Cyberpunk 2077 Night City Center And Districts Guide

In the sprawling metropolis of Cyberpunk 2077, the intricate map of Night City and its surrounding areas is a testament to the game’s rich and immersive world-building. Each district, with its unique character and ambiance, tells a story of its own, reflecting the diverse tapestry of life in this futuristic dystopia.

From the neon-lit streets of City Center to the desolate expanse of the Badlands, the districts and their respective subdistricts offer players a multifaceted experience, each with its own challenges, opportunities, and mysteries. This guide aims to delve deep into each district, providing insights, histories, and key features to help you navigate and appreciate the complexities of Cyberpunk 2077’s vast landscape.

Updated on August 9, 2023: Our Nighty City Center and Districts guide is updated with a ton of new information that gives you a deeper understanding of each district in Cyberpunk 2077.

Cyberpunk 2077 Night City Center And Districts

The following are the different districts in Night City and what you need to know about them:

Westbrook District Explained

1. General Description:
   • Westbrook is often referred to as the district where the wealthy of Night City live, work, and play. It’s a place of luxury, but also of great disparity.
   • The district is known for its neon-lit streets, high-rise buildings, and a skyline that showcases the affluence of its residents.
2. Sub-districts:
   • Japantown: A vibrant and bustling area, Japantown is filled with bars, clubs, and other entertainment venues. It’s a popular spot for nightlife and is known for its iconic Cherry Blossom Market. The architecture and design elements are heavily influenced by Japanese culture.
   • Charter Hill: This area is more residential and is where many of the city’s elite live. It’s a mix of luxurious apartments and corporate buildings.
   • North Oak: An exclusive residential area, North Oak is home to the ultra-rich of Night City. It’s a gated community with its own private security, and it’s where many of the city’s celebrities and corporate moguls reside.
3. Key Features:
   • The Afterlife: One of the most famous bars in Night City, The Afterlife is located in Westbrook. It’s a hub for mercenaries and fixers.
   • Kabuki Roundabout: A major transportation hub in the district.
   • Clouds: An exclusive club located in Megabuilding H8, known for its unique services and high-end clientele.
4. Gangs and Factions:
   • Tyger Claws: A predominantly Japanese gang, they have a significant presence in Westbrook, especially in Japantown. They are involved in various criminal activities, including human trafficking and protection rackets.
   • Moxes: While not as dominant as the Tyger Claws, the Moxes have a presence in Westbrook, particularly in the Clouds club.
5. Economy:
   • Westbrook is a hub for corporate activities and is home to many of Night City’s elite. The district’s economy is driven by luxury services, entertainment, and corporate dealings.
6. Role in the Game:
   • Westbrook is a location for many missions and side quests in “Cyberpunk 2077”. The player, as V, will have numerous interactions in this district, from dealing with gang disputes to attending high-profile events.
7. Aesthetic and Atmosphere:
   • Westbrook is a blend of traditional and futuristic designs. The influence of Japanese culture is evident in its architecture, advertisements, and neon signs.
   • The district contrasts sharply with other parts of Night City, such as the Pacifica or Watson districts, in terms of wealth and overall atmosphere.

City Center Explained

1. General Description:
   • City Center is the epitome of corporate power and luxury in Night City. It’s where the most influential corporations have their headquarters and showcases the pinnacle of architectural design and technological advancement in the game’s universe.
   • The district is characterized by its towering skyscrapers, holographic advertisements, and a sense of opulence that permeates its streets.
2. Sub-districts:
   • Downtown: The business hub of Night City, Downtown is filled with corporate offices, luxury apartments, and high-end shops. It’s always bustling, day or night.
   • Corpo Plaza: The very heart of corporate power in Night City, Corpo Plaza houses the headquarters of the most influential megacorporations, including Arasaka and Militech.
3. Key Features:
   • Arasaka Tower: One of the most iconic buildings in Night City, it’s the main headquarters of the Arasaka Corporation. The tower is a symbol of Arasaka’s immense power and influence.
   • Konpeki Plaza: A luxurious hotel and one of the primary locations in the game’s main storyline. It’s known for its opulence and high-profile clientele.
   • Memorial Park: A green space dedicated to the memory of those who died during the Unification War.
4. Gangs and Factions:
   • Corporations: While not gangs in the traditional sense, megacorporations like Arasaka, Militech, and Kang Tao have a significant presence in City Center. Their influence is felt everywhere, from the towering skyscrapers to the heavily armed corporate security patrolling the streets.
   • Moxes: They have some presence in City Center, especially in areas related to entertainment and luxury services.
5. Economy:
   • City Center’s economy is driven by corporate activities. From high-stakes business deals to research and development, the district is the financial powerhouse of Night City.
   • Luxury services, high-end retail, and entertainment venues also contribute significantly to its economy.
6. Role in the Game:
   • City Center is central to many of the game’s main missions and side quests. V will navigate the intricate world of corporate politics, espionage, and power struggles in this district.
   • The district serves as a backdrop for some of the game’s most pivotal moments, especially those involving the Arasaka Corporation.
7. Aesthetic and Atmosphere:
   • City Center boasts a futuristic and sleek design, with chrome, glass, and neon dominating its landscape. The district is a testament to the technological marvels of the Cyberpunk universe.
   • The atmosphere is one of power and control, with the

