Katana Pistol Build - Guerilla

Katana Pistol Build - Guerilla - Cyberpunk 2077

By zanuffas
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I will go through Katana Pistol Build for Cyberpunk 2077 in this post. The idea is to mix pistols (especially silenced ones) to take down opponents before combat. If things go bad, you pull out your katana to shred enemies to pieces with your empowered cyberware.

Katana Pistol Build - Guerilla

I wanted to create an effective build with both Pistols and Katanas. This would offer an interesting playstyle, which would be effective in loud and stealth combat. Moreover, you would have an option for ranged and melee weapons depending on the situation.

Pistols will play a "cleaning" role before combat. You would take out the enemies with precise headshots and make the upcoming combat encounter (if it will be needed) easier. Once things go bad you could change to something like a Revolver or just pullout Katana and slash up your foes.

Another important aspect is cyberware, specifically the operating system. My personal choice would be Sandevistan. It is an extremely versatile system that allows you to be effective both with pistols and katanas. Of course, another option is Berserk, which could be used to make you invincible but limited to melee weapons. I will leave this choice up to you.

If this has inspired you to try out the build, let's go!

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 Pistol Katana 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 The priority is to get closer to level 9 Pistol perks.
ico_bodyBody +1 Unlocks the first-tier perks.
ico_refReflexes +3 Unlocks the first-tier perks and will progress toward katana 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 cover the build to Level 57, this will give access and maximize all the important aspects of the build.
Attribute Allocation Description
ico_refReflexes 20 This attribute will give access to Dash perk icon cyberpunk 2077Dash​ and Air Dash perk icon cyberpunk 2077Air Dash. Moreover, you will be able to improve weapon handling and most importantly access katana perks for Finisher: Bladerunner perk icon cyberpunk 2077Finisher: Bladerunner.
ico_bodyBody 15 The main idea is to access Adrenaline Rush perk icon cyberpunk 2077Adrenaline Rush​ to be able to handle more difficult combat encounters and access additional protection with adrenaline.
ico_techTechnical Ability 20 Technical ability will give access to improved cyberware perks, but most importantly Edgerunner perk icon cyberpunk 2077Edgerunner. This perk will give a large boost to cyberware capacity.
ico_coolCool 20 Important perk for pistol damage and handling. Moreover, it will increase critical damage that is relevant to katanas.
ico_intIntelligence 3 Skip this attribute.
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 Katana Pistol Build. You will need about 60~ 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

The perk tree will play a core role in making the build effective with pistols, this also includes revolvers and snipers. Another aspect is stealth, I find only a few perks relevant that improve damage with silenced pistols, which I will cover below.

cool perks katana pistol build cyberpunk 2077

Level 4 Perks

These perks are mainly for stealth, however, I would say only Killer Instinct perk icon cyberpunk 2077Killer Instinct​ is mandatory due to its big damage boost, allowing for one-shot kills.

Perk Description
Killer Instinct perk icon cyberpunk 2077Killer Instinct The big damage boost makes it easier to one-shot kill some enemies with silenced pistols and snipers.
Gag Order perk icon cyberpunk 2077Gag Order In case you, are not able to instantly kill a foe, the perk gives a few seconds of leeway to avoid full combat.
Feline Footwork perk icon cyberpunk 2077Feline Footwork Improved mitigation chance and movement speed while crouching, to better reach your targets.
Blind Spot perk icon cyberpunk 2077Blind Spot​ (optional) Improved stealth detection delay which utilizes your mitigation chance.

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.

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.
Quick Draw perk icon cyberpunk 2077Quick Draw Excellent way to regain stamina as you swap weapons.
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.

