Best Ricochet build - triple normal damage (Patch 1.63) - Cyberpunk 2077
This post will cover the best Ricochet build in Cyberpunk 2077. This is one of the three powers that weapons can have providing unique effects. Unfortunately, for a long time, the builds were not viable as the mechanic did not get much attention from the developers.
However, this changed as there were some new upgrades introduced that specifically improve the Ricochet effect.
Ricochet Build
This is a very interesting build that relies on Power weapons and their unique effect - ricochet. The build revolves around this mechanic and items that provide bonuses to it. I recommend this build for advanced players who want to challenge themselves. Why is that?
The ricochet build is most effective when hitting enemies indirectly. This can be hard, especially when you are under heavy fire. But it all pays off, because with the weapons and upgrades you can do triple the normal damage.
Attributes
This section will cover starting attributes and how you should progress with them to the maximum level.
Starting the game
The beginning of the game is fairly simple:
- Reflexes +3 - provides perks for Assault rifles and pistols
- Body +2 - increases health and stamina. This will boost your survivability early on and allow you to sprint a little bit longer
- Cool +2 - allows unlocking Cold Blood perk for bonus stats
Progression
Here is the recommended progression for attribute points in the major level milestones
| Level | Reflex | Body | Tech | Cool | Int |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 3 |
| 30 | 16 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 3 |
| 50 | 20 | 12 | 18 | 18 | 3 |
As we progress through the game, we concentrate on multiple attributes:
- Reflexes - this is the main attribute that you will need. It will allow for improving Assault and Handgun perk trees.
- Body - increases the survivability of the build and also unlocks some quality-of-life improvements in the Athletics perk tree
- Technical Ability - this is an important tree as it will allow crafting the best Legendary weapons in the game. Moreover, the Engineer perk tree provides some improvements to Ricochet's weapons.
- Cool - this attribute is all about offensive perks. They will greatly boost your damage, movement speed, and other important stats.
Perks
I think there is an important decision that you have to make with this build. Which weapons will you use:
- Pistols/Revolvers - has a slower fire rate, but has a higher ricochet damage bonus
- Rifles - SMGs or Assault Rifles - these weapons have a fast fire rate. However, they also have a lower ricochet damage bonus that can create some issues.
Once you decide on this here are the perk trees to go with
Handguns - Pistols or Revolvers
| Reflexes Level | Skill | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gunslinger x3 | Reduces reload time for Pistols and Revolvers by 25%. |
| 1 | High Noon x3 | Increases Crit Chance with Pistols and Revolvers by 6%. |
| 5 | Desperado x3 | Increases damage with Pistols and Revolvers by 10%. |
| 5 | Rio Bravo x3 | Increases headshot damage multiplier with Pistols and Revolvers by 15%. |
| 7 | Long Shot Drop Pop x2 | Increases damage with Pistols and Revolvers to enemies 5+ meters away by 25%. |
| 9 | Steady Hand | Reduces Pistol and Revolver recoil by 20%. |
| 9 | O.K. Corral | Deal 50% more damage with Pistols and Revolvers to enemies whose Health is below 25%. |
| 9 | Vanishing Point | Increases Mitigation Chance by 20% for 5 sec. after performing a dodge with a Pistol or Revolver equipped. |
| 11 | A Fistful of Eurodollars x2 | Increases Crit Damage with Pistols and Revolvers by 30%. |
| 11 | From Head to Toe x2 | Increases damage done to limbs with Pistols and Revolvers by 7/15%. |
| 12 | Acrobat | You can now perform dodges while aiming a Pistol or Revolver. |
| 12 | Grand Finale | The last round in a Pistol or Revolver clip deals double damage. |
| 14 | Attritional Fire | Firing consecutive shots with a Pistol or Revolver at the same target increases damage by 10%. |
| 14 | Wild West | Removes the damage penalty from Pistols and Revolvers when shooting from a distance. Now you can maximize your damage when fighting enemies from long distances with this Pistol build. |
| 16 | Snowball Effect | After defeating an enemy, the fire rate for Revolvers increases by 5% for 6 sec. Stacks up to 5 time(s). |
| 16 | Westworld | Increases Crit Chance for Pistols and Revolvers by 5% if fully modded. |
| 18 | Lead Sponge | Enables you to shoot with Pistols and Revolvers while dodging. |
| 20 | Brainpower | After a successful headshot with a Pistol or Revolver, Crit Chance increases by 7% for 5 sec. |
