Acquiring Johnny Silverhand's iconic weapon is one of the most rewarding milestones for players navigating Night City in Cyberpunk 2077. Known officially as the Malorian Arms 3516, this legendary power pistol offers unique animations, exceptional damage, and distinct combat mechanics. Understanding the exact quest requirements ensures that you do not miss this powerful piece of gear during your playthrough.
Prerequisites for Unlocking the Mission
Before you can claim the weapon, you must progress through a significant portion of the main storyline. Completing main quests involving Rogue and Takemura eventually triggers the Tapeworm side quest. Once Tapeworm is finished, you will unlock access to the critical side job titled Chippin' In.
It is important to maintain a cooperative relationship with Johnny during key dialogue scenes to keep story options open. Engaging constructively with him throughout these narrative moments helps smoothly transition into Rogue's storyline. Skipping these interactions or rushing past main missions can delay access to the required questline.
Starting the Chippin In Quest
To begin the mission, meet Rogue at the Afterlife bar to discuss tracking down Jeremiah Grayson. Following her lead will bring you to the docks, where you must infiltrate a heavily guarded cargo ship area. You can choose either a stealthy approach or direct combat to clear out enemy forces guarding the zone.
Navigating through the container yard leads to a final confrontation on the main vessel. Staying aware of your surroundings helps manage reinforcement waves during the fight. Preparing proper cyberware and combat gear beforehand ensures a smooth battle against Grayson's guards.
Confronting Grayson and Securing the Pistol
After defeating Grayson and his squad, a brief interrogation scene will take place on the ship deck. During this encounter, you will automatically obtain the Malorian Arms 3516 directly from Grayson. Your decision to spare or eliminate Grayson does not prevent you from acquiring the firearm itself.
However, choosing to spare Grayson rewards you with a keycard to unlock a nearby shipping container. This extra step allows players to claim Johnny's classic Porsche 911 alongside the handgun. Securing both items in a single run maximizes your rewards for completing the questline.
Weapon Features and Unique Mechanics
The Malorian Arms 3516 features distinct handling characteristics, including custom reload animations and high thermal damage. Its unique quick melee attack releases a short-range flamethrower blast that sets close enemies on fire. These special attributes make it a versatile weapon for aggressive handgun builds in late-game scenarios.
Upgrading the pistol regularly allows it to remain competitive against late-game bosses and elite enemies. Combining this weapon with critical damage cyberware further enhances its overall combat effectiveness. Mastering its rhythm and fire modes provides a unique combat experience throughout Night City.
