Rebecca | TF/Transformation

1. #1

   Keys: Choom, Preem, Gonk, Nova, Delta, Eddies, Biz, Fixer, Gig, Iron, Chrome, Flatline, Corpo, Street cred, Zero, Scratch, Choombatta

   Choom — It means friend, buddy, or pal. It is used to address someone familiar or trusted. Example: “C'mon, choom. We're gonna be late.” Preem — It means excellent, awesome, or really good. Example: “That food's preem. Where'd you find this place?” Gonk — It means an idiot, fool, or stupid person. Example: “Don't be a gonk. You know that's a bad idea.” Nova — It means great, impressive, or exciting. Example: “Nova! Didn't think you'd pull that off.” Delta — It means to leave, get out, or make an escape. Example: “We got what we came for. Let's delta.” Eddies — It means Eurodollars, the main currency used in Night City. Example: “You got enough eddies for dinner?” Biz — It means business, a job, or a situation someone is involved in. Example: “What's the biz? Why'd that fixer call you?” Fixer — It means someone who arranges jobs, connects clients with mercenaries, and organizes underworld deals. Example: “My fixer says the gig pays double.” Gig — It means a job or contract, often involving mercenary work. Example: “I've got a gig outside the city. You in?” Iron — It means a gun or firearm. Example: “Keep your iron holstered unless things go south.” Chrome — It means cybernetic implants and enhancements installed in the body. Example: “How much chrome have you got installed?” Flatline — It means to die or kill someone. It can also describe a system shutting down. Example: “That merc nearly flatlined during the job.” Corpo — It means a corporate employee, executive, or someone associated with a corporation. Example: “Watch yourself. That corpo isn't here to make friends.” Street cred — It means reputation and respect earned through one's actions and connections on the streets. Example: “You need more street cred before a fixer trusts you.” Zero — It means to kill or eliminate a target. Example: “The client wants the target zeroed.” Scratch — It means money. Example: “I need more scratch before I can afford those repairs.” Choombatta — It means a buddy or close companion. It is a friendly, streetwise term for someone familiar. Example: “Good to see you again, choombatta.”

2. #2

   Keys: Gonk-brain, Corpo scum, Dirtbag, Punk, Pissant, Gonk move, Shitshow, Wipeout, Chick, Screwball

   Gonk-brain — It means someone who is being especially stupid or making foolish decisions. Example: “Use your gonk-brain for once and think!” Corpo scum — It means a derogatory way to describe someone associated with corporations, especially someone considered corrupt or exploitative. Example: “Get that corpo scum outta here.” Dirtbag — It means a dishonest, unpleasant, or untrustworthy person. Example: “That dirtbag skipped town with our eddies.” Punk — It means a disrespectful, troublesome, or inexperienced person, depending on context. Example: “Listen here, punk. You're on the wrong turf.” Pissant — It means an insignificant or contemptible person. It is a dismissive insult. Example: “Some pissant thinks he can threaten me?” Gonk move — It means a foolish decision or an action that makes someone look stupid. Example: “Walking into an ambush alone? That's a gonk move.” Shitshow — It means a chaotic, disastrous, or badly managed situation. Example: “This whole gig's turned into a shitshow.” Wipeout — It means a crash, a major failure, or a disastrous outcome. Example: “That chase was a complete wipeout.” Chick — It means an informal way to refer to a woman. Depending on the speaker and context, it can sound casual or disrespectful. Example: “That chick at the bar knows the fixer.” Screwball — It means an oddball or someone behaving foolishly. Example: “You're a real screwball, you know that?”

3. #3

   Keys: Merc, Target, Hostile, Extraction, Backup, Cover, Clean getaway, Heat, Wanted, Burner, Going loud, Ghost, Go dark, Asset, Zeroed

   Merc — It means a mercenary, someone who accepts paid jobs that may involve combat, security, or other dangerous work. Example: “The fixer hired a couple of mercs for protection.” Target — It means the person or object a mission is focused on. Example: “Target's inside the warehouse.” Hostile — It means an enemy or someone presenting a threat. Example: “Three hostiles on the upper floor.” Extraction — It means getting someone out of a dangerous location. Example: “Get the client to the extraction point.” Backup — It means additional support sent to help someone. Example: “I'm pinned down. Send backup!” Cover — It means protection from danger, especially a position that shields someone from enemy fire. Example: “Get behind cover, choom!” Clean getaway — It means escaping without being caught or tracked. Example: “We need a clean getaway before the NCPD arrives.” Heat — It means unwanted attention from law enforcement, gangs, or other dangerous people. Example: “You've brought too much heat to this neighborhood.” Wanted — It means being sought by law enforcement. Example: “You're wanted, and you're walking around like nothing happened?” Burner — It means a disposable or temporary communication device. Example: “Call me on the burner if things go sideways.” Going loud — It means abandoning stealth and making a noisy, conspicuous entrance or attack. Example: “So much for the quiet approach. We're going loud.” Ghost — It means disappearing or leaving without explanation. In some contexts, it can also refer to stealth. Example: “He ghosted the crew after the payout.” Go dark — It means stopping communications or making oneself difficult to track. Example: “Go dark until I give you the signal.” Asset — It means a valuable person, resource, or piece of equipment involved in an operation. Example: “The client wants their asset recovered.” Zeroed — It means killed or eliminated. Example: “The fixer says the target's been zeroed.”

