Even though Cyberpunk 2077 had a bumpy start since its release, fixes and updates are slowly being introduced, hopefully making it a more enjoyable experience. There is no denying that the main storyline is a unique and thrilling adventure to embark on, but there are plenty of other side missions to discover.
Night City is a large map that players can explore and find hidden gems and unique interactions of all kinds. The side quests are just as exciting and detailed as the main story, allowing players to collect special gear and vehicles and even experience a bit of romance with varied love interests.
Beat On The Brat
Once players have completed Act 1 of the storyline with the quest “The Rescue,” they can exit their apartment and find Coach Fred practicing with a new punching bag robot. After taking part in a quick spar with the bot, the player can agree to venture around Night City and take place in more boxing matches.
There are several other fights players can take place in all around the city, and they continuously increase in difficulty and reward. This is the best way to earn some eddies fast. The matches are a fun but challenging experience where players must know when to dodge, block, and when to throw a punch—then they can go on to the championship against the standing boxing champ. Diverse activities around the game are another reason it’s still GOTY material.
Psycho Killer
“Psycho Killer” is a side questline that players can begin for Regina after completing the first Act. She will contact V herself and offer rewards for the incapacitation of some people suffering cyber-psychosis, leading them to bring harm to others or act uncharacteristically.
There are 17 Cyberpsychoes around Night City, and though there are markers on the map if players choose to filter them in, Regina will also call up V every time they are close to one of the sighted targets. Each target has a specific cyberware mod or enhancement that makes them a little trickier to take down, but Regina will ask the player to incapacitate them rather than kill—which will be a better reward each time. Regina also offers up a special set of armor after the quest.
A Like Supreme
To begin this fun side job, players must have completed either the other quests, “Blistering Love” or “Chippin’ In.” Johnny will ask V to contact Kerry in the quest, “Holdin’ On,” allowing the player to get the band back together and perform one last time.
The player must meet up with the bandmates that agreed to perform at the Red Dirt club, and from there, the player has a choice to allow Johnny to take over to perform or keep control as V to perform. Either way, the player will be able to follow the on-screen instructions and quick-times to play some of Samurai’s hit songs of choice. Keanu Reeves undoubtedly makes this scene 10x better—as well as Cyberpunk in general, one of the best video games he appears in.
The Hunt
Although some players, according to unpopular opinions on Reddit, didn’t appreciate Cyberpunk’s gritty and edgy vibes, others can enjoy a little bit of a different tone and feel from the rest of the game. “The Hunt” gives players a chance to delve into darker themes related to crime and mystery. V can partner with River, a PI, and track down a kidnapper and potential serial killer.
After successfully tracking down the location of the suspect, River and V will head to the farm and must find a way inside. This part can be tricky as there are mines and turrets around, and the players must avoid being seen by the suspect. The player must get inside and stop the target before the victims are killed. Their choices are dire. The actions and story of these quests make it a thrilling adventure, and it’s also an opportunity to romance the character, River, in the game.
The Beast In Me
“The Beast In Me” side job begins when V receives a call from Claire. She will ask the player to stop by her garage and then offer them a spot alongside her in several races around Night City. V will be in charge of driving the car while Claire assists by shooting at other competitors.
With each race, the difficulty will increase, but V can earn some extra eddies on the side. These races have the feel of a true racing game, and players must balance out speed with careful finesse to cut around corners and get ahead of the competition. Thankfully, the game has changed since launch and with the new updates driving has become a lot easier to navigate, making the races a more enjoyable experience all-around. Toward the end of the races, Claire will come clean about her true intentions of participating, and V has the choice to assist her in her vendetta or not.
With A Little Help From My Friends
This side quest allows players to team up with the biker gang, The Aldecados, and assist them in stopping a train and stealing some Militech supplies. This quest starts when Panem gives V a call after completing “Riders On The Storm.” By assisting them, players also have a chance to romance Panem.
At the start of the quest, Players will have important decisions based on the dialogue taking place. If they choose the wrong dialogue, it will prevent them from romancing Panem, assisting the Aldecados, and taking away the possible game ending. If they choose correctly, they will participate in the thrilling train chase with the gang and face off against an army of Militech troops to successfully secure the loot and complete the mission.
Pisces
“Pisces” is a side quest all about revolution and independence for the “dolls” of Night City. By completing this quest, players unlock a potential relationship with Judy and free Clouds from its unjust hierarchy and mistreatment of its employees.
V will be offered this job from a call from Judy, and upon accepting, they will delve into the H8 Megabuilding either by stealth or gun blazing—fighting off groups of Tyger Claw goons. They will come upon Maiko, who plans to deal with the leaders in her way. Players choose to follow Maiko or refuse her proposal and fight them all. V can scoop up a special iconic katana during this battle and have a chance to romance Judy if done successfully.
Stadium Love
This side job begins when V approaches the noise coming from the roofs in Rancho Coronado. Players will find members of the 6th Street gang hosting a shooting competition in which they can participate for a chance to win an iconic gun.
Players must navigate along the rooftops and shoot at different targets, which humorously display a picture of an official’s face. They must get a score of 44 points or more to beat the reigning champion and win the competition. Each set is timed, requiring V to shoot as many as they can before that time runs out, and the sets increase the difficulty as they continue through the course. After completing the competition, V will be rewarded with a special weapon, and it will be up to the player whether or not they want to battle the gang and collect more loot.
Rebel! Rebel!
“Rebel! Rebel!” can be picked up as a side job after players have completed “A Like Supreme” and are a chance to assist Johnny’s ex-bandmate, Kerry, on a devious little side hustle and have the chance to romance him as a possible love interest.
Kerry will contact V after the band’s reunion performance and ask them to help him out with a heist. Players must drive Kerry to the destined spot and help him set up a trap for the targets, resulting in the NCPD showing up. A police chase takes place in which V has to lose their tail successfully. If completed, Kerry will ask the player to accompany him to his favorite coffee joint, allowing for a further romantic relationship with him.
Chippin’ In
“Chippin’ In” is one of the most critical side quests players can participate in, allowing for some major rewards and to decide the course of Johnny and V’s friendship in the game.
To begin this quest, players must have completed the prior quest, “Tapeworm,” and then meet Johnny at the Afterlife. V will then meet with Rouge and Weyland and apprehend a Maelstrom ship. A boss battle against Grayson will take place in which V can choose whether to kill him or grant him mercy. If V spares his life, they have the chance to collect Johnny’s Porsche—which is not something players want to skip out on.
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