Cyberpunk 2077: How To Romance River Ward

There are numerous romanceable characters in Cyberpunk 2077, many of which feature unique quirks and characteristics. But when it comes down to the cool factor, that “it” factor that some people exude when they walk into a room and dominate the conversation, few compare to River Ward. The grizzled, tough-as-nails detective in Night City is somewhat hidden in the game behind a side mission instead of a main storyline, and so many players miss out on this lovable bear.

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If players are keen on romancing River Ward, they’ll require the female body type. But that’s not all. This guide will go over step-by-step how to romance River Ward in Cyberpunk 2077, including the quests and dialogue choices necessary for a happy ending.

How To Meet River Ward

First and foremost, before diving into the nitty-gritty of romancing River, let’s discover how to meet his character for the first time. As previously mentioned, River is the only romanceable character in the game that is not introduced during a main story mission. Instead, he’s tucked away behind a side gig that only appears once players achieve Street Cred Tier 2, and even then, it’s easy to ignore the quest altogether and focus hard on the main campaign. If that happens, players will never meet River Ward, and that’s a shame.

Players will first meet River Ward when accepting and working on the side gig I Fought the Law, in which a married couple concerned with the circumstances of the mayor’s untimely demise ask V for assistance in playing detective. Here, during a Braindance, players will get their first glimpse of River Ward, albeit from an out-of-body perspective. But the married couple provides a means to meet with River personally, and that’s the beginning of a budding friendship-turned-relationship.

From I Fought The Law, players will progress to The Hunt and Following The River, both of which are required quests to romance River Ward. It’s important to note that, of the many romanceable characters in Cyberpunk 2077, River has the shortest route overall. It’s just a handful of side gigs, nothing more.

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How To Romance River Ward

Like when romancing Panam, River Ward will occasionally text or call and ask V for assistance in a few side gigs. These gigs, including The Hunt and Following The River, are relatively short experiences overall, with a lot of driving and walking involved. But even so, if players want to romance River, they are important.

Upon completing Life During Wartime, a main mission in Cyberpunk 2077, players will unlock River’s series of side jobs. These comprise a total of three missions, in which players will help River rescue his nephew, then will invite V to dinner if the right choices were made along the way.

I Fought The Law

• To unlock I Fought The Law, players must complete Life During Wartime and achieve Street Cred Tier 2 in Westbrook, Heywood, or City Center. Then, players will receive a phone call from Elizabeth Peralez offering the job. This mission is where we first interact with River, and players may complete the quest in any manner.

The Hunt

• The Hunt is the first major side gig for River Ward, and it does feature consequences, so choose wisely or risk losing the opportunity to romance River Ward.
• During the mission, players will enter a Braindance, and if players scan all the required clues, River will automatically drive the duo to the proper farm. It’s important to visit the correct farm the first time, and that one is Edgewood.
• At the conclusion of the mission, River will question the player about seeking revenge. To romance River, select either of these options:
  • “Don’t do it, River.”
  • “We both will.”

Following The River

• The final side gig for River will unlock after waiting 24 in-game hours for a phone call from River himself.
• While on top of the water tower, the first romantic option pops up. When prompted, select the “[Kiss]” option, which then leads to a night with River.
• From here, to continue the relationship, select the [Kiss] option again, then the dialogue option, “I feel good around you.” This starts the ongoing relationship with River Ward.

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