Choose Your Life Path

This week’s episode of The Corpo and Streetkid podcast is a deep dive into the very first decision every Cyberpunk 2077 player makes: who is your V? From character customization to life path selection, Brian and I unpacked all the choices that shape how you begin your journey through Night City—and why those choices matter more than you might think.

"Life Path Choices." Picture from Cyberpunk 2077, CD Projekt Red.

The character creator, while expansive, definitely has its quirks. I had a blast making my female V’s hair lime green one day and fire orange the next, choosing between hair buns or braids. On the other hand, Brian found the customization options for male V a bit underwhelming, particularly when it comes to hairstyles. Still, we both agreed that the freedom to shape V’s gender expression, voice, and overall vibe is a significant win for inclusivity in games.

Today’s episode allowed us to dive into the life paths: Streetkid, Corpo, and Nomad. In our first playthrough, we chose Streetkid—because, honestly, who wouldn’t want to start as a scrappy hustler on the streets of Night City?

However, upon revisiting it now, we noticed some narrative gaps—especially the strange lack of familiarity with Jackie Welles, even though you’re sitting in his mom’s bar, the El Coyote Cojo. Shout out to Mama Welles!

"El Coyote Cojo." Picture from Cyberpunk 2077, CD Projekt Red.

It’s still a solid intro, and maybe that nostalgia keeps it close to my heart, but we couldn’t ignore the rough edges.

Corpo, surprisingly, felt like the tightest narrative. Starting in a high-rise with anxiety spiking, betrayal looming, and Jackie showing up as your ride-or-die—it's a whole vibe. That plummet from power into the gritty streets? So satisfying. Brian’s favorite part? Jackie’s legendary “To this?!” toast in Lizzie's Bar. Mine too.

"Lizzie's Bar & Arasaka Guards." Picture from Cyberpunk 2077, CD Projekt Red.

Lastly, there’s the Nomad path. Honestly, it might be the most cohesive of them all. Running solo in the Badlands, meeting Jackie in a sketchy trailer, and watching that bond form through a chaotic smuggling run—it just works. It made Jackie’s loyalty feel earned.

"Abandoned Tower, Nomad Life Path Story." Picture from Cyberpunk 2077, CD Projekt Red.

Whether you're choosing V’s backstory or discussing hairstyles, that initial spark of storytelling matters. We’ll always return to this question: Who was your V the first time, and how have they evolved?

Catch us next week as we officially roll into Act 1 and finally step into the wild, electric heart of Night City.