# Save These Characters in Cyberpunk 2077 to Shape the Story

In Night City, merely surviving one more day can be an enormous challenge due to its harsh environment. The gritty, oppressive atmosphere of Cyberpunk 2077 makes it tough to foretell who will make it through or fall, unless V takes an active role in influencing the lives and destinies of those nearby.

In the sprawling landscapes of Night City and Dogtown within Cyberpunk 2077, there are several key figures whom the protagonist, V, can influence and help foster a brighter future for. With numerous lives hanging in the balance, let’s delve into some crucial characters that players should strive to rescue during their gameplay experience, and discuss effective strategies for doing so.

In Cyberpunk 2077, there are important people you can help and make a positive impact on. With many lives at stake, here are some key characters you should save in your playthrough, and how to do it effectively.

8. Declan “Brick” Griffin

The Leader of Maelstrom is a Good Ally to Have in Night City

How to Save: Disable the bombs and unlock the door in the All Foods Plant during The Pickup (Main Mission)

In the All Foods Plant, V and Jackie encounter Royce instead of their anticipated leader when negotiating a deal for a Militech Flathead with Maelstrom. To their surprise, it’s not Brick leading the group as he’s been ousted, located downstairs with explosives attached and behind a locked door. Those who successfully disarmed the bombs and rescued Brick gain a valuable ally in return.

In Night City, no gang can be considered good, with Maelstrom being particularly despicable due to their criminal activities. However, helping Brick provides V with a potential ally who might prove useful in the future since Royce is too unpredictable. Moreover, having Dum Dum in charge if higher-ups die could lead to chaos and instability within Night City.

7. Barry Lewis

V’s Neighbor, a Cop Experiencing Immense Loss

How to Save: Find Andrew’s niche in the Columbarium during Happy Together (Side Job)

In Act Two, when V exits their residence following the discovery of a potentially dangerous condition in their head (resembling a rocker boy terrorist growth), they’ll encounter two police officers attempting to gain entry into a neighboring apartment. This isn’t related to an apprehension, but rather a welfare check, as Barry Lewis has been isolated inside his apartment for several days. The NCPD is hoping to leverage his positive character in the chaotic and morally ambiguous environment they find themselves in.

Officer’s request V to talk with Barry, a conversation that uncovers Barry’s deep struggle with grief over the loss of his pet tortoise, Andrew. Prior to discussing this with the officers, V visits the Columbarium (a place for cremated remains) and learns that Andrew was not a person but a pet tortoise. This realization allows V to advise the police that what Barry truly needs is friends, rather than work colleagues, thereby preventing his suicide.

6. Judy Alvarez

A Skillful Techie Whose Spirit is Crushed by an Evil City

How to Save: Reject Maiko’s deal during Pisces and Romance her in Pyramid Song (Fem V)

Judy Alvarez has faced many difficulties in life, and Night City seems determined to make things worse until Judy is left with nothing but her spirit. Judy has experienced love and loss, and the death of Evelyn Parker, as well as the Tyger Claws taking the other dolls she was trying to rescue, have crushed Judy’s faith in a brighter future – unless V can assist her in some way.

As a gamer, I can choose the path where my character, Judy, makes the right move and bids farewell to Night City. I pack up her belongings, hop into her van, and hit the road – first stop, Oregon, then Seattle, far from this turbulent metropolis. Though Night City has its share of flaws, it’s also where I found a heartwarming companion in Judy, who reminds me that even amidst chaos, love blooms. At this moment, what Judy needs more than anything is the comfort and support that can only come from being with her family.

5. River Ward

The Only Good Cop in Night City Can Lose Himself to Grief

How to Save: Help save River’s nephew at Edgewood Farm during The Hunt

By the year 2077, River Ward stands out as one of the rare honest individuals within the NCPD. He’s never been swayed by bribes or corruption, though Johnny Silverhand remains skeptical and unwilling to trust him. Despite this, River is an upright man, and he turns to you (V) for aid when he learns that Anthony Harris, a notorious serial killer who preys on young boys, has abducted River’s nephew.

