In the updates prior to 2.0, Cyberpunk revamped throwing knives, removing the risk of losing them and adding a cooldown instead. With the 2.0 release, they introduced an entire throwing knife skill tree within the “Cool” section.
Build Overview: This isn't your typical stealth build. Instead of using knives for silent headshots, this build emphasizes agility and resilience. You'll use the throwing knife techniques effectively without being an easy prey for the enemies.
Skill Trees:
-
Cool Tree (15 points)
- Invest in the entire throwing knife tree.
- Key aspects: Poison application and the Accelerated Toxin Absorption perk for massive damage.
- Neurotoxin: Blinds and prevents sprinting with crit or headshots - great for tough enemies.
- Juggler Level 3: Resets knife cooldowns on headshots, crits, or poison kills.
- Throwing knife finisher: Executes enemies from a distance.
-
Reflex Tree (20 points)
- Prioritize dash and air dash (a must-have ability).
- Skip the gun-related perks and only grab essentials.
-
Tech Tree (20 points)
- Essential for cyberware potential and reduced cooldowns.
- Invest in the grenade tree, focusing on poison grenades that complement the poison knives.
- Utilize the Blood Pump upgrades.
-
Body Tree (20 points)
- Go all in on the health regen and damage reduction. You'll need them as this isn't a stealth build.
For a more in-depth understanding of this build and how to strategically allocate your Perk and Attribute points, consult the Throwing Knives build planner available in the game.
Weapons:
- Use 3 Knives or Axes. Axes deal more damage but with longer cooldowns. Mix and match for best results.
- Biohazard Grenades are key. They release poison, complementing the knife skills.
Cyberware Essentials:
- Militech Apogee Sandevistan: Slows time and refunds 20% on kill.
- Handle Wrap: Grants 23% extra crit chance on throws.
- Stabber: Adds 17% crit chance.
- Reflex Tuner & Synaptic Accelerator: Slows time, perfect for precise knife headshots.
Why Choose This Build?
With powerful knives and axes, you can instantly eliminate most enemies. Heavier foes can be blinded and bombarded with headshots and poison. Bosses can be caught in a lethal loop of blinding, poisoning, and knife finishes.
Plus, the distance allowed by throwing knives keeps you safe, while slow-motion cyberware boosts like Sandevistan enhance your combat capabilities. Paired with resilience from the body and reflex trees, and with damage reduction and armor cyberware, this build ensures you're not only powerful but also durable.
Give this build a try and dominate your way through Night City. Enjoy!