This is where you will find the headquarters of the biggest corporations of Cyberpunk 2077 and it is also the security hub. The city center is buzzing with life and the entertainment industry is tailored to make the corpo employees more productive.

It is here that you will the Corpo Plaza, which is a militarized zone that has been built as a show of power. MaxTac Prevention System here is going to shoot you down for any transgressions. Misbehaving here can get the attention of Corpo agents as well as the NCPD.

Watson District Explained

1. General Description:
   • Watson used to be a prosperous district with a rich history, but over time, it has faced economic decline. Despite its hardships, it remains a melting pot of cultures and is characterized by its bustling markets, narrow alleys, and towering megabuildings.
   • The district is a mix of old and new, with remnants of its prosperous past visible alongside signs of its current struggles.
2. Sub-districts:
   • Kabuki: A crowded and lively area, Kabuki is known for its markets, street vendors, and clinics. It’s a place where people go for black market cyberware and other illegal services.
   • Little China: As the name suggests, this area is heavily influenced by Chinese culture. It’s filled with neon signs, busy streets, and a variety of businesses.
   • Northside Industrial District (NID): An industrial area filled with factories, warehouses, and docks. It’s less populated than other parts of Watson and has a grittier feel.
3. Key Features:
   • V’s Apartment: The player’s initial home base in the game is located in a megabuilding in Watson. It’s a modest apartment that players can return to throughout the game.
   • Lizzie’s Bar: An important location for several missions, this braindance club is associated with the Moxes gang.
   • Ripperdoc Clinics: Watson has several of these clinics, where players can purchase and upgrade cyberware.
4. Gangs and Factions:
   • Maelstrom: A violent gang with a penchant for high-tech cyberware. They are known for their unpredictable nature and are heavily involved in the black market for cybernetic enhancements.
   • Tyger Claws: A gang with a strong presence in Kabuki, they are involved in various criminal activities, from protection rackets to illegal braindance production.
   • The Moxes: While their main territory is outside Watson, they have a significant presence in the district, especially around Lizzie’s Bar.
5. Economy:
   • Watson was once a hub for corporations, but many have since relocated, leading to economic decline. The district now relies heavily on its markets, street vendors, and illegal trades.
   • The presence of ripperdoc clinics and black market cyberware dealers also plays a significant role in the local economy.
6. Role in the Game:
   • Watson serves as the starting area for players in “Cyberpunk 2077”. Many of the game’s early missions and introductions to key characters take place here.
   • The district provides players with a firsthand look at the disparities and challenges faced by the residents of Night City.
7. Aesthetic and Atmosphere:
   • Watson combines elements of traditional Asian architecture with the futuristic design of the Cyberpunk universe. Neon signs in various languages, bustling markets, and the hum of city life create a vibrant atmosphere.
   • The district also has a sense of decay and struggle, with abandoned buildings and graffiti hinting at its challenging circumstances.

This used to be the most wealthy district in Night City but natural disasters and economic crisis have made this district very poor. You will find Little China here. Migrants came into the area after the corporate exodus and rebuilt the area as they deemed fit. The area has all kinds of distractions and this is where you will find the ripperdoc Vicktor.

This is also the area where you will find Lizzie’s, the place to go for Branedances and sex. But it is owned by the gang Mox and they are protective of their “joy toys”, so stay within your limits and do not overstep.

