The Curious Case of Skippy: What Happens When You Tell Him “Killing is Wrong”?

If you’ve stumbled upon the unique and often perplexing smart pistol Skippy in Cyberpunk 2077, you’re likely aware of his…quirks. One of the most critical choices you make regarding Skippy comes early: his firing mode. Specifically, what happens if you choose the “killing is wrong” dialogue option? The short answer is that Skippy will forever remain in Puppy-Loving Pacifist mode, aiming exclusively for the legs of your enemies. Let’s delve deeper into what this means and the full ramifications of this choice.

Puppy-Loving Pacifist: A Non-Lethal Life with Skippy

When you first encounter Skippy, he presents a seemingly simple choice: Stone Cold Killer (headshots) or Puppy-Loving Pacifist (leg shots). Choosing “killing is wrong” locks you into the Puppy-Loving Pacifist firing mode permanently. What does this entail?

• Leg Shots Only: Skippy will ONLY target the legs of your opponents. This means you won’t be getting those satisfying headshots, and you’ll find yourself relying on other weapons for finishing blows.
• Non-Lethal Approach: By targeting legs, Skippy disables enemies rather than killing them outright. This can be useful for specific playstyles and scenarios that call for a non-lethal approach.
• Permanent Setting: The crucial point is that this choice is irreversible. Once you commit Skippy to this mode, he will not switch to Stone Cold Killer, even after the typical 50-kill threshold.
• No Level Scaling Change: Despite the mode change, the weapon still automatically scales to your level. This means you’ll be able to use the weapon throughout the game and will continue to be fairly powerful.

Essentially, choosing “killing is wrong” is committing to a non-lethal playstyle with Skippy. If you desire to unlock the lethal Stone Cold Killer option, you must select the opposite option at your first encounter with Skippy.

The Contrasting Path: Why “Killing is Wrong” Matters

The implications of this choice are significant, especially when compared to the Stone Cold Killer path. Here’s a quick breakdown of the alternative:

• Stone Cold Killer Mode: If you select this mode, Skippy targets the head, leading to quick and lethal kills.
• 50-Kill Switch: With the Stone Cold Killer mode, after 50 kills, Skippy will automatically switch to the Puppy-Loving Pacifist mode. This switch is also irreversible.
• Temporary Lethality: Choosing this path grants you lethal headshots for the initial 50 kills, before you are locked into the Puppy-Loving Pacifist mode.

So, by choosing “killing is wrong,” you skip the initial phase of lethal headshots entirely. This choice ultimately boils down to how you intend to play. Do you want to have the more potent, headshot focused, experience for 50 kills then be forced into a more pacifist mode? Or do you want to stick with the pacifist mode from the jump?

Strategic Implications and Playstyle Considerations

The choice of Skippy’s firing mode directly impacts your combat strategy:

• Stealth and Non-Lethal Runs: If you are going for a stealth or non-lethal playthrough, the Puppy-Loving Pacifist mode is the ideal choice. Skippy allows you to incapacitate enemies without the risk of accidental kills.
• Crowd Control: The leg-targeting can be useful for slowing down groups of enemies, giving you better control of the battlefield.
• Reliance on Other Weapons: Because Skippy cannot secure kills in Puppy mode, you will always need a supplementary weapon that can inflict lethal damage.
• Regina’s Request: Ultimately, Skippy wants to be returned to his original owner, Regina Jones. You might want to consider this if you choose the non-lethal option.

Skippy’s Quirks: The Dialogue and Personality

Beyond the firing mode, Skippy’s personality is a huge factor in how you engage with him:

• Chatty and Sarcastic: Skippy is not your average weapon. He talks, comments, and even sings. His dialogue adds a unique layer of enjoyment, or annoyance, to the game.
• Emotional Investment: Whether you adore Skippy or find him tiresome, his dynamic with V is one of the more memorable features of this quest line.
• “Bad User”: If you choose not to give Skippy to Regina, he will occasionally scream “bad user,” further adding to his unique personality.

What Should You Do With Skippy?

After experiencing Skippy’s quirks and unique firing modes, the question remains: What should you do with him?

• Return to Regina: You can sell Skippy to Regina for 7,420 Eurodollars. However, this is a rather underwhelming reward for such an unique weapon.
• Keep Skippy: You can choose to keep Skippy, placing him on your stash wall after completing the 50-kill mode switch if you chose to unlock it.
• The Mode Matters: If you are stuck in the pacifist mode, you may consider returning him to Regina since he cannot lethally dispatch targets.

Ultimately, your decision depends on your preference and playstyle. If you want a unique weapon with a quirky personality, Skippy is a must-have.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about Skippy and his unique firing modes:

1. How many kills does it take to change Skippy’s firing mode?

If you choose the Stone Cold Killer mode, it takes 50 kills for Skippy to permanently switch to the Puppy-Loving Pacifist mode. If you initially chose “killing is wrong,” this switch never occurs.

2. Can you change Skippy back to the headshot mode after 50 kills?

No, the mode switch is irreversible. Once Skippy is locked into either firing mode, he cannot switch back.

3. Does Skippy need a Smart Link to work?

No, Skippy does not require a Smart Link to utilize its smart-targeting features. It does, however, utilize Smart Link technology.

4. How do you make Skippy do more damage?

Skippy automatically scales to V’s level. This means his damage increases as you level up, without any need for manual upgrades.

5. Can you upgrade Skippy?

No, Skippy cannot be upgraded manually. His automatic level scaling is unique among Cyberpunk 2077 weapons.

6. What is the best firing mode to choose for Skippy?

It depends on your playstyle. If you want a lethal weapon, choose Stone Cold Killer for the first 50 kills. If you want a non-lethal option, choose “killing is wrong.”

7. What song does Skippy sing?

Skippy hums a song titled Disturbia when running a system diagnostic.

8. Is Skippy a good weapon in Cyberpunk 2077?

Skippy is a unique and useful weapon due to its level scaling and smart targeting capabilities. However, the fixed firing mode can make it less desirable.

9. Can you craft Skippy?

No, Skippy is an iconic weapon that cannot be crafted. It can only be found in one location.

10. What happens if you don’t give Skippy back to Regina?

Skippy will continually yell “bad user” and “no” while you have him.

11. Does Skippy’s dialogue change?

Yes, Skippy’s dialogue will change depending on his mode, and if you decide to return him to Regina or not.

12. Can you stash Skippy?

Yes, you can stash Skippy after the 50 kill switch if you chose the Stone Cold Killer option at your initial encounter.

13. What is the reward for returning Skippy to Regina?

Regina gives you approximately 7,420 Eurodollars.

14. What is the level cap in Cyberpunk 2077?

The maximum level in Cyberpunk 2077 is 60.

15. Where can you get a Smart Link?

Smart Links can be purchased at Ripperdocs, like Viktor in Little China.

In conclusion, while the non-lethal “killing is wrong” option is a permanent commitment to a specific playstyle, it also allows for a unique and sometimes enjoyable way to experience combat in Cyberpunk 2077. The best choice for you hinges on how you want to engage with the game and Skippy himself.