River Ward

River Ward is an NCPD detective whose cases expose both institutional corruption and the private costs of police work in Night City. His investigation into Mayor Lucius Rhyne’s death brings him into contact with V and the Peralez family, while his concern for his nephew Randy drives a second, more personal investigation.

River is principled but willing to step outside procedure when official systems fail. V can help him uncover evidence and protect his family, and a compatible V may pursue a romance with him. His eventual career and relationship with V depend on player decisions, making those outcomes conditional rather than fixed canon.