The RPG Elements in Cyberpunk 2077: Customization, Choice, and World-Building

Cyberpunk 2077 is a game that blends the fast-paced action of a first-person shooter with the deep customization and narrative depth of a role-playing game (RPG). From the moment I stepped into the neon-soaked Night City streets, I was struck by the sheer scope of its world and the many ways I could shape my character, V, through choices, skills, and equipment. The RPG elements in Cyberpunk 2077 add layers of complexity and personalization, allowing me to tailor my experience and approach the game in a way that felt uniquely my own. For me, Cyberpunk 2077’s RPG elements are central to what makes it such an immersive and engaging experience.

Character Customization and Role-Playing

One of the core RPG elements of Cyberpunk 2077 is its deep character customization system. From the start of the game, I was able to create a unique version of V, choosing everything from their appearance to their background and attributes. The ability to select a backstory—Nomad, Street Kid, or Corpo—not only influenced my starting point in the game but also shaped how NPCs reacted to me throughout the story. This level of customization made me feel more connected to my character, as every choice I made felt like it had a meaningful impact on the way I played the game.

Skill Trees and Progression

As I progressed through Cyberpunk 2077, I had the opportunity to develop V’s abilities through a series of skill trees. Each skill tree, from Combat to Intelligence to Cool, allowed me to invest points into specific abilities that complemented my preferred playstyle. Whether I wanted to be a stealthy hacker, a guns-blazing soldier, or a smooth-talking negotiator, the game offered a wide variety of skills to support those choices. For me, the skill trees added depth to the gameplay, allowing for a highly personalized experience where I could specialize in the abilities that suited my approach to missions.

Cyberware and Augmentations

One of the defining features of Cyberpunk 2077 is the use of cyberware—cybernetic enhancements that provide powerful abilities and upgrades to the player’s character. Throughout the game, I could visit Ripperdocs to install new augmentations, from arm blades to advanced optics to enhanced reflexes. These upgrades not only improved V’s combat abilities but also opened up new gameplay possibilities, such as hacking enemy systems or leaping across rooftops. For me, the cyberware system was a key part of the RPG experience, as it allowed me to constantly evolve my character and experiment with different playstyles.

Weapon and Gear Customization

In addition to cyberware, Cyberpunk 2077 offers a robust system for customizing weapons and gear. I was able to modify my weapons with different attachments, such as scopes, silencers, and extended magazines, tailoring them to fit my combat preferences. The game also allows for crafting and upgrading gear, giving me the ability to improve my weapons and armor as I progressed through the game. This customization system gave me a sense of ownership over my equipment, as I could fine-tune my loadout to suit the challenges I faced. For me, the ability to customize and upgrade gear added another layer of depth to the RPG mechanics.

Choice and Consequence

One of the most important RPG elements in Cyberpunk 2077 is the emphasis on choice and consequence. Throughout the game, I was faced with decisions that affected the story, my relationships with other characters, and even the fate of entire factions. These choices weren’t always black and white—many of them had complex moral implications that made me think carefully about the outcomes. The game’s branching narrative ensured that my decisions had lasting effects, shaping the world of Night City in ways that felt meaningful and personal. For me, the focus on choice and consequence was one of the most immersive aspects of the game, as it made every decision feel impactful.

Factions and World Interactions

Night City hosts a variety of factions, each possessing distinct aims, values, and rivalries. As I navigated the world, I had the opportunity to align myself with different groups, such as the Nomads, Maelstrom, or the Voodoo Boys. These factions added depth to the world, as each one had its own unique culture, aesthetics, and way of doing business. My interactions with these factions were shaped by my choices and actions, affecting how they viewed me and whether they would help or hinder my progress. For me, the faction system added a dynamic element to the RPG experience, as it allowed me to engage with the world in ways that felt personal and responsive.

Companion Relationships

Another key RPG element in Cyberpunk 2077 is the development of relationships with companion characters. Throughout the game, I formed bonds with various characters, such as Judy, Panam, and Johnny Silverhand, each with their own unique storylines and personalities. These relationships were shaped by my choices in dialogue and actions, allowing me to build trust, romance certain characters, or even create lasting rivalries. The emotional depth of these relationships added a personal dimension to the game, making my journey through Night City feel more connected to the people around me.

Quest Structure and Exploration

Cyberpunk 2077 offers a wide variety of quests, ranging from the main storyline to side missions and gigs. The quest structure is non-linear, allowing me to explore Night City at my own pace and take on missions in any order I choose. This open-world design gave me the freedom to pursue different paths and discover new opportunities as I explored the city. The game’s side missions were often as rich and detailed as the main quests, offering unique stories, characters, and challenges. For me, the quest structure in Cyberpunk 2077 added a sense of freedom and adventure to the RPG experience, as I could tailor my journey to suit my interests and playstyle.

Hacking and Netrunning

Hacking, or net running, is one of the most distinctive RPG elements in Cyberpunk 2077. As a new runner, I had the ability to hack into enemy systems, disable security cameras, and even take control of enemy turrets and drones. The hacking mechanics added a tactical layer to combat and exploration, allowing me to approach situations in non-lethal or stealthy ways. The game’s hacking system was tied to V’s Intelligence stat, meaning that investing in this skill tree unlocked new hacking abilities and made me more effective as a net runner. For me, the hacking mechanics were one of the most innovative RPG elements in Cyberpunk 2077, offering a unique way to interact with the world.

Night City as a Living World

One of the most impressive aspects of Cyberpunk 2077 is the world-building of Night City. The city feels alive, with bustling streets, neon-lit skyscrapers, and diverse districts, each with its own atmosphere and culture. The city is filled with NPCs going about their daily lives, from street vendors and gang members to corporate executives and mercenaries. The attention to detail in the world design made Night City feel like a real place with its own history, politics, and social dynamics. For me, the vibrant world of Night City was a crucial part of the RPG experience, as it provided a rich backdrop for my adventures and made the game world feel immersive and dynamic.

The Legacy of Cyberpunk 2077’s RPG Elements

Despite its rocky launch, Cyberpunk 2077’s RPG elements have left a lasting impact on the genre. The game’s deep customization, branching narrative, and emphasis on choice and consequence set a new standard for open-world RPGs. For me, Cyberpunk 2077 represents the potential of modern RPGs to offer immersive, personalized experiences where player choice truly matters. Its ambitious world-building and innovative mechanics have influenced how RPGs approach character development, storytelling, and world interaction, and its legacy will continue to shape the genre in the years to come.