Does Romancing River Affect Judy in Cyberpunk 2077? A Comprehensive Guide
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The short answer is: no, romancing River Ward does not directly affect your ability to romance Judy Alvarez in Cyberpunk 2077. These two romantic storylines are independent of each other. However, there are some crucial caveats to consider, primarily related to V’s body type and voice, as well as the overall structure of the game’s romance system. The game’s mechanics limit the number of romantic entanglements available based on your V’s physical attributes.
Understanding Cyberpunk 2077’s Romance System
Cyberpunk 2077 features a romance system tied to specific character traits for V, the protagonist. Judy Alvarez is exclusively available as a romance option for a V with a feminine body type and voice. River Ward, conversely, is only romanceable by a V with a feminine body type, regardless of voice.
This means that if you’re playing a V with a feminine body type, you could theoretically pursue both River and Judy’s questlines up to a certain point. However, the game is designed so that you can only fully commit to one romance per playthrough. This commitment is cemented during specific, pivotal moments within each character’s storyline, usually involving an explicit declaration of feelings.
The Illusion of Choice and the Reality of Commitment
While you can flirt, complete side jobs, and engage in dialogue options that suggest romantic interest with multiple characters, you will eventually reach a point where you must choose. Selecting the final, romantic dialogue option with either Judy or River will essentially lock you into that relationship and preclude you from pursuing the other.
Think of it this way: the game allows you to explore potential connections, but ultimately forces you to make a decision that has consequences. The final scenes and ending sequences may vary significantly depending on who you choose, which will create a unique playthrough. Therefore, any choices have to carefully consider whether you want a specific relationship or not.
The Importance of Body Type and Voice
The most crucial factor in whether you can even begin a romance with Judy or River is your V’s body type and voice. If you are playing a V with a masculine body type, Judy is completely off-limits, irrespective of your actions with River. Conversely, a masculine V can romance Panam Palmer, whilst both male and female Vs can pursue a romance with Kerry Eurodyne. In short, V’s body type will heavily influence your romantic options within Cyberpunk 2077.
Potential Conflicts and Considerations
While romancing River doesn’t directly prevent you from romancing Judy, there are a few indirect ways your actions could impact your perceived relationship with them:
- Time Constraints: Cyberpunk 2077 has a large story, but also many optional side stories. You can only trigger so many of these per playthrough.
- Roleplaying Consistency: If you’re roleplaying a character who is clearly dedicated to River, Judy might pick up on that and the dialogue might be slightly different.
- Moral Conflict: Some players might feel it is morally inconsistent to juggle the affections of multiple characters. This is subjective, of course, but it’s a consideration for roleplaying enthusiasts.
The Final Verdict
In conclusion, while romancing River Ward doesn’t inherently lock you out of romancing Judy Alvarez, the underlying mechanics of Cyberpunk 2077’s romance system, particularly the gender and body type restrictions, effectively determine your eligibility. You can, in theory, pursue both storylines simultaneously up to a certain point, but ultimately, you must choose one.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I romance Judy if I accidentally flirt with River?
Yes, occasional flirting with River won’t automatically disqualify you from romancing Judy. As long as you meet the body type/voice requirements and prioritize Judy’s questline, you can still pursue a relationship with her.
2. What happens if I choose the wrong dialogue options during Judy’s quests?
Your dialogue choices during Judy’s optional side jobs are vital. Choosing options that consistently upset or disrespect Judy will negatively affect your chances of romancing her. The basic premise is to simply keep her happy and support her.
3. Is it possible to romance both Judy and Panam in a single playthrough?
No. Judy is only available for female V, and Panam for male V. Romancing either locks out the other option.
4. How do I know when I’m about to lock in a romance with either Judy or River?
The game will usually present a clear dialogue option indicating a deeper commitment. These choices often involve expressing feelings, sharing intimate moments, or making long-term plans. Before that point, you should be free to “back out” without committing to a romance.
5. Does killing Maiko affect my chances of romancing Judy?
First thing to know is that Judy will only romance a Female V. As for Pisces, she will only kiss Female V if you didn’t kill Maiko. But even if you kill her and don’t receive a kiss, you can still romance Judy. Flirt with her whenever possible, especially on the quest Pyramid Song.
6. Can I romance Judy as a Corpo V?
Yes, your lifepath (Corpo, Streetkid, Nomad) does not affect your ability to romance Judy, provided you meet the body type and voice requirements.
7. What is the best ending for a Judy romance?
The “best” ending is subjective, but many players feel the Aldecaldos ending (“The Star”) provides the most satisfying conclusion to a Judy romance, as it allows V to leave Night City with Judy.
8. What happens if I leave Judy in Pyramid Song?
If you lean away instead of kissing Judy, or tell her that your time the night before was a nice distraction, the romantic path with Judy will conclude and she will eventually leave Night City.
9. Can you sleep with both Judy and River?
You can do all 4 romance options entire questlines, but can only choose one to go all the way with. Panam or Kerry for Male V, Judy or River for female. they all largely lead to nothing. You get to have sex with 2 at most in a playthrough, and only end up with the one you chose in 1/5 of the endings anyway.
10. What happens if I romance River?
If you want to lock in a romance with River, pick the ‘I feel good around you’ option and the two of you will now be in a long-term relationship. Once you’re finally in a relationship with River, he’ll have a more flirty tone whenever you call him, and you’ll even be able to visit him back at his sister’s house.
11. Does killing Woodman affect Judy romance?
Whatever option you choose, will not affect the romance later on. But of course, be agreeable. A few days after “Both Sides Now” you will get a text from Judy that says “EV’s Send Off”.
12. Should you give Judy a cigarette?
Giving her a cigarette reveals that the cigarette case was Evelyn’s. For the rest of this conversation, you can give Judy some support.
13. Can you kiss Judy after romance?
In the latter quest, you’ll have the option to kiss her. Hard to miss this, as there’s a big kiss icon next to the right choice. At the end of the quest, you can kiss her again and thank her for being there for you.
14. Does Judy leave Night City if you don’t romance her?
Regardless of your choices, Panam and Judy will always leave Night City, and River and Kerry will always stay in Night City.
15. What can you do with Judy after romance?
Once you’re finally in a relationship with Judy in Cyberpunk 2077, a number of changes will occur. The first is that Judy will have a new flirtatious line when you either call her or start a conversation in-person. There is also a new, but small, conversation tree if you talk to Judy in her flat.