Johnny Silverhand Build

Johnny Silverhand Build - Cyberpunk 2077

By zanuffas
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This post covers the Best Johnny Silverhand Build for Cyberpunk 2077. Take the mantle of the main star of the Samurai band. Although Johnny has been mostly a musician for the last few years, he still has not lost touch with weapons especially the iconic - Malorian Arms 3516.

Johnny Silverhand Build - Rocker Boy

With this build, I aimed to recreate Johnny Silverhand with his quirks (no operating system) and all the expertise - pistols, SMGs, and Shotguns (from his military career in Wiki). I think the setup is kind of interesting as you will have various weapon options to use in combat.

I still want to limit the build in terms of cyberware, so I will be skipping the Edgerunner perk icon cyberpunk 2077Edgerunner​ perk. I think this would reflect perfectly, that he is not a cyberpsycho ready to fill himself with chrome. Of course, he uses his legendary metal arm - from where the nickname comes.

So if you are interested in something not hyper optimized this could be your pick. For example, role-playing that Johnny is taking V over faster than expected and you start mimicking his weapon preferences and skills.

Well, that's some food for thought, let's get into the build!

The build was created and tested on Very Hard difficulty.

Attributes

First, let's go through attributes, they provide stat bonuses and unlock new perks. The more points you invest the better options you unlock that allow creating the Johnny build.

Starting Game

Here are the attributes you should take at the game's start. You can allocate a total of 7 points.

I recommend checking Cyberpunk 2077 beginner tips to avoid missing or misunderstanding important things early in the game.

Attribute Allocation Description
ico_coolCool +3 Will allow reaching good pistol perks faster.
ico_refReflexes +1 Will be used for a few early perks.
ico_bodyBody +3 Unlocks the first tier of perks, which will also be used for Shotgun perks

End Game Attributes

Here is how the end-game setup would look with the build once you have all the attributes sorted out:

I will be leaving the build at level 52 as this gives plenty of cyberware capacity to optimize what to use.
Attribute Allocation Description
ico_refReflexes 15 Unlocks mobility and SMG perks.
ico_bodyBody 20 The Body attribute is important for survivability perk - Adrenaline Rush perk icon cyberpunk 2077Adrenaline Rush​ which will make you sturdier and give some damage bonuses.
ico_techTechnical Ability 15 Wanted to leave it at 15, to reflect that Johnny was not a fully chromed person.
ico_coolCool 20 As Johnny uses Malorian Arms 3516, it is only reasonable to expect him to be very efficient with pistols.
ico_intIntelligence 3 Skip this attribute as it is irrelevant to the build.

You can spend the last 5 points either on Reflexes or Body. I picked Body for Pain to Gain perk icon cyberpunk 2077Pain to Gain, but that is my preference.

Need help with level-by-level attribute/perk progression? For my supporters on Ko-Fi or Patreon, I offer attribute picks on each level, for optimal progression.

Perks

Let's go through the perks of the Johnny Build. You will need about 57~ perk points for the build, and the base game awards about 80 with skills progression and perk shards. So some should be left to adjust the build to your needs.

Cool Perks

These would be the biggest priority perks in my opinion. First, there will be some good Pistol weapons early. Second, this is Johnny's main weapon that he used mostly before his death.

cool perks johnny silverhand build cyberpunk 2077

Level 9 Perks

Finally, you will be able to get the first mobility perk. It is useful both for exploration and combat

Perk Description
Focus perk icon cyberpunk 2077Focus The perk allows for more accurate shots as they do not drain stamina. This is relevant early in the game, later on with various cyberware the negative effect is negated automatically.
Head to Head perk icon cyberpunk 2077Head to Head Reset the duration of Focus perk icon cyberpunk 2077Focus, making it easier to sustain no stamina drain period.
Deep Breath perk icon cyberpunk 2077Deep Breath Slows time by 25%. This makes it easier to land precise shots. If this is not a problem, you can skip it.
Rinse and Reload perk icon cyberpunk 2077Rinse and Reload Improved reload speed makes it easier to continue shooting after you empty the clip.
No Sweat perk icon cyberpunk 2077No Sweat Reduce the stamina cost of Focus perk icon cyberpunk 2077Focus​ after it ends. This is relevant early in the game, where stamina has a huge impact on accuracy.
Need help with level-by-level Perk progression? For my supporters on Ko-Fi or Patreon, I offer optimal progression at each level, to pick correct perks.

