Yes, you can change your gender in Cyberpunk 2077, but only before you start playing

Cyberpunk 2077 lets you set your character's gender during character creation, but the game does not allow you to change it once you have begun a playthrough. You make this choice at the very start of the game, before you name your character or enter Night City. If you want a different gender for your character, you will need to start a new game and create a fresh character.

The gender you choose affects your character's appearance, voice, and some dialogue options throughout the game, but it does not lock you into a specific story path or prevent you from pursuing any romance or relationship options available in the game.

Key Takeaways

  • Gender is set during character creation and cannot be changed mid-playthrough without starting over.
  • Your choice of gender determines your character's voice actor and some appearance options, but does not restrict story content or romance paths.
  • You can customize your character's body type and appearance separately from the gender you select.
  • If you want to change your gender, you must create a new character and begin a fresh game.

Where to change your gender during character creation

When you start Cyberpunk 2077, the game walks you through character creation before you enter the game world. Early in this process, you will see a screen that asks you to choose your character's gender. This is presented as a straightforward selection between two options, and you can also customize your character's body type and appearance features on the same screen or nearby screens.

Take your time during character creation, because this is your only chance to set gender without restarting. Once you confirm your choices and the game begins, you are locked into that character's gender for the entire playthrough.

What gender affects in your playthrough

Your gender choice determines which voice actor performs your character's dialogue throughout the game. Male and female characters have different voice performances, so switching gender means hearing a completely different voice for every line your character speaks. This is a significant part of the experience, especially during cutscenes and conversations with other characters.

Gender also affects some of your character's appearance options and how certain NPCs react to or address your character in dialogue. However, it does not prevent you from pursuing any of the game's romance options or story paths. Your gender does not lock you out of content or force you down a particular narrative route.

How to start a new character if you want to change gender

If you have already started playing and want a different gender, you will need to create a new save file. From the main menu, select "New Game" and you will go through character creation again. This starts you at the beginning of Cyberpunk 2077 with a fresh character, and you can choose a different gender this time.

Your old save file remains untouched, so you can return to your original character whenever you want. Many players keep multiple save files with different characters to experience different gender presentations, voice actors, and dialogue variations.

Customization options beyond gender

Cyberpunk 2077 separates gender from body customization, which means you have flexibility in how your character looks. During character creation, you can adjust your character's body type, facial features, skin tone, hair, scars, and other appearance details independently of the gender you select. This lets you create a character that matches your vision even if the gender options do not cover every possibility.

You can also change some cosmetic elements after the game starts, such as your character's clothing and hairstyle, though these changes are limited compared to the full customization available during character creation.

Why the game does not allow mid-playthrough gender changes

Cyberpunk 2077 does not support changing gender after you start playing because the gender choice is woven into the character's voice performance and some story elements. The game would need to re-record dialogue, adjust character models, and alter how NPCs address your character throughout the entire game. Rather than attempt this, CD Projekt Red designed the system so you make the choice once, at the beginning.

This design is common in story-driven games where character identity is established early and affects voice acting and narrative details. The trade-off is that you have to commit to your choice upfront, but it ensures the character feels consistent throughout your playthrough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my gender after I start playing?

No. Gender is locked in during character creation and cannot be changed once your playthrough begins. If you want a different gender, you must start a new game and create a new character.

Does my gender choice affect which story endings I can reach?

No. Your gender does not determine which endings are available to you or which story paths you can pursue. All endings and major story choices are open regardless of the gender you select.

Can I romance any character regardless of my gender?

The game has specific romance options tied to certain characters, and some of these have gender preferences. However, you are not locked out of romance content based on your gender choice — different romance paths are available depending on your character's gender.

What happens to my old character if I create a new one?

Your old save file is preserved. Creating a new character does not delete your previous playthrough. You can switch between multiple save files and play different characters whenever you want.

Can I change my appearance after I start the game?

You can change some cosmetic elements like clothing and hairstyle during gameplay, but you cannot access the full character customization screen again. Major appearance changes require starting a new game.