4. #4

   Keys: Cyberware, Ripperdoc, Kiroshis, BD, BD wreath, Netrunner, ICE, Black ICE, Quickhack, Jack in, Glitching, Chrome up, Cyberpsycho

   Cyberware — It means mechanical or electronic implants that enhance or alter the human body. Example: “That cyberware isn't cheap, choom.” Ripperdoc — It means a specialist who installs, removes, and repairs cyberware. Example: “My optics are glitching. I need a ripperdoc.” Kiroshis — It means Kiroshi-brand optical cyberware that enhances vision and can provide useful visual information. Example: “My Kiroshis picked up movement across the street.” BD — It means braindance, a recording that lets someone experience sensory information captured from another person's perspective. Example: “You wanna watch a BD tonight?” BD wreath — It means a device worn on the head to experience a braindance. Example: “Hand me the wreath. Let's see what's on this recording.” Netrunner — It means a specialist who accesses computer networks and operates in cyberspace. Example: “We need a netrunner to crack that security system.” ICE — It means Intrusion Countermeasures Electronics, digital defenses that protect computer systems from unauthorized access. Example: “That network's got some serious ICE.” Black ICE — It means especially dangerous digital countermeasures that can seriously threaten a netrunner. Example: “Don't jack in until we know what kind of Black ICE we're dealing with.” Quickhack — It means a digital attack or manipulation performed through compatible cyberware and systems. Example: “She used a quickhack to disable the camera.” Jack in — It means connecting to a computer system or network through a suitable interface. Example: “I'll jack in and check the security feed.” Glitching — It means malfunctioning or behaving erratically. Example: “My optics are glitching again. Damn cheap repairs.” Chrome up — It means getting cyberware installed or adding more cybernetic enhancements. Example: “He's planning to chrome up before the next gig.” Cyberpsycho — It means someone experiencing cyberpsychosis, a serious condition associated with cyberware and other contributing factors. It is also used as a street label for someone behaving dangerously or erratically. Example: “Don't call every chromed-up gonk a cyberpsycho.”

5. #5

   Keys: The clan, The family, The road, Badlands, Convoy, Rig, Road dust, Ride or die, Keep rolling, Home

   The clan — It means a Nomad's extended family and community, often built around loyalty, shared responsibilities, and survival. Example: “The clan taught me not to leave my people behind.” The family — It means the people someone considers their closest community or trusted companions. Example: “You don't abandon family when things get rough.” The road — It means the Nomad way of life, including traveling, living outside the city, and valuing independence. Example: “The road's rough, but at least it's honest.” Badlands — It means the arid territory surrounding Night City, where Nomads travel and establish camps. Example: “Let's get out to the Badlands. I need some quiet.” Convoy — It means a group of vehicles traveling together. Example: “The convoy's leaving at dawn. Be ready.” Rig — It means a vehicle or specialized equipment setup. Example: “Get your rig checked before we head out.” Road dust — It means the dust accumulated from traveling. It can also be used casually to evoke a Nomad's life on the road. Example: “I've still got road dust in my jacket.” Ride or die — It means a deeply loyal companion who stands by someone through difficult situations. Example: “If we're doing this, we're doing it together. Ride or die.” Keep rolling — It means continuing to travel or moving forward despite difficulties. Example: “Pack your things. We keep rolling at sunrise.” Home — It means a place of belonging. For some Nomads, home is more about their people and community than a permanent building. Example: “Doesn't matter where we park. If my people are there, that's home.”

6. #6

   Keys: Cute, Pretty thing, Handsome, Hot stuff, Smooth, Rizz, Got a thing for you, Making moves, Heartbreaker, My type, Sweet on someone, Catch feelings

   Cute — It means attractive or endearing, often in a sweet or playful way. Example: “You're cute when you get all flustered, you know that?” Pretty thing — It means an affectionate, teasing way to address someone attractive. Example: “C'mon, pretty thing. Dinner's getting cold.” Handsome — It means attractive, often used as a compliment toward someone's appearance. Example: “Looking handsome tonight, choom.” Hot stuff — It means someone attractive, impressive, or confident. Example: “Look at you, hot stuff. Trying to impress me?” Smooth — It means charming or skilled at talking, especially when flirting. Example: “Oh, that was smooth. Practice that line in the mirror?” Rizz — It means charisma or the ability to attract someone through charm. It is modern slang rather than a uniquely Cyberpunk term. Example: “Didn't know you had that kind of rizz.” Got a thing for you — It means having romantic interest in someone. Example: “Maybe I've got a thing for you. Ever think of that?” Making moves — It means trying to show romantic interest or take a step toward a relationship. Example: “Are you making moves on me, or am I imagining things?” Heartbreaker — It means someone who attracts romantic attention or leaves people disappointed in love. Example: “Careful, heartbreaker. You're gonna have people lining up.” My type — It means someone who matches a person's romantic preferences. Example: “You're pretty much my type, choom.” Sweet on someone — It means having a crush on someone or feeling affection toward them. Example: “You been sweet on them for long?” Catch feelings — It means developing romantic feelings, often unexpectedly. Example: “Careful. Keep hanging out with me and you might catch feelings.”

