Why Romance Makes Cyberpunk 2077's Story Much Stronger

I keep seeing people say that V’s story works better without any romance options and honestly I think that’s wrong. When V doesn’t pursue any real relationships the whole experience feels empty to me. I’m not talking about the shallow stuff like Joy Toys or random flirting. I mean the deep connections with characters like Judy, Kerry, and Rogue.

In a world as messed up as Night City, love becomes even more important. The game itself seems to push this idea that having someone to care about gives V a reason to keep fighting. Look at other Cyberpunk media too. The XoXo comic got popular because of the star-crossed lovers angle. Edgerunners pulled so many people in because of David and Lucy’s relationship.

I think when players skip the romance entirely they’re missing a huge part of what makes the cyberpunk genre work. In these dark futures, personal connections become the most valuable things you can have. Without that emotional anchor, V’s journey feels incomplete to me. The romantic storylines don’t just add flavor, they give real weight to all the choices and sacrifices V makes throughout the game.

Romance definitely raises the stakes with Johnny too. Makes you care way more about getting your body back.

Totally agree. Playing without romance means you’re missing a huge chunk of the story. Those moments where V questions what they’re fighting for hit so much harder when there’s someone you actually care about. It shifts the whole thing from just surviving to wanting to build something real with another person. Johnny’s storyline becomes way more tragic too - you’re not just losing your body, but the entire future you wanted.

The Panam storyline hits different when you’re invested in her character. Those quiet moments between missions really make Night City feel less hostile.