Johnny Silverhand

Johnny Silverhand is a rockerboy, anti-corporate militant and one of the defining figures of the Cyberpunk setting. Born Robert John Linder, he served in the Second Central American War before deserting and rebuilding himself as the silver-armed frontman of Samurai. His music and public persona turned personal rage against corporations into a cultural movement, while his later actions placed him at the center of the conflict with Arasaka.

In Cyberpunk 2077, Johnny survives as a digital engram stored on the Relic biochip implanted in V. The damaged chip gradually overwrites V’s neural patterns, forcing the two personalities into an unstable coexistence. Johnny begins as abrasive, manipulative and consumed by his own version of the past, but the relationship can develop into mutual respect. His memories are emotionally sincere but not necessarily objective, and the game repeatedly suggests that his account of historical events should not be treated as perfect evidence.

Johnny’s connections include Rogue Amendiares, Alt Cunningham, Kerry Eurodyne and the other members of Samurai. His history links the game to major events from the Cyberpunk tabletop setting, including the 2023 assault on Arasaka Tower. Player choices determine how much closure he achieves, how he treats V and whether he temporarily or permanently controls V’s body.

Keanu Reeves provides Johnny’s likeness, voice and performance capture. The character’s silver arm, aviator glasses, Porsche 911 Turbo and Malorian Arms 3516 are among the game’s most recognizable visual and material motifs.