The recent 2.0 update for Cyberpunk 2077 has injected fresh vitality into the previously lackluster melee combat system. However, amidst these improvements, one constant feature remains—the Sandevistan operating system, which significantly enhances the melee combat experience.
The Sandevistan systems grant players the remarkable ability to manipulate time, slowing it down for a brief period. This temporal manipulation proves invaluable in closing the gap during melee encounters and precisely lining up ranged shots. While equipping a Sandevistan necessitates sacrificing quickhacks and their versatile utility, players who have tailored their builds around Strength and Reflexes will find this trade-off well worth it. Moreover, the latest update has made acquiring a high-quality Sandevistan easier than ever before, provided players have reached the required level to wield them effectively.
Sandevistan Models
In the earlier iterations of Cyberpunk 2077, cyberware came with distinctive manufacturers, model names, and iteration numbers. However, in version 2.0, most of these details have been streamlined. Now, players kick things off by discovering tier-one models and have the option to enhance their cyberware either by using upgrade components on their existing gear or by leveling up enough to unlock premium offerings from ripperdocs. While you won’t find any Sandevistan models at level 1, once you reach level 40, every ripperdoc will stock all five tier-five versions for purchase.
To get a better grasp of how each model evolves or becomes available over time, take a look at the following list, which compares the tier-three and tier-five variations.
| Model | Cyberware Capacity | Cost (Approximate) | Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Militech “Apogee” Sandevistan Tier 5 | 44 | 120,000 | Slows time by 85% for 8 seconds Cooldown 30 seconds Headshot/Weakspot Damage +10% Crit Chance +9% Crit Damage +13% Take down an enemy to get: +20% to the effect duration +22% Stamina |
| Militech “Falcon” Sandevistan Tier 5 | 39 | 85,000 | Slows time by 70% for 9 seconds Cooldown 35 seconds Damage +10% Crit Chance +10% Crit Damage +5% Take down an enemy to get: +10% to the effect duration +5% Health |
| Qiant “Warp Dancer” Sandevistan Tier 5 | 14 | 51,000 | Slows time by 20% for 10 seconds Cooldown 60 seconds Mitigation Chance +24% Mitigation Strength +12% Thermal/Chemical/Electrical Resistance +50% |
| Zetatech Sandevistan Tier 5 | 20 | 51,000 | On ground: Slows time by 30% for 10 seconds Cooldown 30 seconds Damage +12% In air: Slows time by 60% for 10 seconds Cooldown 30 seconds Damage +24% Headshot/Weakspot Damage +40% Fall Damage -30% |
| Dynalar Sandevistan Tier 5 | 18 | 51,000 | Slows time by 50% for 9 seconds Cooldown 40 seconds Crit Chance +15% Crit Damage +15% |
| Qiant “Warp Dancer” Sandevistan Tier 3 | 14 | 13,000 | Slows time by 20% for 9 seconds Cooldown 70 seconds Mitigation Chance +14% Mitigation Strength +7% Thermal/Chemical/Electrical Resistance +30% |
| Zetatech Sandevistan Tier 3 | 20 | 13,000 | On ground: Slows time by 30% for 7 seconds Cooldown 40 seconds Damage +6% In air: Slows time by 60% for 7 seconds Cooldown 40 seconds Damage +12% Headshot Damage +30% Fall Damage -30% |
| Dynalar Sandevistan Tier 3 | 18 | 13,000 | Slows time by 50% for 8 seconds Cooldown 50 seconds Crit Chance +10% Crit Damage +5% |
A quick heads-up: avoid equipping a Sandevistan alongside other slowdown cyberware simultaneously. These gadgets tend to take precedence, either prematurely ending the Sandevistan’s effect or preventing it from kicking in altogether. Luckily, there’s a wide array of other cyberware implants available to enhance a melee build by amping up your Crit Chance, movement speed, and Stamina regeneration.
Sandevistan Build Tips
In the realm of Cyberpunk 2077 2.0, every piece of cyberware adheres to a specific attribute association, except for cyberdecks. The Sandevistan is no outlier in this regard; all five of its models are intricately tied to the Reflexes attribute. With each point invested in Reflexes, you gain an extra 0.1 seconds of duration for the Sandevistan effect, culminating in a grand total of 2 additional seconds at 20 Reflexes. It might not appear substantial at first glance, but it’s worth noting that these seconds are measured in real-time, not the subjective seconds experienced by a character employing a Sandevistan.
Given the paramount importance of Reflexes in the Sandevistan equation, players who rely on this implant will find their stride with bladed melee weapons, which conveniently fall under the Reflexes umbrella in the new perk trees. An outstanding perk that harmonizes seamlessly with the Sandevistan is “Bullet Time.” This nifty skill allows players to deflect bullets without sapping their Stamina when time is slowed through any means. Furthermore, when these redirected bullets find their mark on adversaries, they dish out automatic critical damage.
However, it’s essential to be mindful of the substantial leap in Cyberware Capacity from the fundamental three Sandevistan models to the Militech Sandevistans. To fully harness the exceptional levels of temporal manipulation offered by Falcon and Apogee, players may need to swap out some of their other cyberware or invest in Technical Ability perks.