While Cyberpunk 2077 is best known for its gripping main story and stunning open world, many of its side quests are just as memorable—if not better—than the core campaign. From emotional character-driven storylines to high-stakes heists, detective mysteries, and unexpected encounters across Night City, the game offers a wealth of optional content that adds depth to its futuristic world.
In 2026, with the game fully polished and enhanced by major updates and the Phantom Liberty expansion, there has never been a better time to explore everything Night City has to offer. Some side quests unlock unique rewards, while others reveal fascinating lore, introduce unforgettable characters, or present choices that can significantly impact your experience.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the best Cyberpunk 2077 side quests worth playing in 2026, including fan favorites and hidden gems that showcase why CD Projekt Red’s RPG remains one of the most immersive open-world games available today.
Why Cyberpunk 2077 Side Quests Deserve Your Full Attention
Cyberpunk 2077 launched in December 2020 to a famously turbulent reception, but by 2026 it stands as one of the most content-rich single-player RPGs available. The side quests are a primary reason for that reputation. Unlike many open-world games where optional missions feel like checklists, Cyberpunk 2077’s best side content features full voice acting, branching dialogue, moral dilemmas, and consequences that ripple into the main story.
The best Cyberpunk 2077 side quests worth playing in 2026 span everything from murder mysteries and corporate conspiracies to deeply personal character studies. Whether you’re a first-time player or returning after the Phantom Liberty expansion, these missions are worth prioritizing over random gigs and NCPD scanner hustles.
For players who enjoy deep narrative experiences in other RPGs, the level of writing here is comparable to what you’d find in titles covered in guides like the Best BG3 Builds for Every Class in 2026 — games where optional content is genuinely transformative.
What Makes a Cyberpunk 2077 Side Quest Worth Playing
Not every optional mission in Night City earns a spot on a “best of” list. The best Cyberpunk 2077 side quests worth playing share a specific set of qualities that separate them from basic gigs.
Criteria used to rank these quests:
- Narrative depth: Does the quest tell a complete, emotionally engaging story?
- Player agency: Are there meaningful choices with real consequences?
- Unique rewards: Does completion unlock weapons, cyberware, or story paths unavailable elsewhere?
- World-building: Does the quest expand understanding of Night City’s factions, history, or characters?
- Replayability: Does the quest play differently on a second run?
Quests that score high on at least three of these criteria made this list. Basic fetch missions and repetitive gigs, regardless of payout, did not.
The Best Cyberpunk 2077 Side Quests Worth Playing in 2026
The following quests represent the strongest optional content available across the base game and Phantom Liberty. They are listed with context on what makes each one stand out.
Chippin’ In
Why it matters: “Chippin’ In” is arguably the most important side quest in the base game. Completing it is required to unlock the secret “Don’t Fear the Reaper” ending, which is widely considered the hardest and most satisfying conclusion in the game.
The quest follows V and Johnny Silverhand as they track down Grayson, a former Arasaka soldier connected to Johnny’s past. The dialogue between V and Johnny throughout this mission is some of the sharpest writing in the entire game. Players must make a key choice near the end that determines the nature of their relationship with Johnny going forward.
Reward: Unique weapon “Crash” (iconic shotgun) and the Porsche 911 II (930) vehicle. Access to the secret ending.
Choose this quest if: You want the full Johnny Silverhand storyline and are aiming for multiple endings on a single playthrough.
Sinnerman
Why it matters: “Sinnerman” is a slow-burn philosophical quest about faith, guilt, and redemption. It begins as a simple prisoner transport job and evolves into one of the most morally complex missions in the game. The quest forces players to sit with uncomfortable questions rather than offering easy answers.
There are no combat sections that define this quest. The power comes entirely from character interaction and the choices players make about how to respond to a man who has done terrible things and is seeking absolution.
Common mistake: Rushing through dialogue. This quest rewards players who read every conversation option carefully.
