There are a lot of different people you can become friends, enemies, or acquaintances with in Cyberpunk 2077. Some of them are optional, while others are mandatory encounters. Each companion in V’s story has their own unique personality that can outweigh other friendships. You’ll find yourself wondering who the real trustworthy people are as time spent in the main campaign goes on.
Some characters betray you even though they are likeable people, and others are just outright un-charismatic. Regardless of story and quest specifics, people will have their own favorites and hated characters in the game that stand out for them.
10 BEST: Viktor
When you first meet Viktor at his Ripperdoc location, you’re automatically shown that he is a long-time, trusted friend of V’s. Whether you grow that personal connection with him as the player or not, there is no doubt that he is one of the best companions V has in his or her life. Viktor cleans you up and checks on your health without payment like you’re his last nephew alive. He cares more about your health and well-being than Eddies. Throughout the game he shows you support without imposing his own beliefs onto you. If free cyberware augments don’t put you on the best friend list, what does?
9 WORST: Evelyn Parker
Evelyn Parker is a generally good person who doesn’t feel malicious in any sense. This doesn’t change the fact that she is shady and secretive. The entire negative plot of the game is a result of the job Evelyn gave to you and assured you was okay and safe. Through the subplot of finding her again after the job, there is sympathy to be had for her since she’s clearly going through a lot. She isn’t an evil person. But she’s no help to V, that’s for sure.
8 BEST: Jackie
No matter what origin you choose or choices you make in the game, Jackie becomes your best friend and sticks with you no matter what. It was a quick friendship for you as the player since a montage shows that a bond grew rather than you experiencing it yourself, but the main story and origin introduction is enough to make us all love the stupid old bear. He’s the companion everyone wants in a video game or movie. A comedic and loyal pal forever and always.
7 WORST: Johnny Silverhand
We all prayed for the moment we meet Keanu Reeves in Cyberpunk 2077. And it was an epic reveal, indeed. But Johnny is kind of a jerk. He tries to murder you when you meet him for heaven’s sake. Beats you to a pulp. But there’s no denying that he is entertaining as hell as a side character and a devil’s advocate to V’s decisions.
But regardless of the entertaining aspect of his personality, he’s just a personality. He’s not even a human being. He wants to take over your body and kill you because that’s what the technology was designed to do. Becoming his friend during quests turns him into a decent little engram that isn’t such an asshole, but at the end of the day V has had better friends.
6 BEST: Misty
Misty is a spiritual being who judges no soul. At least not to their face, anyway. Since she’s your best friend Jackie’s girlfriend, she’s kind of obligated to be your friend too. But she’s a good one anyhow. She knows how much V means to Jackie and tries her best to help V when she can. From rooftop talks and tarot cards to prescribing medicine, Misty is a stand-up gal who’s definitely doin’ her part.
5 WORST: T-Bug
T-Bug doesn’t like friends. This much is obvious from the first combat encounter in Night City with Jackie when she refuses to act sweet and friendly in the elevator. And another time when she said she would drop all of us and never talk to us again once she got rich. She’s definitely allowed her peace and privacy, but you’d think the gang would develop some familial bonds together with how long T-Bug has worked with Jackie and V. It’s like there is no room in her heart for even a casual friendship.
4 BEST: Takemura
Bad cop turned good, if you will. Takemura was working with Arasaka on the bad guys side but quickly becomes a stand-up companion of V’s in no time. He’s that old grump that’s learning how to live a little. Takemura has drive, patience, and kindness in his heart. We can see this by the way he chooses his battles and treats other people.
It may be true that he just needs you for his own goals, but he trusts you. V and Takemura grow loyalty and trust together just by planning the big mission alone. You can have meaningful chats with him where the both of you open up a little. Takemura has never shown any malice and trying Night City food for the first time is adorable proof that him and V are good mates.
3 WORST: Wakako
Wakako is a business woman first and a friend second. Or third, forth… This is admirable. She knows how to get shit done. But she’s also a little too cutthroat at times. She needs things her way or the high way and quickly. For instance, if you take too long to collect your own payment she acts smart with you and withholds it a little longer. She’s a trustworthy fixer, but that’s about it.
2 BEST: Judy
Judy doesn’t trust you when she first meets you, but the love grows. She’s even a romance option for V, that’s how close you can get with her. She starts sticking with you through thick and thin because she realizes your an honest person who’s just trying to make their way in the world, not some shady Eddie hungry merc. Judy is as loyal as they come. You see that trait in her with Evelyn and then it transfers to you too. Anyone who can get on Judy’s good side is lucky.
1 WORST: Dexter Deshawn
Dexter Deshawn is the first big boy you meet in the game who you assume you’re going to work with for a while. He’s well established in Night City and clearly knows his stuff. When meeting him you get the feeling it’s his way or… a bullet to the head. And you’d be right. While he does have a high reputation for himself, nobody likes him behind the scenes because his crew is unstable and so is he. And besides, without spoiling, he never did a single good thing for V except get them the Delamain Excelsior package.
