Who is the Strongest Character in Night City?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The answer, while seemingly straightforward, is nuanced: V, the protagonist of Cyberpunk 2077, ultimately becomes the strongest character in Night City by the game’s conclusion. This isn’t an inherent power but rather an earned one, achieved through player choices, skill development, and the accumulation of powerful cyberware. While characters like Adam Smasher possess immense raw power, V’s adaptability, resourcefulness, and narrative agency allow them to surpass even the most formidable foes.
The Contenders: Power Players of Night City
Before diving into why V reigns supreme, it’s crucial to acknowledge the other significant power players in Night City:
-
Adam Smasher: The cyborg enforcer of Arasaka, Smasher is a walking tank of chrome and weaponry. In Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, he’s portrayed as an unstoppable force, and even in Cyberpunk 2077, he presents a significant challenge. His sheer durability and firepower make him a terrifying opponent.
-
Johnny Silverhand: While a construct in V’s head for most of the game, Johnny Silverhand possesses considerable influence and a legendary reputation. In his prime, he was a skilled fighter and revolutionary, capable of standing against corporate forces.
-
David Martinez: The protagonist of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, David possesses exceptional tolerance for cyberware, particularly the Sandevistan. His speed and reflexes make him a formidable opponent, ultimately reaching a level of power that made him a Night City legend.
-
Cyberpsychos: These individuals, driven mad by cyberware overuse, represent uncontrolled power. Some, like Chase Coley in his mech suit, pose immense challenges due to their unique abilities and weaponry.
-
High-Ranking Fixers and Corporates: While not necessarily frontline fighters, characters like Rogue Amendiares and executives from Arasaka and Militech wield significant power through resources, influence, and control of information.
Why V Ascends to the Top
Several factors contribute to V’s ultimate position as the strongest:
-
Adaptability and Customization: V is a blank slate, allowing players to tailor their build to suit their preferred playstyle. Whether focusing on melee combat, hacking, stealth, or a combination thereof, V can be optimized to overcome any challenge.
-
Cyberware Capacity: V can equip an impressive array of cyberware, enhancing their strength, speed, reflexes, and combat abilities. The 2.0 update significantly alters how cyberware affects V and greatly affects how much V can equip.
-
Defeating Key Opponents: V directly confronts and defeats many of Night City’s most powerful individuals, including Adam Smasher, numerous cyberpsychos, and the champions of the Beat on the Brat fighting circuit.
-
Narrative Agency: V’s choices throughout the game shape their character and influence the ending. This agency culminates in the ability to confront and overcome obstacles that would be insurmountable for other characters.
-
Cyberpsychosis Immunity: V’s unique condition (the engram of Johnny Silverhand affecting their brain) ironically grants them a degree of resilience against cyberpsychosis. With the 2.0 update, this is further reinforced, making V more resistant to the negative effects of cyberware.
-
Mastery of the Sandevistan: The Militech “Apogee” Sandevistan is perhaps the closest to the Sandevistan David Martinez acquired in Cyberpunk Edgerunners. It is a cyberware that allows the user to move at super speed.
It’s Not Just About Raw Power
While raw power is a factor, V’s strength lies in their adaptability, resourcefulness, and the ability to leverage their unique circumstances to overcome seemingly impossible odds. V’s journey is a testament to the power of human will and the ability to shape one’s destiny in a world defined by corporate control and technological excess. The study of game mechanics, narrative structure, and player agency in titles like Cyberpunk 2077 is a key area of interest for organizations like the Games Learning Society. You can explore more about this at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Adam Smasher stronger than V at the start of the game?
Absolutely. At the beginning of Cyberpunk 2077, Adam Smasher is vastly superior to V in terms of raw power, cyberware, and combat experience.
2. Can David Martinez defeat Adam Smasher?
This is a hotly debated topic. In Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, David succumbs to cyberpsychosis before reaching his full potential. While he puts up a fight, Adam Smasher ultimately defeats him.
3. Does Johnny Silverhand have any real fighting skills?
Yes, despite being primarily known as a rocker, Johnny Silverhand was a skilled soldier and fighter in his past. His memories might be unreliable, but his combat prowess is undeniable.
4. What makes the Militech “Apogee” Sandevistan so powerful?
The Militech “Apogee” Sandevistan’s stat bonuses and upgraded versions make it so that users can move at super speed, making it incredibly powerful in combat.
5. Why is V immune to cyberpsychosis (or at least resistant to it)?
The presence of Johnny Silverhand’s engram in V’s brain alters their neurological structure, paradoxically making them more resilient to the mental strain of cyberware. Furthermore, the 2.0 update makes V practically immune to it.
6. What is the best melee build for V?
A strong melee build typically involves high Body and Reflexes attributes, combined with cyberware that enhances strength, speed, and damage output, such as the Gorilla Arms and the Sandevistan.
7. Where can I find the best cyberware in Night City?
After the 2.0 update, ripperdocs all carry the same cyberware, with the exception of Dogtown ripperdocs who offer new cyberware exclusively to those who have Phantom Liberty installed.
8. How can I increase V’s Cyberware Capacity?
You can increase Cyberware Capacity by leveling up and with Cyberware Capacity Shards.
9. What is the strongest arm cyberware in Cyberpunk 2077?
The Projectile Launch System is the best Arm Cyberware to equip for players who don’t ever get close to enemies. It functions the same way having infinite frag grenades would.
10. Can V get Johnny Silverhand’s arm?
No, there is no way to permanently equip Johnny Silverhand’s arm while playing as V. You can however complete the Chippin’ In side quest to acquire Johnny Silverhand’s iconic Porsche 911.
11. What are the different endings of Cyberpunk 2077 and how do they affect V’s power?
The different endings influence V’s ultimate fate but don’t significantly alter their power level during the game. The “Devil” ending, for example, might grant V temporary access to Arasaka resources, while other endings focus on independence and personal fulfillment.
12. Is there a cure for cyberpsychosis in Cyberpunk 2077?
No, there is no known cure for cyberpsychosis. Once an individual succumbs, their mental state is considered irreversibly damaged.
13. How old is Rebecca from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners?
Rebecca is approximately 20 years old.
14. How powerful is V compared to other protagonists in video games?
V’s power level is highly dependent on player choices and build optimization. Compared to other video game protagonists, V is relatively grounded in a realistic, albeit dystopian, setting.
15. Could V beat Adam Smasher without cyberware?
Highly unlikely. Adam Smasher’s cybernetic enhancements provide a significant advantage in terms of strength, durability, and weaponry. Without cyberware, V would be severely outmatched.