Sandevistan Ninja Build Guide

Strong melee build centered around aggression and in your face combat at all times. Viable on all difficulty settings.

Introduction

Are you a meticulous player who likes to assess fights before you take them? Do you feel overwhelmed when a whole area is alerted to you at once? Does it bother you when Fixers yell at you for not following their orders about petty things, like not killing people or being detected, blah blah blah. WELL! DO I HAVE NEWS FOR YOU! Skip this build.

This build is about pure aggression. This build is about turning off your brain. Bringing in pure chaos. Embodying what it means to be an Edgerunner.

Your W key or left stick will not work right after you finish a play through, and you won't mind.

I started this build after watching Edgerunners on Netflix, and while in my first play through of the game I had never tried Sandevistan, I had to try it. And my god, was I missing out. This build is absolute high octane fun the whole way through, even at lower levels. As long as you can equip a Sandevistan and a katana, you will enjoy it.

My build leaves many places for alterations to fit individual weapons you may have fallen in love with, I simply chose these ones in order to maintain the ninja motif, focusing on katana above all else. With a throwing knife and a gun that procs large poison clouds. But if you enjoy adding a revolver or a tech weapon or what have you, there is more than enough room to drop points out of Assault or Ninjutsu for Engineering or Pistols, etc etc. So don't take my word as gospel when it comes to the weapon trees. However, what you must have to make it still work, is Blades and Athletics. That is the core of the build. Move fast.....very fast and slash

Gear

All of this gear shown will be at level 50 with 1 game completion done. However, most if not all of it, is attainable prior to that.

To get the boring stuff out of the way first, armor. You can use whatever you want/have. Just focus on as many mod slots as you can get for that bonus armor and damage buffs where they are applicable.
I used Johnny's full gear set, fully upgraded to Legendary. Personally because it is easily attainable and arguably the best armor in the game.


Now for the more fun stuff that synergizes with the overall build and playstyle.


1 | Scalpel -
Your bread and butter of this build. This is the single weapon that made me put this build together. Scalpel is attainable early in the game through a side mission, and it is made specifically around the use of Sandevistan.

"Effects | Increases Electrical Damage. While Sandevistan is active, increases Crit Chance by 50% and apply Bleeding."

This when paired with the Sandevistan we choose as well as other Cyberware and mods will basically allow you to have near 100% up time of Sandevistan and these bonuses.


Mods for Scalpel I went with are just Damage+ and Crit Damage+ as we will be hitting crits almost exclusively without any further buffing to that.

https://cyberpunk.fandom.com/wiki/Scalpel



2 | Stinger -
This will be your opener in most fights and then used sparingly to gain a damage buff for you Scalpel periodically through fights and Vs. bosses. The buff I am speaking of will be explained later in the Perk/Attributes section. It also does Chemical damage and has a Poison application chance which fits both the Ninja theme and has a chance to give you that little bit of extra damage after use. However, on most non-boss type enemies, this knife will likely 1 shot with a headshot, so the Poison is irrelevant. It is attained from a side mission with the Aldecaldo's after doing part of the main story with them.

"Deals additional Chemical damage with a moderate chance to apply Poison."

I almost exclusively use this in the opener of a fight and then not again, as most fights end before it is relevant.


Mods for Stinger I went with are pure Crit Damage+ to push that 1 shot ability on the first enemy of a fight.

https://cyberpunk.fandom.com/wiki/Stinger



3 | Divided We Stand -
This weapon is for enemies that are too far away to slash at, or that you want to shoot off a high angle you are too lazy to jump up to. To be honest, I didn't use this much during my play through. It's the easiest gun to replace in the build without causing any changes to the overall play style. The reason I picked it is twofold. It's really easy to use, with minimal aiming required and does decent damage considering that fact. And secondly, it fits the Ninja theme much like Stinger, with it's chance to proc a Poison cloud that poisons the enemies in it. It is attained in Santo Domingo in a 6th Street party, through a short side mission to compete in a shooting challenge.

"Smart Link cyberware required to enable smart-targeting. A modified automatic targeting system allows the weapon to target up to five targets simultaneously, through with decreased accuracy. Bullets may spawn Chemical explosions that apply heavy Poison effects."