7. #7

   Keys: What’s the sitch?, Things went south, No sweat, Don’t get cocky, Keep your head down, Something’s off, That’s a bad deal, We’re in deep shit, Don’t push your luck, You owe me, What’s your angle?, Let’s call it, Could be worse, Not my first rodeo, You good?

   “What's the sitch?” — It means “What's the situation?” or “What's going on?” Example: “All right, what's the sitch? Why's everyone running?” “Things went south.” — It means something went wrong or a situation became dangerous. Example: “The deal went south. We need to leave.” “No sweat.” — It means “No problem” or “Don't worry about it.” Example: “You need a ride? No sweat.” “Don't get cocky.” — It means don't become overconfident after succeeding. Example: “You got lucky. Don't get cocky.” “Keep your head down.” — It means stay cautious, avoid attention, and keep yourself out of trouble. Example: “Keep your head down until the guards pass.” “Something's off.” — It means something seems wrong, suspicious, or unusual. Example: “This place is too quiet. Something's off.” “That's a bad deal.” — It means an agreement or situation is unfair, risky, or unfavorable. Example: “Half the payout for twice the risk? That's a bad deal.” “We're in deep shit.” — It means the situation has become seriously dangerous or difficult. Example: “The client disappeared, and the cops are here. We're in deep shit.” “Don't push your luck.” — It means stop before your actions cause trouble. Example: “I let you steal my fries. Don't push your luck.” “You owe me.” — It means someone owes a favor, money, or repayment for help. Example: “I got you out of that mess. You owe me dinner.” “What's your angle?” — It means “What are you really trying to do?” or “What's your hidden motive?” Example: “You're being real friendly today. What's your angle?” “Let's call it.” — It means to stop an activity or finish for the time being. Example: “It's late. Let's call it and head home.” “Could be worse.” — It means a situation isn't ideal but could be more disastrous. Example: “The van's making a weird noise.” “Could be worse. It still runs.” “Not my first rodeo.” — It means the person has experience with a particular situation. Example: “Relax. Not my first rodeo.” “You good?” — It means “Are you okay?” or “Is everything all right?” Example: “You've been quiet all night. You good?”

8. #8

   Keys: Watson

   Watson is a former center of investment and commerce whose fortunes collapsed. Corporate infrastructure still exists, but much of the district now consists of overcrowded residential streets, markets, and deteriorating industrial properties. Maelstrom and the Tyger Claws are important local powers.

9. #9

   Keys: Little China

   Little China

   Little China is Watson’s busy, densely built urban neighborhood, combining large residential buildings with shops, clinics, restaurants, and nightlife. It contains many of V’s most familiar early-game locations.

   Principal locations include:

   Megabuilding H10: The enormous residential complex containing V’s original apartment and local businesses.

   Afterlife: One of Night City’s central mercenary meeting places.

   Misty’s Esoterica and Viktor’s Clinic: The neighboring spiritual shop and ripperdoc practice.

   Tom’s Diner: A small diner used as a meeting place.

   Riot: A nightclub.

   Night City Medical Center: A major medical landmark in the neighborhood

10. #10

    Keys: Kabuki

    Kabuki is a crowded market neighborhood characterized by tightly packed businesses, inexpensive services, and a maze of streets and commercial spaces. It is one of Watson’s clearest examples of everyday life continuing amid economic decline.

    Principal locations include:

    Kabuki Roundabout: A central market and commercial hub.

    Lizzie’s Bar: A prominent bar and braindance venue.

    Judy’s apartment: A recurring personal location.

    Ho-Oh: A club associated with the neighborhood’s criminal activity.

    No-Tell Motel: A discreet meeting location.

    Kabuki’s implant shops and clinics: Including Instant Implants, Dr. Chrome, and other medical businesses.

11. #11

    Keys: Northside, Northside Industrial District

    Northside

    Also called the Northside Industrial District, this is Watson’s landscape of factories, warehouses, cargo infrastructure, and worn-down housing. Its industrial setting and Maelstrom presence distinguish it from the more commercial streets farther south.

    Principal locations include:

    All Foods Factory: A major industrial and gang-related location.

    Totentanz: A nightclub strongly associated with Maelstrom.

    Northside Docks and Ebunike Docks: Shipping and waterfront industrial areas.

    DV Ebunike: A docked vessel.

    Megabuildings H11 and H12: Large residential landmarks.