| 20+ | The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly | After a successful Crit Hit with a Pistol or Revolver, damage and Armor increase by 30% for 5 seconds. +1% per Perk level. |
Assault - Assault rifles and SMGs
| Reflexes Level | Skill | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bulletjock x3 | Increases damage with Rifles by 10%. |
| 1 | Eagle Eye x3 | Reduces time to aim down sight with Rifles by 50%. |
| 5 | Covering Killshot x2 | Increases Crit Chance with Rifles and Submachine Guns by 8% when firing from behind cover. |
| 7 | Bullseye | Increases Rifle damage while aiming by 10%. |
| 7 | Executioner | Deal 25% more damage with Rifles and Submachine Guns to enemies whose Health is above 50%. |
| 9 | Duck Hunter x2 | Increases Rifle and Submachine Gun damage to moving enemies by 10/20%. |
| 9 | Shoot, Reload, Repeat x2 | Defeating an enemy with a Rifle or Submachine Gun reduces reload time by 20/40% for 5 sec. |
| 11 | Feel the Flow x2 | Defeating an enemy with a Rifle or Submachine Gun reduces reload time by 20/40% for 5 sec. |
| 11 | Nerves of Steel x2 | Increases headshot damage with Sniper Rifles and Precision Rifles by 10/15%. The Assault rifle build can still use precision rifles. |
| 12 | Hunter's Hands x2 | Reduces recoil with Rifles and Submachine Guns by 10% when firing from behind cover. |
| 12 | Trench Warfare x2 | Rifle and Submachine Gun damage increase by 10% when firing from behind cover. |
| 14 | Named Bullets | Increases Crit Damage with Rifles and Submachine Guns by 20%. |
| 14 | Skull Skipper | Each headshot reduces recoil with Rifles and Submachine Guns by 4% for 10 sec. Stacks up to 5 times. |
| 16 | Bunker | Increases Armor and Resistances by 15% while aiming with Rifles and Submachine Guns from behind cover. |
| 16 | Recoil Wrangler | Reduces recoil with Rifles and Submachine Guns by 5%. |
| 18 | In Perspective | Bullets fired from Power Rifles and Power Submachine Guns ricochet an additional 1 time. |
| 18 | Long Shot | Rifle and Submachine Gun damage increases the farther you are located from enemies. |
| 20 | Savage Stoic | Increases damage with Rifles and Submachine Guns by 35% when standing still. |
| 20+ | Punisher | After defeating an enemy with a Rifle or Submachine Gun, weapon sway is nullified and weapon spread does not increase for 10 sec. +0.2 sec. per Perk level. |
Engineering
The perk tree provides one very important perk that greatly increases Ricochet's damage.
| Tech Level | Skill | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Draw the Line | Preview bullets' ricochet trajectory when aiming with Power Weapons if Ballistic Coprocessor cyberware is installed. |
| 12 | Play the Angles x3 |
Ricochets deal an additional 50% damage.
|
Crafting
| Level | Skill | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mechanic | Get more components when disassembling. Useful for crafting good gear |
| 5 | True Craftsman | Allows to craft Rare items |
| 5 | Scrapper | Automatically disassembles junk items. Great quality of life perk |
| 9 | Sapper x2 (optional) | Grenades deal 20% more damage. I do not suggest prioritizing this perk. Only put points here later in the game |
| 11 | Field Technician | Increases damage of crafted weapons by 10%. This will make your knives or katanas much stronger |
| 12 | Grease Monkey | Allows to craft Epic items |
| 16 | Tune-up | You can now increase the quality of your components. |
| 18 | Edgerunner Artisan | Allows crafting legendary items. Have in mind that I also recommend having a Crafting level of 12. This way you unlock many legendary Crafting specs. |
Cool Blood
| Cool Level | Skill | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cold Blood x3 |
After defeating an enemy, gain Cold Blood for 7 sec. and increase movement speed by 2%. Stacks up to 3 times. The duration of each additional stack is 1 sec. shorter.
|
| 7 | Easy Out x2 | While Cold Blood is active, increases ranged weapon damage by 20% to enemies within an area of 5m. |
| 11 | Collagulant | Stack of Cool Blood are removed one by one instead of all at once |
| 11 | Frozen Precision | Each stack of Cold BLood now increases headshot damage by 5%. Perfect choice for Knife Throwing on this Ninja build |
| 12 | Icy Veins x2 | Reduces weapon recoil by 6% per stack of Cold Blood. |
| 14 | Cold and Calculating | Critical hits can now also add a stack of Cold Blood |
| 16 | Coldest Blood x2 | Increases Cold Blood stack by 2 |
| 16 | Critical Condition x2 | Cold Blood will have its duration increased by 50%. |
| 18 | Immunity | Makes you immune to Bleeding, Poison, Burn, and Shock |
Athletics
This perk tree is very important. It greatly improves the overall agility of the Ricochet build.
