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Although players will have the option to kill or spare Oda by the end of this guide, the cybernetic ninja is far from an easy foe to conquer in Cyberpunk 2077. This fight can't be avoided, so players should have their top mods and cyberware slotted and ready to face off against one of the game's toughest bosses, as the bodyguard is merciless in his assault against V. This article contains story spoilers for Cyberpunk 2077. 

Sandayu Oda isn't considered one of Cyberpunk 2077's best characters, although he is somewhat interesting. Oda is a cyberninja employed by the Arasaka corporation as a bodyguard of Hanako Arasaka, and appears as a boss in the mission Play It Safe. Once V eliminates all of the snipers during the parade in Japantown, the cyberninja attacks them, believing they are trying to kill Hanako.

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Have Strong Reflexes

As expected of a man of his caliber, Oda is quick and agile, making melee combat with him nearly unavoidable. Combined with his Mantis Blades, the cybernetic foe can deal massive amounts of damage if players aren't too careful. Because of this, having cyberware that slows down time when dodging is heavily recommended, along with plenty of medical stims. Additionally, having nine or ten points in the Reflexes attribute gives you access to useful perks that can further aid you while dodging.

Focus On Headshots

With regards to counterattacks, not even the best of Cyberpunk 2077's cyberdecks can help you here. The best plan of action is to focus on headshots. A good combination is dodging to slow down time using the Kerenzikov implant, obtainable from Viktor, or found in rarer variations throughout the city. Dodging to slow time, combined with powerful weapons such as LMGs or Shotguns, is a great way to capitalize on damage while Oda recovers.

After doing enough damage, Oda will start running on the walls in the room. Players should have a sniper rifle or precision rifle ready to deal massive damage by shooting him in the head. Eventually, Oda will fire at V from the catwalks using a smart gun, so players should get behind cover to avoid taking damage.

Once Cyberpunk 2077 players have damaged Oda further, he will run to seek cover. Players should note which direction he takes off in, as Oda will be invisible and taking a moment to heal. Players will need to find and shoot him to prevent him from healing. After a few more cycles of this, Oda will be defeated.

Bring Mantis Blades

For players bringing a sword to a blade fight, this encounter will serve as a true test of their reflexes. Grinding points for the Blades tab of Reflexes is highly encouraged, as well as utilizing a katana or Mantis Blades. Players should also expect to have hundreds of medical stims, as taking on Oda in a sword fight is a far more difficult mission. Focusing on dodging and parrying is the best approach in this case, although once Oda begins to distance himself from V, the player will need a long-range weapon to do further damage.

If players decide to spare Oda, they have the opportunity to see him in one of the game's optional endings as an ally. However, deciding to finish off the cyberninja nets no extra rewards.

Cyberpunk 2077 is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.

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