Cyberpunk 2077: Side Quests Before Or After Ripperdoc?

Welcome to Night City, choom! If you're new to the neon-drenched streets and chrome-plated chaos of Cyberpunk 2077, you've likely got a ton of questions swirling in your head. One of the most common, and frankly, one of the most important for new players, revolves around Cyberpunk 2077 side quests timing. Should you dive headfirst into the myriad of side activities Night City offers, or should you push through the main story until after a specific, pivotal mission known as "The Ripperdoc"? This isn't just a minor detail, guys; your decision here can significantly impact your early game experience, affecting everything from your character's power level to your overall enjoyment and sense of progression. We're going to break down the arguments for each approach, offering you a clear guide so you can make the most informed decision for your personal journey through the dystopian masterpiece that is Cyberpunk 2077. Get ready to optimize your V's rise to legend, whether you prefer a slow burn or a quick sprint into the heart of the action.

Understanding "The Ripperdoc": A Pivotal Moment in Night City

To properly address the question of Cyberpunk 2077 side quests before or after Ripperdoc, it's crucial to first understand what "The Ripperdoc" mission represents in Cyberpunk 2077. This particular quest is often one of the very first main storyline objectives players encounter after the initial prologue sequences that establish V's background and connection with Jackie Welles. It's not just another mission; it's a foundational experience where V receives their first significant cyberware upgrades from the iconic Viktor Vector, including critical Kiroshi Optics and a Subdermal Armor mod. This initial visit to Viktor isn't merely a narrative beat; it’s a moment that fundamentally opens up the open world of Night City in a tangible gameplay sense. Before this mission, your access to certain areas might feel somewhat limited, and more importantly, the game's full suite of mechanics, particularly those related to combat effectiveness and character progression through advanced cybernetics, aren't fully realized. Completing "The Ripperdoc" marks the point where the player gains significantly more freedom to explore every nook and cranny, take on a wider variety of contracts (known as gigs), and truly engage with the myriad of side stories in Cyberpunk 2077 with a more capable V. This mission solidifies V's identity as a bona fide mercenary in Night City, setting the stage for their future adventures and deeply embedding core gameplay loops centered around chrome and street cred. It’s far more than just getting new eyes or a bit of armor; it's about gaining agency, enhancing your combat prowess, and stepping into the role of a player character truly ready for the myriad challenges of Cyberpunk 2077. Think of it as your official, no-holds-barred welcome to the exhilarating chaos and stunning beauty of Night City, guys, where every street corner holds a story and every piece of chrome matters more than you can imagine. This quest serves as a critical rite of passage, a turning point that propels you from the relatively structured tutorial phase into the vibrant, sprawling, and incredibly dangerous open world we all know and love, making the decision about Cyberpunk 2077 side quests before or after Ripperdoc incredibly pertinent for every new player stepping into V's shoes.

The Case for Side Quests Before "The Ripperdoc": Early Immersion and Grind

Alright, chooms, let's dive into the fascinating idea of tackling Cyberpunk 2077 side quests before "The Ripperdoc". While it might seem counter-intuitive to some, a segment of players, particularly those who relish the deep exploration and grind prevalent in many open-world RPGs, might be strongly tempted to immediately immerse themselves in the vast array of side activities Night City offers right from the moment they gain control of V. The undeniable primary benefit of this approach is early immersion. By actively engaging in smaller gigs, clearing out NCPD scanner hustles, participating in street brawls, and generally taking on any available minor contract, you can truly get a feel for Night City and its various, distinct districts without the immediate pressure and urgency of the main storyline. This methodical approach allows you to systematically earn some Eddies (the in-game currency), accumulate valuable Street Cred, and gain essential XP, all of which are absolutely crucial for early character progression. Picture this: you can gradually buy better starting gear, unlock new perks that define your playstyle, and generally become more powerful even before the main narrative truly kicks into high gear. For players who genuinely enjoy a slow, deliberate burn, or for those who wish to over-level themselves for initial challenges that the game might throw their way, this strategy can prove to be incredibly rewarding. You might serendipitously discover some truly fascinating mini-stories or encounter unique characters and hidden gems that you might otherwise miss or only encounter much later in your playthrough. However, it's vital to acknowledge the downsides to this strategy. Your cyberware options are severely limited at this nascent stage, meaning combat encounters might feel noticeably clunkier, more difficult, or less dynamic without those initial, foundational Ripperdoc upgrades. You'll also be consciously missing out on some key gameplay mechanics and quality-of-life improvements that are explicitly designed to unlock post-Ripperdoc. Furthermore, it's worth noting that a significant portion of more substantial side quests might be locked behind further main story progression, potentially leading to moments of frustration when you encounter content you can't access. Ultimately, it’s a strategic choice, guys, that prioritizes comprehensive exploration and thorough resource gathering over immediate narrative advancement, often appealing strongly to dedicated completionists who wish to squeeze every last drop of content and experience out of the early game before fully committing to the intricate, high-stakes main plot of Cyberpunk 2077. You are essentially committing to building a stronger, more robust foundation for V, piece by painstaking piece, before the real challenges and the intricate web of Night City's most dangerous power players fully reveal themselves in all their brutal glory.

The Case for Side Quests After "The Ripperdoc": Unleashing V's Full Potential

Now, let's pivot and thoroughly explore the compelling argument for doing Cyberpunk 2077 side quests after "The Ripperdoc". For a vast majority of players, and indeed, for a more streamlined and empowering overall experience, this is often the recommended approach by seasoned Night City veterans. The primary reason is clear: completing