Level 15 Perks

Perk Description
Deadeye perk icon cyberpunk 2077Deadeye The most powerful perk for any pistol user. Gives a big headshot damage increase. This pairs well with Focus perk icon cyberpunk 2077Focus​ as the effect only applies when stamina is full.
High Noon perk icon cyberpunk 2077High Noon Improved reload speed after you neutralize an enemy.
Long Shot perk icon cyberpunk 2077Long Shot Removes any distance penalties that pistols have.
California Reaper perk icon cyberpunk 2077California Reaper This perk will allow you to get back to 85%+ stamina so that both Deadeye perk icon cyberpunk 2077Deadeye​ and Focus perk icon cyberpunk 2077Focus​ can be reactivated.

Level 20 Perks

Perk Description
Run 'N' Gun perk icon cyberpunk 2077Run 'N' Gun Optional perk, use it if you want to shoot from hip fire without any penalties.
Nerves of Tungsten-Steel perk icon cyberpunk 2077Nerves of Tungsten-Steel If you will use Revolvers this perk is almost mandatory and guarantees critical hits and bonus damage.

Reflexes Perks

These perks will focus on Johnny's usage of SMGs, which he was using during the Army period. Moreover, perks like Dash perk icon cyberpunk 2077Dash​ will give a huge mobility boost.

reflexes perks johnny silverhand build cyberpunk 2077

Level 4 Perks

Perk Description
Slippery perk icon cyberpunk 2077Slippery Base perk, that we will need to progress to other levels
Muscle Memory perk icon cyberpunk 2077Muscle Memory Gives you more agility in combat as you can reload while sprinting.
Multitasker perk icon cyberpunk 2077Multitasker Although not mandatory, having the option to shoot while moving fast can be handy.

Level 9 Perks

Finally, you will be able to get the first mobility perk. It is useful both for exploration and combat

Perk Description
Dash perk icon cyberpunk 2077Dash Another new perk that gives a short dash to avoid or get close to the enemies.
Steady Grip perk icon cyberpunk 2077Steady Grip You can shoot while in Dash perk icon cyberpunk 2077Dash. This pairs well with Kerenzikov, as it can be activated while dashing.
Can't Touch This perk icon cyberpunk 2077Can't Touch This A 100% mitigation chance while dodging is very valuable. This will give you a higher chance of reaching an enemy if you are under heavy fire.
Ready, Rested, Reloaded perk icon cyberpunk 2077Ready, Rested, Reloaded Faster reloads make it easier to get back in combat after emptying the clip.
Mind Over Matter perk icon cyberpunk 2077Mind Over Matter Some SMGs have high recoils and this perk will make it easier to handle them.
Tunnel Vision perk icon cyberpunk 2077Tunnel Vision Improved accuracy and range limits while using SMGs.

Level 15 Perks

Perk Description
Sharpshooter perk icon cyberpunk 2077Sharpshooter By itself, this perk is nothing special
Practice Makes Perfect perk icon cyberpunk 2077Practice Makes Perfect Improves crit chance and crit damage by the sustained fire. This is one of the most important perks for SMGs as it is the only one that gives direct damage increase.
Shoot to Chill perk icon cyberpunk 2077Shoot to Chill Improves armor penetration giving more damage against armored foes.

Air Dash perk icon cyberpunk 2077Air Dash​ is one perk that I would also recommend, to improve traversing, however, it will not be as useful for combat in my opinion with this build.

Technical Ability Perks

I will not be maximizing Technical Ability as Johnny Silverhand was not chromed as other personas like David Martinez. So it is reasonable to leave it at 15. I also want to access a few perks that greatly improve cyberware slots.

technical ability perks johnny silverhand builds cyberpunk 2077

Level 4 Perks

Perk Description
Glutton for War perk icon cyberpunk 2077Glutton for War You will be taking out a lot of enemies, so why not faster healing item recharge?

Level 9 Perks

Perk Description
Health Freak perk icon cyberpunk 2077Health Freak You now have 3 health recharge items, making combat a bit easier.
Borrowed Time perk icon cyberpunk 2077Borrowed Time Gives instant health item recharge when taking out an enemy when being close to death.
All Things Cyber perk icon cyberpunk 2077All Things Cyber Mandatory perk as we will need as much Cyberware as we can. Reduces its costs
Renaissance Punk perk icon cyberpunk 2077Renaissance Punk With this build, we will have 4 attributes above 9, so worth taking it.
Chrome Constitution perk icon cyberpunk 2077Chrome Constitution With Samurai build we are filling all the slots with chrome, so reduced damage is nice.
Need help with level-by-level Perk progression? For my supporters on Ko-Fi or Patreon, I offer optimal progression at each level, to pick correct perks.