As stated above, this gun is very replaceable if you have another gun you prefer to use. Something like a Revolver or Sniper could be put in it's place to achieve the same use case but possibly with higher efficiency. It was mainly chosen for the poison effect.


Mods for Divided We Stand I went with are pure Damage+ to maximize it's damage when it is used, however rarely that is.

https://cyberpunk.fandom.com/wiki/Divided_We_Stand



That pretty well covers your arsenal for this build. As previously stated, your main weapon will be Scalpel at almost all times. Everything else here is secondary, and honestly, completely skipped. You could play this build with just Scalpel equipped and see no major drop in efficiency.

Cyberware

While all parts of this cyberware play heavily into the play style and efficiency of this build, there is some room for personal choice here without breaking the overall build. I will be splitting this section into 2 parts. Those cyberware that are MANDATORY to the builds functionality and those that can be played around with based on your personal play style.

PART 1 | Mandatory Cyberware

1 | QianT Sandevistan Mk. 4 -
This is the second part of the key to this build, along with Scalpel from the previous section. The QianT Sandevistan Mk. 4 gives you the shortest cooldown on Sandevistan possible for a legendary, along with a high time dilation effect. It only requires 15 points into Reflexes to use, allowing you to use it fairly early in game if you dump all early points into Reflexes.

Note: This cyberware is purchased from Finger's. This is a character that you will meet naturally through the Judy missions. You can go to him before the mission that takes you there and purchase it. BUT if you do not meet him before the mission, DO NOT TAKE THE OPTION TO PUNCH HIM! If you choose to punch him during the Judy mission, he will no longer sell you anything in his inventory and this item will be out of your reach.


Mods for this Sandevistan are also mandatory for this build. Run as high a rarity Sandevistan: Heatsink as you can get, to reduce it's cooldown to effectively 0.


https://cyberpunk.fandom.com/wiki/QianT_Sandevistan_Mk.4

The Dynalar Sandevistan Mk. 3 will serve as a good early game choice before 15 Reflexes, or for people in my shoes that acted brashly and assaulted him.



2 | Bioconductor -
There is not much to say about this cyberware, but that does not lessen it's value. It is a passive that will help further lower your Sandevistan cooldown to the point of near 100% up time. It also lowers all other cooldowns of your other cyberware as well, but that is more secondary. With this cyberware, along with your mods in your Dynalar, and Dynalar's low cooldown to begin with, you will have about 3-4 seconds outside of Sandevistan in fights.


https://cyberpunk.fandom.com/wiki/Bioconductor

Get this as high rarity as possible as fast as possible.



3 | Adrenaline Booster -
Another cyberware with not a lot to say about, but is very important. Instantly restoring 50% of your Stamina when you land a kill will ensure that you are able to constantly be swinging that sword and dealing damage. You will be killing very fast on this build, so making sure you never have downtime is important.


https://cyberpunk.fandom.com/wiki/Adrenaline_Booster



4 | Projectile Launch System -
I struggled whether to include this in the mandatory section or not, because it truly does not have a lot of effect on the build. But as I will explain, it makes sense as a min/max goes for it. Since all of the other arm cyberware serves as a melee weapon, 1 blunt and 2 blade, this is the only option you have here for cyberware. And since I am a firm believer in "It's about time I chrome the f*ck up." I couldn't leave it empty. It also does serve a purpose with how you will use it in this build.


While this cyberware is incredibly lack-luster on it's own, there is a single use case. If you mod it with Tranquilizer Rounds, it will have a pseudo "one shot" and also play into the Ninja theme as well. That all said, I almost never used it, outside of the rare case where I did decide not to kill a target I was supposed to keep alive.


https://cyberpunk.fandom.com/wiki/Projectile_Launch_System



4 | Nanorelays -
As stated in the first cyberware for the Sandevistan, this mod allows you to get 2 extra seconds of up time. And that's all there is to it. Use it, it's worth the slot.


