Optimal V Builds for Very Hard Difficulty in Cyberpunk 2077

To conquer Very Hard difficulty in Cyberpunk 2077, highly specialized builds are essential. The Stealth Tech Sniper build, utilizing the Buzzsaw and Ping, allows players to eliminate enemies through walls without detection, trivializing many encounters. Alternatively, aggressive close-range combatants can leverage the Sandevistan Samurai build for high burst DPS, while the Netrunner Quickhack build offers powerful stealth and crowd control options.

Stealth Tech Sniper Build

The Stealth Tech Sniper build excels on Very Hard difficulty by allowing V to neutralize threats from complete safety and without detection. This build leverages the unique properties of the Buzzsaw submachine gun in conjunction with the Ping quickhack to achieve wall penetration kills. The core strategy involves equipping a suppressed Buzzsaw, using Ping to highlight enemies behind cover, crouching to activate stealth perks, and then headshotting targets through walls. This method can clear entire areas without V ever being seen or entering the combat zone.

This build prioritizes Reflexes for SMG damage, Technical Ability for cyberware and tech weapon scaling, and Cool for stealth.

The leveling order for attributes is crucial for early game effectiveness. Begin with Body 4, Reflexes 6, Technical Ability 5, Intelligence 3, and Cool 4. Then, prioritize Reflexes to 20, followed by Technical Ability to 15, Cool to 15, Body to 20, Technical Ability to 20, and finally Cool to 18. This full distribution assumes a level 60 V with the Phantom Liberty expansion. Without Phantom Liberty, follow the same order but stop at level 50.

Key perks include all SMG perks from the Reflexes tree for damage, all cyberware perks from the Technical Ability tree for enhanced implants, all stealth perks from the Cool tree for undetected movement and damage bonuses, all mobility perks from the Reflexes tree for improved positioning, and all Adrenaline Rush perks from the Body tree for survivability.

Weapon choices complement this stealth-focused approach. The Buzzsaw is the primary suppressed weapon for shooting through walls. For close-range emergencies, the Fenrir or Raiju (Phantom Liberty exclusive alternative) serve as backup. For long-range, Overwatch provides a suppressed sniper option. The crafting spec for the Buzzsaw can be obtained early in the game from the Suspected Organized Crime Activity in Northside, Watson.

Cyberware selections further enhance this build’s capabilities:

*Indicates a Phantom Liberty-exclusive iconic alternative. The Kerenzikov and Defensikov cyberware alone are noted to significantly aid in surviving Very Hard difficulty.

Sandevistan Samurai Build

The Sandevistan Samurai build is a potent choice for players who prefer aggressive, close-quarters combat with high burst damage, making it effective against bosses and groups of enemies on Very Hard. This build is heavily inspired by the Edgerunners anime and focuses on blades, mobility, and the time-slowing effects of the Sandevistan operating system.

The core attributes for this build are Reflexes for blade damage and crit chance, Technical Ability for cyberware capacity, and Body for health and melee enhancements.

This build excels in melee burst DPS. By activating the Sandevistan, V can slow down time significantly, allowing for rapid, devastating blade attacks while enemies are practically frozen. The Militech “Apogee” Sandevistan is considered the strongest option, offering 85% time slow, headshot/crit bonuses, and the ability to extend its duration and restore stamina on kills. This encourages aggressive play, chaining kills to maintain the time dilation window.

Perks should focus on the Blades tab within the Reflexes tree to maximize katana and other blade weapon damage. In the Body tree, invest in perks that increase melee damage and provide healing based on damage dealt, as well as those that enhance V’s overall health and survivability. Mobility perks from the Reflexes tree are also beneficial for closing distances quickly and maneuvering during slowed time.

The Sandevistan occupies the Operating System slot, meaning a Cyberdeck cannot be equipped simultaneously without mods. However, the Sandevistan and Kerenzikov (a Nervous System implant that provides brief slow-motion on dodge or aim) can be used together, with the Kerenzikov acting as a safety net. While a cheap Dynalar MK Sandevistan can introduce the playstyle early on, upgrading to the Militech “Falcon” around level 30 and then the “Apogee” at level 40+ is recommended for optimal performance.

Netrunner Quickhack Build

The Netrunner Quickhack build offers a strategic and stealthy approach to Very Hard difficulty, allowing V to control the battlefield, defeat enemies without direct confrontation, and remain undetected. This build focuses on Intelligence for quickhack effectiveness, Cool for stealth and crit damage, and Technical Ability for cyberware capacity.

This build is ideal for stealth, crowd control, and eliminating enemies from a distance using quickhacks. The ability to defeat foes without drawing weapons makes it highly effective for maintaining stealth throughout missions. Investing heavily in the Intelligence attribute enhances quickhack damage, spread, and cooldowns. Cool perks will further improve stealth capabilities and critical damage for any occasional weapon use. Technical Ability ensures V can equip a robust set of cyberware to support netrunning.

Key perks should be taken from the Intelligence tree, focusing on quickhack damage, spread, and RAM recovery. In the Cool tree, prioritize perks that enhance stealth, reduce detection, and increase critical damage. Cyberware perks from the Technical Ability tree are also important for maximizing the effectiveness of V’s implants.

The Cyberdeck is the cornerstone of a Netrunner build, occupying the Operating System slot. This means Sandevistan cannot be used, but Kerenzikov can still be implemented as a defensive measure. A strong Cyberdeck allows V to upload multiple quickhacks, hack devices, and disable enemy cyberware. Combining powerful quickhacks like “Ping” (to reveal enemies), “Short Circuit” (for direct damage), and “Contagion” (for area-of-effect damage) can clear rooms efficiently. For those who prefer a more direct approach when stealth breaks, pistols benefit from the Cool attribute’s crit damage bonuses.

FAQ

Can I refund perks and attributes in Cyberpunk 2077? Yes, as of Update 2.0, you can freely refund Perks outside of combat. Attributes can also be reset, though this is limited. This allows for experimentation without permanent build choices.

Which Sandevistan is considered the best? The Militech “Apogee” is widely regarded as the strongest Sandevistan in the game, especially after Update 2.0. It offers 85% time slow, significant headshot and crit bonuses, and extends its duration and restores stamina on kills.

Can I use both Sandevistan and Kerenzikov? Yes, Sandevistan is an Operating System cyberware, while Kerenzikov is a Nervous System implant. They occupy different slots and can be equipped simultaneously. Sandevistan provides a full time-dilation window, while Kerenzikov offers brief slow-motion on dodge or aim.

Are there builds that use wall-penetrating weapons? Yes, the Tech Sniper archetype specifically leverages wall-penetrating headshots with tech weapons like the Buzzsaw, often combined with the Ping quickhack to reveal enemies behind cover.

Does the Phantom Liberty expansion affect builds? Yes, Phantom Liberty increases the maximum level to 60, providing more attribute points. It also introduces the Relic skill tree, which adds powerful perks that can be layered onto any archetype, and offers exclusive iconic alternative cyberware.