Skippy in Cyberpunk 2077: Is This Talking Gun the Best Pistol for You?
The definitive answer to whether Skippy is the “best” pistol in Cyberpunk 2077 is a resounding: it depends! Skippy’s unique mechanics, tied to its AI and firing mode, make it a potent weapon early to mid-game. However, its forced mode switch and the existence of other powerful iconic pistols mean that Skippy, while fun and quirky, isn’t universally the “best” pistol. It shines in specific scenarios and builds but ultimately gets outshone by other options as V progresses.
The Allure of Skippy: A Smart Pistol with a Mind of Its Own
Skippy is no ordinary firearm. This smart pistol, found in the Vista Del Rey district of Heywood, boasts a chatty AI that comments on your performance and even asks philosophical questions about killing. More importantly, it offers two distinct firing modes:
- Puppy-Loving Pacifist: Initially targets limbs, offering non-lethal takedowns.
- Stone Cold Killer: Prioritizes headshots for maximum damage output.
The mode Skippy defaults to depends on your choice when first picking it up and using it. The initial choice and subsequent use affect how the gun is employed and what eventually happens to the gun.
The Catch: The Forced Mode Switch
Here’s where things get tricky. After racking up 50 kills, Skippy will reveal it’s not operating as intended and forcefully switch to the other firing mode. This can be incredibly frustrating if you prefer the initial mode. If you initially selected Puppy-Loving Pacifist, it switches to Stone Cold Killer, and if you chose Stone Cold Killer, it will switch to Puppy-Loving Pacifist.
Why Skippy Isn’t Always the “Best”
Despite its unique charm and initial power, Skippy has limitations:
- Forced Mode Switch: The primary reason Skippy isn’t the ultimate pistol. Being locked into a less desirable firing mode diminishes its usefulness.
- Other Powerful Options: Cyberpunk 2077 is brimming with excellent iconic pistols like the Genjiroh, Kongou, and Malorian Arms 3516, all of which can outperform Skippy in various builds.
- Damage Falloff: Skippy’s damage, while scaling with V’s level, doesn’t reach the heights of some other iconic pistols optimized for specific builds.
How to Make the Most of Skippy
If you decide to use Skippy, here’s how to optimize its performance:
- Choose Wisely: If you want headshots later, pick Puppy-Loving Pacifist initially. If you desire non-lethal combat later on, pick Stone Cold Killer as your first selection.
- Exploit the Early Power: Skippy is a powerhouse early on. Utilize its chosen mode to dominate encounters.
- Prepare for the Switch: Once you’re comfortable, start considering alternative pistols before Skippy’s mode changes.
- Consider Regina: After the mode switch, you can return Skippy to Regina for a reward. This completes the “Machine Gun” side quest.
The Contenders: Skippy’s Rivals
Several other iconic pistols rival Skippy in terms of power and utility:
- Genjiroh: An iconic variant of the Arasaka HJKE-11 Yukimura. Its ability to target multiple enemies and deal electrical damage makes it incredibly effective. It performs exceptionally well when equipped with the Smart Link Cyberware.
- Kongou: This power pistol is incredibly powerful and available early in the game. It doesn’t require any cybernetics, and has incredible damage.
- Malorian Arms 3516: Johnny Silverhand’s iconic pistol. It has high damage and can inflict thermal damage. Its bullets can ricochet, making it a solid all-around option.
- Death and Taxes: Is one of the most unusual silenced pistols in Cyberpunk 2077, firing in a two-shot burst. The best part is that you can add a silencer, turning it into a small silenced shotgun.
- Chingona Dorada: Jackie’s iconic pistol. It shoots at mid speed and applies burn.
- HJKE-11 Yukimura: Skippy is a variant of the HJKE-11 Yukimura pistol, but it has a lower DPS (423.0) than the HJKE-11 and deals slightly less per individual shot (41-51).
The Verdict: Skippy’s Place in Night City
Skippy is a memorable and entertaining weapon in Cyberpunk 2077. However, its forced mode switch prevents it from being the undisputed “best” pistol. It’s a fantastic choice for early to mid-game players who appreciate its unique mechanics and dialogue, but seasoned veterans will likely gravitate towards other powerful iconic pistols for optimized builds and consistent performance.
For those interested in exploring the intersection of gaming and learning, be sure to visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Skippy
1. What should I choose when Skippy asks me to pick a mode?
Choose the opposite of what you want permanently. If you want Stone Cold Killer (headshots) in the long run, pick Puppy-Loving Pacifist (limbs) initially. If you want Puppy-Loving Pacifist (limbs) in the long run, pick Stone Cold Killer (headshots) initially.
2. Is Skippy better than the Genjiroh pistol?
Genjiroh is arguably better than Skippy due to its consistent performance and ability to target multiple enemies simultaneously, especially with Smart Link Cyberware. Skippy’s mode switch and dependency on headshots can be limiting.
3. Can I permanently keep Skippy in headshot mode?
No, you cannot permanently keep Skippy in Stone Cold Killer mode. After 50 kills, it will switch to Puppy-Loving Pacifist.
4. Is Skippy worth keeping after the mode switch?
It depends. If you enjoy non-lethal takedowns, Puppy-Loving Pacifist can be useful. However, many players prefer to return Skippy to Regina after the switch to complete the quest and receive the reward.
5. How much money do I get for returning Skippy to Regina?
You receive 7,000 eddies for returning Skippy to Regina.
6. Does Skippy scale with my level?
Yes, Skippy automatically upgrades itself to match V’s level, increasing its damage output as you progress.
7. Where do I find Skippy in Cyberpunk 2077?
Skippy is located in the Vista Del Rey district of Heywood. It’s found next to a dead body in an alleyway.
8. What is the best pistol for stealth in Cyberpunk 2077?
Death and Taxes is a strong contender. With a silencer, it becomes a two-shot burst silenced shotgun, allowing for quick and quiet takedowns.
9. What are some other powerful iconic pistols in Cyberpunk 2077?
Besides Genjiroh, the Malorian Arms 3516 (Johnny Silverhand’s pistol), Kongou, and Chingona Dorada are all excellent choices, each with unique strengths.
10. How do I get the Genjiroh pistol?
Genjiroh can be obtained in the Arasaka Estate and behind a closed door on floor 21 in the “Play It Safe” mission.
11. Is Skippy an iconic weapon?
Yes, Skippy is an iconic weapon in Cyberpunk 2077.
12. What is the best arm cyberware for a stealth build?
The Monowire is an excellent choice for stealth, allowing for silent takedowns from a distance.
13. Is Skippy better than the HJKE-11 Yukimura?
While Skippy is a variant of the HJKE-11 Yukimura, it has a lower DPS and deals less damage per shot than the standard Yukimura. Skippy’s uniqueness lies in its AI and firing mode options, not raw damage.
14. What is the best Sandevistan in Cyberpunk 2077?
The Militech “Apogee” Sandevistan is widely considered the best, slowing down time by 85% and increasing headshot damage.
15. Are there any other weapons with AI like Skippy?
No, Skippy’s talking AI is unique among weapons in Cyberpunk 2077, adding a distinct personality to the gun.