Exploring the Gang Motives in Cyberpunk 2077

Welcome to the detailed exploration of the various gang motives in Cyberpunk 2077. As you dive into Night City, each gang brings its unique brand of conflict, camaraderie, and criminal enterprise. This article delves into the motives behind each major faction.

The Mox

The Mox are one of the smallest gangs in Night City, comprising loosely affiliated outcasts many of whom used to be prostitutes. These exiles have organized to protect themselves against exploitation by more aggressive gangs. Operating as a protection racket and maintaining brothels as a source of income, the Mox are one of the most approachable gangs in the city. They are generally cooperative and non-hostile unless provoked.

The Aldecaldos

Contrary to their name, the Aldecaldos are a nomadic clan living in the badlands beyond the outskirts of Night City. They conduct their criminal activities discreetly, focusing on smuggling and transport operations while primarily surviving on the basis of salvage. Unlike many other gangs, the Aldecaldos are openly altruistic and willing to assist strangers, such as attempting to rescue passengers from a Kang Tao AV crash.

The Animals

The Animals, hardcore bodysculpting fanatics, offer their services as bodyguards, bouncers, and muscle for various criminal enterprises. They prefer using steroid enhancements and surgery over cybernetic implants. The Animals are less confrontational unless specifically provoked. However, they will react to players trespassing in their private areas, as random street encounters are relatively uncommon compared to other gangs.

The Valentinos

The Valentinos, a Chicano cartel, are one of the largest gangs in Night City. Ostensibly, they maintain a protector role for Heywood and Vista del Rey, earning a somewhat respectable reputation. Nevertheless, their criminal activities include drug trafficking, prostitution, vehicular theft, and murder. The Valentinos come in different factions, some of which view V as a family due to mutual associations with Jackie Welles.

The 6th Street Gang

The 6th Street Gang is a veterans group that forms a policing authority in Santa Domingo and Heywood. Despite their official mandate, they are more akin to a violence-oriented gang. The 6th Street Gang maintains ties with Militech and Kendachi and are generally on lower aggression levels, except when provoked or when their territory is invaded.

The Maelstrom

Dark and intimidating, the Maelstrom are hardcore cybernetic junkies and drug addicts. Their members are often close to cyberpsychosis due to excessive implants, modifications, and substance abuse. Renowned for being violent and untrustworthy, the Maelstrom have a reputation for trustworthiness issues. They are hostile unless provoked or given a direct invitation to battle.

Raffen Shiv

The Raffen Shiv are the most despised and vicious group, comprising murdering psychopaths and betrayers. The Wraiths, the most notorious members, live off looting and raiding other nomads, travelers, and even corporo transports. Almost universally hostile towards V, the Raffen Shiv are best avoided unless seeking a confrontational encounter.

The Voodoo Boys

The Voodoo Boys are an enigmatic and dangerous gang with Haitian heritage, specializing in hacking, computer crime, and breaching the Blackwall. They are highly insular and irretrievably self-focused, making them a formidable and distrustful opponent. The Voodoo Boys are rumored to be the primary antagonists in certain parts of the game, primarily because of their insularity and disregard for the outside world.

The Tyger Claws

Operating out of Watson Little, Japan, and Kabukicho, the Tyger Claws are a ruthless and depraved Yakuza gang with ties to Arasaka. Despite their seemingly polite facade, they are heavily involved in kidnapping, torture, human trafficking, prostitution, drug distribution, and murder. Their brothels and brain dance parlors cater to the most depraved fantasies. The Tyger Claws will quickly react to V's presence and invasion of their territory.

Scavs

At the bottom of the gang hierarchy, the Scavs are the most despised. Peddling vile snuff brain dances and crafting cybernetic implants from their victims' corpses, the Scavs operate as the underbelly of Night City. They are usually hostile and possess a reputation for cruelty. Other gangs might have ties to the Scavs for specific tasks such as obtaining BD material or rare scavaged cybernetics.

Understanding these gang motives provides a more nuanced perspective on the complex criminal underworld of Cyberpunk 2077, enriching your gameplay and experience in this gritty, dystopian setting.