Cyberpunk 2077’s Mantis Blades can be recreated as a wearable cosplay prop, but a real build is an interpretation of the game’s design—not working cybernetics or a functional blade. The featured recreation by cosplayer Zibartas, covered by Make on February 6, 2024, deliberately differs from the game trailer: its arms do not physically disassemble to reveal the blades.
What the featured recreation gets right—and what it changes
Make’s Caleb Kraft presents Zibartas’s work as a convincing visual take on the Mantis Blades. The distinction matters: matching the silhouette and appearance is not the same as reproducing the fictional mechanism. Kraft notes that the arms “don’t physically disassemble to reveal these blades, like the famous ones from the game trailer.” The project is inspiration for a cosplay prop, not evidence of a practical or usable device.
The Make article documents the recreation and its visual difference, but it is not a complete build manual or bill of materials. If you want to make a pair, there are separate routes: develop a printed prototype, or begin with a downloadable model and adapt it to your equipment and body.
Three routes to a Mantis Blades cosplay build
| Route | What it offers | What to plan for |
|---|---|---|
| Study Zibartas’s recreation | Visual inspiration and a clear example of adapting the fictional design. | Make does not provide a complete build guide or bill of materials in its account; the featured arms do not disassemble like the trailer version. |
| Build a printed prototype | The 2025 Instructables project by chhu / Workshop3DPrinting recommends PLA or PETG and suggests soft cushioning where the prop touches skin. | You need access to a suitable printer, design and assembly work, and careful decisions about fit and comfort. The material advice is that maker’s project guidance, not a safety standard. |
| Start with a downloadable model | The Etsy listing for BasedEngineerProps’ digital model describes articulated wrist and elbow joints and assembly with M3 bolts and nuts. | A digital file is not a finished prop. Check the current listing for file contents, dimensions, instructions, license, and print-bed constraints before purchase or printing. |
These are different starting points, not tested alternatives. The available descriptions do not establish comparative durability, comfort, mechanical performance, cost, or build time.
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- Realistic Appearance: This 11.6-inch LED dagger features a futuristic design, perfect for Halloween cosplay costumes and props.Material: Plastic
- Illuminating Effect: The dagger glows with vibrant LED lights, adding an eye-catching and immersive element to your costume.
- Durable Construction: Made from high-quality materials, ensuring long-lasting use and reliable performance.
- Easy Operation: Simple to use, with a switch or button to activate the LED lights.
- Versatile Accessory: Suitable for various cosplay events, costume parties, or theatrical performances.
Printing materials, tools, and fit
Choose filament for the printer and model
The Instructables prototype recommends PLA or PETG. Those are recommendations for that project, not a universal prescription: check the printer’s compatibility and the requirements of the actual files you plan to print. If you need a consumable for this route, look for PLA 3D printer filament only after confirming that PLA is suitable for your printer and model.
Plan for skin contact and body fit
The Instructables maker advises adding soft cushioning at skin-contact points. Treat this as practical project guidance, not a guarantee of comfort or safety. A wearable prop also needs to fit your own arm: articulated joints or correctly sized printed parts do not establish that the finished assembly will be comfortable for a particular wearer.
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- Futuristic Design: 31.3 inch LED sword for Halloween cosplay and costume props.
- Versatile Accessory: Fits parties, music festivals, and other events.
- Vibrant Illumination: LED lights add a mesmerizing glow and ambiance.
- Rechargeable battery: It takes approximately 2 hours to fully charge and use.
- Eye-Catching Display: Unique punk-inspired look draws attention.
Distinguish a tool list from a required toolkit
The description for Lightning Cosplay’s 2019 making-of video lists a 3D printer, laser cutter, Dremel, flex shaft, power drills, and jigsaw. That list describes equipment shown or mentioned by the creator; it does not establish that every tool is necessary for every design. Base your tools on the model, materials, and fabrication steps you actually choose.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check event rules before wearing or transporting the prop
Material choice and event acceptance are separate questions. Neither a filament recommendation nor cushioning advice establishes that a prop is allowed at a particular convention or safe for public use. Check the current prop policy for the specific event before wearing or transporting your build, and present it as a cosplay prop—not as a functional blade. Rules vary by event, and the available project descriptions do not establish venue requirements.
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Best Value
- FUTURISTIC DESIGN: LED-illuminated dagger prop measuring 8.27 inches in length with a sleek, punk-inspired blade design perfect for costumes and displays
- Rechargeable Battery:Adopts rechargeable battery, short charging time, long endurance
- CONSTRUCTION: Made from durable acrylic materials with integrated LED lighting system and convenient switch operation
- VERSATILE USE: Ideal for Halloween costumes, cosplay events, theatrical props, and display pieces with its eye-catching illuminated effects
- CARE INSTRUCTIONS: Handle with care, keep away from water, and remove batteries when not in use for optimal performance and longevity
Rank #4
- DESIGN FEATURES: Futuristic LED dagger with striking illumination and sleek black and tan color scheme for an impressive visual effect
- SIZE SPECIFICATIONS: Measures 9.84 inches in total length, perfect for costume accessories and display purposes
- LIGHTING EFFECTS: Built-in LED technology creates a captivating glow along the blade's edges for enhanced visual appeal
- COSTUME READY: Ideal prop weapon for Halloween events, cosplay conventions, and themed parties with its realistic detailed design
- CONSTRUCTION: Crafted with durable materials featuring an ergonomic handle design and decorative patterns for authentic appearance
Rank #3
- REALISTIC DESIGN: Detailed black costume prop weapon with retractable blade mechanism and intricate gear pattern details
- COSTUME ACCESSORY: Perfect for role-playing events, conventions, and costume parties as a fantasy-themed prop
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Made with sturdy plastic materials that maintain their shape while being lightweight and comfortable to wear
- EASY TO USE: Features a smooth retraction mechanism that extends and retracts the prop blade seamlessly
- DIMENSIONS: Extended blade length approximately 12 inches, making it an ideal size for costume wear
Sources and project references
- Make: “Bringing Cyberpunk 2077’s Mantis Blades To Life”, Caleb Kraft, February 6, 2024.
- Instructables: “Mantis Blades”, chhu / Workshop3DPrinting, April 30, 2025.
- Lightning Cosplay: “Mantis Blade Making-of | Cyberpunk 2077 Cosplay Prop”, September 19, 2019.
- Etsy: “CYBERPUNK Mantis Blades 3D Model for Printing and Costume/cosplay”, BasedEngineerProps. Listing details and terms can change.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