Only take these if you plan on using Optical Camo, otherwise stealth playstyle is possible with just Sandevistan or a silenced pistol:

Perk Description
Ninjutsu perk icon cyberpunk 2077Ninjutsu Unlocks crouch-sprinting mechanic. I think it is a disappointing mechanic. However, with a few perks, it enables you to effectively use Optical Camo cyberware.
Serpentine perk icon cyberpunk 2077Serpentine Increases mitigation chance which helps with detection if you took Blind Spot perk icon cyberpunk 2077Blind Spot​ perk.
Creeping Death perk icon cyberpunk 2077Creeping Death Progression perk
Vanishing Act perk icon cyberpunk 2077Vanishing Act Makes Optical Camo a better and more manageable cyberware allowing you to use it gradually as you crouch sprint.

Level 20 Perks

Perk Description
Nerves of Tungsten-Steel perk icon cyberpunk 2077Nerves of Tungsten-Steel​ (Optional) Take this if you will be using Revolvers or Sniper Rifles. Otherwise, it is not relevant.
Run 'N' Gun perk icon cyberpunk 2077Run 'N' Gun​ (Optional) I would say this is optional. The bonuses are okay, but they do not give any damage improvement making the perk lackluster.

Reflexes Perks

These perks will give access to improved katana handling and better mobility with Dash perk icon cyberpunk 2077Dash.

reflexes perks katana pistol 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.

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.
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.
Lead and Steel perk icon cyberpunk 2077Lead and Steel Allows blocking attacks which is an excellent mechanic in the mid-game while you still might be left stranded without sandevistan or protection.
Bullet Deflect perk icon cyberpunk 2077Bullet Deflect Reflect damage using bullet deflect.
Mad Dash perk icon cyberpunk 2077Mad Dash A significant dash distance boost, making it easy to reach enemies while wielding a katana.
Seeing Double perk icon cyberpunk 2077Seeing Double These perks are only relevant if your katana does not give the charge attack. For example, Byakko provides it.
Flash and Thunderclap perk icon cyberpunk 2077Flash and Thunderclap

Level 15 Perks

Perk Description
Air Dash perk icon cyberpunk 2077Air Dash Allows to glide through air reaching further distances together with Dash perk icon cyberpunk 2077Dash.
Aerial Acrobat perk icon cyberpunk 2077Aerial Acrobat Gives better control of Air Dash perk icon cyberpunk 2077Air Dash​ allowing you to land perfectly on the enemy to unleash your katana attacks.
Aerodynamic perk icon cyberpunk 2077Aerodynamic Mitigation strength allows you to better resist damage while dashing.
Finisher: Bladerunner perk icon cyberpunk 2077Finisher: Bladerunner Unlocks finisher that gives an instant kill, and provides a brief moment of invincibility with instant health restore.
Going the Distance perk icon cyberpunk 2077Going the Distance Increased range, makes it easier to activate the Finisher: Bladerunner perk icon cyberpunk 2077Finisher: Bladerunner.
Opportunist perk icon cyberpunk 2077Opportunist Makes it easier to activate finishers.
Flash of Steel perk icon cyberpunk 2077Flash of Steel Gives a significant boost to attack speed with katanas after activating a finisher. This will encourage you not to just spam attacks but to try to incorporate different attack options during combat.

Level 20 Perks

Perk Description
Tailwind perk icon cyberpunk 2077Tailwind Gives stamina restoration with double jumps and Air Dash perk icon cyberpunk 2077Air Dash, making it a perfect way to move between enemies and restore stamina for the next flurry of attacks.
Slaughterhouse perk icon cyberpunk 2077Slaughterhouse This is a somewhat optional perk, that you could delay for later.
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.

Technical Ability Perks

This will unlock some new mechanics related to cyberware. Moreover, you will be able to get additional Chrome slots and most importantly improve cyberware capacity using the Edgerunner perk icon cyberpunk 2077Edgerunner​ perk.

technical ability perks katana pistol build 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.

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 (Optional) This is a great perk if you can afford two of the hand's cyberware. If capacity doesn't allow, I would just skip it.
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.