Level 15 Perks

Perk Description
License to Chrome perk icon cyberpunk 2077License to Chrome Improves Skeleton cyberware and unlocks a new slot for even more chrome
Extended Warranty perk icon cyberpunk 2077Extended Warranty The increased duration will work on Kerenzikov and other cyberware effects, although without an operating system, it is not as impactful.
Ambidextrous perk icon cyberpunk 2077Ambidextrous Mainly used to unlock the full potential of the Cyborg perk icon cyberpunk 2077Cyborg​ perk. There are no useful hands cyberware for melee setup, so you will use anything with low capacity cost.
Cyborg perk icon cyberpunk 2077Cyborg​ (Optional) This perk should be taken if you have all cyberware slots filled and want a bit of improved cyberware cooldown for Countershell and Kerenzikov. The bonus is negligible so I would say it is relevant only for the late game.
Pyromania perk icon cyberpunk 2077Pyromania (Optional) If you use Shock-N-Awe cyberware this perk is mandatory together with the next upgrade you will be able to securely stack an increased mitigation chance.
Heat Shield perk icon cyberpunk 2077Heat Shield​ (Optional) Activating Pyromania perk icon cyberpunk 2077Pyromania​ will give you a decent increase in mitigation chance.

Body Perks

This tree will improve Silverhand Build's survivability. It will also improve shotgun damage to fit the theme.

body perks johnny silverhand builds cyberpunk 2077

Level 4 Perks

Perk Description
Painkiller perk icon cyberpunk 2077Painkiller A very valuable perk that is recommended for any build. We also need it for the progression
Dorph-head perk icon cyberpunk 2077Dorph-head Blood Pump will be one of the main Cyberware that we use to drastically boost HP restoration

Level 9 Perks

Perk Description
Die! Die! Die! perk icon cyberpunk 2077Die! Die! Die! Gain better control of shotguns when stamina is low.
Bullet Ballet perk icon cyberpunk 2077Bullet Ballet Lower bullet spread for better accuracy when you are moving with shotguns
Don't Stop Me Now perk icon cyberpunk 2077Don't Stop Me Now Additional boost for mitigation stats with low stamina.
Like a Feather perk icon cyberpunk 2077Like a Feather​ (Optional) This perk has very minimal improvement to overall mobility. So if you have a free point you can put it here.

Level 15 Perks

Perk Description
Adrenaline Rush perk icon cyberpunk 2077Adrenaline Rush This perk will make sure that we have an additional buffer of health. It will counteract the negative effects of EdgerunnerEdgerunner.
Juggernaut perk icon cyberpunk 2077Juggernaut With more movement speed and damage, it gets better and better.
Unstoppable Force perk icon cyberpunk 2077Unstoppable Force
Allows you to resist various effects while Adrenaline Rush perk icon cyberpunk 2077Adrenaline Rush​ is active.
Need help with level-by-level Perk progression? For my supporters on Ko-Fi or Patreon, I offer optimal progression at each level, to pick correct perks.

Perks - Relic

These perks are available with Phantom Liberty DLC. They will give further improvements to some of the game mechanics.

Samurai Katana build relic perks cyberpunk 2077

Priority Perk Description
1 Vulnerability Analytics perk icon cyberpunk 2077Vulnerability Analytics Shows enemy weak spots, which when hit, create an electricity explosion. It is especially useful against robots and stronger enemies which are hard to chip away with just melee  attacks
2 Machine Learning perk icon cyberpunk 2077Machine Learning Improves Vulnerability AnalyticsVulnerability Analytics by making them appear faster and giving a higher critical damage boost

Now, the next investments depend on how you further want to develop Johnny Silverhand's build. You could assume that his hand is a hand cannon, so you could invest in Jailbreak perk icon cyberpunk 2077Jailbreak​ + Launch Capacity Override perk icon cyberpunk 2077Launch Capacity Override. However, you could also assume it's Gorilla Arms, in which case you would go Jailbreak perk icon cyberpunk 2077Jailbreak​ + Limiter Removal perk icon cyberpunk 2077Limiter Removal.