| Body Level | Skill | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Regeneration | Health slowly regenerates during combat. |
| 7 | Epimorphosis | Increases Health regen threshold from 60% to 65% in combat and to 100% out of combat. |
| 11 | Multitasker | Allows you to shoot while sprinting, sliding, and vaulting. |
| 11 | Divided Attention | Allows you to reload weapons while sprinting, sliding, and vaulting. |
Ninjutsu
Although Ninjutsu relies on stealth it still provides a few good perks for load offensive builds
| Cool Level | Skill | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | Assassin | Deal 15% more damage to human enemies. |
| 9 | Sniper x2 | Increases headshot damage outside combat by 20%. |
| 12 | From the Shadows x2 | Upon entering combat, Crit Chance increases by 20% for 7 sec. |
Build tactics
Here are some recommendations for Ricochet build, that should help you better utilize this unique mechanic
It is not necessary to use Aim down sights
This sounds strange as you can only see the trajectory of Ricochet then? However, here is the most effective way to use it
Seems like, the Ricochet effect has an auto-targeting feature, that adjusts the path of the bullet if it is close to an enemy. This way you can just shoot to the ground close to the enemy.
Use the new Ricochet muzzles
These muzzles were introduced in recent patches and greatly improve the handling, damage, and recoil of Ricochet weapons.
You can purchase most of them in Second Amendment, Robert Wilson close to V's apartment. Have in mind, that may not appear instantly, and wait for 24 hours for the store to restock.
Assault Rifles vs Pistols
This is the main dilemma for the Ricochet build. Pistols and especially revolvers have a higher Ricochet damage bonus. However, they have a slower fire rate and smaller clips. This means that you can make fewer mistakes when shooting with them, but deal much larger damage.
Assault Rifles and SMGs have a high fire rate, but unfortunately, come with lower damage. I personally recommend trying out both weapons and deciding to which one you commit, before spending perk points on any of them.
Equipment recommendations
Ricochet build works with any weapons that are Power type. However, I would like to emphasize a few, that are best used with this mechanic. It is also important to use new muzzles introduced recently that greatly improve Ricochet effectiveness.
Pistols and Revolvers
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
 Death and Taxes |
A truly powerful weapon that deals electrical damage. It also releases two bullets that greatly improve the chance to hit with the Ricochet effect. |
 Crash |
This weapon is a hit or miss. It shoots faster when holding the fire button. However, I do not prefer this mechanic |
 Doom Doom |
The weapon requires some specific choices to be made early in the game. However, it is very powerful as it releases 4 projectiles. |
 Kongou |
Has low recoil and a high rate of fire. |
Assault Rifles and Submachine Guns
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
 Problem Solver |
This is a crazy Submachine Gun. It releases 1000 rounds per minute, making it a perfect choice for Ricochet build. Use it to instantly shred a group of enemies. |
 Moron Labe |
Has a high fire rate and can dismember enemies. A decent choice for Ricochet build. |
Weapon Mods
This is a very important part of Ricochet build. You need to equip one of the mentioned muzzles below for it to work. They will greatly boost damage output, making the bullets deal more damage than normal shots.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
 RC-7 Babaroga |
Works only on pistols and Revolvers. Increases Ricochet angle, chance, and damage. Halves Crit Chance. The best option for pistols |
 RC-7 Zaar |
Works only on Assault Rifles and Submachine Guns. Increases Ricochet angle, chance, and damage. Reduces spread and halves Crit Chance |
 RC-7 Strigoi |
Works only on Assault Rifles and Submachine Guns. Increases Ricochet angle, chance, and damage. Also reduces recoil and halves Crit Chance. |
 RC-7 Ifrit |
Works only on pistols and Revolvers. Increases Ricochet angle, chance, and damage. Also reduces recoil and halves Crit Chance. |
 Crunch |
Increases damage |
 Neon Arrow |
Reduces weapon reload time by 5%. |
Armor mods
| Mod name | Description |
|---|---|
 Deadeye |
Although you will not concentrate on headshots, the mod provides a very high damage increase: +6% Crit Damage +15% Headshot Damage Multiplier |
 Bully |
Gives +8% Crit Damage. Great for maximizing damage late in the game |
 Armadillo |
I recommend this mod for maximum survivability It gives bonus armor. Try to get the Legendary or Epic variant |
 Fortuna |
Gives a +4% Crit Chance. |
 Zero Drag |
Increases movement speed. It can make the gameplay a bit more difficult as you may run through the enemies. But overall makes the experience even more enjoyable |
Cyberware - Frontal Cortex
| Slot | Item | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Mechatronic Core |
Increases damage against drones, mechs, and robots |
| 2 |  Heal-On-Kill |
Restores health on kill. |
Cyberware - Ocular System
| Slot | Item | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Kiroshi Optics Mk.3 |
Enables to have additional upgrades for the ocular system. Try to get the highest rarity which is Epic. It provides 3 upgrade slots. |
Mods
| Mod name | Description |
|---|---|
 Trajectory Analysis |
Increases headshot bonus damage by 25%. |
 Weakspot Detection |
Increases Crit Chance by 2%. |
Cyberware - Circulatory System
The problem with this cyberware is that you have low Body attributes. Due to this, you can only equip common rarity items.