I Fought the Law
Why it matters: This quest pairs V with River Ward, an NCPD detective investigating corruption within the police department. The investigation involves a missing politician, a conspiracy that goes deeper than expected, and some of the best environmental storytelling in the game (a puzzle sequence inside an abandoned farm is a standout moment).
Completing “I Fought the Law” and the subsequent River Ward questline also opens a unique ending path. River is one of the most well-written supporting characters in the game, and his arc deserves full attention.
The Hunt
Why it matters: “The Hunt” is a direct continuation of the River Ward questline and functions as a full horror-adjacent mystery. V investigates a series of disappearances connected to a deranged killer. The quest includes a genuinely unsettling sequence that stands apart from the game’s usual tone.
This is the kind of optional content that demonstrates how far Cyberpunk 2077’s writing team pushed the boundaries of what a side quest can be.
Riders on the Storm / With a Little Help from My Friends (Panam Palmer Questline)
Why it matters: Panam Palmer’s questline is a multi-part arc that begins with a simple rescue mission and grows into a full story about loyalty, family, and survival outside the corporate megacities. These quests are essential for players who want the “All Along the Watchtower” ending.
The Panam questline also introduces the Nomad faction in meaningful depth, which adds significant context to the game’s world-building. The final mission in her arc, involving a massive vehicle assault, is one of the most cinematic sequences in the game.
Dream On
Why it matters: “Dream On” is a standalone mystery quest that stands as one of the most narratively ambitious optional missions in the game. V investigates strange events in a luxury apartment complex for a wealthy client. The quest ends without a clean resolution, which is intentional and thematically consistent with Night City’s broader message about powerlessness.
Edge case: Players expecting a satisfying conclusion may feel frustrated. The ambiguity is the point. If that style of storytelling appeals to you, this quest is unmissable.
Phantom Liberty: Somewhat Damaged and Firestarter
Why it matters: Within the Phantom Liberty expansion, “Somewhat Damaged” and “Firestarter” represent the expansion’s narrative peak. These quests force players into a genuine no-win scenario involving the FIA agent Reed and the enigmatic Songbird. The choices made here determine which of Phantom Liberty’s two endings players receive, and both are genuinely affecting.
The expansion as a whole is worth playing before any other side content if you’re starting fresh in 2026. For a comparison of how Cyberpunk 2077’s world-building stacks up against other open-world titles, see this breakdown of GTA 6 vs Cyberpunk 2077: Which Open World Looks Better?
The Gig (Kerry Eurodyne Questline)
Why it matters: Kerry Eurodyne’s questline is a sharp, often funny examination of fame, artistic compromise, and what it means to sell out. Kerry is a rock legend tied to Johnny Silverhand’s past, and his arc touches on themes that feel surprisingly grounded given the game’s setting.
The questline culminates in a boat explosion that players can either prevent or allow, with consequences for the relationship.
Side Quests That Affect Cyberpunk 2077 Endings
Several of the best Cyberpunk 2077 side quests worth playing are directly tied to which endings become available. This is not made explicit in-game, which means players can accidentally lock themselves out of endings by skipping certain content.
| Quest / Questline | Ending Unlocked |
|---|---|
| Chippin’ In + Rogue questline | “Don’t Fear the Reaper” (secret ending) |
| Panam Palmer full questline | “All Along the Watchtower” (Nomad ending) |
| River Ward full questline | Influences “The Sun” ending dialogue |
| Phantom Liberty: Firestarter | Unique Phantom Liberty ending paths |
| Judy Alvarez full questline | Influences “The Sun” and “Temperance” endings |
Decision rule: If you want the secret ending on your first playthrough, complete “Chippin’ In” before finishing the main story mission “Nocturne OP55N1.” Missing this window locks out that ending permanently for that save file.
How to Approach Side Quests Efficiently in 2026
Players returning to Cyberpunk 2077 in 2026 after updates and the Phantom Liberty expansion have access to the most complete version of the game. Here is a practical approach to getting the most out of side content.