However, if you go for Gorilla Arms, you would then have to pick some Blunt weapon perks from Body Tree. For me, personally? I did not take anything as his arm was intended as a replacement rather than a weapon upgrade.

Equipment for Silverhand Build

This section will cover what gear I recommend using with the Silverhand build. Always try to obtain the highest tier equipment as it provides the best stats and most modification slots.

Pistols

So Johnny is famous for his Malorian Arms 3516. However, I will include some other options. The main downside is that the pistol is somewhat underwhelming in terms of damage compared to other options.

However, it has a strong unique melee attack and is very satisfying to use.

Item Description
malorian arms 3516 cyberpunk 2077Malorian Arms 3516
The iconic Johnny Silverhand's pistol. It has cool reload animation and can activate special exploding melee attacks.
pride pistol cyberpunk 2077Pride The strongest pistol in the game, but requires you to finish the game first. If Johnny borrowed, it wouldn't be a problem, eh?
lexington xmod2 cyberpunk 2077Lexington X-Mod2
Comes with multiple modification slots and a very high headshot multiplier bonus.
lizzie cyberpunk 2077Lizzie One of the best pistols in the game, due to powerful charge shots.
dying night cyberpunk 2077Dying Night Early game pistol, that has a fast firing rate and is excellent while you are learning the ropes of the game.
seraph cyberpunk 2077Seraph This pistol applies Burn on the enemies and increases damage. Overall, Seraph is a good choice in mid-game, but you won't see huge damage as with other suggested weapons.

There are many more pistols to find and use in the game. These are just some that I enjoyed

Revolvers

I think revolvers also fit well into Johnny's Arsenal, especially as he is a person who would not concern himself with sneaking.

Item Description
archangel cyberpunk 2077Archangel Very satisfying weapon to use that was used by Kerry. It has a shock chance bonus and a decent headshot multiplier.
bald eagle cyberpunk 2077Bald Eagle Has an extremely high headshot modifier and armor penetration.
ol reliable cyberpunk 2077Ol' Reliable Requires you to switch to this weapon to get the full boost of headshot damage.
mancinella cyberpunk 2077Mancinella Has a silencer, but deals a lot of damage and is very satisfying to use. I would recommend taking Killer Instinct perk icon cyberpunk 2077Killer Instinct​ with this weapon.

If you find a higher-tier revolver you may be on the lookout for these modifications. However, I do not think it's worth switching them with Iconic ones.

Modification Description
firecracker cyberpunk 2077Firecracker The weapon will now shoot explosive rounds, which will have a small area of effect.
swiss cheese cyberpunk 2077Swiss Cheese Improves armor penetration at the cost of increased Stamina. This is not a problem for Pistols and Revolvers as Focus perk icon cyberpunk 2077Focus​ will somewhat negate this effect.
pinpoint cyberpunk 2077Pinpoint Reduces bullet spread after you land a headshot
zenith cyberpunk 2077Zenith Improve weapon handling and crit chance, but require you to draw a weapon for this effect to initiate.
better half cyberpunk 2077Better Half Improves crit chance with the second half of the magazine.
equalizer cyberpunk 2077Equalizer Improved damage against elite enemies

Shotguns

I think the shotguns below, are what fit the theme. They may not be the most powerful but will get the job done satisfyingly.

Item Description
the headsman cyberpunk 2077The Headsman As the name tells, this is the weapon that you will want to land headshots, thanks to its high accuracy and high headshot multiplier.
pozhar xmod2 cyberpunk 2077Pozhar x-MOD2 Use it together with the mods below, to insta-kill any enemy you see. It is also extremely satisfying to use and will give a high chance of applying the Obliterate effect.
crusher cyberpunk 2077Crusher Use this together with the mods, below to instantly kill enemies with leg shots.
sovereign cyberpunk 2077Sovereign Very powerful shotgun, that you can use together with a Microgenerator for consistent additional damage.
dezerter cyberpunk 2077Dezerter A very satisfying shotgun to use that kills most of the foes with a single shot.

Modifications

Modification Description
kneel cyberpunk 2077Kneel Use this together with Firecracker to create exploding puddles that dismember targets. This is the ultimate destroyer that will make enemies die instantly.
firecracker cyberpunk 2077Firecracker

Submachine Guns

For SMGs, I will be recommending those of Power type, as I think they relate the most to what Johnny would be using.