https://cyberpunk.fandom.com/wiki/Nanorelays



5 | Reinforced Tendons -
This one is common for most builds and I would assume, probably just most people in general use it. Double jump adds so much mobility to your character that it's hard to argue against using it. Not to mention, with this build and all the speed bonuses you will get from it, you will be able to clear some pretty long gaps when traversing the map. The options for leg cyberware are not super diverse, and I just believe this is the only one of value for this build.


https://cyberpunk.fandom.com/wiki/Reinforced_Tendons



6 | Smart Link -
This cyberware is only mandatory if you run my build exactly with the weapon choices I made. If you are not using Divided We Stand or another smart weapon, this serves no purpose. However, with how rarely you will use any projectile weapon on this build, it's arguable it isn't mandatory even if you copy my build. Do with that information what you will.


https://cyberpunk.fandom.com/wiki/Smart_Link



7 | Microvibration Generator -
This cyberware increases your base damage with melee weapons by 15%. Speaks for itself. You will gain bonus to both your Scalpel and your Stinger, which are your 2 main sources of damage. The damage numbers you will see with Scalpel in Sandevistan and Stinger headshots are very large, and this is just one of the factors in getting those numbers.


https://cyberpunk.fandom.com/wiki/Microvibration_Generator





PART 2 | Secondary Cyberware

This part will be a rapid fire of the other cyberware I used that were good for the build, but did not make or break it.

1 | Second Heart -
A cheat death for the times you are out of Sandevistan and something bad/unexpected happens. It's rare, but it could save you a headache. I was playing on Very Hard so it was helpful at times when things got dicey.

https://cyberpunk.fandom.com/wiki/Second_Heart


2 | Maneuvering System -
Adds another slight layer of mobility to an already incredibly mobile build. Also fits Ninja theme.

https://cyberpunk.fandom.com/wiki/Maneuvering_System


3 | Synaptic Signal Optimizer -
When you are constantly in the mix with sometimes very large groups of enemies, 50% extra HP is a huge bonus. This build also has very high HP recovery through Perks so it just makes those all the more impactful.

https://cyberpunk.fandom.com/wiki/Synaptic_Signal_Optimizer


4 | Subdermal Armor -
Extra armor for increased survival.

https://cyberpunk.fandom.com/wiki/Subdermal_Armor


5 | Supra-Dermal Weave -
Immunity to bleed for part 1 of the trifecta of invulnerability we will achieve through cyberware.

https://cyberpunk.fandom.com/wiki/Supra-Dermal_Weave


6 | Fireproof Coating -
Immunity to burn for part 2 of the trifecta of invulnerability we will achieve through cyberware.

https://cyberpunk.fandom.com/wiki/Fireproof_Coating


7 | Inductor -
Final part of the trifecta of invulnerability from the previous 2. Negates the effects of Shock and EMP and increases armor after being hit by them. With this final piece you gain immunity to all effects but Poison. BUT FEAR NOT! That is covered in the Perk selections.

https://cyberpunk.fandom.com/wiki/Inductor


8 | Shock-n-Awe -
Almost a filler piece. Isn't worthless, but doesn't do much.

https://cyberpunk.fandom.com/wiki/Shock-n-Awe

Attributes/Perks

To round out the build that I've gone through in the previous sections, we land on Attributes and Perks. I will not be going into every single individual selection, because a lot of them are your basic "+10% damage with this" etc, etc. I don't want to bore you, and I don't want to completely lose my sanity typing that all out. Instead I will be showing the build I went, and going over the most important things you should be grabbing from each tree.

Attribute Distribution |


You want to prioritize first into Reflexes in order to use the higher tier Sandevistan cyberware as well as get points rolling into Blades early. After that I recommend going into Body next to start gaining survival, melee damage and mobility. From there it is up to you if you value crafting more for upgrading your gear and making money. Or Cool more for added damage through Ninjutsu and Cold Blood. The biggest part of this is 100% getting to 15 Reflexes as soon as possible though.



Now we get into the Perks.


