Cyberpunk 2077 Best Sandevistian Guide: Break the Game

Cyberdeck, Berserk, and, Sandevistan, all three Operating Systems, are distinct in their abilities, drastically changing V’s approach in combat. But let’s be honest, hacking your enemy’s cyberware to make them kill themselves is cool, but it won’t beat the time-splitting Sandevistan.

It’s no secret that David Martinez in the Cyberpunk Edgerunners Netflix show boosted the popularity of Cyberpunk 2077 and sales. And many players who have completed the game are returning to it to get their Sandevistan fix. I read that some players went through the game without once using a Sandevistan OS.

I’m guilty of this as my first playthrough; I was a Corpo Netrunner rocking the Cyberdeck OS. However, my recent Nomad gunslinging brawler led me to install these time-warping Operating Systems, and I’ve dug all over Night City to bring you the best Sandevistans, implants, and mods to bring your time-traveling dreams to life.

Bottom Line-Up Front

You need the information on the best Sandevistan and fast, so here is all the key information upfront on how you can acquire and build the best Sandevistan in Cyberpunk 2077:

The QianT Sandevistan Mk.4 is cyber, hands down the best Sandevistan in the game. It slows time by 25%, making it fast enough to counter most other Sandevistan-wielding enemies, and it has the fastest base cooldown of 15 seconds.

This model only requires 15 Reflexes and 27 Street Cred and will set you back 28,000 eurodollars. However, this is the important bit. You must refrain from punching Fingers in The Spaces in Between Main Job; otherwise, you will lose access to his Ripperdoc services.

You can optimize the QianT Sandevistan Mk.4’s Cooldown to 2.1 seconds by:

  • Stacking three Legendary Heatsinks reduces the Cooldown by 12 seconds.
  • Installing the Bioconductor Implant to reduce all Cyberware Cooldowns by 30%.

Installing the Kerenzikov and Nanorelays to improve the Sandey’s duration and increase the time V stays in slow motion.

The QianT “Warp Dancer” Sandevistan Mk.5 slows time by 90%, the fastest of all Sandevistan models. However, its 60 seconds. Cooldown drags on, and in combat, you’ll likely only get one use out of it. Therefore, I suggest upgrading the Mk.5 with the mods and implants above to reduce its cooldown.

You can easily be led to believe that the more time a Sandevistan slows down, the better. However, 10% renders guns pretty useless as bullets will take a long time to leave your SMG or Assault Rifle. So I only recommend the Warp Dancer if your V is primarily melee orientated.

Selection Criteria

There aren’t that many Sandevistan models in Cyberpunk 2077, so this list will explore the best models and more affordable variants to get slicing up enemies earlier in the game. But first, let’s explore what factors contribute to making a top-tier Sandevistan and what Sandevistan even does.

The Sandevistan is a Cyberware Implant installed in the spine and, once activated, enhances the user’s senses and speed. From the player’s point of you, time slows down. They can dodge bullets, shoot a grenade out of the air, and slash a group of Scavs head’s off with still time to get a stack of pancakes from Tom’s Diner.

From the outside perspective, the user is a blur; their actions are difficult to track as they appear to bend time. The faster the Sandevistan, the harder the user is to hit. Sandevistan users tend to supplement the Operating System with implants that can improve the duration and cooldown speed and perks that improve dodging.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that the fastest Sandevistan is the best. At the same time, Berserk is a superior Operating System for runners and gunners.

Sandevistans make SMGs and Assault Rifles harder to use as bullets will take longer to hit your targets and tend to after the Sandevistan has run its course. Kitana, users will have a field day with Sandevistans, as the implant will allow V to swing melee weapons faster.

Zetatech Sandevistan Mk.3

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  • The Zetatech Sandevistan Mk.3 slows time by 50% for 16 seconds and has a short thirty seconds cooldown.
  • The Zetatech Sandevistan increases Crit Chance by 20% while it’s active and can be installed by the Ripperdoc in the Downtown area for a reasonable 16,000 Eurodollars.
  • You can loot a free Zetatech Mk.3 from the body at the Cyberpyschosis gig below the pier in Heywood Wellsprings.