Item Description
problem solver cyberpunk 2077Problem Solver Extremely fast submachine gun, which can be hard to control without perks and cyberware. However, it's very satisfying to use as you just melt enemies.
guillotine xmod2 cyberpunk 2077Guillotine x-MOD2 Besides having the highest headshot multiplier out of all SMGs it also comes with 2 mod slots.
buzzsaw cyberpunk 2077Buzzsaw One of a few SMGs that come with bonus armor penetration. It can also be obtained early on, making it the perfect weapon in Act 1.

Modifications

Modification Description
firecracker cyberpunk 2077Firecracker The weapon will now shoot explosive rounds, which will have a small area of effect.
ready steady cyberpunk 2077Ready Steady Reduces recoil, making it easier to control these fast-firing weapons.
better half cyberpunk 2077Better Half Improves crit chance with the second half of the magazine.
equalizer cyberpunk 2077Equalizer Improved damage against elite enemies

Clothing

Now for the main aspect of Johnny Silverhand's build - the looks. Throughout the game, you can obtain various parts of his attire to customize the looks fully. Remember, the items have minimal impact on any of the stats!

johnny silverhand clothing looks cyberpunk 2077

Item How to find
johnny samurai jacket cyberpunk 2077Replica of Johnny's Samurai jacket Obtained in the late-game side quest - Chippin' In. This becomes available late in the main story after you have finished Search and Destroy. 
johnny aviators cyberpunk 2077Johnny's aviators Obtained as the part of Chippin' In quest which is called A Cool Metal Fire.
johnny tank top cyberpunkJohnny's tank top Obtained after the late-game main story quest - Search and Destroy.
johnnys pants cyberpunk 2077Johnny's pants You will need to do the first batch of Padre's Gigs in Heywood. After that you will be able to start the Psychofan quest:
psychofan gig location cyberpunk 2077
johnny shoes cyberpunk 2077Johnny's shoes Obtained during Gig: Family Heirloom. This is available later in the game and is given by Rogue. To access it you first have to finish all Wakako gigs.

Cyberware

Cyberware is a unique mechanic that allows us to fill the build with implants. Early games can be quite difficult as you will have limited capacity. However, as you progress and drop more Capacity Shards, you can equip more.

I will be covering here what is your goal for the end game, to make the build as powerful as possible

Visit ripperdocs every 10 levels. They get higher-tier cyberware that gives a huge boost to stats and their effects. This will have the biggest impact of the build together with perk choices.

First Priority Cyberware

This is what is essential to make the build work. I would even recommend dropping everything else to equip these if cyberware capacity doesn't allow it. These cyberware selections make the core of the build.

first priority cyberware johnny silverhand build cyberpunk 2077

Slot Cyberware Description
Frontal Cortex 1 kerenzikov boost system cyberpunk 2077Kerenzikov Boost System Together with Kerenzikov it will remove stamina cost from shooting and slow down time more for you compared to enemies.
Skeleton 1 spring joints cyberpunk 2077Spring Joints Improves mitigation strength, complementing other cyberware like Countershell, Defenzikov, and Neofiber.
Skeleton 2 epimorphic skeleton cyberpunk 2077Epimorphic Skeleton A big boost to HP and armor greatly improves survivability.
Nervous System 1 neofiber cyberpunk 2077Neofiber Thanks to Defenzikov, the bonus mitigation strength will prove effective in ensuring you receive as little damage as possible.
Nervous System 2 kerenzikov cyberpunk 2077Kerenzikov This will allow for better weapon control when shooting as you can slow down time. It will also activate additional effects from Defenzikov.
Integumentary System 1 countershell cyberpunk 2077Countershell One of my favorite cyberware. With this, in case you are under heavy fire it will activate to give a huge boost to mitigation chance. Thanks to other cyberware you will have 70-90% damage reduction for 4 seconds.
Hands 1 microgenerator cyberpunk 2077Microgenerator Excellent choice if you plan on using Shotguns more, their small clips will make this effect activate more often.
shock absorber cyberpunk 2077Shock Absorber Reduces recoil and gives a headshot damage bonus from Cool attunement.
Circulatory System 1 biomonitor cyberpunk 2077Biomonitor Automatically heals, makes the combat somewhat easier, as you do not have to worry how long it takes to use a healing item.
Circulatory System 2 blood pump cyberpunk 2077Blood Pump The most powerful healing item in the game, it heals during a few-second span.
heal on kill cyberpunk 2077Heal-On-Kill I would say this is the safest option, it gives an additional layer of HP restoration.
Legs reinforced tendons cyberpunk 2077Reinforced Tendons My personal favorite makes traversing much easier.
fortified ankles cyberpunk 2077Fortified Ankles Gives the highest jumps and high boost to armor compared to cyberware capacity cost. But you need to hold the jump button.