The perks below are only relevant if you will equip Shock-n-Awe cyberware. This is perfect if you often engage with your combat in melee combat. The shockwave damage will not only kill weak enemies but give you additional protection:

Perk Description
Pyromania perk icon cyberpunk 2077Pyromania These perks go hand in hand. You will be getting Pyromania perk icon cyberpunk 2077Pyromania​ stacks from Shock-n-Awe and Ticking Time Bomb perk icon cyberpunk 2077Ticking Time Bomb. Moreover, Heat Shield perk icon cyberpunk 2077Heat Shield​ will make so that this results in much higher survivability.
Heat Shield perk icon cyberpunk 2077Heat Shield

Level 20 Perks

Perk Description
License to Chrome perk icon cyberpunk 2077License to Chrome Improves Skeleton cyberware and unlocks a new slot for even more chrome
Ticking Time Bomb perk icon cyberpunk 2077Ticking Time Bomb​ (Optional) I would recommend this perk only if you picked Pyromania perk icon cyberpunk 2077Pyromania​so that you could stack it faster.

Body Perks

The tree is left with minimal investments as the build aims for a non-direct combat approach.

body perks katana pistol build 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 15 Perks

Perk Description
Adrenaline Rush perk icon cyberpunk 2077Adrenaline Rush A substantial survivability boost, especially once you start engaging in close combat with a katana.
Juggernaut perk icon cyberpunk 2077Juggernaut Adds additional damage and movement speed while Adrenaline Rush perk icon cyberpunk 2077Adrenaline Rush​ is active.

Perks - Relic

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

relic perks corpo build 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
3 Emergency Cloaking perk icon cyberpunk 2077Emergency Cloaking If you plan on using Optical Camo, this perk is great, otherwise it is taken just for progression.
4 Sensory Protocol perk icon cyberpunk 2077Sensory Protocol It gives you a moment to escape enemy vision if you are about to be detected.

Equipment for Katana Pistol Build

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

Katanas

Item Description
byakko cyberpunk 2077Byakko Very powerful katana, that now has a unique combo effect after killing an enemy. It releases a flurry of hits, easily chipping away at any enemy.
errata katana cyberpunk 2077Errata A newly introduced fire katana. What makes it special is that hitting enemies on fire deals critical hits. The Katana has a 30% burn chance, but you can also apply it via Incendiary Grenade, Projectile Launch System, etc.
scalpel cyberpunk 2077Scalpel This is the best katana after Act 1 and early Act 2 that you can get, specifically if you are using Sandevistan. While under its effect you will get a bonus of 50% critical chance.
satori cyberpunk 2077Satori The first major katana that you will obtain playing through the story. It will be quickly replaced by the next one.

Pistols

The idea behind pistols is that they can equip (or already) have silencers. This makes it possible to one-shot many enemies with a headshot and high stats.

Item Description
pride pistol cyberpunk 2077Pride The strongest pistol in the game, but requires you to finish the game first. Using it, you are guaranteed to one-shot Elites with 3 health bars.
death and taxes cyberpunk 2077Death and Taxes If you can handle the recoil of the second shot, this pistol can kill most of the normal enemies. The downside is that it also drains your HP, so use it sparingly.
tamayura cyberpunk 2077Tamayura Quite a niche pistol and rare to find. However, it has very good base damage, headshot multiplier, and armor penetration. Slap the XC-10 Cetus silencer and you have one of the best weapons in the game.
her majesty cyberpunk 2077Her Majesty
Extremely popular and well-made pistol. I would use this if you plan on equipping Optical Camo, as this guarantees critical hits, ensuring you one-shot most of the enemies.
pariah cyberpunk 2077Pariah Very satisfying weapon that is silenced (although it is tech-type). The bullets hit at the same time making it deadly and getting all the stealth bonuses.
seraph cyberpunk 2077Seraph This pistol applies Burn on the enemies and increases damage. Overall, Seraph is a good choice in mid-game, you can also use it effectively on loud encounters, as Burning will help at chipping away foes.
lexington xmod2 cyberpunk 2077Lexington X-Mod2 Comes with multiple modification slots and a very high headshot multiplier bonus.

