Cyberpunk 2077: The Strongest People In Night City According To Lore

Highlights

• Lore-rich Cyberpunk 2077 features incredible characters in an unsafe Night City filled with gangs and powerful individuals.
• Throughout the main story and multiple side quests, V interacts with several powerful denizens of the city.
• From Rogue to Adam Smasher, these NPCs (and V) are undeniably some of the strongest characters in Cyberpunk 2077 according to the lore.

Cyberpunk 2077 has no shortage of incredible characters. While everybody’s reception of the game varies, one of the best aspects of the game that almost no one will discredit is its rich and deep lore, and this extends to some of the personalities fans meet in Night City. Night City, with all of its bells, whistles, and wonders, is also one of the most unsafe places on the planet. The city and its outskirts are filled with mercenaries, gangs, cyberpsychos, and suits with overpowered Ripperdoc upgrades which they use to kill without a second thought. Players will have to face a couple of them or step in their shoes in Cyberpunk 2077.

As V, players will encounter numerous powerful individuals who have all made a name for themselves in Night City. Everyone wants to become a legend in this urban landscape so that they can escape the poverty that’s rampant in this city and enjoy life to the fullest. A great way to achieve this is by being as strong as possible. Most people automatically earn the respect of others after they get to see how powerful said person is. There are many people in Night City who have attained this strength in many ways, becoming legends in their own right.

Updated on April 24, 2024, by Ritwik Mitra: The redemption arc of Cyberpunk 2077 has been one of the best things, even if the entire drama surrounding the game’s launch itself was something that should’ve been avoided from the get-go. Still, players are more than happy with the way things have unfolded, with Cyberpunk 2077’s many strengths being quite apparent from the moment its bugs and broken systems were polished. Right now, it’s one of the best Action-adventure RPGs players can check out, with the spectacle of the game being nothing short of incredible. The many amazing characters that players will interact with in Night City will make it clear why this game’s writing was lauded through the roof.

24 Saul Bright

The Leaders Of The Aldecaldos

• First Appearance: Riders on the Storm

When players interact with Panam, they can form a bond with this character as they help out both her and the group she works for. The Aldecaldos are nomads with a common cause who band together to pool their resources and do what’s right for their group in the lawless area of the Badlands.

The leader of this group is Saul Bright, a character that Panam argues with time and time again that establishes their rapport pretty effectively. He’s a fairly level-headed character who may play it a bit too safe at times but isn’t afraid to get down and dirty when the situation calls for it. Saul is a valuable ally in battle who helps V out multiple times without fail.

23 Dexter DeShawn

A Legendary Fixer Who Sets Up V, Jackie, And T-Bug For The Heist Of A Lifetime

• First Appearance: The Ride

Dexter DeShawn makes a strong impression when he’s introduced. The fixer sets up V and their gang for the heist of a lifetime during the game’s prologue, with V being tasked with stealing a valuable package from Arasaka that turns out to be the relic for Johnny Silverhand’s engram.

When things go south, he doesn’t waste any time betraying V and looking out for himself when things get dicey. There’s no denying that his presence in Night City was strong at one point, but Dexter’s influence wasn’t enough to save him. After Takemura forces the fixer to show him where V is, Hanako Arasaka’s bodyguard shoots down the man in cold blood.

22 Jefferson Peralez

A Candidate Running For Mayor

• First Appearance: I Fought the Law

Power in Night City doesn’t come from pure strength alone, even though it helps. No, what makes more of a difference is influence, and being a mayor of Night City would certainly mean something. However, despite all the love and support that Jefferson Peralez has, this doesn’t stop him from becoming a pawn in a larger game.

In a bid to misuse his reach, a mysterious organization has brainwashed the Peralez family, with Elizabeth pleading with V to not tell her husband about this revelation. It’s a disturbing moment that goes to show that even the strongest and most influential people in Night City are nothing more than pawns in the grand scheme of things.

21 Song So Mi

The Netrunner Known As Songbird

• First Appearance: Dog Eat Dog

Phantom Liberty‘s narrative is as riveting as anyone would expect from a DLC by CD Projekt Red. Not only is this DLC properly woven into the central narrative of Cyberpunk 2077, but it also enables a new ending if V plays their cards right. During Phantom Liberty, one major character that plays a central role in the narrative is Song So Mi, an accomplished netrunner known by the alias Songbird.

Her netrunning skills make her a force to be reckoned with and also turn her into a tool that NUSA uses, because of her ability to tap into the Blackwall. Depending on V’s actions, they can either secure her safety, make sure she’s safe in Reed’s hands, or let her become a victim of her powers of accessing the Blackwall.

20 Hanako Arasaka

Saburo Arasaka’s Only Daughter

• First Appearance: Playing for Time

Despite not even being the heiress to the Arasaka throne, the sheer amount of power that Hanako wields is tremendous. Most people would argue that she has more sway over the corporation than Yorinobu. This can be seen firsthand if players decide to side with her near the end of the game.