Second Priority Cyberware

This is what you should be getting once you have the core cyberware, or you have free capacity.

second priority cyberware johnny silverhand build cyberpunk 2077

Slot Cyberware Description
Skeleton 3 kinetic frame cyberpunk 2077Kinetic Frame It should be easy to maintain high stamina with Pistols especially when using Focus perk icon cyberpunk 2077Focus.
bionic joints cyberpunk 2077Bionic Joints A cheap cyberware to get bonus armor
Integumentary System 3 shock n awe cyberpunk 2077Shock-N-Awe If you use Shotguns and engage in somewhat close combat with Johnny's build, the area of effect damage will also stack Pyromania perk icon cyberpunk 2077Pyromania.
painducer cyberpunk 2077Painducer
For medium or long-ranged combat this is my recommended pick.
subdermal armor cyberpunk 2077Subdermal Armor A simple cyberware that has a high armor-to-cyberware capacity cost ratio.
Operating System 1 chrome compressor cyberpunk 2077Chrome Compressor From all encounters with Johnny, it doesn't look like he used any kind of cyberware.
militech falcon sandevistanMilitech "Falcon" Sandevistan The game might be too difficult with Chrome Compressor so if you want an operating system that can help with with ranged weapons, here are some options.
dynalar sandevistan cyberpunk 2077Dynalar Sandevistan
Face 1 kiroshi cockatrice optics cyberpunk 2077Kiroshi "Cockatrice" Optics The best eye cyberware for the maximum crit chance with the build. However, the cost is very steep, so I would leave this for the end game.
kiroshi doomsayer optics cyberpunk 2077Kiroshi "Doomsayer" Optics A lightly improved version that also gives bonus critical chance based on the Reflexes attribute.
basic kiroshi optics cyberpunk 2077Basic Kiroshi Optics Simple eye cyberware, that I think does the job for this build as you get bonus headshot damage.
Hands 2 immovable force cyberpunk 2077Immovable Force Gives a good recoil and spread reduction making it easier to make perfect shots.

Final Cyberware setup

The Arms cyberware is optional, my preferred choice is Projectile Launch System as it fits into the build seamlessly.

final cyberware setup johnny silverhand build cyberpunk 2077

Slot Cyberware Description
Frontal Cortex 2 mechatronic core cyberpunk 2077Mechatronic Core Just an alternative cyberware to fill the slot. It is also okay, for some bonus damage against mechs.
Frontal Cortex 3 self-ice cyberpunk 2077Self-ICE Just to fill the slot, especially if you need to activate the Cyborg perk icon cyberpunk 2077Cyborg​ perk.
Arms projectile launch system cyberpunk 2077Projectile Launch System To be honest, any cyberware works here, so pick the one that you prefer. The Projectile Launch System is great as it allows activating Pyromania perk icon cyberpunk 2077Pyromania​ for additional mitigation chances.
Nervous System 2 deep field visual interface cyberpunk 2077Deep-Field Visual Interface If you want to maximize damage at the cost of survivability using this cyberware will give 20% critical damage with 20 cool.
revulsor cyberpunk 2077Revulsor Improved version of Reflex Tuner, which works similarly to Sandevistan and does not slow you down.
reflex tuner cyberpunk 2077Reflex Tuner Excellent cyberware that kicks in when your health drops below 25%. This has a good synergy with Borrowed Time perk icon cyberpunk 2077Borrowed Time, which gives a chance to gain a health item when on Low HP.
Circulatory System 3 second heart cyberpunk 2077Second Heart Gives a revival in case you go under and get flatlined.
isometric stabilizer cyberpunk 2077Isometric Stabilizer Gives a substantial stamina decrease for when you are not able to activate Focus perk icon cyberpunk 2077Focus.
clutch padding cyberpunk 2077Clutch Padding This cyberware is good enough to limit stamina drain with your ranged weapons.
threatevac cyberware cyberpunk 2077Threatevac Low-cost alternative to fill the slot

How to Use the Build

Here I would like to share some general tips that I would like to recommend for the best approach with this build.

