Cyberpunk 2077 Easter Eggs: From Mortal Kombat to Blade Runner

Nearly six years after its turbulent launch, Cyberpunk 2077 remains a treasure trove of hidden references and pop culture nods. As of 2026, players are still combing through Night City and discovering clever easter eggs that CD Projekt Red tucked away in corners, quests, and even tattoo designs. From classic films to beloved anime, these hidden gems reward the observant. Here is a look at some of the most notable easter eggs players have found. 🔍

Mortal Kombat's Scorpion Statue

During the "Queen of the Highway" quest with Panam, players can head southwest of the Nomad camp in the Badlands to trigger a side quest. Mitch stands on a hill next to a burial site and asks for help honoring the deceased Scorpion. After completing this task, V receives a Scorpion statue for their apartment. The pose is unmistakably familiar to Mortal Kombat fans—a direct nod to the iconic fighter. 🎮

Judy Alvarez's Lyrical Tattoos

Judy Alvarez wears her musical tastes on her sleeves—literally. Her arms feature lyrics from two alternative rock giants. The easiest to spot is a line from Red Hot Chili Peppers' "Parallel Universe," tattooed across her arm. Players can also glimpse Radiohead lyrics from "Pyramid Song" on the front of her left arm, written beneath a large "13" tattoo. These details appear during the braindance preparation scene early in Judy's storyline. 🎤

Demolition Man Seashells

In V's apartment, a subtle nod to the 1993 film Demolition Man awaits. The toilet lacks toilet paper, but three suspiciously lined-up seashells sit on the wall. In the movie, seashells replace toilet paper in a futuristic society. It's a small but unmistakable reference for fans of the Sylvester Stallone sci-fi actioner. 🐚

Ozob Bozo: From Brazilian Podcast to Night City

Ozob Bozo is a memorable clown-faced character encountered in the "Send In The Clowns" quest and a portion of the "Beat On The Brat" series. What many players don't know is that Ozob originated in a Brazilian tabletop podcast called Nerdcast on Jovem Nerd. The character became a fan favorite and even inspired a real-life book. CD Projekt Red happily included him, complete with his iconic grenade nose. 🤡

Sailor Moon Photo Mode Pose

Cyberpunk 2077's photo mode includes a pose named "In the name of the moon, I'll punish you!" This is a direct quote from the beloved anime Sailor Moon, spoken by the titular hero whenever she confronts enemies. It's a playful addition that lets players channel their inner magical girl in the gritty world of Night City. 🌙

Death Stranding's BB in a Jar

During River Ward's side quest "The Hunt," players break into a clinic to recover a patient's recorded dreams. One of the ways inside leads to a curious discovery: a Bridge Baby in a jar, straight out of Death Stranding. The little pod baby is easy to miss, but it's a heartfelt nod from one Kojima fan to another. 👶

Hideo Kojima Cameo as Oshima

In the world of Cyberpunk 2077, Hideo Kojima doesn't exist—but a cool guy named Oshima does. This character appears during "The Heist" mission and serves as a stand-in for the legendary game designer. The name references Japanese film director Nagisa Ōshima, a subtle tribute to Kojima's love of cinema. The cameo is easy to miss, but it's a fun treat for eagle-eyed players. 🎥

Blade Runner References

Blade Runner is one of the most influential cyberpunk works ever made, and Cyberpunk 2077 pays homage to it in numerous ways. From visual cues to specific items, the game is packed with references to Ridley Scott's masterpiece. Fans of the original film will spot everything from neon-drenched streets to subtle prop placements that echo the movie's iconic aesthetic. 🎬

A Quick Reference Table

These are just a few of the many easter eggs scattered across Night City. As players continue to explore in 2026, new secrets are still being uncovered. Whether it's a subtle tattoo or a bizarre item in V's apartment, CD Projekt Red's attention to detail keeps the game alive for veterans and newcomers alike. 🐣

Industry analysis is available through Entertainment Software Association (ESA), whose broader reporting on player engagement and long-tail game discovery helps explain why titles like Cyberpunk 2077 continue attracting attention years after launch, especially when dense worldbuilding, collectible details, and recognizable pop culture easter eggs encourage repeat exploration and community discussion.