The release ofCyberpunk 2077gave fans an expansive hyper-futuristic world to explore, teeming with NPCs. From the Zen Master to nomad icon Panam Palmer, many standout characters give the game a sense of humanity in a tech-fueled world. WhileCyberpunk 2077fans will soon be getting an expansive new adventure with V and Johnny Silverhand inCyberpunk 2077’s Phantom LibertyDLC, developer CD Projekt Red has also announced an upcoming sequel for the franchise. Early trailers forPhantom Libertyhave teased newCyberpunkadventures, allowing players to think about standout characters who should return in the anticipated sequel toCyberpunk 2077.
From the Aldecaldos in the outskirts of Night City to the Arasaka employees working in Corpo Plaza,Cyberpunk 2077has thousands of NPCS who inhabit the game world. While many NPCs serve as obligatory set design to establish the gritty vibe that Night City maintains throughout the game, there are a few remarkable NPCs who make their mark on the game. Although very few details are known about theupcomingCyberpunk 2077sequeland what it entails for players, CD Projekt Red could take inspiration fromThe Witcherfranchise by including fan-favorite NPCs in future games, showing fans how their lives have changed from game to game.
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Epistrophy: Delamain And Their Rogue AI
Players first come into contact with Delamain during the primary campaign, but they can also continue the AI’s storyline in optional side quests. The quest line takes V into Delamain’s world, helping the enterprising AI diagnose a glitch in its system, chase down rogue Delamain cabs, and ultimately, decide the AI’s fate. Delamain is an interesting NPC because they embody the enduring struggle thatCyberpunk 2077is exploring.In the side quest “Epistrophy,“V is tasked with tracking down rogue AI offshoots of the Delamain AI that want to be free. From murderous to despairing, the Delamain children offer a surprisingly poignant story about commercial tech with very human dreams.
At the end of the quest line, V has to dive into the depths of the Delamain headquarters in order to fix the AI’s central core, culminating in the choice to reset the AI back to normal, merge Delamain with their children, or destroy the AI core entirely, setting Delamain’s children free. Depending on this choice, V will occasionally getodd texts from Delamain’s children, allowing the player a glimpse into the AI’s future. It would make sense for Delamain to appear in theCyberpunk 2077sequel, as a rogue cab in the desert outside Night City, a functional cab service for the player to use, or a mixture of both.
Dream On: Jefferson and Elizabeth Peralez
Cyberpunk 2077players can find Jefferson Peralez’s campaign posters all around Night City. Later in the game, V will get a chance to visit the Peralez family’s sprawling Westbrook penthouse, uncovering a terrifying truth about the future of Night City. Players who embark on theCyberpunkside quest “Dream On"investigate a lone intruder in the Peralez home that turns into a secret campaign to control the personality and behavior of Elizabeth and Jefferson without their knowledge. The quest line emulates a sci-fi thriller, as V discovers that the brains of other Night City residents have been altered as well, eventually leaving the conclusion open for futureCyberpunkcontent.
Jefferson and Elizabeth Peralez are a well-meaning couple with aspirations to change Night City positively.At the end of the quest line, V has to choose whether todisclose the brain-altering conspiracy to Jefferson or not, radically affecting his mental state and the outcome of the election. While Jefferson wins regardless, his knowledge of the scheme leaves him deeply paranoid, while if he is left unaware, his brain continues to be altered without his knowledge. Given Jefferson’s political influence as mayor, it would be awesome to get a glimpse into what his future holds in thecyberpunk 2077sequel.
Poem Of The Atoms:The Zen Master
One of the most remarkable - but admittedly baffling - side quest lines in Cyberpunk 2077involves the Zen Master, a strange monk who appears in various locations in Night City. This quest line is a departure fromCyberpunkformula because it involves V sitting down for a series ofbraindance meditation sessions.In a game world that is packed with violence, technology, corporate conspiracy, and more, it’s a distinctive experience to take a break and get in touch with V’s inner world. Essentially no character depth is given to the Zen Master, the character seemingly appearing as a catalyst for V and the player to meditate on their experiences.
It would be great to learn more about the Zen Master’s story - how he came to Night City, what his experience has been like, and what his answers would be to the big questions thatCyberpunk 2077asks about technology and humanity.There is ample possibility that the player will encounter more meditation sessions from the Zen Master in theCyberpunk 2077sequel - and hopefully a quest line that takes players deeper into the world of the one NPC who seems disconnected from the grit and gore of Night City.
Riders On The Storm: Panam Palmer and The Aldecaldos
V meets Panam Palmer on the outskirts of Night City, eventually partnering with the estranged Aldecaldo nomad to save her community - and, ultimately, V’s life. It is deeply impactful to watch Panam evolve from an embittered outcast to the leader of the Aldecaldos. Many Cyberpunk 2077players have connected with Panam because she stands up for her beliefs, fighting against Saul and taking risks to secure her tribe’s future.Not only is Panam a stand-out character, but her romantic and platonic connections with V are well-developed. Panam’s relationship with V is built on layers of trust that culminate in arguably the best ending in the game.
In fact, theentire Aldecaldo storylineis incredibly poignant, allowing the player to get a glimpse into the lives of those who have left Night City behind in exchange for a close-knit human experience. There is a real sense of community in the Aldecaldo encampment, ranging from nomad NPCs inquiring about V’s wellbeing to characters like Panam and Mitch investing their time into saving V’s life. If players choose the Aldecaldo ending, V and Panam escape Night City with the rest of the Aldecaldos, leaving Panam’s fate open for exploration in theCyberpunk 2077sequel.
Cyberpunk 2077is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