    Northside apartment: One of V’s additional housing options

12. #12

    Keys: Arasaka Waterfront

    Arasaka Waterfront

    The Arasaka Waterfront is the corporate-controlled portion of Watson. Its restricted shipping facilities and secured properties contrast sharply with the surrounding district’s poverty.

    Its principal landmark is Konpeki Plaza, the luxury hotel containing Yorinobu Arasaka’s penthouse. The surrounding waterfront is tied to Arasaka’s logistics and corporate operations.

13. #13

    Keys: Westbrook

    Westbrook Westbrook is Night City’s major district of spending, entertainment, and affluent living. Its three subdistricts represent different levels of prosperity: Japantown’s commercial nightlife, Charter Hill’s comfortable urban housing, and North Oak’s exclusive estates. The Tyger Claws have extensive influence here.

    Japantown

    Japantown is a dense entertainment and shopping neighborhood shaped by Japanese cultural and corporate influence. Markets, clubs, residential towers, and adult entertainment exist close together.

    Principal locations include:

    Jig-Jig Street: A major adult-entertainment strip.

    Cherry Blossom Market: A shopping and street-food destination.

    Megabuilding H8: The tower containing Clouds.

    Clouds: A high-end doll establishment.

    Dark Matter: A prominent nightclub.

    Fingers M.D.: A backstreet medical practice.

    Japantown apartment: One of V’s additional residences.

    Fourth Wall Studios and local broadcast buildings: Part of the neighborhood’s entertainment and media presence

14. #14

    Keys: Charter Hill

    Charter Hill

    Charter Hill offers comparatively comfortable housing and services for people with money, without reaching North Oak’s level of exclusivity. Corporate campuses, apartment towers, and commercial developments give it a polished urban appearance.

    Principal locations include:

    Lele Park: A neighborhood park.

    Kiroshi Campus and Dynalar Complex: Corporate facilities.

    Gold Niwaki Plaza: A commercial landmark.

    The Peralezes’ apartment: An important residential interior.

    Red Queen’s Race: A club.

    Kraviz’s Clinic: A local ripperdoc practice

15. #15

    Keys: Arasaka

    Arasaka Corporation Corporate power · Security · Intelligence Arasaka is one of the most powerful megacorporations in the world, with major interests in security, military services, intelligence, and advanced technology. Its presence in Night City is symbolized by Arasaka Tower in Corporate Plaza. The corporation's power is not limited to its headquarters. It has extensive resources, corporate relationships, and the ability to influence events far beyond its own property. Its return to North America after the Unification War marked a major change in Night City's political balance.

16. #16selective

    Keys: Militech · Secondary: Corpo

    Militech Military industry · Government connections Militech is Arasaka's principal corporate rival. It has deep connections with the New United States of America and operates in military technology, security, and defense contracting. Its relationship with Night City is complicated by the city's independent status and the historic rivalry between the two corporations. Militech has substantial influence, but it does not simply govern Night City.

17. #17

    Keys: Maelstrom

    Maelstrom Watson · Cyberware obsession Maelstrom is infamous for extensive bodily modification, intimidating appearances, and an extreme subculture surrounding cyberware. Its members often blur the line between human identity and mechanical alteration. The gang's influence is particularly visible in Watson's industrial environments. Totentanz, its notorious club, embodies its violent and chaotic social atmosphere. Appearance: One of the easiest gangs to identify. Members often have pale or heavily modified faces, glowing cybernetic eyes, exposed metal components, mechanical jaws, and extensive facial implants. Their clothing commonly combines black leather, dark streetwear, metal hardware, and punk-inspired accessories. Overall aesthetic: Industrial cyberpunk, body horror, and extreme chrome. Their appearance emphasizes how far a person can modify their body with technolog

18. #18

    Keys: Tyger Claws

    Tyger Claws Westbrook · Watson · Nightlife The Tyger Claws have a strong presence in the entertainment industry, nightlife, and criminal businesses. Their influence is especially prominent in Japantown and portions of Watson. Their territory includes venues that appear glamorous on the surface but are connected to the city's harsher underground economy. Their relationship with local businesses can range from commercial involvement to intimidation and exploitation Appearance: Bright neon accents, patterned jackets, sleeveless tops, fitted streetwear, tattoos, and cybernetic details. Some members wear clothing inspired by Japanese biker culture, traditional motifs, or flashy nightlife fashion. Overall aesthetic: Neon-lit street style, flashy colors, tattoos, and an intimidating nightlife presence. Their looks can range from stylish clubwear to rough gang attire. 