Recommended order for first-time players:
- Complete the prologue and first act of the main story to unlock most side quests.
- Start Phantom Liberty early (accessible after the “Playing for Time” main quest).
- Pursue character-specific questlines (Panam, Judy, River, Kerry) in parallel with main missions.
- Complete “Chippin’ In” before reaching “Nocturne OP55N1.”
- Save “Sinnerman” and “Dream On” for mid-to-late game when Night City’s themes have fully landed.
For players who enjoy optimizing their approach to complex RPGs, the same methodical thinking applies whether you’re tackling Cyberpunk 2077 or working through a guide like Baldur’s Gate 3 Best Class for Beginners: 2026 Starter Guide.
Side Quests Worth Skipping (And Why)
Not every optional mission deserves equal time. Some quests, while competently made, offer minimal narrative payoff relative to their length.
- Most basic NCPD Scanner Hustles: These are repeatable combat encounters with no story. Good for leveling, not for storytelling.
- Generic Gigs from Fixers: Many fixer gigs are short, well-crafted, and worth doing for atmosphere, but they rarely match the depth of the named questlines above.
- Cyberpsycho Sightings: These are combat challenges with brief story notes. Worth doing for the unique enemies, but not for narrative depth.
Choose to skip if: Time is limited and narrative quality is the priority. Focus on the named questlines first.
Final Thoughts
The best Cyberpunk 2077 side quests worth playing in 2026 are not optional in any meaningful sense. They are where the game’s most ambitious writing lives, where its endings are decided, and where Night City feels like a real place rather than a backdrop. Prioritizing the Chippin’ In questline, the Panam Palmer arc, River Ward’s story, and Phantom Liberty’s central missions will deliver a dramatically richer experience than following the main story alone.
Actionable next steps:
- Start a new save or load an existing one and check which character questlines remain incomplete.
- Before reaching the main story mission “Nocturne OP55N1,” confirm that “Chippin’ In” has been completed.
- Work through Phantom Liberty’s Firestarter and Somewhat Damaged quests to access its exclusive endings.
- Use the ending unlock table above as a checklist before committing to the final mission.
For players looking to broaden their RPG experiences beyond Night City, the Most Anticipated Games of June 2026: Full Release Guide covers what else is worth your time this year. And if you enjoy exploring hidden content in open-world games, the Red Dead Redemption 2 Hidden Secrets: Full 2026 Guide applies the same thorough approach to another landmark title.
Cyberpunk 2077 in 2026 is a different game from what launched in 2020. The side quests were always its strongest feature. Now, with all updates applied and Phantom Liberty included, there has never been a better time to explore everything Night City has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best side quest in Cyberpunk 2077?
“Chippin’ In” is widely regarded as the single best side quest due to its narrative weight, its connection to the secret ending, and the quality of its Johnny Silverhand dialogue. “Sinnerman” and “The Hunt” are close runners-up for storytelling alone.
Do side quests affect the ending in Cyberpunk 2077?
Yes. Several side questlines directly unlock or influence ending options. The Panam Palmer questline, the Rogue/Johnny questline, and the Phantom Liberty missions all gate specific endings.
How many side quests are in Cyberpunk 2077 in 2026?
The base game contains over 100 side quests and gigs. Phantom Liberty added dozens more. The exact count varies by how “side quest” is defined versus smaller gigs, but players can expect well over 150 hours of optional content.
Can side quests be missed permanently?
Yes. Some quests, particularly those tied to specific characters, can be missed if the main story progresses too far. “Chippin’ In” and the Panam questline are the most critical to complete before the point of no return.
Is Phantom Liberty worth playing before base game side quests?
For players starting fresh in 2026, beginning Phantom Liberty early is recommended. It introduces new characters and mechanics that enrich the rest of the game. It becomes available after the main quest “Playing for Time.”
