Love in the Neon Dystopia: A Guide to Romance Options in Cyberpunk 2077

In the neon-drenched, perilous world of Night City, where danger lurks around every corner and survival is a daily struggle, even a battle-hardened mercenary like V occasionally yearns for a moment of solace. Amidst the chaos and cyber-enhanced tumult of Cyberpunk 2077, romantic escapades can serve as a welcome respite from the mayhem.

Fortunately, Night City isn't lacking in eligible singles. In this guide, we'll steer you toward a variety of romantic encounters available in the game and offer tips on how to pursue them successfully, ensuring that your nights in Night City are a bit less lonely.

Major Romance Options

For those seeking more substantial and long-term relationships, the major romance options in Cyberpunk 2077 provide extensive content. However, be prepared to jump through a few hoops, as they prefer a traditional approach to getting to know each other.

1. Panam Palmer: The Nomad Adventurer

Panam, a fiery and adventurous spirit, is the perfect fit for a male V looking for a carefree country girlfriend. She's enthusiastic, daring, and, yes, strictly heterosexual. Panam's love for cars, firearms, and excitement makes her an ideal match for those who share these interests.

• Suited for V with a male body.
• Introduced during the "Ghost Town" main story quest in Act 2.
• Progress through story missions involving Panam, including "Riders on The Storm," "With a Little Help From My Friends," and "Queen of the Highway."
• Express your interest and support for Panam throughout these quests to unlock the romantic path.

2. Judy Alvarez: The Hacker Girl

Judy Alvarez, a resilient and independent tattooed hacker, is strictly lesbian. She doesn't need "fixing" and is one of the game's most self-sufficient characters.

• Compatible with V having a female body and voice.
• Encountered during "The Heist" main story mission in Act 1.
• To initiate a relationship with Judy, complete her series of side quests, including "Both Sides, Now," "Talkin' 'Bout A Revolution," "Pisces," and "Pyramid Song."
• Show support for Judy and agree to help her during the "Pisces" quest to secure your romantic future.

3. River Ward: The Extrajudicial Feelings

River Ward, a genuinely good cop in Night City, offers a different perspective on "f*ck the police" if your character is a female V (as he's straight). River stands out as one of the most decent and benevolent individuals in Night City.

• Compatible with V having a female body.
• Encounter River during the side job "I Fought The Law," accessible after reaching Street Cred Level 2 and completing the main story mission "Life During Wartime."
• Follow River’s questline, including "The Hunt" and "Following the River," and ensure to provide emotional support.
• During the last quest, "Following the River," express your affection to enter into a relationship with him.

4. Kerry Eurodyne: The Rockstar

Kerry Eurodyne, an aging rockstar, might have spent too long in Night City, but that doesn't mean he can't find excitement anew. He's purportedly bisexual and, for the purposes of the game, interested in men.

• Suitable for V with a masculine voice and body.
• Encounter Kerry Eurodyne through Johnny Silverhand’s side quests, particularly during "Holdin’ On."
• Progress through other quests involving Kerry, such as "Second Conflict," "A Like Supreme," "Rebel! Rebel!," and "Boat Drinks."
• Seal the deal during "Boat Drinks" by showing interest and sharing a kiss on the yacht, then choose to start a relationship back on the beach.

Secondary Romantic Encounters

These encounters are optional, with one being mandatory for the story, but your involvement in these romances doesn't carry much weight. Consider them flings or encounters with turbulent exes; they lack the depth of the major romance options.

1. Meredith Stout: The Corporate Temptress

Meredith Stout is a ruthless corporate figure who may or may not engage in a fling with you, depending on your choices during a specific mission.

• Available for any V, with the outcome determined by choices made during the Maelstrom mission "The Pickup."
• Meet Meredith before proceeding with the main mission and follow her questline.
• If you retained her encrypted chip or made specific choices, she'll invite you to the No-Tell Motel.

2. Alt Cunningham: The Digital Ghost

Alt Cunningham, Johnny Silverhand's ex-lover and legendary hacker, isn't a conventional romance option. However, her involvement is crucial to the storyline.

• Not a conventional romance option but pivotal to the story.
• Encounter Alt Cunningham during Johnny Silverhand’s memory flashbacks, which unveil the backstory of her relationship with Johnny.

3. Rogue Amendiares: The Old Flame

Rogue is another of Johnny Silverhand's ex-lovers and, while not technically an option for V, you can somewhat rekindle their relationship through Johnny's control of your body.

• Not a primary romance option but rekindles her connection with Johnny through V.
• Initiate this subplot during the mission "Tapeworm" when Johnny asks to visit Rogue through your body.

4. Joy-Toys: Quick Pleasures in Night City

For those seeking brief, physical encounters with no emotional attachment, Jig-Jig Street offers numerous Joy-Toys, cybernetic prostitutes catering to various preferences.

• Available for any V, providing gender-neutral encounters.
• Joy-Toys are sex workers located in Jig-Jig Street in Westbrook.
• Engage in paid sexual encounters with male and female Joy-Toys for fleeting moments of intimacy.

It's important to note that these encounters don't affect each other, allowing your V to have multiple relationships, and the major romance options won't be bothered by it. That's the essence of Night City romance.