Watson also has the Northside Industrial District, where the Maelstrom gang resides. These guys are obsessed with implants and cybernetics. They also tend to do plenty of drugs. These are not the kind of people you can rely on for work but they are skilled operators.

While you are in Watson, you can have a drink at The Afterlife, the legendary cyberpunk hangout. You can get jobs from here and you can also learn about legends here.

Heywood District Explained

1. General Description:
   • Heywood is a massive suburban housing district, often described as a bedroom community for many of Night City’s workers. It’s a mix of various socio-economic statuses, with areas of affluence juxtaposed against more run-down neighborhoods.
   • The district is characterized by its modern skyscrapers, parks, and a relatively lower level of urban decay compared to some other parts of Night City.
2. Sub-districts:
   • Wellsprings: A predominantly residential area, Wellsprings is home to many of Night City’s middle-class citizens. It’s a mix of apartment complexes and commercial zones.
   • The Glen: One of the older parts of Heywood, The Glen is known for its cultural landmarks and historic sites. It has a more traditional feel compared to other parts of the district.
   • Vista Del Rey: Often described as the “bad neighborhood” of Heywood, Vista Del Rey has a reputation for crime and gang activity. It’s a stark contrast to the more affluent areas of the district.
3. Key Features:
   • All Foods Plant: A significant location in the game, this meat processing plant is tied to several missions and events.
   • El Coyote Cojo: A popular bar in Heywood, it’s a frequent gathering spot for locals and serves as a location for various in-game interactions.
   • Valentinos’ Chapel: A cultural and religious landmark in The Glen, associated with the Valentinos gang.
4. Gangs and Factions:
   • Valentinos: One of the major gangs in Night City, the Valentinos have a strong presence in Heywood, especially in The Glen. They are deeply tied to the local community and are known for their strong sense of tradition and honor.
   • 6th Street: Originally formed by veterans, this gang has a significant presence in parts of Heywood. They often clash with the Valentinos and are involved in various criminal activities.
5. Economy:
   • Heywood’s economy is diverse, with commercial zones supporting local businesses, shopping centers, and entertainment venues. The district also benefits from its residential areas, which house many of Night City’s workers.
   • The presence of gangs, especially in Vista Del Rey, means there’s also an underground economy tied to illegal activities.
6. Role in the Game:
   • Heywood is a central location for many of the game’s missions, especially those involving the Valentinos gang. V, the player character, also has ties to this district, making it a significant part of their journey.
   • The district provides players with insights into the daily lives of Night City’s residents, from the middle-class workers of Wellsprings to the gang-affiliated individuals of Vista Del Rey.
7. Aesthetic and Atmosphere:
   • Heywood has a more suburban feel compared to other districts in Night City. Its modern skyscrapers, parks, and plazas give it a sense of order and community.
   • However, areas like Vista Del Rey offer a grittier atmosphere, with graffiti-covered walls, barred windows, and a palpable tension in the air.

This is the district of Night City where the middle class of Cyberpunk 2077 lives. This area has the Wellsprings waterfront where you will find all the wanna-be celebrities hanging out in their yachts. Towards the eastern side, you will find Glen, a little backwater with a town hall, old movie theaters and fuel stations.

This is also where you will come across the Vista del Rey region which is run by the Valentinos gang. You will find the La Catrina funeral home, Santa Muerte’s omnipresent face and the baroque.

