This is how Cyberpunk 2077’s three Lifepath roles work

What are you picking?

The Cyberpunk 2077 experience changes drastically based on a decision made at the very start of the game. You’ll be asked to choose a Lifepath which is essentially an origin story. During this morning’s Night City Wire stream, CD Projekt Red explained how Lifepaths work.

The three different Lifepath roles are Nomad, Street Kid, and Corporate. Cyberpunk 2077 will start differently and have unique early missions depending on your choice. For instance, a Corporate Lifepath starts in a futuristic Wall Street-like environment as you work for the Arasaka Corporation. Or, picking the Nomad Lifepath has you in the Mad Max-like wastelands surrounding Night City called The Badlands.

The effect of Lifepaths stretch far beyond those initial hours, though. They’ll open up different gameplay options throughout the entirety of Cyberpunk 2077. The most obvious example is in expanded dialogue options based on your character’s expertise. A Corporate background has business savvy that gives you negotiating leverage in certain circumstances. Street Kids, who have been raised on the streets of Night City, can earn the respect of people who also have street smarts.

Nomads are a close-knit group who value family above anything else. CD Projekt Red pointed out that The Badlands is a giant area that can be visited by anyone at any time. However, it’s very dangerous as years of lawlessness has turned it into an extremely hostile place. However, as Nomads set up shop in The Badlands, maybe it won’t be quite as dangerous for Nomads who know they have some friendly faces outside Night City.

Cyberpunk 2077 doesn’t release for three more months, so there’s plenty of time to think about Lifepaths and future-defining decisions. I’m thinking about going Corporate, but StreetKid has a dark horse allure to it.