For modifications any silencer is necessary to get the most out of stealth or out-of-combat shots, to get the bonus damage.

However, the pistol damage falls off if you continue shooting with them during combat, so I recommend having an alternative weapon without silencers.

Modification Description
xc-10 cetus cyberpunk 2077XC-10 Cetus Go for the Tier 5 version as it guarantees critical hits. This makes most of the normal pistols on equal ground or stronger than the iconic ones. For example - Tamayura.
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

Revolvers

I would recommend these weapons as a long-range alternative when fighting in loud combat. Although you have a katana, in some situations, especially against bosses, going in too close might be too risky.

Item Description
mancinella cyberpunk 2077Mancinella The only revolver that has with silencer and has very high headshot damage multiplier. It also retains stealth bonuses even after the first shot. Another great thing is that it also activates Nerves of Tungsten-Steel perk icon cyberpunk 2077Nerves of Tungsten-Steel​ allowing to guarantee crits.
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.
comrades hammer cyberpunk 2077Comrade's Hammer Explosive revolver with one bullet per magazine.
crash cyberpunk 2077Crash Very satisfying revolver to use together with Sandevistan making it easier to handle its charged-up shots.

Sniper Rifles

I am leaving a few sniper rifle options. However, I do not think this build needs them. You can use them because Pistol perks also work on these weapons.

Item Description
overwatch cyberpunk 2077Overwatch Technically silenced sniper rifle, but it did not work that 100% of the time. I would use it when your target is not looked at by other allies or you have them disabled with Sonic Shock or Reboot Optics.
rasetsu cyberpunk 2077Rasetsu Technically not a silenced weapon, but damn is it cool to use it. It can kill enemies silently if they are some distance apart.
breakthrough cyberpunk 2077Breakthrough Can easily shoot through walls and comes with very high armor penetration. Be sure to take the Bolt perk icon cyberpunk 2077Bolt​ perk if using it.

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 will be able to equip more.

Visit ripperdocs every 10 levels. They have their inventories refreshed with higher tier and new cyberware. This will give a substantial boost to the build efficiency and damage.

How to use the tables below? Start with first-priority cyberware and install those that you have access to. In early and mid-game you will not be able to get all of them. In this case, move to the next priority and buy/fill your slots with it. This way you will have the best cyberware at the current stage of the game.

As you revisit ripperdocs, start again with the first, and move to the second and third priorities. This will ensure that you have the highest tier and strongest items equipped.

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 katana pistol build cyberpunk 2077

Slot Cyberware Description
Frontal Cortex 1 newton module cyberpunk 2077Axolotl This cyberware will take the build to the ultimate level. It has a very steep cyberware capacity cost. But it gives cooldown reductions for almost everything.
newton module cyberpunk 2077Newton Module It gives a cyberware cooldown reduction after taking out an enemy. It is not much, however, with multiple kills, the effect adds up.
Skeleton 1 spring joints cyberpunk 2077Spring Joints Improves mitigation strength, complementing other cyberware like Countershell, and Neofiber.
Nervous System 1 neofiber cyberpunk 2077Neofiber Together with Countershell and Spring Joints, these will increase your survivability.
Integumentary System 1 countershell cyberpunk 2077Countershell One of my favorite cyberware. With this, when under heavy fire or using quickhacks with Overclock perk icon cyberpunk 2077Overclock, you will get a big boost to mitigation chance, greatly reducing incoming damage.
Operating System 1 militech falcon sandevistanMilitech "Falcon" Sandevistan For this type of build where you do not need the biggest time slow, this sandevistan serves its purpose well. Moreover, you get increased weapon damage.
militech apogee sandevistan cyberpunk 2077Militech "Apogee" Sandevistan This version of Sandevistan provides a bit higher damage bonuses but comes with a shorter duration and increased cyberware capacity cost.
dynalar sandevistan cyberpunk 2077Dynalar Sandevistan This is the base version that I recommend using from early levels.
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 katana pistol build cyberpunk 2077