1 | Blades -
The most important tree for the build for both damage and ability to use your gear. This is your home. You will have most of this tree unlocked, including the capstone Perk at 20.
Important Perks |
Judge, Jury and Executioner - Increases damage to targets at full health, allowing for 1 shots in Sandevistan.
Deathbolt - Heals 20% and increases speed by 30% after a kill.
Float Like A Butterfly - Increases damage after dodging.
Dragonstrike - Pinnacle Perk for Blades. Increases crit damage by 40% with Blades, and well worth dumping points into after you've unlocked everything else important.



2 | Athletics -
Second only to Blades. Key to a large part of your survival and mobility, as well as moderate increases to your melee.
Important Perks |
Tenacious V - Getting hit does not interrupt health regen.
Regeneration - Health regens during combat.
Epimorphosis/Wolverine/Dog of War - All increase cap and amount of health regen during combat.
Cardio Cure - Health regen faster you move.



3 | Cold Blood -
This tree will provide you with several buffs to damage and survival after getting kills, which you will have up right from the start of a fight when you Stinger the first enemy.
Important Perks |
Cold Blood - Stacking movement speed buff after kills.
Coolagulant - Cold Blood stacks fall off one at a time, keeping 100% up time during fights.
Rapid Bloodflow - Health regen in combat.



4 | Ninjutsu -
This tree is what unlocks your ability use your Stinger as a throwing knife, and heavily buffs all things related to that. It also gives you bonus for poisoning enemies and minor defensive perks as well.
Important Perks |
Dagger Dealer - Allows knives to be thrown.
Aggressive Antitoxins - Immunity to poison, completing the defensive setup.
Assassin - 15% more damage to humans. Blanket buff to all damage.
Cutthroat - Main reason for opening fights with throwing knife. Especially strong against strong/boss enemies. Increases damage by 80% for 6 seconds after hitting with thrown knife.
From the Shadows - Increased crit chance after entering combat.



5 | Assault -
This tree is solely existing to buff your Divided We Stand. If you change your weapons off of Rifles/SMGs, take all these points and put them in the appropriate section, be it Engineering for Tech weapons, Annihilation for Shotguns, etc etc.
Important Perks |
All perks in this tree are just built around damage. I am playing on MnK so I skipped all recoil perks, as well as Smart weapons negate the need for those perks in my opinion. Grab the perks I showed for optimal damage, but otherwise you can take or drop them as you feel fit. It would not be the worst thing for you to just drop all these points and put them all in Dragonstrike in Blades.


6 | Crafting -
This tree is here to let you upgrade your weapons more efficiently, make money for all the pricey cars/apartments/gear in the city, and let you craft weapons you find throughout the game. It is not something you feel in every fight like the other trees. But after playing my first play through with no points in Technical Ability, and this play through focusing on it. I can't go back. I need Tech, I need crafting.
Important Perks |
Most perks in this are quality of life and making money related. The only thing mandatory is the ability to craft and use Legendarys, allowing you to fully upgrade and use your weaponry.



7 | Engineering -
Only 2 perks taken in this tree.
Important Perks |
Lock and Load - Reload speed with Smart weapons.
Bladerunner - Increased damage vs mechanical enemies.



8 | Annihilation -
Only take 1 perk in this tree, and it is a big one.
Important Perks |
Speed Demon - More damage the faster you move.

Play Style

The play style of this build is very straight forward. And if you've suffered through this far into the guide, you should already have a really good idea about it. The core of the build is, you press Sandevistan and slash people with your sword. There is some nuance to parts of it, but it's pretty easy to play overall.

To open every fight, you want to use your throwing knife. This step is less useful against enemies you are going to one shot because you don't get the Cutthroat buff. But it is very useful against anyone you're going to have to hit more, i.e. Cyberpsychos/bosses/etc etc.

After the throwing knife, or if you decide against using it, it is VERY simple. You run forward, press Sandevistan, and start hitting enemies. You will find very quick, regardless of difficulty, that most enemies are 1 to 2 hits and they will be done. With each kill you will gain health back and increase movement speed. This allows you to just keep pressing forward and continuing the chaining of kills. Not to mention, when you are in Sandevistan with 50% slow time active, the likelihood of you taking any significant damage hits is very low.