Even if players don’t go down this route, Hanako has a ton of sway and influence in the game world, which shouldn’t be surprising. After all, she has the power of the Arasaka family in the palm of her hand, allowing her to do some incredible things. Taking her help to defeat Yorinobu may not be the best course of Action, but it gives players a glimpse of how influential and respected this figure is.

19 Morgan Blackhand

A Solo’s Solo

• First Appearance: None (mentioned multiple times)

Solos are respected mercs in the world of Cyberpunk 2077. Most reputed Solos are so competent and reliable that most people don’t have to worry about anything after assigning a task to them. So, it’s clear that Morgan Blackhand must have done something special to be considered the greatest Solo in Night City’s history.

Despite not even being seen in the events of Cyberpunk 2077, Blackhand’s influence can be felt in every part of the game. It ranges from the books he’s penned, to a clever in-game news report that alludes to his presence in Japantown. It’s easy to see why any Solo would aspire to reach the same level of notoriety as Morgan Blackhand, and why players who were invested in Night City’s lore were quite fascinated by this character.

18 Alt Cunningham

A Netrunner-Turned-AI

• First Appearance: Never Fade Away

Alt is one of the most unique characters in Cyberpunk 2077. She’s a friend of Johnny who was also a talented netrunner before being abducted by Arasaka to develop Soulkiller. She became the first victim of this program. Her consciousness exists as a digital ghost on the Net.

The sheer amount of power Alt has as an AI shouldn’t be underestimated, especially since the world of Cyberpunk 2077 relies on the Net and everything connected to it. The fact that she could override Arasaka’s defenses after being freed by V and Johnny proves how powerful she is, even if she doesn’t have a physical body. Barring the Arasaka ending, every other path mandates that V use Alt’s help to hack into Mikoshi and help V and Silverhand embark upon the journey to finally separate their psyches and go their ways.

17 Kurt Hansen

The Leader Of The Barghest

• First Appearance: Firestarter

Phantom Liberty has introduced some great characters who are all memorable. Kurt Hansen is one such persona, who serves as a major antagonist during this expansion. Suffice it to say, this individual is very powerful and showed how much influence he had when he used his skills to take over a section of Pacifica and turn it into Dogtown.

It takes someone really powerful to be a leader of this lawless area, and Kurt Hansen certainly fits the bill in this regard. He’s an intimidating figure and an imposing antagonist that players get introduced to. Every encounter with this character is nerve-wracking and proves how his combination of charisma and cold-bloodedness makes him fit to run these crime-laden streets.

16 Solomon Reed

FIA Agent

• First Appearance: Lucretia My Reflection

Idris Elba’s portrayal of Solomon Reed is an absolute masterclass, showing just how talented this actor is. The character of Solomon Reed required a professional and no-nonsense performance, and CD Projekt Red couldn’t have picked a more apt actor if they tried. This talented FIA agent is fiercely loyal to his country and will do everything in his power to protect it.

He forms a shaky partnership with V during the events of Phantom Liberty, which can culminate in a great partnership if the player wants this to happen. Regardless of how their relationship evolves throughout this expansion, players will see why Solomon Reed is considered to be one of the most effective agents in the FIA.

15 Jackie Welles

An Ex-Member Of The Valentinos

• First Appearance: The Nomad/The Streetkid/The Corpo-Rat

Jackie Welles is V’s close friend who meets an untimely end near the start of the game during a heist that goes wrong. He suffers a mortal injury after a huge drop that breaks the biochip and leads to a series of events that kickstart the game’s main plot.

The fact that he was grievously wounded yet still managed to shoot down waves of Arasaka agents competently proves that Jackie had a ton of grit. Unfortunately, he met an early demise before he could make the most of his potential., but it was clear for anyone to see that this character had a ton of guts and would’ve become a household name in Night City if he was given the same level of plot armor as V.

14 Panam Palmer

A Member Of The Aldecaldos

• First Appearance: Ghost Town

Panam is easily one of the most resourceful and hardy characters in the entire game. She has wild and crazy plans that almost always work out, and her romance with V is the icing on the cake that is her character. She might not boast any major cybernetic augments, but she more than makes up for it with a zeal to aspire for more instead of settling into a basic rhythm. This is one of the major reasons why players love her character, and consider interactions with her to be a highlight of the game.

It helps that Panam is a great shot with a gun and pretty good at surviving by any means necessary. She can hold her own with V, something that players can see time and time again when they battle against waves of enemies and see Panam showing everyone who’s boss with her accurate shooting.

13 Placide

The Leader Of The Voodoo Boys

• First Appearance: M’ap Tann Pèlen

Placide is the second-in-command of the Voodoo Boys, one of the most powerful and terrifying gangs of Night City. Most people who encounter Placide will attest to the man’s threatening aura as if he exudes power.

