Walkthrough: Cyberpunk 2077 - "I Fought the Law" Side Job: Achieving the River Ward Connection (PC) "I Fought the Law" is a crucial side job in Cyberpunk 2077 for players looking to romance River Ward and unlock the "good" secret ending.

"I Fought the Law" is a crucial side job in Cyberpunk 2077 for players looking to romance River Ward and unlock the "good" secret ending. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough for PC players, focusing on choices that impact the outcome and how to ensure a connection with River. We assume familiarity with Cyberpunk 2077 mechanics and prioritize clear, concise information. Choosing the right path in this quest will set you on the path to unlocking the “The Hunt” side mission.

Starting the Quest: Meeting River at Chubby Buffalo's

After completing "The Space in Between," River Ward will call you. Agree to meet him at the Chubby Buffalo's Restaurant in Rancho Coronado, Santo Domingo. This initial meeting sets the stage for the investigation into NCPD corruption. River will appear distraught, and the restaurant setting is a good place to establish a rapport. Accept the job offer to begin.

Investigating the Braindance: Finding the Hidden Clues

Next, head to the crime scene with River and investigate the braindance. Examine all key points meticulously. The crucial element here is discovering the hidden timestamps. Make sure to scan every object, rewind and fast-forward as necessary, and listen carefully to the audio cues. This step is essential for uncovering the truth and deciding on your next course of action.

Meeting with Christine Markov: Exhausting All Dialogue Options

After reviewing the braindance, meet with Christine Markov. It's crucial to exhaust all dialogue options with her. Ask every question, explore every angle, and make sure you understand her perspective. This will provide valuable context and influence your decision regarding exposing Mayor Lucius Rhineheart. Christine's testimony and insights are vital for piecing together the puzzle.

The Crucial Choice: Expose Rhineheart or Protect River

This is the most significant turning point in the "I Fought the Law" side job. The investigation will reveal evidence pointing towards Mayor Lucius Rhineheart's corruption. Your decision here determines whether you can romance River Ward.

• Choice A: Expose Rhineheart: Call Detective Han and tell him you want to expose Rhineheart. This will lead to a confrontation with corrupt NCPD officers and potentially jeopardize River's career, but it's the only path to the River Romance.
• Choice B: Protect River: Call Detective Han and tell him you want to drop the case due to a lack of evidence. This protects River's career but allows Rhineheart's corruption to continue. Choosing this option will block you from romancing River Ward.

Consequence of the Choice: River's Reaction

The image below shows River looking determined to expose the corruption (if the player chooses to expose Rhineheart) and another showing River looking defeated and resigned (if the player chooses to protect River).

(Choice A Only) Confrontation at the Motel: Prepare for a Fight

If you chose to expose Rhineheart, prepare for a firefight at the motel. Corrupt NCPD officers will be waiting for you. Equip your best weapons and cyberware. Use cover effectively and take down the enemies one by one.

Final Dialogue with River: Show Genuine Concern

After the confrontation, have a detailed conversation with River. This is your chance to solidify your bond with him. Show genuine concern for his well-being and express your support. Choose dialogue options that indicate you care about him as a person, not just as a colleague. This is crucial for initiating the romance path. You must choose all dialogue options that display affection for him.

Tips and Tricks for a Successful "I Fought the Law" Completion

• Save Frequently: Save before making the crucial choice (exposing or protecting River). This allows you to replay and see both outcomes without restarting the entire quest.
• Skill Checks: Certain dialogue options require specific skill checks (Cool, Intelligence). Ensure you have sufficient points in these skills to unlock all possible dialogue paths.
• Item Locations: The datapad containing incriminating evidence is on the table in the motel room during the confrontation (Choice A only). Don't miss it!

PC-Specific Notes: Troubleshooting with Cyber Engine Tweaks

Cyber Engine Tweaks is invaluable for fixing bugs during this quest, especially those affecting NPC scripting or dialogue triggers.

Installing Cyber Engine Tweaks

Download the Cyber Engine Tweaks mod from NexusMods: NexusMods Cyber Engine Tweaks. Follow the installation instructions carefully.

Common Fixes Using Cyber Engine Tweaks

If River doesn't initiate dialogue, use the CET console (default key: ~) and enter commands like Game.GetBlackboardSystem():Get(StringToName("sq032_river_ward_state")) to check the quest's state.

You might need to manually advance the quest stage using console commands if it's bugged. For instance, if Christine Markov disappears before the dialogue is complete, CET can be used to reset her position and force the dialogue to trigger. Consult the Cyberpunk 2077 Modding Wiki for more detailed instructions.

Addressing Performance Issues on PC

The motel confrontation can be taxing on lower-end PCs. Lowering graphics settings, especially shadows and reflections, can improve performance during this section. Close unnecessary background applications to free up resources. Remap your weapon hotkeys for quick access during the firefight.

What's next? To Begin River Romance

Following the conclusion of "I Fought the Law," ensure that you chose dialogue options that display clear affection for River. If you do this, River will call you later with another side job, "The Hunt." This is where the real bonding (and the eventual romance) begins.

Conclusion: Unlocking the River Ward Connection

By completing "I Fought the Law" and making the choice to expose Rhineheart, you not only uncover corruption but also unlock the potential for a deeper relationship with River Ward, paving the way for "The Hunt" and a crucial component to the “good” secret ending in the game. Protect River, and you'll lock yourself out of this ending. Ensure you use the PC-specific fixes if you encounter any bugs to guarantee a smooth experience. Good luck, and enjoy your time with River Ward!

FAQ: "I Fought the Law" and River Ward

What happens if I choose to protect River instead of exposing Rhineheart?

Choosing to protect River will prevent you from romancing him later in the game. The romance path is only available if you expose the corruption.

Can I still romance River if I fail the "I Fought the Law" quest?

Failing the quest (i.e., if River dies or you can't complete the objectives) will also prevent the romance. Success in exposing Rhineheart is essential.

How do I know if I'm on the right track to romance River?

After "I Fought the Law" and choosing to expose Rhineheart, River will call you later with another side job called "The Hunt." Receiving this call is a good indication you're on the right path.

What kind of dialogue options should I choose to build a relationship with River?

Choose options that show genuine concern for his well-being, express support for his decisions, and indicate you care about him as a person. Avoid being dismissive or sarcastic.

What is the optimal character build for romancing River Ward?

There is no specific build required. Having sufficient points in Cool and Intelligence can unlock additional dialogue options, but they aren't strictly necessary for the romance. Focus on role-playing a character that is empathetic and supportive.