For 16,000 Eurodollars and 12 Reflexes, the Zetatech Sandevistan Mk.3 is a solid Sandevistan model to install in your body. It’s readily available to purchase. Bear in mind that the Downtown area is designed for characters that are over level thirty. However, you won’t need any Street Cred to install this implant into V.

Therefore, it’s easily one of the best Sandevistans for the player to acquire at a low level as they will need to level their Reflex attribute to level 12, which won’t take long, especially if the player started Cyberpunk 2077 with high reflexes.

The 50% time reduction makes it a great variant to adapt to the new flow of Sandevistan combat, and it’s not slow enough to completely rule out firearms. The thirty-second cooldown is brilliant, as you’ll be able to pop your Sandevistan multiple times per fight.

the 20% Crit Chance is devastating, as you’ll generally be landing Crits every four attacks, making it one of the best early Sandevistan models for players that use handguns for popping gonk heads.

As an Epic-tiered implant, you’ll be able to install two Sandevistan mods into the Zetatech Mk.3, which grants you some extra legroom for customization, making it superior to the early acquired Sandevistans Dynalar Mk.1, and Mk.2.

Dynalar Sandevistan Mk.3

  • The Dynalar Sandevistan Mk.3 requires 12 Reflexes and can be purchased from the Ripperdoc in Wellsprings for €$16,000.
  • Slows time by 50% for 16 seconds and has a short cooldown of 15 seconds; while the Sandevistan is active, V will deal 15% more damage.

The Dynalar Sandevistan is an excellent alternative for players that prefer a damage boost over Crit Chance. The Dynalar Mk.3 Sandevistan has the same duration and slow speed; however, it has a superior cooldown to the Zetatech Mk.3, so players can exploit that 15% extra damage output during fights.

Both Sandevistans are phenomenal for the early game theres just one question the player must ask themselves “Would I rather have a 20% Crit Chance for 16 seconds or a permanent 15% damage lasting 16 seconds every thirty seconds during a fight?”

It’s an interesting debate; however, In my experience, there are many ways to increase V’s Crit Chance and Crit Damage with clothing, clothing mods, and perks. So I lean towards the Dynalar Mk.3 as a preferred Sandevistan from the selection of Epic-Tiered models.

Nine times out of ten Sandevistan, users will be equipped with blade weapons to synergize from the extra Mantis Blades damage, Crit Damage, and Stealth damage from Reflexes and the Cool attribute. The Dynalar Mk.3 Sandevistan can be tailored to a bulkier Body or Streetbrawler build.

The 15 seconds cooldown and 15% damage will allow V to maneuver around Scavs and take one or two out before returning to safety. The extra Health and Stamina boost from the Body attribute will also allow V to be more reckless in combat, offering a fresh alternative to blades.

Dynalar Sandevistan Mk.4

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  • The Dynalar Mk.4 Slows time by 25% for 16 seconds and has a cooldown time of 30 seconds.
  • Applies a 15% increase to Crit Chance and damage while active.
  • Is acquired from Viktor Vektor in Little China for €$28,000 and requires 15 Reflexes and 11 Street Cred.

The Dynalar Sandevistan Mk.4 is the best Street Cred valued Sandevistan model on the market as it only requires 11 Street Cred. You will need to pay Viktor back in the Paid in Full Side Gig to gain access to his full Cyberware inventory and Ripperdoc services.

Technically the Dynalar Mk.4 costs 49,000 eddies if you include the debt V owes Viktor. I suggest that new Cyberpunk 2077 players that want to build a Sandevistan build start investing attribute points into Reflexes early so you can get your hands on this model sooner.

The Dynalar Sandevistan deserves a space on this list thanks to its low-level Reflex requirement. Many of the top-tier Sandevistans require high-level reflexes that restrict how the player can level their character. With the Dyanalar Mk.4, the player can invest more points into Body or Technical Ability.

