Confronting Buck Arnold in the Beat on the Brat Arroyo quest line represents one of the most punishing fistfights in Cyberpunk 2077. Operating out of Santo Domingo, this veteran brawler relies on raw physical strength and aggressive power strikes that can easily overwhelm unprepared players. Understanding his combat behavior and knowing how to handle the high-stakes wager ensures you walk away victorious without losing your hard-earned eddies.
Preparing for the Boxing Match in Arroyo
Before stepping into the ring under the bridge in Arroyo, maximizing your physical defense and stamina recovery is essential. Equipping Gorilla Arms or activating time-slowing cyberware like a Sandevistan gives V a major advantage during close-quarters exchanges. Consuming stamina and health buffs prior to initiating dialogue with Buck also helps mitigate his devastating attack power.
When speaking to Buck, players have the option to set a standard wager or raise the stakes if their Body attribute is high enough. Raising the bet forces Buck to put up his unique sniper rifle, the O'Five, as part of the reward pool. However, taking this route alters how the encounter concludes once the boxing portion ends.
Mastering Dodges and Counterattacks Against Buck
Buck relies heavily on heavy power attacks that can pierce straight through a standard block, making dodging your primary defensive tool. Rather than trying to absorb his punches, step sideways or backward whenever he winds up for a heavy strike. Timing your dodges opens up a brief window where you can safely land two to three quick counterattacks.
Patience is critical throughout the fight because overextending your combination leaves you vulnerable to his multi-hit combos. Sticking to a disciplined pattern of dodging, hitting two times, and backpedaling keeps your stamina managed and your health intact. Repeating this cycle will steadily drain his health bar until he surrenders.
Surviving the Post-Match Gunfight
If you managed to win the fight after betting on his iconic weapon, Buck will refuse to accept defeat honorably. Instead of handing over the sniper rifle quietly, he orders his gang members to ambush V immediately. The transition from a fistfight to an active firefight happens rapidly, so be ready to pull out standard weapons instantly.
Take cover behind nearby structures to break line of sight and manage incoming fire from the 6th Street gang members. Since your opponents primarily focus on close-range assault, explosive grenades or quickhacks can break up their formation efficiently. Eliminating the gang allows you to safely loot Buck's body and collect the O'Five sniper rifle as your ultimate reward.