Now we reach the only real deviation from this general play style of Sandevistan and sword. If you have not killed all enemies while it was active, you have 2 choices. If you are still at full health and close to other enemies, you can keep attacking with your sword. If you are far away from the enemies, you now have the opportunity to switch to your ranged weapons, whether it is throwing knife or rifle, and start attacking from range. This period outside of Sandevistan is never more than 5 seconds because of the cooldown being so fast. The whole point of this part of the play style is surviving till next Sandevistan.

That pretty much covers it. You are incredibly tanky with this build. You have very high damage. If you are attacking with the sword or throwing knife, you are gaining health back at all times. It's really, really fun. You will feel like you are untouchable against most low tier enemies.

Swing away.



(Off Build Note)
For those going for a 100% completion of the game like I did. When you are doing the Beat on the Brat quest line, this build gives you an option to make it very easy. Simply respec your Perk points and dump into Athletics and Street Brawler. Then equip a pair of Gorilla Arms. Sandevistan can be used during those fights, and using that method, I was beating all the fights within seconds.

Conclusion

Final Thoughts |

This build is not for someone looking for a challenge. It is very easy, but also very rewarding to play. It really leans into the power fantasy of you being an Edgerunner, modding your body into an efficient killing machine. You will find that it does not lend itself AT ALL to Gigs or Missions that the Fixer/Mission giver requests no killing or being undetected. You do not stealth well, and it is very hard to be gentle with it.

As I have stated, I played on Very Hard and had no issues at all with it. I only ever died when I was really distracted, and that was where Second Heart came in, and I was able to come back easily and regain control of the situations.

You are essentially a lone super hero in a world of men with this build. Even the legendary Adam Smasher stands no chance as long as you are playing to it's strengths. I damage gated him within seconds every time. Then it's just a waiting game for him to be able to be damaged again.

I really hope anyone who sees this and tries it out likes it as much as I did. It was a whole new way of playing from my first play through of the game, which I focused more on the Netrunner style play. This game is so good, the story gets me every time. I end up truly caring about so many characters in it. I really hope this build and game brings the joy to others it did to me while playing.



Later choom,
Z3r0-2w0


Edit Note: Thank you to this community and to the comments that helped me correct mistakes I had made. It is very much appreciated. This was my first guide, and I made it on a whim after completing the game. Thus I did not have a plan going in, and had made mistakes during my play through that would have mislead players into making the same errors I did.

TL:DR

Step 1 |
Equip the Iconic Katana, Scalpel.

Step 2 |
Equip the Epic cyberware, QianT Sandevistan Mk.4

Step 3 |
Press your Sandevistan button and run foward slashing.

This is overly simplified. But it's a good base to start with.

[humble star farmer]

will you be updating this guide or making a new similar build for phantom liberty?

[Zer0-2w0]

@ewrysgooglin <3

[ewrysgooglin]

Hello all just one comment. This guild is the best I've done right now getting ready to try and find a balance between this build and, crafting with some hacking. But anyways thanks for the guild.

[ewrysgooglin]

Love the build trying it now just can't find the legendary HeatSinks I'm 50 and 50 and I can't get the Legendary (Adrenaline Brooster) I told that ripper to flip sand LOL.

[Shygirl]

Good eye, or rather memory. I just checked; it does in fact say kerenzikov, not sandevistan.
And here I was scratching my head wondering why it wasn't listed

[Zer0-2w0]

@Shygirl Unless it is a hidden perk, that sword only gives 100% during Kerenzikov. I could be misremembering because it has now been a while since I was in game. But I distinctly remember looking at that sword and choosing Scalpel over it for that reason.

[Shygirl]

What about the katana Oda drops after defeating him? I don't remember its name, but its description states that it has a 100% crit chance during sandevistan. Wouldn't that be better than Scalpel's +50% crit chance?

[GuiBorba]

Thanks :)

[DrP4r4d0x]

I'm not crying, it's just that my idiocy got into my eyes

[DrP4r4d0x]

Dude! I'm going through the game for the third time and just now I saw that additional points of characteristics can be distributed at maximum difficulty. I had to delete my level 50 character and start all over again.