I recommend acquiring this Sandevistan before upgrading to the QianT Sandevistan Mk.4, as it has much better stats and effects for the same amount of Reflexes.

QianT Sandevistan Mk.4

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  • The QianT Sandevistan Mk.4 requires 15 Reflexes 27 Street Cred before installing it.
  • This Sandevistan slows time by 25% for 15 seconds, has a short 15 seconds cooldown, and increases Crit Chance and damage by 15%.
  • You can obtain the QianT Mk.4 from Finn Gerstatt (Fingers), the Ripperdoc in Japantown, for €$28,000.

Why does the QianT Sandevistan Mk.4 deserve a space on the list? More importantly, hailed the best Sandevistan in the game? Well, with three Legendary Heatsinks and Legendary Bioconductor installed, you can decrease the cooldown of the Sandevistan to two seconds! Let’s be thankful that V can’t come down with the mad-inducing Cyberpsychosis.

First, ensure that you do not punch Fingers during “The Space in Between” Main Job when interrogating Fingers for information regarding where Evelyn Parker could be.

If you punch Fingers, you will lose access to his Ripperdoc services, the QianT Sandevistan Mk.4, and other Legendary and Iconic Cyberware such as the Legendary Cataresist, Pain Editor, and Epic Fortified Ankles.

cyberpunk 2077 qiant sandevistan mk.4
Image by Alex Maksymiw

It’s very tempting to give Fingers the one-two for his shady operation exploiting the slums of Japantown. However, if you can refrain, you’ll have access to some of the best cyberware in the game. However, you can get around this if you visit Fingers before the Automatic Love Main Job.

You won’t be able to access Fingers Ripperdoc clinic through the main entrance, but you can parkour your way through the window. Bear in mind that the Legendary Cyberware he offers will require a lot of eddies, Street Cred, and high attribute levels.

So if you want access to this high-tier cyberware and QianT Sandevistan Mk.4 and punch Fingers, complete the NCPD gigs and Side Gigs before Automatic Love.

QianT “Warp Dancer” Sandevistan Mk.5

cyberpunk 2077 qiant - warp dancer - sandevistan mk.5
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  • the QianT “Warp Dancer” Sandevistan Mk.5 Slows time by 10% for 8 seconds and has a 30 seconds cooldown.
  • Applies a 15% damage increase, a 10% Crit Chance increase, and a 50% Crit Damage bonus.
  • The QianT Warp Dancer Mk.5 requires 18 reflexes level 50 Street Cred, 35,000 eddies, and can only be purchased from the Ripperdoc in the Downtown area.

The QianT “Warp Dancer” Mk.5 is the fastest Sandevistan in the game. The 10% slow time effectively pauses time for 8 seconds. It deserves a place on the best Sandevistans, as it lets players get creative with their dispatch of enemies. Why do they call this Sandevistan the Warp Dancer? You’ll be dancing around your enemy’s bullets during combat.

While the Warp Dancer is active, you can sling grenades all over and around your enemies, retreat outside the blast radius, and wait for the nuke of an explosion. Or equipped with a knife, you can take out an entire warehouse of Tyger Claws, grab the NCPD evidence, and leave before anyone has time to react.

The super speed at this level does have its drawbacks, though. At 10% speed, automatic firearms such as SMGs, Assault Rifles, and automatic pistols are useless as you will waste time waiting for the gun to release its bullets. A Revolver or Power Pistol works a lot better, as you’ll only need one or two headshots to take out an enemy.

Because the Warp Dancer is the fastest Sandevistan in the game, you’ll be able to outspeed all enemies that use Sandevistans. For example, suppose the player reaches Street Cred level 50 before the Play it Safe Main Job.

In that case, they can easily counter Oda Sandayu’s cyberware, a difficult fight on hard and above but rendered trivial with the QianT “Warp Dancer” Sandevistan Mk.5.

