The following contains minor story spoilers for Cyberpunk 2077.
Since the release of Cyberpunk 2077, CD Projekt Red has spent years rebuilding trust. From performance fixes to overhauled systems and the game-changing Phantom Liberty expansion, the developer has turned a rocky launch into a strong comeback. But in the middle of all the buzz about vehicles, perks, and endings, two characters remain stuck in limbo: River Ward and Kerry Eurodyne.
Both were introduced as potential romance options in Cyberpunk 2077 and important figures in V’s journey, but neither received much attention after their initial questlines ended. With update 2.4 being a possibility and Virtuos officially partnering with CD Projekt Red, there is an opportunity to do more than just polish the surface and finally bring the narrative depth these two characters have been waiting for.
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Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.4 Could Fix River
Cyberpunk 2077's River Ward stands out for his story-driven questline. Players help him track down a serial kidnapper in one of the game’s most disturbing missions, and romance is an option if V is female. After that, River all but disappears. He has no impact on the ending, no follow-up interactions, and no mention in any major narrative events after his final quest. The small updates to Cyberpunk’s romances have been great, but there can be more done with River in general.
That silence is not just disappointing; it feels incomplete. River’s arc sets him up as a man torn between loyalty to a corrupt system and the people he cares about. His story begs for a second chapter, and, with update 2.4, developers could reintroduce River through a new series of Cyberpunk 2077 gigs tied to NCPD corruption, neighborhood protection, or even a slow-burn narrative about his struggles post-resignation.
Unlike romance options such as Panam or Judy, River’s storyline is notably short. His character appears in only three side quests, and after “Following the River,” players receive little to no further interaction.
Giving River more time in the spotlight would add emotional weight to Night City’s law enforcement themes, which often get lost in the main quest’s action. A grounded, character-driven follow-up could contrast well with the larger-than-life arcs of other companions.
Kerry Could Finally Step Out Of Johnny’s Shadow
Cyberpunk 2077's Kerry Eurodyne is connected to Johnny Silverhand as his former bandmate, which means he gets pulled into the main quest automatically. He is flashier than River and offers more screen time, but his storyline ends just when it starts getting interesting. Players who romance Kerry get a final mission that feels like a big moment, but there is no real closure, reflection, or hint of what he wants next. Just like River (and the other romances in general), he has received some morsels of romantic updates, but could use more.
This is where Virtuos can step in. If new gigs are being added, Kerry could be featured in an arc that explores his fame, his complicated relationship with Johnny Silverhand’s legacy, or even a full-blown music-centered plotline. For example, helping him plan a world tour or navigate the politics of celebrity life in Night City could be both refreshing and tonally fitting.
In the Star ending, Kerry refuses to leave Night City with V, even if romanced. This makes him one of the few companions who actively chooses to stay behind, highlighting his deep ties to the city and his unresolved story arc.
With the tech and narrative tools already in place, Virtuos could create a new series of character missions that continue Kerry’s personal growth. These wouldn’t need to tie into V’s ending directly, and could instead stand alone as post-game content that lets players revisit beloved companions while deepening the emotional texture of the world.
Virtuos Could Push Cyberpunk 2077 Even Further
The news that CD Projekt Red partnered with Virtuos to continue development was unexpected. After Phantom Liberty, the studio made it sound like the journey was over, but update 2.4 is proof that there is still more story to tell.
Virtuos has worked on several AAA titles before and has a reputation for expanding existing content with care.
Adding more quests, vehicles, or polish is nice, but Cyberpunk 2077 now has a chance to correct one of its long-standing weaknesses. Giving underused characters like River and Kerry meaningful content will do more for the game’s legacy than another sleek car or another weapon mod. Plus, bringing them back would not only add value but help fulfill a promise the game made back in 2020: that the people of Cyberpunk 2077's Night City matter, even when the credits roll.
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WHERE TO PLAY
Phantom Liberty is a new spy-thriller adventure for Cyberpunk 2077. When the orbital shuttle of the President of the New United States of America is shot down over the deadliest district of Night City, there’s only one person who can save her — you. Become V, a cyberpunk for hire, and dive deep into a tangled web of espionage and political intrigue, unraveling a story that connects the highest echelons of power with the brutal world of black-market mercenaries.