19. #19

    Keys: Aldecaldos

    Aldecaldos Family · Community · Transport · Salvage The Aldecaldos are one of the oldest and best-known Nomad nations. Their origins trace back to Juan Aldecaldo, who organized a neighborhood protection movement in Los Angeles during the 1990s after gang violence devastated his community. The group eventually left the city and adopted life on the road. They place considerable importance on family loyalty, collective survival, and preserving their community. Their work includes transportation, agricultural labor, salvage, reconstruction, and other contracts. Near Night City: A branch of the Aldecaldos operates in the Badlands outside the city. Saul Bright leads the group during the main story, while Panam Palmer is one of its most recognizable members. Their disagreements often concern how to preserve the clan's independence while ensuring its survival. The Aldecaldos are not entirely peaceful or detached from criminal activity, but their identity is rooted in maintaining a community rather than exploiting other travelers

20. #20

    Keys: Valentinos

    Valentinos Heywood · Community and loyalty The Valentinos are closely associated with Heywood and place considerable emphasis on loyalty, reputation, personal relationships, and cultural identity. Although the gang has a strong community presence, it is still a criminal organization. Its sense of belonging does not eliminate its involvement in violence and illegal busines Appearance: Gold jewelry, chains, religious imagery, decorative tattoos, patterned clothing, bright jackets, and carefully styled hair. Some members feature gold-toned cyberware or accessories that make their appearance especially ornate. Overall aesthetic: Flashy, expressive, and rooted in Latino cultural influences, religious symbolism, and neighborhood identity. Individual members vary considerably.

21. #21

    Keys: Animals

    The Animals Physical strength · Underground fighting The Animals place enormous importance on physical strength and bodily enhancement. Their subculture emphasizes intense training and combat-oriented body modification. They are frequently associated with underground fighting and security work. Their identity differs from Maelstrom's: where Maelstrom is known for extensive visible cyberware, the Animals place particular emphasis on muscular physicality.

22. #22

    Keys: 6th Street

    6th Street Santo Domingo · Paramilitary culture 6th Street originated among former soldiers and others who believed they could impose order where the authorities had failed. Its members emphasize patriotism, discipline, and neighborhood protection. Over time, the gang became involved in robbery, extortion, weapons trafficking, and other criminal enterprises. Its rhetoric about protecting the community often conflicts with its behavior. Appearance: Military-style jackets, camouflage patterns, cargo pants, tactical-looking vests, baseball caps, and practical boots. Their outfits often resemble a mixture of civilian clothing and surplus military gear. Overall aesthetic: A neighborhood militia turned street gang. Their visual identity emphasizes patriotism, military culture, and a self-appointed law-enforcement imag

23. #23

    Keys: Moxes

    The Moxes Kabuki · Protection and solidarity The Moxes formed around the desire to protect sex workers and others who faced exploitation and abuse. Their identity centers on solidarity and resistance to predatory power structures. Lizzie's Bar is their best-known establishment. Compared with many larger gangs, the Moxes are more tightly associated with a particular community and its safety. Appearance: Pink, blue, or brightly colored hair; bold makeup; mesh clothing; leather jackets; colorful accessories; tattoos; and punk-inspired outfits. Members often favor distinctive personal styles rather than a uniform appearance. Overall aesthetic: Rebellious, colorful, and nightlife-oriented. The Mox formed to protect sex workers and others vulnerable to abuse, so their look is associated with independence and defian

24. #24

    Keys: Scavengers

    Scavengers Dispersed criminal networks Scavengers are associated with kidnapping, exploitation, and stealing cyberware from victims. They operate in scattered groups rather than controlling one stable, clearly defined district. They represent one of the most predatory sides of Night City's underground, where vulnerable people can be treated as sources of profit rather than as human beings.

25. #25

    Keys: Snake nation

    Snake Nation Independence · Autonomy · Political representation Snake Nation is described as the largest of the Nomad nations. Unlike a centralized government, it functions as a loose confederation of independent groups that want to cooperate without surrendering their autonomy. Its members do not all share one profession or lifestyle. Some work in transportation, while others take on infrastructure projects, industrial work, or other contracts. Their shared identity is based more on independence and mutual recognition than on a single uniform culture. Snake Nation also provides a political voice for Nomads who do not want to be absorbed into more tightly organized nations. That makes it particularly important in the broader Nomad political landscape. Relationship with Night City: Snake Nation is not a gang that controls a specific Night City neighborhood. Its influence comes from its wide network of independent groups and its role in Nomad affairs. The Bakkers are one of the groups associated with it in the 2077-era stor

26. #26

    Keys: NCPD, Night City Poice Department

    The NCPD is the city’s principal domestic law-enforcement agency. Its responsibilities include patrolling streets, responding to crimes, investigating offenses, arresting suspects, and maintaining public order. Unlike private security, it has a citywide policing mandate—although its ability to exercise that mandate is uneven.

    Patrol officers

    Patrol is the department’s largest division and the part most residents encounter. Its officers distribute the police presence across assigned sectors and respond to the city’s continual violence and disorder.

    In practice, the department is badly overstretched. Staffing cuts, reduced patrols, revenue-focused ticketing, corruption, and low morale undermine its work. That does not mean every officer is corrupt: rather, individual officers operate inside an institution where neglect, brutality, and compromised investigations are persistent problems.

    Detectives and investigations

    The NCPD also conducts criminal investigations rather than functioning solely as an armed street presence. However, solving a crime and being permitted to pursue its implications are different things in Night City: the department’s corruption and institutional pressures can compromise investigations.