If V chooses not to assist River, selects an incorrect location during the investigation, or leaves River without assistance, there’s a risk that River might end up in danger, either losing his life or facing imprisonment due to his relentless pursuit of revenge against Anthony Harris. It is crucial for V to make time to aid River, as doing so ensures that a valuable member of Night City remains safe for a while longer.

4. Goro Takemura

Arasaka’s Lap Dog, and V’s Potential Only Ally in the Corpo World

How to Save: Return to the apartment during Search and Destroy (Main Mission)

Saburo Takemura stands falsely accused of murdering Saburo Arasaka, the world’s most powerful man, whom he had always been fiercely loyal to. However, Goro believes in his innocence and suspects that Saburo’s own son is the real culprit. Consequently, Goro decides to rescue V from their burial site, hoping they can join forces to bring down Saburo’s treacherous son and restore honor.

Even though Goro faces trouble following Arasaka’s new leadership trying to hide their actions, and if V chooses to flee during the Search and Destroy mission, Takemura will likely be slain by Arasaka agents. Despite his loyalty towards Arasaka being almost unwavering, it seems appropriate for this loyal dog to repay a favor in kind when he can.

3. Song So Mi

The NUSA Agent Who’s Desperate to Escape the Blackwall and the President

How to Save: Help Songbird escape in Killing Moon, or let her die in Somewhat Damaged (Phantom Liberty)

In the realm of gaming, I’m known as Songbird, or Song So Mi – a nickname that echoes with a haunting melody. My tale mirrors the heart-wrenching narrative of a character named V. I’m a woman who seems to be stuck in a time loop and cursed by fate, living on the brink of despair within a dystopian society that threatens to bury me if I don’t make a move. Desperate for an escape from this grim reality, I reach out to a fellow traveler, a small-time mercenary named V, seeking his assistance in navigating through the complex web of power and manipulation, with hopes of finally breaking free from my predicament.

The young songbird should be spared and given a chance at salvation. One error has robbed her of her vibrant existence, leaving her in the clutches of NUSA, compelled to undergo more procedures to connect with the Blackwall. This connection has led to her mind being corrupted by Rogue AIs. Helping So Mi is beneficial for V’s moral compass and Johnny’s anti-establishment beliefs, but if V chooses to assist Solomon Reed, it may not be too late to end Songbird’s life humanely, as she faces a future of being controlled by NUSA.

2. Johnny Silverhand

The Rockerboy Who Hurt Anyone Who Got Too Close

How to Save: Talk with Johnny during Tapeworm quests and agree to help him during Chippin’ In

Johnny Silverhand isn’t portrayed as a heroic figure; instead, he openly operates as a ruthless terrorist in Night City. His relentless pursuit of vengeance against corporations such as Arasaka has resulted in countless lives lost due to his personal vendetta. But beneath this destructive facade, there seems to be a wellspring of anguish and rage that V can sense through the Relic. This suggests that perhaps there’s a compelling reason for all the suffering he inflicts, doesn’t it?

In their quest for self-preservation, V will become entwined within the narrative of Johnny Silverhand. Though he may be merely a figment of V’s imagination, he possesses the recollections and character of Johnny. By coexisting within the same mind, Johnny might discover an opportunity to rectify past wrongs. Avoid isolating Johnny with Omega Blockers; instead, engage in conversation with him, foster a relationship, and maybe, just maybe, this connection could lead to amends for the pain he’s caused others in the past.

1. V

The Merc With Dreams of Becoming Legend

How to Save: Don’t give Johnny V’s body and don’t pick the Call Hanako option in Nocturne Op55N1

Following Dexter DeShawn shooting V with a devastating bullet, they awaken with Johnny Silverhand’s digital persona taking control of their mind, and the realization that their cherished friend has perished. To emerge from the depths of despair and regain their identity, V must struggle to survive, not just relinquishing the ambition of becoming a Night City icon, but finding a means to live beyond a few fleeting months.

As a devotee, I’m caught up in the struggle of V, whose mission to attain legendary status is thwarted by the Arasaka Relic lethally claiming their life. The adventure unfolds as a desperate bid for survival. The question lingers: can V defy death? The optimal course of action seems to be shaping V’s journey according to how I envision them – but bear in mind that saving V might necessitate letting go, or providing them with a glimmer of hope and a fresh start, however brief that may be.

2025-04-11 12:34