Pacifica District Explained

1. General Description:
   • Pacifica was initially envisioned as a tourist paradise, with luxury hotels, resorts, and attractions. However, due to funding issues and corporate abandonment, it became a half-built urban wasteland. It’s now one of the most dangerous and neglected parts of Night City.
   • The district is characterized by its unfinished skyscrapers, abandoned construction sites, and a general sense of decay.
2. Sub-districts:
   • Coastview: Located along the coast, this area was meant to be a prime tourist spot. Now, it’s filled with abandoned hotels and resorts.
   • West Wind Estate: Originally planned as a luxury residential area, it’s now a hotspot for gang activity and criminal enterprises.
3. Key Features:
   • Grand Imperial Mall (GIM): Once a symbol of luxury and commerce, the GIM is now a stronghold for the Voodoo Boys gang.
   • Pacifica Pier: An unfinished tourist attraction that stands as a testament to Pacifica’s failed ambitions.
   • Rollercoaster: An iconic, non-operational rollercoaster that can be seen from various parts of Pacifica.
4. Gangs and Factions:
   • Voodoo Boys: A dominant gang in Pacifica, they are deeply tied to the local Haitian community. They are known for their expertise in netrunning and their deep connection to the digital realm of cyberspace.
   • Animals: A physically-enhanced gang that occasionally clashes with the Voodoo Boys. They are known for their brute strength and combat prowess.
5. Economy:
   • Pacifica’s economy is largely underground, driven by illegal activities, especially those controlled by the Voodoo Boys.
   • The remnants of the tourism industry, such as abandoned hotels and venues, are often repurposed for various illicit activities.
6. Role in the Game:
   • Pacifica is a significant location for several missions in “Cyberpunk 2077”, especially those involving the Voodoo Boys and the mysteries of cyberspace.
   • The district offers players a unique environment to explore, with its juxtaposition of abandoned luxury and urban decay.
7. Aesthetic and Atmosphere:
   • Pacifica has a post-apocalyptic feel, with its deserted streets, graffiti-covered walls, and the eerie silence of its abandoned structures.
   • The influence of the Haitian community is evident in the district’s music, art, and cultural symbols, adding depth and character to the area.

This district of Night City was intended to be heaven on earth with beach access, hotels, luxury retail and around-the-clock entertainment but investors pulled out after the war of unification. It is now a huge mess full of unfinished construction.

This area is run by the Voodoo Boys, who protect their own people and keep outsiders in check. There is an entire section of the district that is closed off and no one has dared to see what is inside.

Badlands District Explained

1. General Description:
   • The Badlands is the vast, desolate area surrounding Night City. Unlike the city’s dense urban environment, the Badlands is characterized by its arid landscapes, open spaces, and sparse population.
   • It’s a place of extremes, from scorching heat to intense sandstorms, and is home to nomads, scavengers, and those looking to escape the confines of the city.
2. Sub-districts:
   • Unlike the structured districts of Night City, the Badlands doesn’t have clearly defined sub-districts. Instead, it’s a vast expanse with scattered settlements, outposts, and abandoned facilities.
3. Key Features:
   • Nomad Camps: Temporary settlements where nomadic families and clans gather. These camps are often mobile, moving from place to place based on needs and resources.
   • Abandoned Facilities: From old factories to deserted oil fields, the Badlands is dotted with remnants of a bygone era.
   • Wreckage Sites: The Badlands is a popular spot for scavengers who search for valuable tech and resources among the wreckage of vehicles and machinery.
4. Gangs and Factions:
   • Nomads: Divided into various clans and families, nomads are the heart and soul of the Badlands. They live a life on the move, valuing freedom and community above all else.
   • Raffen Shiv: A rogue faction of nomads, the Raffen Shiv are known for their violent tendencies and are often in conflict with other nomad groups.
   • Aldecaldos & Wraiths: Two of the prominent nomad groups in the game, each with its own set of values, traditions, and territories.
5. Economy:
   • The economy of the Badlands is based on scavenging, trade, and small-scale agriculture. Nomads often trade with Night City, bringing in goods and resources that are hard to come by in the urban environment.
   • Many in the Badlands also work as mercenaries or take on jobs that city-dwellers are unwilling or unable to do.
6. Role in the Game:
   • The Badlands offers players a different perspective on the world of “Cyberpunk 2077”. It’s a place where the pace is slower, but the stakes can be just as high.
   • V can choose a “Nomad” life path, starting their journey in the Badlands before making their way to Night City. This choice provides unique insights and connections to the nomadic way of life.
7. Aesthetic and Atmosphere:
   • The Badlands has a rugged, post-apocalyptic feel. The vast landscapes, with their red sands and rocky outcrops, evoke a sense of isolation and freedom.
   • The makeshift nature of nomad camps, with their patchwork tents and vehicles, contrasts sharply with the high-tech world of Night City.

Outside of Night City, there is nothing but desert. This is due to the overexploitation of natural resources and climate change leading to mother nature fighting back. These are what are called the Badlands. To the north, you will find oilfields owned by Night Corp and Petrochem. To the east, there are wastelands where only the nomads live. To the south, you will find corporations growing synthetic food inside greenhouses.

These are the brief introductions to the different districts of Night City in Cyberpunk 2077. If you are interested in learning more about the game then you can check out our Cyberpunk 2077 guides hub.