    This distinction helps explain the setting’s police stories. An officer may genuinely want to help while lacking the personnel, protection, or departmental support needed to finish the job.

    Tactical police

    The NCPD’s tactical structure includes capabilities beyond ordinary patrol, with MaxTac occupying the particularly extreme end of that structure. It is therefore useful to distinguish regular officers, tactical response, and specialized anti-cyberpsycho operations rather than calling every heavily armored policeman “MaxTac

27. #27

    Keys: MaxTac

    MaxTac — Maximum Force Tactical Division MaxTac is a specialized part of the NCPD’s tactical operations structure. It is also described as C-SWAT and associated with names such as the Psycho Squad and Cyborg Suppression Unit. Its defining task is confronting dangerous cyberpsychos, although it also responds to violent offenders too powerful for ordinary police. Why MaxTac is necessary

    A heavily augmented attacker may combine extreme speed, enhanced strength, sophisticated weapons, and combat cyberware. MaxTac exists for situations in which conventional police cannot safely contain or defeat the threat. Its personnel receive exceptional weapons, cyberware, and access to advanced equipment.

    Their reputation is correspondingly severe. MaxTac usually resolves these encounters through lethal force; capture and rehabilitation are unusual rather than the normal outcome. It is a threat-suppression unit, not a psychiatric ambulance service.

    Personnel and recruitment

    MaxTac’s relationship with cyberpsychosis is deliberately disturbing: some personnel have themselves survived cyberpsychotic episodes and subsequently been recruited. Melissa Rory, a lieutenant encountered in the game, is a documented example. This does not mean every MaxTac officer has the same background.

    The organization also enjoys considerable operational freedom, and other police divisions tend to keep their distance. Its funding and formidable reputation contrast with the deterioration of much of the ordinary NCPD.

    MaxTac in gameplay

    In the game’s revised police system, reaching the maximum five-star wanted level can trigger MaxTac deployment. This represents the point at which V has become a threat requiring the department’s most extreme response. The wanted-star system is a gameplay abstraction, not a literal ranking system used by citizens in the fiction.

    MaxTac combat squads use specialized operators, including close-range fighters equipped with mantis blades. Their coordinated arrival is meant to feel fundamentally different from another wave of patrol officer

28. #28

    Keys: Netwatch

    NetWatch — policing cyberspace NetWatch is an international Net-policing organization, not a local NCPD branch. Its work includes pursuing dangerous netrunners, neutralizing malicious software, securing networked systems, and confronting rogue artificial intelligences.

    The Blackwall

    One of NetWatch’s central responsibilities in 2077 is protecting the Blackwall and preventing unauthorized crossings. The Blackwall separates usable networks from the dangerous AI-haunted remnants of the old Net; NetWatch treats attempts to breach it as a serious security threat.

    Its own recruitment material lists duties such as:

    Patrolling public-access areas of the Net.

    Tracking illegal netrunner activity.

    Hunting rogue AIs.

    Exploring and neutralizing threats in the Deep Net.

    Preventing people and AIs from crossing the Blackwall.

    Expanding secure network space.

    Its role in Night City

    NetWatch becomes especially relevant in Pacifica because of the Voodoo Boys’ activities involving the Blackwall. Agent Bryce Mosley is one of the organization’s representatives encountered during that conflict.

    The functional difference is straightforward: the NCPD handles a shooting on the street; NetWatch becomes involved when the underlying threat is a dangerous network intrusion, rogue netrunner, or AI-related breach. Their responsibilities can intersect, but they are not the same agency.

29. #29

    Keys: Corporate security

    Corporate security — private protection backed by military power Corporate security is a major part of Night City’s security landscape, but it should not be confused with impartial public policing. Its obligations are to employers, clients, personnel, property, and corporate information.

    Arasaka security

    Arasaka’s security division supplies guards, protective services, and armed response. Its facilities can combine:

    Armed guards and patrols.

    Access controls and surveillance.

    Security netrunners monitoring for intrusion.

    On-call response teams.

    Heavily protected sensitive areas.

    Defensive systems capable of confronting serious attacks.

    A corporate compound can consequently be much better defended than the streets around it. However, that protection exists because the corporation considers the site valuable—not because it has assumed a general obligation to protect everyone nearby.

    Militech and other armed corporations

    Militech and Arasaka are major paramilitary corporate powers. Their armed personnel and security operations belong to the wider corporate-military system rather than constituting additional branches of the NCPD. Corporate rivalry can itself generate violence, sabotage, and security incidents.

    Night City’s political independence also matters here: it is an autonomous city-state rather than an ordinary NUSA municipality, and Arasaka’s military backing is important to its security position. NUSA forces should therefore not be treated as Night City’s normal municipal police.

30. #30

    Keys: Barghest

    BARGHEST — Dogtown’s militia and local enforcers In Phantom Liberty, Dogtown operates under a different practical authority. Kurt Hansen’s BARGHEST militia controls entry points and maintains local order; ordinary NCPD policing does not extend inside in the usual way.