Core Mechanics

Let's go through what I think are the core mechanics of the build to maximize its effectiveness.

Stamina Management

This is an important mechanic for almost any build in Cyberpunk 2077 that uses weapons. The good thing is that Pistols get access to Focus perk icon cyberpunk 2077Focus​ perk making it easy to sustain it. With some further perk upgrades and cyberware you can easily maintain 80-100%.

However, I would still recommend always being aware of your stamina as in early to mid-game, having it low will reduce your accuracy. In the late game, you will have some amazing cyberware that can compensate for this.

Using Kerenzikov

I like this cyberware. It brings a few benefits that I would like to go through:

  1. It slows down time making it easier for you to prepare that perfect shot.
  2. As the time slows you can evaluate your next steps and what you will do when the combat goes back to normal speed.
  3. The last - with Defenzikov you can reach a very high mitigation chance that will give a huge survivability boost. I will briefly cover it in the section

So this is what makes Kerenzikov attractive, especially as the build doesn't use Sandevistan

Maintaining high Mitigation Chance

This is an important aspect of the build, that will allow it to survive against multiple enemies at the same time. Mitigation Chance is like a second layer of armor, that works with a specific chance. Mitigation Strength is what goes together to ensure how "Strong" the mitigation effect will be.

Thanks to the game mechanics and various choices the build makes, you can pump this for almost 100%, reducing damage to negligible numbers. Here are all the ways that we will pump up the Mitigation stats:

  1. Dorph-head perk icon cyberpunk 2077Dorph-head​ - 100% mitigation chance
  2. Can't Touch This perk icon cyberpunk 2077Can't Touch This​ - 100% mitigation chance
  3. Countershell + Neofiber + Spring Joints + Kinetic Frame - 78% mitigation chance and 80% mitigation strength.
  4. Kerenzikov + Defenzikov - 90% mitigation chance.
  5. Pyromania perk icon cyberpunk 2077Pyromania​ + Heat Shield perk icon cyberpunk 2077Heat Shield​ - up to 50% mitigation chance

So for most of the combat, you will be able to soak up a lot of damage. Of course, there will be a second or two intervals, where none of these effects will apply as they will be on cooldown. So that's when you will be the weakest.

Early Game Combat

Okay, let's go through some early-game combat approaches. I recommend checking Cyberpunk 2077 beginner tips for additional information on the early game combat.

Use anything on hand

The early game for melee builds is very punishing, especially on harder difficulties. So just use anything you have on hand - pistols, assault rifles, etc. With some practice and more knowledge of the game encounters it will become fairly easy to survive difficult encounters with only melee.

Use Grenades

Consumables like grenades are another great choice to give some crowd control for free. Just throw them on the enemy that you want to stagger. This is perfect when you are waiting for the throwing item to return.

Operating System

Playing without Operating System can be very challenging, For this reason, I do recommend using Sandevistan, at least until level 30, until you fully understand game mechanics and can enforce yourself with other cyberware choices.

However, if you are an experienced player, going without Sandevistan or Cyberdeck is a welcome challenge, where your main strength is knowledge of the game combat!

Late Game Combat

For Johnny Silverhand's build, the late game is pretty simple as with most builds that use Chrome Compressor, you mostly rely on your gun skills and combat knowledge:

  • Use Kerenzikov to maintain a high mitigation chance and land perfect shots.
  • Aim for Headshots, especially with pistols as these weapons deal huge damage on weak spots.
  • If using shotguns I recommend equipping Shock-N-Awe + Pyromania perk icon cyberpunk 2077Pyromania​ + Heat Shield perk icon cyberpunk 2077Heat Shield, for bonus damage and improved survivability.

Otherwise, everything depends on your weapon usage skills and accuracy!

Conclusion

Thank you for reading this post on the Johnny Silverhand build in Cyberpunk 2077. I hope you enjoyed it and I try to recreate how Johny did. I have limited some picks to better roleplay, what he would use and reflect his personality.

Feel free to leave a comment below!

Discussion

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Post author zanuffas avatar zanuffas
Gamestegy Founder. I have been writing game guides and builds for 4 years. I like to push myself to create something wonderful for the readers!