As a hardcore gamer who's sunk hundreds of hours into Night City, I've gotta say—Cyberpunk 2077 has some of the most memorable characters in gaming history. We all know and love the big names: Judy's heartbreaking story, Johnny's chaotic charm, and Takemura's stoic honor. But what about the unsung heroes (and villains) who make Night City feel truly alive? Today, I'm shining a spotlight on the underrated characters who don't get nearly enough credit for making this game so damn special. These are the folks who might not have as much screen time, but their impact on the story and world-building is absolutely massive.
Let's start with Claire Russell, the Afterlife bartender who's basically V's emotional anchor in the early game. In a city where everyone's trying to screw you over, Claire's genuine kindness hits different. She's there during the heist planning phase, offering support and actually caring about V and Jackie as people, not just mercenaries. After the Konpeki Plaza disaster, when you're reeling from loss, Claire's the one who helps pick you up. Her conversations feel real—she remembers your name, asks how you're doing, and drops some killer one-liners that never get old. Sure, her role diminishes after Act 1, but every time I swing by Afterlife for a drink, chatting with Claire feels like catching up with an old friend. She represents the rare humanity that still exists in Night City's cynical underbelly.
Now, let's talk about the man everyone loves to hate: Dexter DeShawn. 😤 This fixer might betray you spectacularly, but you can't deny his presence. Michael-Leon Wooley's voice performance is pure gold—every line oozes charisma and calculated menace. Dexter represents everything about Night City's power structure: he's the gatekeeper between small-time mercs and the big leagues. His expertise in setting up the Konpeki Plaza heist kicks off the entire story, and even though his betrayal stings, it teaches V a crucial lesson about trust in this city. His early demise might make him seem forgettable, but think about it—without Dexter, there's no heist, no relic, no story. He's the catalyst for everything that follows, and his brief appearance leaves a lasting impression about how quickly fortunes can change in Night City.
Here's someone most players probably sprint right past: Officer Bill Jablonsky. On the surface, he's just another NCPD cop—stoic, intimidating, doing his job. But if you actually stop and talk to him? Man, his story hits hard. Bill joined the police force not out of some heroic calling, but because he felt insecure and wanted to learn how to stand up for himself. Even after finding love with Stella Ramos, he's constantly questioning whether he's good enough. This level of character depth for what could've been a random NPC shows CD Projekt Red's commitment to world-building. Bill represents the ordinary people trying to survive in Night City—not legendary mercs or corporate overlords, just someone trying to overcome their insecurities and build a life. His vulnerability makes Night City feel more real than any neon-lit skyline ever could.
Oh boy, let's talk about the big guy: Adam Smasher. 🦾 For the longest time, he was basically a meme—this supposedly terrifying cybernetic monster who went down like a chump in the final battle. But with the 2.1 Update? Holy crap, they fixed him! Now he's the relentless killing machine he was always meant to be, with new moves straight from the Edgerunners anime and durability that'll make you sweat. Beyond being a challenging boss, Smasher represents the terrifying extreme of cyberware augmentation—what happens when humanity gets completely replaced by machinery in pursuit of power. He's Arasaka's ultimate weapon, a warning about how far corporations will go to create perfect soldiers. The fact that CDPR went back and improved his fight shows they understood how important he was to the game's themes.
Alt Cunningham might be the most important character nobody talks about enough. She's not just Johnny's ex—she's the creator of Soulkiller, the technology that drives the entire plot. Her story is pure tragedy: she developed revolutionary AI technology, only to have it stolen by Arasaka and used to torture her and countless others. When you finally meet her in cyberspace, she's become something beyond human, yet still carries the pain of what was done to her. Alt does something remarkable: she makes Johnny Silverhand, the ultimate rebel, show genuine vulnerability. Their history together reveals layers to Johnny that his bravado usually hides. She's also our guide to understanding the true horror of Arasaka's experiments—not just abstract evil, but personal, intimate violation on a soul-deep level.
Let me list why River Ward deserves more appreciation:
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He represents the NCPD's moral struggle in a corrupt city
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His personal quests involve actual detective work (rare in RPGs!)
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His family storyline adds emotional weight to Night City's crime problem
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He shows that not all cops in this world are either corrupt or incompetent
River's the guy trying to do actual police work in a system designed to prevent justice. His conflict between following the rules and doing what's right mirrors V's own moral choices throughout the game. The investigation missions with River are some of the most immersive in the game—you feel like a real detective piecing together clues. While Judy and Panam get romantic subplots, River's story focuses on systemic corruption and personal duty, offering a different but equally valuable perspective on Night City.
Finally, there's Misty—the character everyone expected to be major but ended up being... mysterious. Initially, she seems relegated to tarot card readings, which frustrated players who wanted more from her. But look closer: Misty's actually one of the most spiritually aware characters in the game. Her tarot readings aren't just random collectibles—they're narrative foreshadowing that becomes chillingly accurate as the story progresses. She's also a trained nurse with augmentation knowledge, showing she's more than just an esoteric shopkeeper. Her design is iconic, her vibe is uniquely calming amid Night City's chaos, and in Phantom Liberty, we finally get to see more of her character. Misty represents the mystical, unseen forces at work in Cyberpunk's world—the idea that there's more happening than just technology and corporate warfare.
What makes these characters so special isn't just their individual stories—it's how they collectively build Night City into a living, breathing world. They're the supporting cast that makes the main characters' journeys meaningful. Claire shows there's still compassion, Dexter shows the cost of ambition, Bill shows ordinary struggles, Smasher shows technological horror, Alt shows personal tragedy, River shows systemic corruption, and Misty shows spiritual depth. Together, they create the rich tapestry that makes returning to Night City feel like coming home to a place filled with familiar faces—even if we don't always give them the appreciation they deserve. So next time you boot up Cyberpunk 2077, take a moment to appreciate these underrated gems. They're what transform Night City from a beautiful backdrop into a world that feels truly, heartbreakingly alive. 🎮💀