Placide is a man of few words, often relying on his actions to speak for him. Depending on the player’s actions in the game, Placide will either be an enemy or a hesitant neutral. Fighting him will make more sense to the story, but if the player isn’t powerful enough yet, they should avoid this encounter.

12 Razor Hugh

A Tough Brawler From The Animals

• First Appearance: Beat on the Brat

Razor Hugh is the final fighter V must face to complete the Beat on the Brat side gig. This side gig, of course, involves the players having to go around Night City to participate in and win fistfight matches. These matches aren’t exactly easy either. Each of the competitors V will have to face is tough in their way, and Razor Hugh is the toughest one of them all.

Razor is a member of the Animals gang. He was already a formidable fighter but became even tougher after receiving sponsorships for cyberware upgrades.

11 Chase Coley

Night City’s Most Dangerous Cyberpsycho

• First Appearance: Cyberpsycho Sighting: Discount Doc

The cyberpsychos in Cyberpunk 2077 may not be mandatory encounters, but whenever V faces them, they’re often some of the hardest bosses this game has to offer. Thankfully, going through these side gigs will often reward players with incredible items that will help them on their journey. The hardest of these cyberpsycho encounters is Chase Coley.

Chase Coley is a cyberpsycho who fights players using a heavy and powerful mech suit. Defeating this enemy is easier said than done and will require a bit of strategizing. Facing him head-on is essentially suicide, but defeating him will be worth it.

10 Royce

Leader Of The Maelstrom

• First Appearance: The Pickup

Being a leader of a gang is no small feat. The gangs of Night City are ruthless and are filled to the brim with powerful individuals who will waste no time in ensuring that they get what they want at the cost of any life, innocent or otherwise.

The leader of the Maelstrom, Royce, is one such individual. Players can ally with him and fight against Militech forces instead, but deciding to take on the Maelstrom ends up being a challenging endeavor, because Royce and his crewmates wreck the house.

9 Sasquatch

Leader Of The Animals

• First Appearance: I Walk the Line

Sasquatch is the leader of the Animals that players can encounter while infiltrating the Grand Imperial Mall in the Pacifica district. The GIM is full to the brim with the Animals, who’ll waste no time in trying to shoot V down.

However, V is strong enough to take all of them on, leading to Sasquatch herself coming out in a bid to stop V in his tracks. This proves to be a challenging endeavor, but V has enough power to take Sasquatch while also dealing with the many aggressive hacks of an unknown Netrunner who turns out to be a member of NetWatch.

8 Sandayu Oda

Hanako Arasaka’s Personal Bodyguard

• First Appearance: Down on the Street

Sandayu Oda is a cyber ninja who games-like-cyberpunk-2077/”>acts as Hanako Arasaka’s bodyguard. In his youth, he was personally trained by Goro Takemura, the personal bodyguard of the head of the Arasaka empire.

Sandayu Oda set foot in Night City when Hanako was summoned after her father’s death. Oda reunites with his mentor on his visit, albeit in a less respectable setting. Despite being pleaded by Takemura, Oda refuses to get entangled in the politics and intricacies of Saburo’s murder, instead focusing on defending the woman he’s supposed to protect.

7 Rogue Amendiares

Queen Of Night City

• First Appearance: Ghost Town

Rogue Amendiares is known and recognized by many as the best fixer in Night City. She also owns a club called “Afterlife,” a place frequented by mercenaries and clients alike. Before Rogue was renowned as a fixer, she worked as a Solo, and a good one at that.

Due to Rogue’s position as the best fixer in Night City, a place already filled with powerful fixers, one would not want to be on her bad side. Even though she has powerful connections and resources, her experience as a Solo makes her a very formidable fighter.

6 Goro Takemura

Ex-Arasaka Bodyguard

• First Appearance: The Heist

Goro Takemura is the trustee bodyguard of the esteemed Saburo Arasaka. Unfortunately for Takemura, his master died on his watch. Throughout the game, Takemura makes an unlikely ally in V as he seeks vengeance for his master’s death.

One doesn’t rise to the level of being the personal bodyguard of the head of the Arasaka Megacorporation by being weak. Goro Takemura was also handpicked by Saburo himself, seeing the strength, talent, and potential in him. Takemura is also shown to easily handle situations that would be impossible for most.

5 Yorinobu Arasaka

Heir To The Arasaka Empire

• First Appearance: The Heist

Yorinobu Arasaka is a man nobody wants to cross. First, he was the heir apparent to the Arasaka empire before finally reining the helm after he murdered his father. Second, before returning to Night City, Yorinobu started and led his gang called the “Steel Dragons”.

What not many people may realize about Yorinobu is the fact that he’s a very formidable fighter due to his experience with his gang. He has constantly led his group in their efforts to weaken the Arasaka empire, though he later realized this could be easier done from the inside.