However, because of how Cyberpunk’s narrative plays out, there is a clear winner in the best Lifepath race. The other two Lifepaths have value depending on what you want out of the game’s introduction, but the optimal option makes key moments in the story both more interesting and easier to get through.
The Best Lifepath in Cyberpunk 2077
Want the most interesting opening story, most impactful dialogue choices, and best early fashion options in Cyberpunk 2077? Take the Corpo Lifepath. Cyberpunk 2077 is a world controlled by corporations, and the core narrative deals with them more than any other faction.
You’ll see value from being a Corpo as early as the second mission where you meet Meredith Stout. Rather than guess which dialogue option will get you safely out of her clutches, choose to speak in a language she understands: corporate.
The pattern continues throughout the campaign’s 20 or so hour runtime, with Corpo offering either a sidestep of an otherwise difficult choice or showing off how much of a badass V can be with words.
There’s also the narrative aspect to consider. Of the three Lifepaths, Corpo’s story is both the longest and most interesting.
Both Nomad and Street Kid lack a certain emotional resonance and rush through V’s burgeoning relationship with Jackie. As a Corpo, you’ll feel for V as a person in a bad position, see the darkest sides of Arasaka, and be better prepared for some of the core story beats later in the game.
It all looks super swanky, too, so that’s a nice bonus.
The Best Lifepath to Get into the Game Quick
Corpo might be the best overall Lifepath, but if you want to speed past the introduction and get straight into the open world, Street Kid is the way to go. None of the Lifepath stories are particularly long, clocking in at no more than 30 minutes or so, but Street Kid won’t take you more than 15 minutes.
If you’re in the market for a new playthrough without the advantages of being a Corpo, or you want to get to the good stuff fast, be a Street Kid.
The Best Lifepath to See Scale of Cyberpunk 2077
Being a Nomad allows you to see just how expansive and oppressive Night City can be. You’ll start in the desert and work your way deep into the dark heart of Cyberpunk 2077 before the end of the introduction. Nomad is the way to go.
There are narrative benefits, as well. If you want to romance Panam, as we outline in our Romance Guide, starting as a Nomad can only benefit you. You’ll have a lot in common with Panam with this Lifepath, and you’ll already have some familiarity with the landscape. Want to inject a little roleplaying back into Cyberpunk? Be a Nomad and find your home amongst the sand.
That’s everything you need to know about the best Cyberpunk 2077 Lifepath depending on what you want out of the game. For more on CD Projekt’s latest, consider heading over to the RPG’s main game hub here.
