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Is V Canonically Female or Male in Cyberpunk 2077?

The short, definitive answer is: neither. There is no canon V in Cyberpunk 2077. CD Projekt Red, the game’s developer, has intentionally avoided establishing a definitive gender or backstory for V, the player character. Both male and female versions of V are equally valid and supported within the game’s narrative. The choice is entirely up to the player, allowing for a personalized and immersive experience.

Why No Canon V? The Importance of Player Choice

The decision to make both male and female V equally “canon” stems from CD Projekt Red’s commitment to player agency and role-playing. Cyberpunk 2077 is, at its core, an RPG (role-playing game). The game aims to immerse the player in the gritty world of Night City, allowing them to shape their own destiny and create a unique version of V. Establishing a single canon V would undermine this core principle, limiting the player’s freedom to express themselves and explore the narrative from their preferred perspective.

The marketing materials for Cyberpunk 2077 have featured both male and female versions of V prominently. The game’s trailers, promotional art, and gameplay demos have showcased both versions, emphasizing that both are equally valid and important to the game’s identity. This deliberate inclusivity reflects the studio’s vision for the game as a truly personalized and engaging experience.

The Impact of Choice on Gameplay and Narrative

While the fundamental narrative of Cyberpunk 2077 remains the same regardless of V’s gender, certain aspects of the game can be significantly influenced by this choice. These include:

Romance Options: The available romance options are directly tied to V’s gender and body type. For instance, Judy Alvarez is only romanceable by a female V, while Panam Palmer is only romanceable by a male V. This adds another layer of personalization, allowing players to tailor their romantic relationships to their chosen character.
Voice Acting: Both male and female V are voiced by talented voice actors who bring distinct personalities to their respective roles. Male V is voiced by Gavin Drea, while female V is voiced by Cherami Leigh. Each voice actor delivers unique interpretations of V’s dialogue, further enhancing the player’s immersion.
Character Customization: The game’s character creation tool allows players to extensively customize V’s appearance, regardless of their chosen gender. Players can adjust facial features, hairstyles, cyberware, and clothing to create a V that reflects their own personal style and preferences.
Dialogue and Interactions: While the core dialogue remains largely the same, some subtle variations in dialogue and interactions may occur depending on V’s gender. These nuances add to the overall sense of immersion and make each playthrough feel unique.

The Popularity of Both Versions of V

Both male and female versions of V have garnered significant popularity within the Cyberpunk 2077 community. Many players appreciate the opportunity to create a character that resonates with them personally, whether it’s a stoic male V or an empathetic female V. The vibrant online communities dedicated to the game are filled with fan art, cosplay, and discussions about both versions of V, highlighting the diverse ways in which players have embraced the character.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about V in Cyberpunk 2077:

1. What is V’s real name?

If you choose the masculine character, V stands for Vincent. With the feminine options, V stands for Valerie.

2. Can V live more than 6 months in Cyberpunk 2077?

Unfortunately, if V survives the main storyline, they only have approximately six months to live due to the Relic, though this is something that players would like to change.

3. Who can V romance in Cyberpunk 2077?

V can romance several characters, including:

Judy Alvarez: Requires female V (voice and body type).
Panam Palmer: Requires male V (body type).
River Ward: Requires female V (body type).
Kerry Eurodyne: Requires male V (body type).
Meredith Stout: Available regardless of V’s gender.

4. Can V be female in Cyberpunk 2077?

Yes! The game allows you to customize V’s gender and appearance extensively.

5. Is there a canon lifepath for V?

While there’s no official “canon” lifepath, the Streetkid lifepath is often considered to be closer to the marketing material’s default character look.

6. Is Judy Alvarez a better romance option than Panam Palmer?

This is subjective and depends on your personal preferences. Both are well-developed characters with compelling storylines. Judy is particularly celebrated for her depth and emotional connection with V.

7. Why does V not use their real name often?

It seems V prefers the nickname “V” and may not feel entirely comfortable using their full name (Vincent or Valerie).

8. Who plays the voice of female V?

Cherami Leigh voices the female version of V.

9. Who plays the voice of male V?

Gavin Drea voices the male version of V.

10. How strong is V canonically in Cyberpunk 2077?

By the end of the game, V is arguably the most powerful character in Night City, capable of defeating cyberpsychos and skilled fighters.

11. Can V have multiple relationships?

Yes, V can have multiple relationships without any negative consequences, making V polyamorous.

12. Is V an Edgerunner?

No, V is not directly involved in the Cyberpunk: Edgerunners anime series.

13. Is there a Cyberpunk 2077 sequel being developed?

Yes, Cyberpunk 2077 is getting a sequel. Cyberpunk 2077‘s sequel is being developed under the codename “Orion”.

14. What is Cyberpunk 2077’s newest update version?

The latest update to Cyberpunk 2077 is Update 2.1.

15. Are there educational elements within Cyberpunk 2077?

While not explicitly designed as an educational game, Cyberpunk 2077 offers potential learning opportunities related to ethics, societal issues, and the impact of technology. You can learn more about the intersection of games and education at the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org).

Ultimately, the choice between male and female V is a matter of personal preference. Both versions offer unique and rewarding experiences within the rich and immersive world of Cyberpunk 2077. Embrace the freedom to create your own V and carve your own legend in Night City.

Is V canonically female or male?