Best Sandevistan Mods and Implants

cyberpunk 2077 best sandevistan mods and implants
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Now it’s all good having the best Sandey installed in your back, but if you truly want to outdo David Martinez, you will have to do some Cyberware modding. If you own any of the legendary Sandevistans on this list, you’ll be able to install a maximum of three mods for the Operating System.

The cool part is that these mods significantly impact the output of your sandey. Still, you will need a high Crafting and Technical Ability skill level to optimize your Sandevistan fully, so bear this in mind when leveling V.

Visual Cortex Support

  • The Legendary Visual Cortex Support is a Frontal Cortex Cyberware Implant that Increases the player’s Critical Damage by 30%.
  • You can purchase the Epic and Legendary Visual Cortex Support variants from the unnamed Ripperdoc in West Wind Estate for 9,600 or 16,800 eddies.
  • V must have a level 12 or 16 Intelligence for the respective variants.

I would go out on a limb and say that the Visual Cortex Support is one of the best implants to install alongside the QianT “Warp Dancer” Mk.5 Sandevistan, as the two implants alone will grant V a bonus of 80% Crit Damage, and thats excluding skills that increase Crit Damage and Crit Chance for your favorite weapons.

The high-level Intelligence attribute is taxing, though. If you go for this mod, you’re not going to be able to make much use of the Intelligence attribute, as it is mainly used in Breach Protocols and Quickhacking for the Cyberdeck Operating System.

So I recommend only using the Visual Cortex Support Implant if you plan to mix up your gameplay with Quickhacks and change between Sandevistan and Cyberdeck Operating Systems throughout the game. Remember you cannot reset your Attribute points, so once you’ve leveled V to level 50, you won’t be able to get any more points, so choose wisely.

Limbic System Enhancement

  • Increase Crit Chance by 7%
  • Requires 15 Intelligence and 16,800 eurodollars and can be acquired from Fingers in Japantown.

The Limbic System Enhancement boosts your Crit Chance with all weapons. Although 7% doesn’t sound like a lot when paired with the QianT “Warp Dancer” Mk.5 and Legendary Visual Cortex Support Implant, you’ll be unstoppable in combat. I’d only recommend using this Implant alongside the Visual Cortex Support to get more value out of the Intelligence attribute.

Sandevistan only provides its benefits while active, so consider both Frontal Cortex mods while using the QianT Mk.4 as this Sandevistan is arguably the best Sandevistan in the game as it has a long duration thanks to its fast cooldown rate.

Bioconductor

  • Reduce Cyberware Cooldown by 30%.
  • Requires level 18 Body and 11,200 eddies to install. It can be purchased from the Aldecaldo’s Ripperdoc at Rocky Ridge.

The Bioconductor is an essential implant for players looking to optimize their Sandevistans cooldown time. The Legendary Bioconductor is easily one of the best implants to install alongside a Sandevistan.

The Bioconductor alone shaves 18 seconds off the Warp Dancer’s minute-long cooldown. When combined with three Legendary Sandevistan Heatsinks and Nanorelays implants, you can activate your Sandevistan as often as you like in battle.

Nanorelays and Kerenzikov

cyberpunk 2077 nanorelays and kerenzikov
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  • Nanorelays Increase the duration of Sandevistan and Kerenzikov by 2 seconds.
  • The Nanorelays Implant requires 18 Reflexes and can be purchased for 12,800 eurodollars from the Arroyo Ripperdoc.
  • The Legendary Kerenzikov slows time to 10% while aiming, blocking, dodging, and sliding for 3.5 seconds.
  • The Legendary Kerenzikov requires 18 Reflexes and 43 Street Cred and can be purchased from the Ripperdoc in Arroyo for 28,000 eurodollars.

