Which Arm to Get in Cyberpunk 2077? A Cyberware Deep Dive

The question of which arm cyberware to equip in Cyberpunk 2077 is a pivotal one, directly impacting your combat style, roleplaying opportunities, and overall effectiveness in Night City. The definitive answer is: it depends on your build and playstyle. There isn’t a single “best” arm implant that reigns supreme. Each option – Gorilla Arms, Mantis Blades, Monowire, and the Projectile Launch System – offers distinct advantages and caters to different approaches to the game. Let’s break down each option to help you make the perfect choice for your V.

Understanding Your Cyberpunk Arm Cyberware Options

Gorilla Arms: The Brute Force Solution

Gorilla Arms are the quintessential choice for players who favor a strength-based build. They significantly enhance your unarmed combat abilities, allowing you to deal massive damage with your fists. Beyond combat, they provide a crucial boost to your Body attribute, enabling you to force open locked doors and intimidate NPCs during dialogue.

• Strengths: High damage output in unarmed combat, essential for the “Beat on the Brat” questline, enhances Body attribute for world interaction, non-lethal takedown potential.
• Weaknesses: Limited range, relies on close-quarters combat, effectiveness tied directly to Body stat and relevant perks.
• Playstyle Suitability: Ideal for players who enjoy a brawling style, prioritizing raw power and physicality. If you’re roleplaying a tough, streetwise character, Gorilla Arms are a natural fit.

Mantis Blades: The Silent Assassin’s Choice

Mantis Blades transform your arms into deadly, retractable blades, making you a lethal close-range combatant. They offer swift, precise attacks and pair exceptionally well with a Reflex-based build. Their speed and damage potential allow for rapid takedowns, especially when combined with skills like Kerenzikov, creating a “bullet-time ninja” feel.

• Strengths: High damage output, fast attack speed, synergizes well with Reflex and Blades skills, stylish and effective for stealth kills.
• Weaknesses: Limited range, requires skillful timing and positioning, less effective against heavily armored enemies.
• Playstyle Suitability: Perfect for players who enjoy a fast-paced, agile combat style, emphasizing stealth and precision strikes. If you’re playing a netrunner that still wants options in a firefight, Mantis Blades can provide that.

Monowire: The Tech-Savvy Whiplash

The Monowire is a unique arm implant that unleashes a thin, whip-like wire capable of delivering devastating damage, particularly when fully charged. In the past it was not considered a blade but recent updates to the game have re-classified it. It’s a fantastic option for players who enjoy a Tech ability build, as it can be enhanced with various cyberware and perks that boost its effectiveness. The Monowire has the ability to stagger enemies when fully charged making it a viable weapon for players to control the field.

• Strengths: Long range for a melee weapon, significant damage output, effective against groups of enemies, potentially silent takedowns.
• Weaknesses: Slower attack speed compared to Mantis Blades, requires precise timing and charging, formerly considered weak, but recent patches greatly increased its viability.
• Playstyle Suitability: Well-suited for players who prefer a more tactical approach to combat, utilizing range and crowd control to their advantage. Synergizes with netrunner builds and those focusing on Tech skills.

Projectile Launch System: The Ranged Option

The Projectile Launch System (PLS) is the only arm implant that provides a purely ranged option. It allows you to launch various types of projectiles, including grenades, rockets, and tranquilizer darts, making it a versatile tool for engaging enemies from a distance.

• Strengths: Ranged combat capability, versatile projectile options (explosives, non-lethal), effective against groups of enemies.
• Weaknesses: Requires ammunition, can be less effective in close-quarters combat, projectile speed can be slow.
• Playstyle Suitability: Best for players who prefer a ranged combat style or require a reliable way to deal with enemies from a safe distance. It’s a solid choice for those who prioritize crowd control and area-of-effect damage.

Choosing the Right Arm for Your Build

Ultimately, the “best” arm implant depends on your desired playstyle and the stats you want to invest in.

• For Strength-Based Builds: Gorilla Arms are the clear winner, providing both combat prowess and utility outside of combat.
• For Reflex-Based Builds: Mantis Blades offer a fast-paced, deadly melee option, allowing you to quickly eliminate enemies with precision strikes.
• For Tech-Based Builds: Monowire can be a solid choice, especially with the update improvements.
• For Ranged Builds: The Projectile Launch System provides a valuable ranged option, allowing you to engage enemies from a safe distance.

