River Ward Romance: A Deep Dive into Cyberpunk 2077’s Enigmatic Detective
River Ward, the NCPD detective with a tragic past and a strong moral compass, presents a compelling, albeit somewhat limited, romance option in Cyberpunk 2077. Players with a feminine body type can pursue a relationship with him, delving into a questline filled with intrigue and personal revelations. But exactly how intimate can things get?
The direct answer is: you can sleep with River twice during his romance arc. The first time is a direct result of choosing to kiss him atop the water tower after solving the Lynnwood PD serial killer case. The second time happens the next morning if, during a follow-up conversation, you reaffirm your feelings for him.
Understanding the River Ward Romance in Cyberpunk 2077
The romance with River is triggered through a series of side quests, primarily focused on investigating a series of disturbing crimes. These quests aren’t just about solving mysteries; they delve into River’s personal life, his family, and his deeply held values. Your choices and interactions during these quests significantly impact whether you can initiate a romance with him.
The initial connection with River is largely driven by his investigation into the Lynnwood PD corruption, leading to a serial killer operating in the area. You, as V, assist him in uncovering the truth, facing moral dilemmas and dangerous situations along the way. It’s during this investigative journey that the chemistry between V and River begins to develop.
Key Moments in the River Ward Romance
- The Investigation: Assisting River in his investigation is crucial for building rapport. Your active involvement and support are essential for solidifying your bond.
- The Water Tower Scene: This is the pivotal moment. Choosing the [Kiss] option atop the water tower after solving the case is the key to initiating the romantic relationship.
- The Morning After: Following the intimate encounter, selecting the “I feel good around you” dialogue option further cements the relationship.
- Post-Romance Interactions: Unfortunately, once the romance is solidified, the interactions with River become limited. He becomes available via phone calls and visits to his family’s trailer, but the depth of interaction is less than some other romance options.
River Ward Romance FAQs: Addressing Your Burning Questions
1. Can you interact with River after romance in Cyberpunk 2077?
Yes, but the interactions are relatively limited compared to other romance options like Panam or Judy. You can receive phone calls from him, and you can visit him at his sister’s trailer. However, there are no further significant quests or story developments related to the romance.
2. Can you stay with River in Cyberpunk 2077?
Yes, you can enter into a romantic relationship with River. This is achieved by choosing the [Kiss] option during the water tower scene and then affirming your feelings for him the next morning by saying “I feel good around you.”
3. What happens if you cheat on River in Cyberpunk 2077?
Cyberpunk 2077’s romance system is relatively forgiving. Romancing other characters, even while involved with River, does not trigger any specific negative consequences or reactions from him. The romantic relationships exist in separate silos.
4. Is it worth romancing River in Cyberpunk 2077?
Whether or not it’s “worth it” depends on your personal preferences. River’s romance is compelling due to his complex personality and the emotional weight of his questline. However, it’s often criticized for its limited post-romance content. If you prioritize a deep and intricate storyline, you might enjoy it. However, if you’re looking for extensive interactions and involvement, you might find it lacking.
5. Who is the best girlfriend in Cyberpunk 2077?
This is subjective, but Panam Palmer and Judy Alvarez are often considered the best romance options due to their well-developed characters, engaging storylines, and significant involvement in the game’s ending. Panam offers a more adventurous, outside-the-city experience, while Judy provides a more intimate and personal narrative within Night City.
6. Should I romance Judy or River in Cyberpunk 2077?
Again, this depends on personal preference. Judy is often considered the more compelling romance option due to her deep connection to the main storyline and her more fleshed-out character development. However, if you’re drawn to River’s moral compass and his tragic backstory, you might find his romance more appealing.
7. Does Judy get mad if you sleep with River in Cyberpunk 2077?
No, the romance system is quite segmented. Romancing River will not affect your potential relationship with Judy or any other romanceable character.
8. Can you sleep with both Judy and River in Cyberpunk 2077?
You can pursue both romance questlines, but you can only commit to one for the ending. You can engage in intimate encounters with both, but ultimately, you must choose one to solidify the relationship for the game’s final act.
9. Should I sleep with River in Cyberpunk 2077?
If you’re aiming to pursue a romantic relationship with River, then yes. Choosing to sleep with him after the water tower scene is a crucial step in solidifying the romance. If you choose not to, the questline ends without a romantic connection.
10. Does Judy care if you romance River in Cyberpunk 2077?
No, as mentioned before, the game doesn’t incorporate reactivity between romance options. Judy will not react or comment on your relationship with River.
11. Should I let River tell me about his parents in Cyberpunk 2077?
Yes, listening to River’s story about his parents is a significant moment for building trust and intimacy. Interrupting him won’t ruin the romance, but it can feel insensitive and might detract from the emotional depth of the scene.
12. What happens if you romance more than one person in Cyberpunk 2077?
You can pursue multiple romances simultaneously without any immediate negative consequences. However, you will eventually need to choose one relationship to commit to for the ending sequence.
13. What happens if I kiss River in Cyberpunk 2077?
Kissing River on the water tower is the key event that triggers the romantic relationship. It leads to an intimate encounter and opens the door to a deeper connection with him.
14. Should I give Judy a cigarette?
Giving Judy a cigarette during her questline is a minor gesture of support. It reveals that the cigarette case belonged to Evelyn, a character of central importance to Judy, and it shows that you’re paying attention to her personal history.
15. Can you date Judy as a male V in Cyberpunk 2077?
No. Judy Alvarez is only available as a romance option for a V with a feminine body type. Conversely, Panam Palmer is only available for a V with a masculine body type.
Conclusion: Navigating the Complexities of Romance in Night City
The River Ward romance in Cyberpunk 2077 offers a unique blend of investigation, personal tragedy, and the potential for intimate connection. While the post-romance content might be limited, the initial questline and the development of River’s character provide a compelling experience for players who appreciate a morally driven and emotionally resonant narrative. Remember to engage thoughtfully with his story, make supportive choices, and if you’re looking for a deeper relationship with him, be sure to kiss him when the opportunity arises.
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