A Kerenzikov is best used alongside a Sandevistan as it slows time while taking most combat actions such as dodging, sliding, aiming, and blocking. Suppose the player has optimized the QianT Sandevistan Mk.4 with Legendary Heatsinks. In that case, they can use a Kerenzikov in between the short cooldown time to go back into slow motion and activate the Sandey when the Kerenzikov runs out.

the Nanorelays implant increases the duration of the Kerenzikov and Sandevistan, giving you extra time and buffer while waiting for your Sandey to Cooldown. Remember that the Legendary Kerenzikov slows time to 10% and lasts 3.5 seconds, so you can save it for when your Sandevistan runs out, or you need to be extra precise in aiming.

You can’t activate the Kerenzikov while a Sandevistan is active, but activating straight after the Sandey will grant you an extra 5.5 seconds of slow motion in combat.

Overclocked Processor

  • Increases the duration of the Sandevistan by 1.3 seconds.
  • Requires 18 Technical Ability the Edgerunner Artisan perk and Crafting Spec that can be purchased from the Kabuki Ripperdoc for 1125 eurodollars.

The Overclocked Processor is a Sandevistan Fragment mod that extends the duration of the Sandevistan. It’s a great modification to install if you’re using the QianT Warp Dancer Mk.5 Sandevistan, where the duration only lasts eight seconds.

I would only use the Overclocked Processor for the Warp Dancer, as you get much better value from Legendary triple Heatsinks. Just one Heatsink will reduce the cooldown time of your Sandevistan by 4 seconds.

Prototype Chip

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  • Increase Crit Chance by 5% while Sandevistan is active.
  • Purchased from the Arroyo Ripperdoc for 450 eurodollars.
  • A Rare Prototype Chip Crafting Spec can be purchased from the Japantown Ripperdoc for 4,500 eddies.

The Prototype Chip will cost you pennies compared to the other Sandey Fragments in this list and will grant you a small 5% Crit Chance to your weapons. Therefore, I had to add it to the list.

The Prototype Chip installed into the Zetatech Sandevistan Mk.3 makes for a great budget Sandey with reliable Crit Chance so you can exploit Handgun headshots.

If you’re using any other higher-tier Sandey, then I would avoid this mod as your goal with more powerful Sandevistans is to keep them active for the most time to get the most value out of them.

Neurotransmitters

  • Crit Damage increased by 15% while Sandevistan is active.
  • Purchased from the Japantown Ripperdoc for 4,500 eddies.

The Neurotransmitters Sandevistan Fragment is a great alternative to the Prototype Chip mod. Instead of a slight increase to your Crit Chance, you get a significant boost to the Crit Damage you deal. Most Sandevistans increase Crit Damage while active, so 15% is a significant increase when combined with the Sandey’s base Crit Damage.

  • Only use the Neurotransmitters for mid-tier Sandevistans, as Heatsinks are the best fragment mods for Legendary Sandeys.

Heatsink

cyberpunk 2077 heatsink
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  • Reduce the Cooldown of Sandevistans by 4 seconds.
  • To get Legendary Sandevistan Heatsinks, you can purchase the Crafting Spec from the Ripperdoc in Arroyo, and 18 Crafting and the Edgerunner Artisan perk to unlock Legendary Crafting.

If I could only choose one Sandevistan Fragment mod, it would be the Legendary Heatsinks. These mods reduce the Cooldown of your Sandevistan by four seconds each, so if you’re running a legendary Sandevistan, stack three Heatsinks to reduce its Cooldown by 12 seconds.

The beauty of filling your Sandevistan with Heatsinks is that you don’t miss out on damage boosts, as you can still get Crit Damage, Crit Chance, and weapon damage boosts from other implants and weapon modifications.

Combining three Legendary Heatsinks and the Bioconductor with the QianT Mk.4 will reduce the Cooldown time from 15 seconds to 2.1 seconds. Moreover, during this short Cooldown time, you can activate your Kerenzikov to stay in slow motion.

Rabid Bull

  • defeating an enemy while a Sandevistan is active restores 5% of Health.

