Cyberpunk 2077 has always been a game that thrives on its narrative depth and world-building, and nowhere is this more apparent than in its side quests. Even in 2026, three years after the game's final major update, players continue to dive into Night City\u2019s darkest corners for unforgettable stories. But with so many optional missions to undertake, which ones truly deserve your time? What makes a side quest rise above the rest \u2014 is it the emotional punch, the memorable characters, or the promise of an iconic reward? This ranking of the best side quests in Cyberpunk 2077 offers a definitive guide to the experiences that still resonate most deeply with mercenaries on the street.
15. Happy Together
Obtained right after the prologue, this early mission sets the tone for the game's emotional complexity. Players encounter two police officers worried about a friend who is grieving a devastating loss. The dialogue branches are surprisingly nuanced; a careless conversation can leave the man feeling even more hopeless, and later, he may take his own life. It is a stark reminder that Night City does not forgive oversights. How often does a game confront a player with such permanent moral consequences so early on?
14. Blistering Love
This follow-up to the Chippin\u2019 In quest deepens the lore surrounding Johnny Silverhand and Rogue. Set almost entirely at a drive-in movie theater, it eschews combat entirely in favour of quiet, intimate storytelling. The music swells, the neon glimmers, and Johnny gets one final romantic moment. It is a testament to how side content can enrich character arcs without a single bullet fired. Why do so many players still cite this gentle respite as a highlight?
13. Coin Operated Boy
Few quests embody the whimsical yet melancholic side of Cyberpunk 2077 like Coin Operated Boy. The protagonist stumbles across Brendon, a sentient vending machine with a disarmingly friendly personality. Regular interactions build an odd camaraderie, until one day Brendon vanishes. A nearby girl is left weeping at his empty spot, prompting a city-wide search. Reuniting them delivers a surprisingly poignant message about connection in a hyper-technological world. Could a vending machine truly have a soul?
12. Epistrophe
Delamain\u2019s rogue fleet of AI cabs sends players zipping across the entire map. While the driving can feel tedious, the payoff is a permanent self-driving Delamain taxi for your garage. Each wayward AI boasts a memorable, glitchy personality that plays with classic sci-fi tropes. By the end, players are left contemplating whether these malfunctioning minds deserve destruction or understanding. Isn\u2019t it fascinating how the quest turns a fetch job into a moral puzzle?
11. Violence
Lizzy Wizzy is a celebrity whose body is more metal than flesh. V is hired to investigate whether her partner is being unfaithful. The mission lives up to its name with a shockingly brutal turn. By the end, Lizzy\u2019s cold detachment reveals someone who has lost her last shred of humanity. She does not mourn the violence; she merely moves on. What does it say about Night City when even love becomes a disposable commodity?
10. Big In Japan
Picked up shortly after the prologue, this quest tasks V with retrieving a \u201cpackage\u201d that turns out to be a very alive, very hunted man. Mowing down waves of thugs feels quintessentially Cyberpunk, but the true prize is the iconic katana, Scalpel. It is an early indicator of just how bizarre and rewarding the gigs can become. Who else remembers the first time they sliced through an enemy with that gleaming blade?
9. Burning Desire
A man clutching his crotch in agony begs V for a ride to a ripperdoc. His freshly installed Mr. Stud cyberware has malfunctioned, transforming intended pleasure into relentless torment. The dark comedy of the situation does not mask the commentary on a society where body modification is sold as bliss but can deliver pure suffering. How many in Night City suffer silently from tech gone wrong?
8. Machine Gun
Skippy, the gun with a voice, is an instant icon. Picking it up triggers one of the most famous side quests in the game. The weapon\u2019s name nods to Clippy the Paperclip, and its dialogue is a constant stream of hilarious or unsettling commentary. Players must decide whether to return Skippy to its rightful owner or keep it and endure increasingly loud demands. How could anyone resist a firearm that screams at them?
7. Chippin\u2019 In
Johnny Silverhand seizing control of V\u2019s body leads to a fever dream of drinking, bad decisions, and near-fatal mishaps. This quest is essential for earning Johnny\u2019s signature jacket and car. It is chaotic, deeply personal, and utterly unforgettable. The tattoo parlor scene alone captures the essence of a rockerboy\u2019s doomed romanticism. Who else found themselves laughing even as V\u2019s life hung by a thread?
6. Pyramid Song
As the counterpart to Queen of the Highway, this quest places V, especially a female V, in a deep underwater journey alongside Judy Alvarez. The submerged ruins create an atmosphere that is both serene and terrifying. The decisions here directly influence whether Judy remains in Night City or leaves. It is a masterclass in using environment to amplify intimacy. Can a side quest be more romantic than a dive into the unknown with someone you are falling for?
Cyberpunk 2077\u2019s side quests are far more than filler \u2014 they are the soul of the game. Whether through heartbreak, dark humour, or pure adrenaline, these twelve missions (and many more) guarantee that even in 2026, Night City remains a place where every alley holds a story worth chasing.