Main Job #1 – Nomad Lifepath
Location: Badlands
Quest Giver: Automatic (Nomad Lifepath)
Requirement: Start the game as a Nomad
Reward: ✦ You meet Jackie Welles and begin V’s journey into Night City.
Next Mission: The Rescue
Overview
The Nomad intro is the “lone wolf” opening to Cyberpunk 2077 — a dusty, quiet Badlands entry into Night City, fuelled by broken engines, shady border guards, and a sheriff with the ego of a final boss but the authority of a DMV clerk. The mission sets the tone: you’re on your own, out of family, out of luck, and one bad stare away from raising hell in a two-building town.
This guide covers every step, every dialogue path, and what matters (or doesn’t).
Walkthrough
1. Talk to the Mechanic
You wake up in a rundown workshop with a mechanic trying to overcharge you.
Dialogue examples:
- [Check engine] Step aside. I’ll handle it.
- I’m going to pay you what we agreed.
Nothing you pick here changes anything — the guy’s still a ripoff artist.
2. Fix the Engine
Interact with the engine and choose:
- [Hotwire] I’ll bypass the coupling.
V fixes the problem herself. First win of the game.
3. Get in the Car
Start the engine. It takes a few tries (Nomad moment).
4. Talk to the Sheriff
The Sheriff walks up, stares into your soul, and acts like you stole the town’s only working toilet.
Key notes:
- Every answer makes him angry.
- Nothing matters here; he’s just letting you know he hates Nomads.
- Yes, you can come back later and raise hell if you want — but that’s just for roleplay, not a quest.
Dialogue options include:
- I’m just passing through.
- Do you have a problem?
- What do you have against Nomads?
- [Close door] You like the sound of your voice, don’t you?
Leave before you punch him.
5. Go to the Telecom Tower
Follow the road out of town to the tower. Kick the door open.
6. Climb the Tower
Go up the ladder. Loot around if you want (junk only).
7. Connect the Sat Phone
Contact McCoy.
He asks if you’re in the right spot — lie or tell the truth, both work.
8. Return to the Car
Climb down and head back.
9. Drive to the Meeting Place
Follow the road to the trailer where your client waits.
10. Meet Jackie Welles
Go inside.
This is your first meeting with Jackie — future ride-or-die partner.
Dialogue:
- Are you Jackie Welles?
- Let’s start with you then.
He hands you the cargo.
11. Follow Jackie & Load the Cargo
Open the trunk, stash the package, and get ready to drive.
12. Drive to the Border
Head south. Stop in the yellow zone at the checkpoint.
13. While You Wait, Talk to Jackie
Jackie gets nervous.
- [Take document] Hand me the manifest.
- Calm down.
You discuss bribe money.
14. Enter the Border Security Building
Deposit your weapons at the front desk.
15. Head to Room 2
Sit and talk to the guard.
Important:
- You must hand over a small bribe.
- Your dialogue doesn’t change the outcome.
16. Collect Weapons & Return to the Car
Jackie drives this time.
17. Escape the Pursuit
Shoot at the pursuers from the passenger seat.
Best strategy: blow up their SUV, don’t bother shooting individuals.
18. Go to a Safe Location
Jackie panics because the job is blowing up in your faces.
19. Talk to Jackie
This is the start of your friendship.
Key dialogues:
- Calm down. Things like this happen.
- You tricked me.
- [Open] Let’s peek away. (You can open the package.)
- We should sell it.
- Why do you ask?
Finally:
- [Shake Jackie’s hand] Let’s move, partner.
This officially begins your partnership.
Mission Complete
The Nomad lifepath intro ends, and The Rescue automatically becomes available.
