Yes, you can change your character's gender in Cyberpunk 2077, but only during character creation

Cyberpunk 2077 does not allow you to change your character's gender after you start playing. The gender you select during the initial character creation screen is permanent for that playthrough. If you want a character of a different gender, you must start a new game and create a fresh character with the gender you prefer.

The character creation process happens before you enter Night City for the first time. Once you complete that setup and begin the game proper, the option to modify gender disappears. This is different from some other role-playing games that let you alter appearance mid-game through in-game services or console commands.

Key Takeaways

  • Gender selection happens only during the initial character creation screen and cannot be changed once gameplay begins.
  • You must start a new game to create a character with a different gender than your current playthrough.
  • The character creation menu lets you choose between male and female presentations, along with voice options that match your selection.
  • Some cosmetic changes like clothing, hairstyle, and body modifications can be altered throughout the game, but gender cannot.
  • Console commands on PC may allow gender changes, but this is not an official feature and may cause visual glitches.

What happens during character creation

When you start Cyberpunk 2077, the game walks you through a detailed character creation process. Early in this sequence, you select your character's gender presentation. This choice affects your character model, voice lines, and how NPCs refer to you throughout the game. The game offers male and female options, and your selection is tied to the voice actor assigned to your character.

After you confirm your gender and finish customizing appearance details like skin tone, facial features, and body type, you move into the game's opening sequence. At that point, the gender selection is locked in. There is no menu option to revisit this choice later, and the game does not provide an in-game service or NPC that lets you change it.

Why you cannot change gender mid-game

The gender you select during character creation is woven into the game's dialogue, cutscenes, and NPC interactions. Your character's voice actor is chosen based on your gender selection, and all dialogue throughout the game uses that specific voice. Changing gender mid-game would require re-recording or re-triggering thousands of lines of dialogue, which the game is not designed to do.

Additionally, certain story moments and character relationships are written with your gender in mind. Some NPCs reference your character's gender in conversations, and a few romance options are gender-specific. The game's narrative structure assumes your gender remains consistent from start to finish.

Starting a new game to change gender

If you want to experience Cyberpunk 2077 with a different gender, you need to create a new save file and start from the beginning. When you select "New Game" from the main menu, you will return to the character creation screen and can choose a different gender presentation. Your previous playthrough remains saved separately, so you can return to it anytime.

Starting fresh does mean replaying the opening hours of the game, including the prologue and early story missions. However, this gives you a chance to make different dialogue choices and explore different romance options or story paths that may be tied to your character's gender.

Cosmetic changes you can make during gameplay

While gender cannot be changed, many other aspects of your character's appearance can be modified throughout the game. You can visit ripperdocs (body modification specialists) to alter your cyberware, change your hairstyle at barbershops, and purchase new clothing from vendors across Night City. These changes let you customize your character's look without starting over.

Tattoos, scars, and other cosmetic modifications are also available through ripperdocs. You can experiment with your character's style as you progress, even if the core gender presentation stays the same. This gives you flexibility in how your character looks without requiring a new playthrough.

Console commands on PC (unofficial workaround)

Players on PC using the console command system have reported being able to change gender through commands, but this is not an official feature supported by CD Projekt Red. Using console commands to alter gender may cause visual glitches, dialogue mismatches, or other unexpected behavior. The game's systems are not designed to handle mid-game gender changes, so results are unpredictable.

If you attempt this method, be aware that you do so at your own risk. Your save file could become unstable, and you may encounter broken cutscenes or dialogue that does not match your character's appearance. For a stable, intended experience, starting a new game is the recommended approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my character's gender after I finish the game?

No. Gender is locked in from character creation and cannot be changed at any point during or after your playthrough. If you want a different gender for a new run, you must start a fresh game.

Do romance options depend on my character's gender?

Some romance options are gender-specific. Certain NPCs will only romance characters of a particular gender presentation. Your gender choice during character creation affects which romance paths are available to you.

If I use console commands to change gender, will my save file break?

Console commands are not officially supported for gender changes, and using them may cause glitches, dialogue mismatches, or save file instability. Results vary, and you may encounter broken cutscenes or other problems.

Do I lose my progress if I start a new game with a different gender?

No. Your old save file remains separate and playable. Starting a new game creates a fresh save slot, so you can switch between your different playthroughs anytime from the main menu.