Slot Cyberware Description
Skeleton 2 epimorphic skeleton cyberpunk 2077Epimorphic Skeleton Gives a substantial boost to HP and armor. I say it is mandatory if you are using the Edgerunner perk icon cyberpunk 2077Edgerunner.
bionic joints cyberpunk 2077Bionic Joints A cheaper alternative that gives a decent armor boost.
Nervous System 2 revulsor cyberpunk 2077Revulsor Improved version of Reflex Tuner, which works similarly to Sandevistan and does not slow you down.
stabber cyberpunk 2077Stabber If you are interested in higher damage with Katanas, this cyberware is extremely valuable, however, it has no benefits on pistols.
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.
Integumentary System 2 shock n awe cyberpunk 2077Shock-N-Awe Take this one if you are using Katanas a lot or engaging enemies in close combat. The explosions will damage foes and activate Pyromania perk icon cyberpunk 2077Pyromania.
optical camo cyberpunk 2077Optical Camo Use this cyberware if you want to embrace a stealth playstyle. Moreover, you should take Ninjutsu perk icon cyberpunk 2077Ninjutsu, Creeping Death perk icon cyberpunk 2077Creeping Death,​ and Vanishing Act perk icon cyberpunk 2077Vanishing Act​ to fully utilize this piece of equipment.
Integumentary System 3 painducer cyberpunk 2077Painducer An expensive cyberware that you could take later in the game if you have equipment slots to spare
subdermal armor cyberpunk 2077Subdermal Armor A simple cyberware that has a high armor-to-cyberware capacity cost ratio.
Face kiroshi cockatrice optics cyberpunk 2077Kiroshi "Cockatrice" Optics If you can afford the cyberware cost, this is impressive cyberware that will give a higher chance of a critical hit with pistols.
basic kiroshi optics cyberpunk 2077Basic Kiroshi Optics Simple eye cyberware, that also improves headshot damage.

Final Cyberware setup

This cyberware should be delayed for the late game. Some of them give huge boosts but usually at the cost of cyberware capacity. For this reason, I recommend getting these when you are higher level.

final cyberware setup katana pistol build cyberpunk 2077

Slot Cyberware Description
Frontal Cortex 2 kerenzikov boost system cyberpunk 2077Kerenzikov Boost System These are optional cyberware that you can delay to the late game after you have everything else covered. They will provide a little bit of critical chance increase and bonus damage against robots.
Frontal Cortex 3 quantum tuner cyberpunk 2077Quantum Tuner I would pick this if you have very high cyberware capacity and think of this only in the late game. It gives boosts to cooldown reduction like Sandevistan, Berserk, Countershell, etc. I would remove Reflex Tuner if using this as it will greatly diminish the capacity of Quantum Tuner.
mechatronic core cyberpunk 2077Mechatronic Core Just an alternative cyberware to fill the slot. It is also okay, for some bonus damage against mechs.
Skeleton 3 dense marrow cyberpunk 2077Dense Marrow My recommendation is to go with Dense Marrow if you are using Katanas. It provides a substantial damage boost, and increased stamina costs can be alleviated with finishers.
kinetic frame cyberpunk 2077Kinetic Frame Gives additional mitigation chance while having high stamina.
Nervous System 3 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 an additional 20% critical damage with 20 cool.
synaptic accelerator cyberpunk 2077Synaptic Accelerator This cyberware is excellent for stealth playstyle as it gives a few seconds of slowed time before combat starts.
Hands 1 immovable force cyberpunk 2077Immovable Force Gives a good recoil and spread reduction making it easier to make perfect shots.
shock absorber cyberpunk 2077Shock Absorber A cheaper version that still provides a substantial recoil decrease.
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.

Finishers with Sandevistan

This is the main problem that Sandevistan creates when using it together with Finisher: Bladerunner perk icon cyberpunk 2077Finisher: Bladerunner. If the finisher is activated while Sandy is active, this will waste precious time and not stop its usage.