It’s important to consider your secondary skills and perks as well. If you’re investing heavily in Blades skills, Mantis Blades will be more effective than Gorilla Arms. If you’re focusing on Engineering and Tech skills, the Monowire might be a better fit.

FAQs: Your Cyberpunk Arm Cyberware Questions Answered

1. Can I change my arm cyberware later in the game?

Yes, you can visit a Ripperdoc to change your arm cyberware at any time, though it may cost you a significant amount of Eddies (money). This allows you to experiment with different options and adapt your build to your changing needs.

2. Which arm cyberware is best for a stealth build?

The Mantis Blades and Monowire are both viable options for a stealth build. The Mantis Blades offer quick and silent takedowns, while the Monowire allows for ranged stealth kills.

3. Do Gorilla Arms count as non-lethal?

Yes, Gorilla Arms are considered a blunt weapon and can be used for non-lethal takedowns, which is particularly useful for completing certain missions or subduing enemies for Cyberpsycho Sighting quests. Be careful for bleed out effects that may damage the unconscious target, however!

4. Where can I find the best arm cyberware?

The quality of arm cyberware available at Ripperdocs depends on your street cred level and the Ripperdoc’s specialization. Certain Ripperdocs, like the one in Downtown (Doc Ryder), are known to carry particularly rare and powerful cyberware.

5. Which arm cyberware is the most fun to use?

“Fun” is subjective, but many players find the Mantis Blades and Projectile Launch System to be the most entertaining. The Mantis Blades offer a satisfying sense of speed and precision, while the Projectile Launch System allows for creative and explosive combat scenarios.

6. Does my Strength attribute affect the damage of Mantis Blades?

No, Mantis Blades scale primarily with the Reflex attribute and related Blades skills. Strength primarily affects Gorilla Arms.

7. How do I use the Projectile Launch System effectively?

The Projectile Launch System requires tactical thinking. Experiment with different projectile types to determine their optimal use cases. Frag grenades are excellent for crowd control, while tranquilizer darts are ideal for stealth takedowns.

8. Are there any perks that specifically enhance arm cyberware?

Yes, several perks within the Body, Reflexes, and Tech Ability skill trees specifically enhance arm cyberware. Read the perk descriptions carefully to identify those that benefit your chosen implant.

9. Can I use arm cyberware in the “Beat on the Brat” questline?

Only Gorilla Arms are allowed in the “Beat on the Brat” questline. Other arm cyberware, such as Mantis Blades and Monowire, are disabled during these fights.

10. How do I unlock Johnny Silverhand’s arm?

Johnny Silverhand’s arm is obtained automatically after completing the “Chippin’ In” quest. It appears as a common item in your inventory. It does not provide any gameplay benefits.

11. Are there any unique arm cyberware implants?

While there are variations in stats and mods, there aren’t any truly “unique” arm cyberware implants with entirely different functionalities outside of the main four types.

12. Does the Monowire count as a blade weapon?

Yes, the Monowire is a Blade weapon. Recent updates have re-classified it so it will scale accordingly.

13. Which Ripperdoc sells the best cyberware?

The Downtown Ripperdoc, sometimes known as Doc Ryder, is often considered to have some of the best and most exclusive cyberware available.

14. Is it possible to upgrade my arm cyberware?

Yes, you can upgrade your arm cyberware at Ripperdocs to improve their stats and add new functionalities.

15. What other factors should I consider when choosing arm cyberware?

Consider your overall build, desired playstyle, and the perks you want to invest in. Experiment with different options to find what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to respec your character to optimize your arm cyberware build.

Conclusion: Choose Wisely, Cyberpunk

Ultimately, the choice of arm cyberware in Cyberpunk 2077 is a deeply personal one. Each option offers a unique set of strengths and weaknesses, catering to different playstyles and character builds. By carefully considering your options and experimenting with different combinations, you can find the perfect arm cyberware to dominate Night City. Don’t forget to continue your learning journey about games and their educational impact at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Now go out there and make your mark!