    What BARGHEST enforces

    BARGHEST is both an armed organization and the enforcement mechanism of Hansen’s regime. Its priorities are maintaining control, protecting its interests, and preventing disorder from threatening that control—not providing neutral, accountable public service.

    Its roots lie in Hansen’s former military unit, but its membership expanded beyond those original soldiers. It is therefore more accurate to call it a militarized ruling organization than simply another street gang.

    The Prevention Unit

    BARGHEST has a law-enforcement element called the Prevention Unit, identifiable by red armor. In gameplay, this matters because ordinary BARGHEST soldiers and its police-response personnel do not function identically: the former generally behave as faction enemies, while the latter participate in Dogtown’s wanted-response system.

    The MaxTac exception

    Dogtown’s exclusion of ordinary NCPD officers does not mean MaxTac can never appear there. MaxTac is specifically described as being permitted to operate in Dogtown, making it an important exception to the enclave’s normal separation from city policing.

31. #31Cyberware

    Keys: Cyberware, chrome

    Cyberware and Its History in Cyberpunk

    What is cyberware?

    Cyberware is technology implanted into, attached to, or integrated with a person’s body to replace biological functions or enhance their natural abilities. In the fictional world of Cyberpunk, it allows humans to combine their biological bodies with machines, electronics, and computer systems.

    Cyberware can serve several purposes:

    • Medical: Replaces damaged limbs, repairs bodily functions, or restores abilities lost through injury.
    • Physical enhancement: Improves strength, speed, reflexes, endurance, or mobility.
    • Sensory enhancement: Improves vision, hearing, scanning, or the ability to process information.
    • Digital connectivity: Connects the brain and nervous system to computers, networks, and other devices.
    • Occupational use: Helps workers, emergency responders, security personnel, and other professionals perform their jobs.
    • Personal expression: Changes a person’s appearance or serves as a fashion statement.

    For example, Kiroshi Optics enhance vision, while a cybernetic arm can replace a missing limb or provide greater physical strength. A cyberdeck lets a compatible user perform digital hacking through an interface with nearby systems.

    The history of cyberware

    1. Early development — 1990s and earlier

    Cyberware began with relatively simple medical prosthetics and artificial replacements for damaged body parts. Early artificial limbs were often bulky and limited in function. Medical needs, including injuries sustained during the First Central American War in the fictional timeline, accelerated research into more capable prostheses.

    2. Industrial and military expansion — 2010s

    Cybernetic technology advanced beyond basic medical replacement. Reinforced joints, artificial muscles, and enhanced sensory systems became increasingly useful for industrial work and military operations. Corporations began investing in cyberware to improve the performance of their personnel, helping turn it into a major technological and commercial industry.

    3. The cyberware boom — 2020s and beyond

    Improvements in artificial muscles, synthetic coverings, and compatibility with the human body made cyberware more practical and widespread. It became possible to install increasingly sophisticated implants, including cybernetic limbs, enhanced senses, and integrated technology. Cyberware also became a way to express wealth, status, and personal style.

    4. Corporate warfare and advanced implants — 2040s onward

    Corporate competition continued to drive cyberware research. More advanced implants became available for specialized professionals, security forces, and mercenaries. Cyberware became increasingly sophisticated, but access and maintenance remained tied to money, expertise, and corporate influence.

    5. The 2070s — Cyberware becomes commonplace

    By the era of Cyberpunk 2077, cyberware is a normal part of life in Night City. People use it for medical needs, employment, convenience, appearance, and combat. Ripperdocs and legitimate medical facilities install and maintain implants, while specialized models can be expensive or difficult to obtain.

    How cyberware changed society

    Cyberware transformed more than the human body. It changed the way people work, fight, communicate, and understand themselves.

    • Medicine became more advanced. People could replace or augment damaged body parts instead of relying entirely on biological recovery.
    • Corporations gained more influence. Companies could use enhanced workers and security forces to gain advantages over competitors.
    • The gap between rich and poor widened. Advanced implants and their maintenance could be expensive, leaving some people with fewer options.
    • Personal identity became more complicated. Some people viewed cyberware as a natural extension of themselves, while others worried about losing their humanity.
    • Cyberpsychosis became a major concern. In the setting, extreme augmentation and psychological strain can contribute to a dangerous breakdown in a person’s relationship with themselves and the world. It is a fictional condition, not a direct equivalent of a real-world mental health diagnosis.

    How cyberware is installed and maintained

    In Cyberpunk 2077, people typically visit a medical specialist or a ripperdoc to have cyberware installed, replaced, or serviced. Implants must work with the body’s nervous system and other biological systems, so compatibility and maintenance are important.

    Cyberware also has limits. Installing more implants does not automatically make someone invincible, and advanced modifications can place significant physical and psychological strain on a person.

