Jams enemy weaponry for a short time.

9. Where Can You Find the Free Legendary Monowire?

The Legendary Monowire can be found near the “Charter St” Fast Travel point in Watson. Look slightly north-east of your apartment; it’s easily accessible.

10. Does Monowire Damage Scale With Level?

Yes, the Monowire damage scales with the Reflex stat, gaining +3 damage for every level in Reflexes. Perks in the Blades skill tree also affect damage output.

11. Is Monowire Good For Stealth?

Yes, the Monowire is a great stealth option thanks to its silent attacks, allowing for discreet kills.

12. Can You Use Monowire in Beat on the Brat?

No, arm weapons like the Monowire are usually disabled for the “Beat on the Brat” quests. Only Gorilla Arms are allowed.

13. Is Monowire Better Than the Projectile Launch System?

The Monowire and Projectile Launch System serve different purposes. The Monowire is for close-range melee and quickhack application, while the Projectile Launch System is for ranged explosive attacks. Their value depends on your play style.

14. Is Monowire the Best Melee Weapon?

The Monowire is not universally “the best,” but it is excellent for Netrunner-oriented builds. Other melee options such as the Mantis Blades or Gorilla Arms might be better for other builds. It’s very dependent on how you build your character.

15. Why Does Monowire Have Three Mod Slots?

The Monowire has three mod slots to allow players to customize the damage type and its overall functionality. One slot changes the type of damage, another can modify its performance, and a third can add special abilities. This provides a large amount of variety.

Conclusion

The Monowire has become a top-tier weapon in Cyberpunk 2077, particularly for players looking to excel as a netrunner ninja. Its combination of stealth, fast melee damage, Quickhack delivery, and customization makes it a powerful and versatile option. While not for every playstyle, those who invest in Reflexes, Blades, and Netrunning will find the Monowire to be an incredibly effective weapon in their arsenal. If you’re looking for a weapon that can deliver precise blows and deadly hacks, the Monowire is well worth considering.