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 January 11, 2024, by Ritwik Mitra: Cyberpunk 2077 is one of the best open-world games ever made, but the journey wasn't easy. There were a lot of struggles involved, especially with the poor reception to the game's broken and unplayable state at launch. Thankfully, CD Projekt Red didn't give up on it, updating the game for years after its release to fix the title and improve its gameplay systems. With the launch of Update 2.0 and the Phantom Liberty DLC, the game is now more engaging than ever before. There are many characters that players will encounter in the game that are quite powerful, either because of the power they wield or the cyberware that helps them accomplish death-defying feats.

21 Song So Mi

The Netrunner Known As Songbird

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

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

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 he 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 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.

18 Alt Cunningham

A Netrunner-Turned-AI

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 seperate their psyches and go their ways.

17 Kurt Hansen

The Leader Of The Barghest

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

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

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

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.

13 Placide

The Leader Of The Voodoo Boys

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

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

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

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

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

Sandayu Oda is a cyber ninja who 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

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

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

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.

4 Johnny Silverhand

Rockerboy & Terrorist

If there's one sole individual who has done more damage to the all-powerful Arasaka Megacorporation, it is Night City's beloved rocker boy, Johnny Silverhand. Before garnering success as a musician, Johnny Silverhand served with the U.S. Military before deserting.

He has also personally experienced the harshest realities of life when he grew up in the streets of Night City alone. Although he had long passed (technically) by the events of the game, Johnny was very proficient with his power revolver, easily being able to infiltrate the Arasaka HQ with very few allies.

3 Adam Smasher

The Weapon Of Arasaka

Adam Smasher's name will strike fear in the hearts of even the most powerful people in Night City. According to those who have laid their eyes on the cybernetic beast, he is more cyborg than man. Most of his body is covered in cyberware after being hit by an RPG blast. He also shows a lack of remorse and empathy, both for enemies and allies, further demonstrating his detachment from humanity.

Adam is indeed a powerful fellow. He is one of the game's toughest bosses, and he gained even more prominence for being the one who landed the killing blow on Johnny Silverhand.

2 Saburo Arasaka

The Emperor Of Arasaka

Sometimes, power doesn't mean having the most impressive and damaging cybernetics around. Power can be earned through other means in a world that prides money over everything else, which is where Saburo Arasaka decided to reign supreme.

His creation of Arasaka Corp. was nothing short of a revolution that changed the very power dynamic of the world itself. Arasaka can do anything and everything, and the fact that his death still didn't take Saburo Arasaka out of commission shows how all-encompassing his presence is in the world of Cyberpunk 2077.