Cyberpunk 2077: Unlocking the Power of the Best Smart Sniper Rifle

The neon-drenched streets of Night City are a battleground, and a skilled sniper can be the deadliest force on it. While sniper rifles are often synonymous with precision and one-shot kills, smart sniper rifles in Cyberpunk 2077 add another layer of lethality with their tracking capabilities. So, what’s the cream of the crop when it comes to these tech-enhanced long-range weapons?

The best smart sniper rifle in Cyberpunk 2077 is undoubtedly the Legendary Tsunami Ashura. This weapon combines the raw power of a sniper rifle with the tracking capabilities of a smart weapon, making it incredibly effective in almost any combat situation. It’s not just the best smart sniper; it’s arguably one of the best overall weapons in the game. This combination of high thermal damage and a chance to inflict Burn on enemies makes it a versatile and deadly choice for any aspiring sharpshooter.

Why the Tsunami Ashura Reigns Supreme

The Legendary Tsunami Ashura stands out for several key reasons:

• Smart Link Functionality: This is the defining feature of any smart weapon, allowing bullets to automatically track and curve toward enemies. This significantly reduces the need for perfect aim, making it highly effective against fast-moving targets or when firing from cover.
• High Thermal Damage: The Ashura deals significant thermal damage, which is effective against both organic and robotic enemies.
• Burn Chance: The chance to inflict Burn adds a damage-over-time effect that stacks with the initial impact, increasing overall damage output.
• Legendary Status: As a Legendary weapon, the Ashura boasts higher stats and more modification slots compared to its lower-tier counterparts. This allows for greater customization and optimization, making it even more potent in the hands of a skilled player.
• Early Game Availability: You can acquire the Ashura early in the game during “The Pickup” mission. This means you don’t have to wait till the late game to use this powerhouse of a weapon.

While other smart weapons excel in different roles, the Ashura’s combination of sniper-level power, smart tracking, and early availability makes it the undisputed champion for long-range combat. The precision, damage, and versatility make it a true force multiplier on the mean streets of Night City.

FAQ: Mastering Smart Sniper Rifles in Cyberpunk 2077

To ensure you’re fully equipped to take advantage of smart sniper rifles in Cyberpunk 2077, here are some frequently asked questions:

What is a Smart Sniper Rifle in Cyberpunk 2077?

A smart sniper rifle is a type of sniper rifle that uses smart-targeting technology. Unlike traditional sniper rifles that require manual aiming, smart rifles use a Smart Link cyberware implant in your hand to lock onto targets and guide bullets with precision. This makes them incredibly effective at hitting targets that are moving, behind cover, or otherwise difficult to target with conventional weapons.

How Do I Unlock the Smart Link Cyberware Needed for Smart Sniper Rifles?

You can purchase the Smart Link Cyberware from ripperdocs in Night City. This cyberware is essential for using smart weapons, including smart sniper rifles. The specific ripperdoc inventory varies, so keep an eye out for one that sells the Smart Link. Be mindful of the different versions as there are lower rarity versions and higher ones, with higher rarities offering better targeting capabilities.

Are There Other Viable Smart Sniper Rifles Besides the Ashura?

While the Tsunami Ashura is the best, there are other smart sniper options. However, none match the Ashura’s overall balance of power, tracking, and early availability. The Techtronika’s Grad, especially the modded version found on the body of Buck, is worth mentioning as it’s a very strong sniper, but it is not a smart weapon.

What is the Best Scope to Use With a Sniper Rifle?

For a general use scope, the Jue sniper scope is a solid pick, especially early on. However, higher-tier scopes are available in the game and can provide greater zoom and clarity. The Kiroshi “The Oracle” Optics aren’t specifically for scopes, but they significantly enhance your scan, which can be vital to planning shots.

Is There a Silenced Sniper Rifle in Cyberpunk 2077?

Yes, there is one unique silenced sniper rifle in Cyberpunk 2077. The Overwatch, given to you by Panam after the “Riders of the Storm” mission, is the only silenced sniper in the game. Note that standard sniper rifles cannot be modified with silencers.

What Perks Enhance Sniper Rifles in Cyberpunk 2077?

The perks under the Assault tree in the Reflexes attribute will affect all types of rifles, including sniper rifles, precision rifles, and assault rifles. Focus on perks that increase weapon damage, critical hit chance, and overall accuracy.

What is the Best Silencer in Cyberpunk 2077?

If you have a weapon that can be silenced, the XC-10 silencer is a strong contender. While it reduces damage by 25%, it significantly boosts critical hit chance and stealth damage, allowing for one-shot kills on unsuspecting enemies, especially when combined with a powerful rifle.

How Does Armor Affect Sniper Combat in Cyberpunk 2077?

Armor plays a crucial role in your survivability. The legendary Corporate armor set is one of the best for general protection. When using a sniper, it’s crucial to maintain distance and stealth, so you might want to prioritize armor that provides movement speed bonuses or has high defense.

What is the Maximum Level in Cyberpunk 2077?

The maximum level in Cyberpunk 2077 2.0 is now 60, up from the original cap of 50. This means you have more attribute points to invest into your build, allowing you to make a more powerful sniper build.

Should I Save Perk Points or Spend Them as Soon as I Earn Them?

It’s generally best to spend perk points strategically based on your desired build. Holding onto perk points is not as useful as using them to further enhance your playstyle. For sniper builds focus on perks in the Reflexes tree for rifles.

How Do I Upgrade My Weapons in Cyberpunk 2077?

You can upgrade weapons using the Crafting menu. Navigate to the inventory, then crafting, and finally to the upgrades tab. Here, you can see the potential stat increases for upgrading your weapon.

Is Monowire a Silent Weapon?

Yes, Monowire is a silent melee weapon, making it suitable for stealth builds and engagements. However, it is not a ranged weapon like a sniper rifle and is generally not useful for a sniper build, which relies on ranged attacks.

Is Skippy a Good Weapon for a Sniper Build?

Skippy is a unique smart pistol with an AI. While a good weapon for any character, it’s not a sniper rifle and won’t benefit from most sniper-focused perks. Also, while Skippy is powerful, after a certain number of kills it permanently changes it’s fire mode. This could make it ineffective for a sniper build, which usually favors precision.

Is the New Yasha Sniper Rifle Worth Trying?

The Yasha sniper rifle is a new addition via the Phantom Liberty DLC, acquired via Twitch Drops. While a solid sniper, it is not a smart weapon. It’s worth trying out for a different playstyle, but for smart snipers, the Ashura remains the top pick.

How Do I Get the O’Five Sniper Rifle in Cyberpunk 2077?

The O’Five sniper rifle (also known as the SPT32 Grad) is a modded version of the Techtronika’s Grad. You can find it on some barrels near where you first spoke with Buck in Arroyo after defeating him and his crew. It’s not a smart sniper rifle, but it’s a powerful alternative.

Final Thoughts

Mastering the art of sniping in Cyberpunk 2077 can be incredibly rewarding, and the Legendary Tsunami Ashura is the ultimate tool to achieve that. Its smart tracking capabilities, coupled with high damage and versatility, make it a force to be reckoned with in Night City. By understanding the mechanics of smart weapons, utilizing the right perks, and carefully selecting your gear, you can become a true phantom of the rooftops, eliminating threats from afar with unmatched precision and lethal efficiency.