An alternative is to deactivate Sandevistan (if you are using Militech ones) and only then do a finisher. However, in the late game, stopping might just take too long and the enemy might just be killed with the next attack.

Overall, this needs some practice to be used together. However, Finishers play an important role in Stamina management so let's get into that.

Stamina Management

As with all the builds, especially melee ones, stamina management is important. You can use Finisher: Bladerunner perk icon cyberpunk 2077Finisher: Bladerunner​ (when Sandevistan is deactivated) to have an animation that makes you invincible and allows natural stamina restoration.

Another option I recommend is the Tailwind perk icon cyberpunk 2077Tailwind​ perk which can be utilized in your combat rotations. For example, after each enemy you kill, you can use double jump + Air Dash perk icon cyberpunk 2077Air Dash​ to get close to the next target and then Hold the attack button if using Byakko, to activate the Lunge attack.

This way you will restore stamina and will reach your next target instantly. Your attack speed will not drop down allowing your attacks to be at full efficiency.

Use Sandevistan to reach targets quickly

Using this operating system makes the game much easier, no matter what is the build. The time slow effect only works on the world, but not on V. So for example, if you are feeling too lazy to crouch, activate it, run down to the enemy, and grab them.

The same is true with multiple enemies. Thanks, to Gag OrderGag Order, you can take out one enemy with a headshot, another gets alerted, and you take them out. This way the combat phase does not reach other members of the group and you can continue your stealth.

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 if you will engage in direct combat. 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.

It will also improve your detection delay if you pick the Blind Spot perk icon cyberpunk 2077Blind Spot​ perk, which uses Mitigation Chance for its effects.

  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. Stacks of Pyromania perk icon cyberpunk 2077Pyromania​ + Heat Shield perk icon cyberpunk 2077Heat Shield​ that will be activated from Shock-n-Awe and Ticking Time Bomb perk icon cyberpunk 2077Ticking Time Bomb​ resulting in a 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 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 a great way to open the encounter if you see a few enemies grouped up.

Visit ripperdoc at level 10

Once you reach level 10, a new tier of cyberware will be unlocked. For this reason, visit any ripperdocs in the Night City. This is when you will get access to uncommon-tier operating systems.

You will be able to buy your first Sandevistan, making the combat much easier as you will be able to slow down time and mow down your foes.

Late Game Combat

For the Pistol Katana build, the late game opens up even more options as you get better quickhacks and improved cyberware.

  1. The first thing, before starting the encounter, I would evaluate enemy positions, cameras, and turrets. Because you don't have quickhacks, you need to be careful. Cameras can be problematic if, for some reason, your Sandevistan stops in an open area, so you can destroy them if the encounter is longer.
  2. I would prioritize normal enemies with 1-2 health bars, these should be taken out with a single or two shots from your pistol. You can use Sandevistan to get into the perfect position, as enemies will be slow to react to you passing them.
  3. Elite enemies (with skulls) should be taken out either with Takedowns or be prepared for multiple sequential headshots. Some of them have head protection, making it even harder to shoot them. So takedowns are the best bet.
  4. Generally, try to evaluate 2-3 enemy positions - take them out. Take a breather, and prepare your next targets. Now move to take out the next targets.
  5. If things go bad, you have your Katana. This is when you unleash your potential and shred through enemies while enabling/disabling sandevistan as needed.
  6. With Optical Camo and Emergency Cloaking perk icon cyberpunk 2077Emergency Cloaking,​ you can leave the combat if you feel overwhelmed.

I like switching between Katanas and Pistols whenever. For example, while Sandevistan was activated I would take out one enemy with a pistol and the next one with Katana. This way even if combat starts it is disabled once you kill the target.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading this post on the Katana Pistol build in Cyberpunk 2077. This pick is perfect for those who are looking for the sweet spot. Pistols, especially silenced ones will offer instant kill against weaker targets. Once things, go bad, pick your katana and shred enemies while they barely move.

Feel free to leave a comment below!

 

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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!