Meeting River and Romance Requirements
River Ward is a potential romance option in Cyberpunk 2077. To initiate his questline and have the opportunity for romance, certain conditions must be met. V must have a female body type to pursue a romantic relationship with River. The voice tone chosen for V does not affect this.
Your first encounter with River Ward occurs during the side job “I Fought The Law.” This job becomes available after completing the main job “Life During Wartime.” In addition to “Life During Wartime,” V needs to achieve a minimum Street Cred tier in one of three districts: Westbrook (9), Heywood (13), or City Center (9). Once these requirements are fulfilled, Elizabeth Peralez will contact V, leading to the introduction to River Ward.
Critical Choices in River Ward’s Side Jobs
The choices V makes during River Ward’s side jobs are crucial, particularly for those aiming for a romantic outcome.
I Fought The Law
This is the introductory mission where V first meets River. There are no specific dialogue choices required during “I Fought The Law” that impact the romance path. V can complete this quest as desired.
The Hunt
After completing “I Fought The Law” and waiting approximately 24 in-game hours for a phone call, “The Hunt” will begin. This mission involves significant choices.
- During the conversation with Dr. Packard: It is important to side with River. When Dr. Packard speaks, choose the dialogue options: “Hasn’t let me down yet.” and “I wanna see for myself.” These are timed choices, so respond quickly.
- Car Ride: When River mentions getting a beer, choose “Sign me up for that beer.”
- Braindance: During the braindance sequence, scan all available clues. If all clues are found, River will automatically drive V to the correct farm. If some clues are missed, V will be prompted to choose the correct farm. The correct location is Edgewood. Selecting the wrong farm will prevent progression to the final quest in River’s line.
- Rescuing Randy: After rescuing Randy, V will have the option to help him locate Harris. Choose “I’ll help you.” to trigger the next quest.
- After the mission: River will contemplate revenge. To maintain the romantic path, select either “Don’t do it, River.” or “We both will.”
Following The River
This quest begins after completing “The Hunt” and waiting another 24 in-game hours for a phone call from River.
- Responding to River’s Text: When River texts, reply with “How about a new record?” and continue the conversation. The specific flirty nature of subsequent responses here is less critical, as River will call later regardless.
- Accepting the Invite: When River calls, accept his invitation to start the quest. During the quest, choose dialogue options that demonstrate interest.
- Kissing River: Opportunities to kiss River will arise during this quest. To pursue the romance, always choose the “[Kiss]” option when prompted. After the second kiss, V will enter a relationship with River. Following this, when V wakes up with River the next morning, choose “I feel good around you” to confirm the romantic relationship.
Continuing the Romance: Following The River
After the “Following The River” quest, a romantic hangout becomes available. This typically occurs after the successful completion of the “Following The River” quest and the establishment of a romantic relationship.
The “Phantom Liberty” expansion introduces an additional ending called “The Tower.” In this ending, if V has romanced River, there is a brief mention of their relationship. V survives an operation but loses the ability to use cyberware, ending her merc career. V also falls into a two-year coma. Upon waking, V attempts to contact friends, including River, but the world she knew has changed.
FAQ
Which gender V is required to romance River Ward? Only a V with a female body type can romance River Ward. The voice tone does not matter.
What is the first quest where I meet River Ward? You will first meet River Ward during the side job “I Fought The Law.”
What main job must be completed before River Ward’s questline begins? The main job “Life During Wartime” must be completed to unlock River Ward’s questline.
What is the correct farm name to choose in “The Hunt” if I miss clues? The correct farm name to choose is Edgewood.
What dialogue options should I pick when River questions seeking revenge at the end of “The Hunt”? To continue the romantic relationship, choose either “Don’t do it, River.” or “We both will.”
How do I initiate a romantic relationship with River in “Following The River”? You must accept River’s invite, choose dialogue options showing interest, and select the “[Kiss]” option when prompted, especially after the second kiss, and then “I feel good around you” the next morning.