The Rabid Bull isn’t the first choice when it comes to modding your Sandevistan. However, the Rabid Bull fulfills a niche in Sandevistan and Ninjutsu gameplay that other mods cannot achieve.

nine times out of ten, a Blades Sandey build leaves V brittle to incoming fire and playing on hard difficulties, and in high-level areas, V can die to a couple of stray bullets. The Rabid Bull is a fantastic mod that works well with any melee Cyberware Arms, Gorilla Arms, Mantis Blades, and Monowire, as the health restore grants V extra protection while moving from target to target.

The Sandevistan gives melee users a chance to get within range of enemies. However, this also comes at a cost as the time in between the Sandevistan is not active V is very vulnerable. Popping your Sandey and lashing your Monowire can kill multiple targets. Just killing three enemies will restore 15% of your health.

Optical Camo

  • While active, V becomes invisible and has a cooldown of 45 seconds.
  • It can be purchased from Octavio in Rancho Coronado for 28,000 eurodollars and requires 39 Street Cred to install.

Optical Camo is the best stealth implant in the game to use alongside a Sandevistan. At the same time, players can use the Arasaka Software Sandevistan Fragment mod to reduce the chance of being spotted by 70% by an enemy.

The Optical Camo benefits from the Bioconductor, and if the player has the Legendary variant, the Cooldown will match with many Sandevistans.

FAQs

Question: Are there any Other Expansions Planned for Cyberpunk 2077?

Answer: CD Projekt RED announced on the official YouTube channel that “Phantom Liberty is the only planned expansion for Cyberpunk 2077”. Disappointing, considering CDPR stated before Cyberpunk 2077 released that they planned to release two major expansions for the game. (There goes my hope for an Aldecaldos-focused DLC).
Phantom Liberty has no solid release date as of yet, with only a vague 2023 release confirmed in the Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty Teaser trailer. The two teaser trailers revealed a few details on what the Phantom Liberty DLC will entail.
The first trailer reveals that V will be working for the New United States of America, and Johnny Silverhand has been confirmed to return. The second trailer revealed that Idris Elba is starring as Solomon Reed, a major character who plays an FIA Agent for the New United States of America.

Question: What’s the Point of Apartment Activities in Cyberpunk 2077?

Answer: Besides not stinking out the Afterlife club, showering grants V the “Refreshed” status for one hour, which increases your health generation by 60% in combat with a bonus of 20% extra bonus from the Regeneration perk under the Athletic skill.
Sleeping grants V the “Rested” status for an hour of in-game time, providing +20% EXP gain to skills. Brewing Coffee applies the “Energised” status to V for an hour, increasing Max Stamina by 25% and Stamina Regeneration by 30%.
I barely used these features on my first Normal playthrough; however, on Hard and above, these boosts provide a buffer to V’s stats and help you level up V’s skills faster, which is a lifesaver for crafting Legendary Sandevistan Heatsinks.

Question: What Do You Get For Beating all the Street Races in Cyberpunk 2077?

Answer: Claire will call V after completing the “Double Life” Main Job, asking V to be her driver in a series of street races. V can either use their car or Claire’s. Beating a race will grant V 242 EXP, 541 Street Cred, and 2,780 eddies.
If the player beats every street race in Cyberpunk 2077, they can claim Claire’s Beast and Sampson’s Cthulu vehicles, but only if V states that winning is their priority and talk Claire down from killing Sampson.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Sandevistan Operating System is one of the game’s most fun and powerful implants. While the Cyberdeck is fun, Berserk has perks for players who prefer the gun-ho approach. The Sandevistan is the most efficient OS to complete Side Gigs and NCPD missions.

The release of Cyberpunk Edgerunners Netflix animated show created a resurgence in Cyberpunk 2077 players and sales. It’s no surprise that Sandevistan edits are popping up on YouTube as the show’s main character David Martinez highlights the power of Sandevistans perfectly.

Although fans of the show have been digging all over Night City to find David Martinez’s Sandevistan, they won’t find it. However, if you stick to this Sandevistan guide, you will be able to spend more time in slow motion than the regular time during combat.

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