Cyberpunk 2077: Slicing Through the Hype – Which Arm Cyberware Reigns Supreme?

The neon-drenched streets of Night City are a playground of chrome and carnage, and your choice of arm cyberware can be the difference between being a predator and becoming prey. The big question: What is the best arm blade in Cyberpunk 2077?

Ultimately, it depends on your playstyle. However, if you’re prioritizing raw damage potential, versatility, and scaling, the Monowire, especially when synergized with a Netrunner build, pulls ahead. While the Mantis Blades offer a stylish, close-quarters combat option with leaping attacks, the Monowire’s superior damage output, especially with a full charge, and its capacity for crowd control through staggering, make it the deadliest choice for most players. However, Gorilla Arms are mandatory for Beat on the Brat missions.

Diving Deep: Analyzing the Arm Cyberware Options

Let’s dissect each contender and see where their strengths and weaknesses lie.

Mantis Blades: The Ninja Aesthetic

The Mantis Blades are iconic for a reason. They’re visually striking, embodying the cybernetic ninja fantasy. Each swing is a flurry of steel, and the leaping heavy attack is a fantastic gap-closer. They scale with Reflex, meaning you’ll be upgrading your Blades skill tree to maximize your effectiveness. However, their damage falls off compared to other weapons later in the game, especially against heavily armored enemies. Plus, while visually appealing, they lack the range and crowd control of other options.

• Pros: Stylish, gap-closing leap attack, good early to mid-game damage, don’t take up a weapon slot.
• Cons: Damage falls off late game, slow attack speed compared to Katanas, less effective against armored enemies, can get nerfed during updates.

Monowire: The High-Tech Whip

The Monowire is a different beast altogether. This monomolecular filament whip might not look as intimidating as the Mantis Blades, but it delivers devastating damage, especially when fully charged. The Monowire now scales off of Reflex/Blades, making it a perfect synergy for those who previously used melee weapons, but this scaling also means that previous Strength builds will have lower damage output. Where it truly shines is with a Netrunner build. With the right perks and cyberware, you can upload quickhacks through the Monowire, turning it into a deadly combination of melee and hacking prowess. The stagger effect is invaluable for crowd control, allowing you to dispatch enemies with ruthless efficiency.

• Pros: Highest damage potential, excellent crowd control with stagger, synergizes incredibly well with Netrunner builds, good for stealth.
• Cons: Requires charging for maximum damage, less visually impressive than Mantis Blades.

Gorilla Arms: The Bruiser’s Choice

While not strictly “blades,” the Gorilla Arms deserve a mention. These powerful cybernetic enhancements amplify your strength, making you a formidable melee combatant. Their primary use is for completing the “Beat on the Brat” questline, as other arm weapons are disabled during these fights. Furthermore, any skills that involve blunt weapons are a great choice. But they can be useful even outside boxing matches. They scale with Strength and have relevant perks to increase damage from strong attacks. If you want a non-lethal melee option that allows you to equip three guns instead of just two, the Gorilla Arms are a good choice.

• Pros: Necessary for “Beat on the Brat” missions, excellent for a Strength-based build, powerful blunt damage.
• Cons: Not as versatile as Mantis Blades or Monowire, not ideal for stealth.

Projectile Launch System: The Ranged Alternative

While also not a “blade”, the Projectile Launch System is a ranged option that can be used for non-lethal takedowns, especially if you use tranq rounds. It’s also good for times when you’re low on ammo and can be decent against groups of enemies.

• Pros: Ranged Option, non-lethal option using tranq rounds, decent against groups of enemies.
• Cons: May be harder to use compared to the other blades.

The Verdict: A Matter of Style, But One Clear Winner

Ultimately, the “best” arm cyberware depends on your preferences.

• If you want a flashy melee weapon with a cool leaping attack, the Mantis Blades are a solid choice.
• If you want to dominate melee combat with raw power and Netrunning synergy, the Monowire is the king.
• If you need to win boxing matches, the Gorilla Arms are essential.

For most players, the Monowire’s staggering damage potential and versatile build options make it the superior choice.

Cyberpunk 2077 Arm Cyberware: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Mantis Blades still good in Cyberpunk 2077?

Yes, Mantis Blades are still a viable option, especially in the early to mid-game. They offer good damage and a cool aesthetic. However, their damage falls off compared to other weapons later on, particularly against heavily armored enemies.

2. Which is better, Mantis Blades or Monowire for a Netrunner?

Monowire is significantly better for a Netrunner build. It allows you to upload quickhacks directly through the wire, creating a devastating combination of melee and hacking.

3. Do Mantis Blades scale with Reflex?

Yes, Mantis Blades scale primarily with the Reflex attribute, meaning you’ll want to invest points in the Blades skill tree to maximize their effectiveness. Monowire also scales with the Reflex/Blades skill tree.

4. Where can I find the best Monowire in Cyberpunk 2077?

The Legendary Monowire can be found near the “Charter St” Fast Travel point in Watson.

5. Are Gorilla Arms required for Beat on the Brat?

Yes, Gorilla Arms are mandatory for the “Beat on the Brat” questline. Other arm cyberware options are disabled during these fights.

6. Can you use Sandevistan with Monowire?

Yes, the Sandevistan and the Monowire go hand in hand. Melee weapons are best alongside Sandevistan because any bullets you fire will leave your gun in slow-motion, whereas melee weapons will hit at your increased speed. The increased speed of the Sandevistan is great for the Monowire.

7. Did Mantis Blades get nerfed in Cyberpunk 2077?

There have been reports of Mantis Blades being nerfed in various updates, particularly regarding their upgradeability. It’s always best to check the latest patch notes for the most up-to-date information.

8. What are the best Mantis Blade mods?

The best Mantis Blade mods depend on your build, but popular choices include mods that increase crit chance, damage type (toxic, thermal, or electrical), and overall damage output.

9. Do Mantis Blades take up a weapon slot?

No, Mantis Blades do not take up a weapon slot like a katana does. They replace your unarmed melee attack.

10. Where can I find early Legendary Mantis Blades?

There’s a loot spawn location in the City Center where you can obtain Legendary Mantis Blades early in Act 2. It’s guarded by a Cyberpsycho.

11. Does Monowire do more damage than Mantis Blades?

Yes, the Monowire, especially when fully charged, generally does more damage than Mantis Blades, particularly at higher levels.

12. Is Monowire good for stealth?

Yes, the Monowire is excellent for stealth. Its long reach and stagger effect allow you to silently dispatch enemies from a distance.

13. Can I use Monowire in Beat on the Brat?

No, you cannot use the Monowire in Beat on the Brat missions. Only Gorilla Arms are permitted.

14. When should I buy Mantis Blades?

You can acquire Mantis Blades fairly early in Act 2, either by purchasing them from a Ripperdoc or by finding them in a specific loot location.

15. Where can I learn more about the intersection of games and learning?

For insightful research and resources on how games can be leveraged for education and engagement, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.