    In summary: Cyberware began as a means of repairing and replacing damaged body parts. Over decades of technological advancement, military development, and corporate competition, it evolved into a technology that could enhance nearly every aspect of human capability. By 2077, it represents both humanity’s technological progress and the risks of turning the human body into another product in a corporate-controlled society.

32. #32Ripperdoc

    Keys: Ripper, Doc, cyberware surgeon, cybernetic specialist, implant technician, street surgeon, medtech

    Ripperdocs — Cyberpunk

    What are ripperdocs?

    Ripperdocs are medical specialists in the Cyberpunk universe who install, remove, repair, upgrade, and maintain cyberware. They are a combination of surgeons, cybernetic technicians, and implant specialists who work directly with the human body and its mechanical components.

    In Night City, ripperdocs are essential because cyberware requires more than simply attaching a machine to someone’s body. Implants must be installed correctly, connected to the nervous system, configured to work with other systems, and maintained to prevent malfunctions.

    A ripperdoc might install a cybernetic arm, replace someone’s eyes with Kiroshi Optics, fit a mercenary with reinforced bones, or install an operating system that enables quickhacking.

    Their workplaces range from clean, professional clinics to cramped back-alley operating rooms. Some serve ordinary civilians, while others specialize in mercenaries, gangs, corporate clients, or people who need medical work without attracting attention.

    Other names for ripperdocs

    The names below can describe ripperdocs or related medical professionals, but they aren’t all exact synonyms.

    • Ripper — Shortened slang for a ripperdoc; informal street terminology.
    • Doc — A casual way to address a medical professional, including a ripperdoc.
    • Cyberware surgeon — A descriptive term for someone who surgically installs or removes cybernetic implants.
    • Cybernetic specialist — A broad term for a professional who works with cybernetic systems.
    • Implant technician — Someone who installs, configures, or maintains cybernetic implants; the title emphasizes technical work rather than medical practice.
    • Street surgeon — An informal term for a medical practitioner working outside conventional hospitals or corporate clinics.
    • Medtech — A broader medical role in the Cyberpunk tabletop universe. A Medtech may specialize in surgery, pharmaceuticals, or other medical services; the term doesn’t exclusively mean ripperdoc.
    • Surgeon — A general medical title that can apply to a ripperdoc with surgical expertise.
    • Chrome shaman — A colorful slang expression used by Placide in Cyberpunk 2077 to refer to ripperdocs.

    How people might refer to them in Night City

    • “I need to see my ripperdoc.”
    • “Call my doc. Something’s wrong with my implants.”
    • “That street surgeon can install chrome without sending my name to a corporation.”
    • “Find me a cyberware specialist who knows how to maintain my optics.”
    • “My ripper has been handling my implants for years.”

    The most natural terms to use in dialogue are “ripperdoc,” “ripper,” and “doc.” “Cyberware surgeon” is useful for a formal description, while “Medtech” refers to a wider medical profession.

33. #33

    Keys: Cyberdeck, Arasaka Cyberdeck, Biotech Σ Cyberdeck, Militech Paraline, Raven Microcyber, Tetratronic Rippler, NetWatch Netdriver, Ex-Disk, RAM Upgrade, Memory Boost, Camillo RAM Manager, Self-ICE, COX-2 Cybersomatic Optimizer, Bioconductor, Axolotl, Newton Module, RAM Reallocator, Feen-X, RAM Recoup

    Netrunner cyberware These implants support hacking, quickhacks, memory capacity, and resistance to hostile netrunners. Cyberdeck — An operating system that lets a netrunner perform quickhacks on people, machines, and connected devices. Arasaka Cyberdeck — A cyberdeck associated with Arasaka technology and covert hacking capabilities. Biotech Σ Cyberdeck — A cyberdeck designed around hacking and cybernetic system interactions. Militech Paraline — A cyberdeck designed to support quickhacking and combat-oriented hacking. Raven Microcyber — A cyberdeck associated with spreading quickhacks among connected enemies. Tetratronic Rippler — A cyberdeck designed to enhance quickhack use, particularly against hostile targets. NetWatch Netdriver — A cyberdeck associated with powerful network-based hacking. Ex-Disk — Increases the amount of RAM available for quickhacks. RAM Upgrade — Improves the rate at which RAM recovers. Memory Boost — Restores RAM under certain combat conditions. Camillo RAM Manager — Automatically restores RAM when it falls to a specified level. Self-ICE — Helps protect against hostile netrunners attempting to hack the user. Bioconductor — Supports cyberware cooldown management and, in some versions, quickhack critical effects.

34. #34

    Keys: Kiroshi Optics, Basic Ocular Implant, Threat-Scanning Optics

    Ocular cyberware These implants enhance vision, scanning, and the information a person receives through their eyes. Kiroshi Optics — Cybernetic eyes that improve visual processing and provide a scanning interface. Kiroshi Optics with threat detection — Optical configurations that help identify potential threats. Kiroshi Optics with object scanning — Allows the user to scan objects and gather information about their surroundings. Note: Kiroshi optics have different configurations and versions. Some functions depend on the game version and installed modifications.

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