Which Gender is Best in Cyberpunk 2077?
The simple answer is: there is no “best” gender in Cyberpunk 2077. The game’s strength lies in its character customization, allowing you to create a V that resonates with you, regardless of the gender identity you choose. Both male and female V offer unique experiences, but neither provides a statistically superior gameplay advantage or leads to a definitively better storyline. The choice is purely a matter of personal preference and roleplaying style.
The Illusion of Choice: Gender and Customization
Cyberpunk 2077 made waves with its initial announcement of gender fluidity in character creation. While the final implementation didn’t fully deliver on that promise, it still provides a significant degree of customization regarding your V’s appearance. You can choose a body type (masculine or feminine), voice, and pronouns independent of the character’s visual presentation. This system, while imperfect, allows you to create a character that aligns with your vision, regardless of traditional gender roles.
The game doesn’t restrict romance options based on your chosen body type or pronouns. Some characters are bisexual, others are exclusively attracted to masculine or feminine presenting Vs. This system allows for a wide range of romantic possibilities and encourages players to experiment.
Voice Acting: A Key Difference
One of the most noticeable differences between male and female V is the voice acting. Cherami Leigh voices female V, while Gavin Drea voices male V. Both actors deliver excellent performances, bringing depth and emotion to the character. Which voice actor you prefer is entirely subjective. Some players might prefer Leigh’s nuanced portrayal of a street-smart survivor, while others might favor Drea’s gruff and hardened version of V. This difference is perhaps the most significant impact the “gender” choice has on the player experience. Consider watching gameplay videos featuring both voice actors before making your decision.
Narrative Impact: Subtle Variations
While the core storyline remains the same regardless of your V’s gender, there are subtle narrative variations. These are mostly limited to dialogue and character interactions. Some NPCs might react differently to a male or female V, offering slightly altered dialogue options or treating them in a different manner. These variations are usually minor and don’t significantly alter the overall plot.
For example, some characters might flirt with V depending on their perceived gender, leading to unique dialogue exchanges. Other characters might underestimate V based on their appearance, providing opportunities to exploit their biases. These small details add depth and realism to the game world, making the experience feel more immersive.
Roleplaying Potential: The True Decider
Ultimately, the “best” gender in Cyberpunk 2077 comes down to roleplaying potential. Which gender allows you to best embody the character you want to play? Do you envision V as a tough, streetwise woman who takes no nonsense from anyone? Or do you see V as a charismatic and cunning man who can talk his way out of any situation? The answer to these questions will help you determine which gender is “best” for you.
Consider your personal preferences and what type of character you enjoy playing. Experiment with different character builds and backstories to find a V that feels authentic and engaging. The more invested you are in your character, the more rewarding your experience in Night City will be.
The Future of Gender Representation
Cyberpunk 2077’s approach to gender representation has been a subject of much debate. While the game made strides in allowing players to customize their character’s appearance and pronouns, it fell short of fully realizing the promise of gender fluidity. The system is still binary at its core, forcing players to choose between a masculine or feminine body type.
Hopefully, future iterations of Cyberpunk or similar games will offer even more nuanced and inclusive options for character customization. This could include the ability to further decouple physical appearance from gender identity, allowing players to create truly unique and diverse characters. A truly immersive experience should allow players to express themselves authentically, without being constrained by pre-defined gender roles.
FAQs About Gender in Cyberpunk 2077
Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding the role of gender in Cyberpunk 2077:
1. Does gender affect gameplay in Cyberpunk 2077?
No, gender does not significantly affect gameplay. Both male and female V have access to the same skills, abilities, and weapons. The core gameplay experience remains largely the same regardless of your chosen gender.
2. Are romance options restricted by gender?
No, romance options are not strictly restricted by gender. Some characters are bisexual, while others are exclusively attracted to masculine or feminine presenting Vs. Your choices and actions will ultimately determine which romantic relationships are available to you.
3. Does gender impact the story in any meaningful way?
The core storyline remains the same, but there are subtle narrative variations in dialogue and character interactions. These variations are usually minor and don’t significantly alter the overall plot.
4. Which voice actor is better, Cherami Leigh or Gavin Drea?
This is entirely subjective. Both actors deliver excellent performances, bringing depth and emotion to the character. Listen to samples of their work and decide which voice you prefer.
5. Can I change my character’s gender after starting the game?
No, you cannot change your character’s gender after starting the game. This is a permanent decision that you must make during character creation.
6. Does choosing a specific gender impact my character’s appearance options?
Yes, choosing a masculine or feminine body type will influence the available options for hairstyles, facial features, and clothing. However, you can still customize your character to a significant degree within these parameters.
7. Are there any gender-specific items or equipment in the game?
No, there are no gender-specific items or equipment in Cyberpunk 2077. All weapons, armor, and clothing are available to both male and female V.
8. Does my character’s gender affect how other characters treat me?
Yes, some NPCs might react differently to a male or female V, offering slightly altered dialogue options or treating them in a different manner. These variations are usually minor.
9. Can I play as a non-binary character in Cyberpunk 2077?
While the game doesn’t explicitly offer a non-binary option, you can create a character that defies traditional gender norms through customization. You can choose a body type, voice, and pronouns independently of each other.
10. Does gender affect the availability of side quests?
No, gender does not affect the availability of side quests. All side quests are available to both male and female V.
11. Does choosing a specific gender make the game easier or harder?
No, choosing a specific gender does not affect the difficulty of the game. The challenge remains the same regardless of your chosen gender.
12. Does my character’s gender affect their relationship with Johnny Silverhand?
No, your character’s gender does not significantly affect their relationship with Johnny Silverhand. The dynamic between V and Johnny remains largely the same regardless of your chosen gender.
13. Are there any performance differences between playing as a male or female V?
No, there are no performance differences between playing as a male or female V. The game runs the same regardless of your chosen gender.
14. How does Cyberpunk 2077 handle gender representation?
Cyberpunk 2077’s approach to gender representation has been a subject of debate. While the game allows for some degree of customization, it doesn’t fully realize the promise of gender fluidity. The system is still binary at its core.
15. What are some tips for choosing the right gender for my playthrough?
Consider your roleplaying preferences and what type of character you want to play. Experiment with different character builds and backstories to find a V that feels authentic and engaging. Watch gameplay videos featuring both voice actors to see which one resonates with you more. Ultimately, the best gender is the one that allows you to have the most fun and immersive experience in Night City.