| Slot | Item | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Biomonitor |
Instantly restores a large portion of health when it drops below a certain threshold. |
| 2 |  Microgenerator |
Releases Electroshock when health drops below 15%. |
| 3 |  Bioconductor |
All cyberware has lower cooldowns. |
Cyberware - Immune System
| Slot | Item | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Pain Editor |
Reduces all incoming damage by 10%. |
| 2 |  Shock-n-Awe |
After taking damage, there is a 2% chance of releasing large electroshock that deals damage to nearby enemies. Unfortunately, you will be able to equip either common or uncommon variants. |
Cyberware - Nervous System
| Slot | Item | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Kerenzikov |
You can now slow time when dodging or sliding. |
| 2 |  Nanorelays |
Increases Sandevistan and Kerenzikov duration |
| 2 |  Reflex Tuner |
Slows time when your Health drops to 25% |
Cyberware - Integumentary System
| Slot | Item | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Subdermal Armor |
Provides flat armor increase. Try to obtain the highest rarity for the highest value. |
| 2 |  Optical Camo |
This is a bad boy. You will become invisible for a few seconds which you can use to take out enemies. Really neat cyberware for a stealth build |
| 3 |  Heat Converter |
Increases damage if you are burning |
Cyberware - Operating System
| Priority | Item | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Militech "Falcon" Sandevistan Mk.5 |
Has 60 seconds cooldown, but provides 20% Crit Damage and Crit Chance. Moreover, increases overall damage dealt by 15%. |
| 2 |  QianT Sandevistan Mk.4 |
Has a very short cooldown of 15 seconds. However, provides a shorter time slow. |
| 3 |  Dynalar Sandevistan Mk.4 |
Increases damage and Crit Chance by 15%. Has a 30-second cooldown. |
| 4 |  Dynalar Sandevistan Mk.3 |
This epic rarity Sandevistan has 16 seconds duration. Also increases damage by 15% |
Operating system mods
| Mod name | Description |
|---|---|
 Heatsink |
Reduces Sandevistan cooldown |
 Prototype Chip |
While Sandevistan is active, increases Crit Chance by 5%. This is a decent choice. However, have in mind with Ricochet muzzles you will only get 2.5%. |
 Overclocked Processor |
Increases duration of Sandevistan |
Cyberware - Skeleton
| Slot | Item | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Bionic Joints |
Reduces recoil with ranged weapons |
| 2 |  Synaptic Signal Optimizer |
This cyberware greatly boosts overall health. |
Cyberware - Hands
| Slot | Item | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Ballistic Coprocessor |
The legendary version gives +50% ricochet damage. A very powerful cyberware for Ricochet build |
Cyberware - Legs
| Slot | Item | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Reinforced Tendons |
My personal favorite makes traversing much easier. |
| 1 |  Fortified Ankles |
Makes you float in the air. You can then easily target enemies in the area. Have in mind you will be exposed to them. |
Conclusion
Thank you for reading this post on the Best Ricochet build in Cyberpunk 2077. I covered the recommended attribute, perk tree progression. Moreover, we deep-dived into gear recommendations for the highest damage options.
Feel free to leave a comment below!
Discussion
Any chance of a conversion to 2.0? I bought the game a day before the update with this page in mind and now I’m bummed.
Hey, unfortunately, it will take a while until I work on this build. There is a pipeline of at least 6 more builds before, and a lot of testing needs to be done with all of them :/
Biggest issues I've had with this build is any open world engagements where civilians are remotely nearby, one inevitably gets shot and you get the fuzz coming after you too. The NCPD events where thugs are fighting the cops also end up with a cop catching a ricochet no matter how hard I try to adjust/avoid it.
Just a heads up. Some of the cyberware like the biomonitor, bioconductor, and synaptic optimizer don't equip at legendary level due to low body. Im assuming that I'm looking for epic or rare then yes?
Hey, yes. The idea should be to take the highest rarity that you can equip. I plan to update this info once Phantom Liberty DLC is released
Why not Archangel or amnesty revolvers? Because they only fire one bullet?
Yes,this is the main reason. Although Amnesty has some good bonuses, like faster fire rate and reload time.