In the neon-drenched streets of Night City, side jobs like There Is a Light That Never Goes Out offer players deep narrative dives and meaningful choices that ripple through the story. This Act 2 side job builds directly on the events of Sinnerman, pulling you into a web of moral dilemmas involving faith, redemption, and corporate interference. Whether you’re a completionist hunting every XP or a role-player shaping V’s destiny, understanding this quest’s nuances is essential for unlocking subsequent content in the chain.
Quest Prerequisites and Setup
Before diving into the action, ensure you’ve met the requirements. This job activates only after finishing the Sinnerman side job, available from Wakako Okada in Act 2. Sinnerman tasks you with tailing a vehicle carrying a prisoner for an execution setup by Bill Jablonsky. The job culminates in a tense standoff where Joshua Stephenson—a convicted murderer—survives a shooting alongside an NCPD officer named Vasquez and a corporate figure, Rachel.
At this critical juncture in Sinnerman, select the dialogue option to enter the NCPD vehicle with Joshua. Refusing here blocks the quest entirely. Location-wise, expect to start in Santo Domingo’s Arroyo district, a gritty area teeming with lowlifes and hidden stories.
- Complete Sinnerman first: Essential precursor involving a car chase and shootout.
- Agree to ride with Joshua: Key decision at Sinnerman’s end.
- Act 2 progression: Available post-main story advancements.
Step-by-Step Walkthrough: From Pickup to PieZ
The quest kicks off immediately upon entering the police cruiser. Your first objective is a simple conversation with Joshua Stephenson, who remains tight-lipped about his plans until arrival at a modest house.
Arrival and Meeting Zuleika
Follow Joshua inside to encounter Zuleika, sister of the victim Joshua killed. This emotional exchange reveals layers of Joshua’s backstory—his crime stemmed from a braindance-fueled haze, not malice. Dialogue here sets invisible points impacting later quests like They Won’t Go When I Go. Opt for empathetic or probing lines to build positive score:
- Ask “Why the braindance? What do you hope to achieve?” (Positive point).
- Query “Law’s got nothing to say about this?” (Positive point).
- Avoid dismissive options like “Whoa. Insane, that’s what this is.” (Negative impact).
Zuleika’s mother interrupts, heightening tension. When prompted to stand, skip aggressive responses to keep the job active. The group disperses, leading back to the vehicle.
The Rachel Intervention and Vehicle Escape
Rachel, the corpo, approaches with a bribe to abandon Joshua—options include accepting for quick eddies or rejecting to continue. For full quest progression and rewards, firmly decline. Choices like “F*** off already” or “No way” preserve the storyline.
Post-rejection, head to PieZ diner. Sit at the table for final talks with Joshua. Steer conversation neutrally:
- “Can we change the subject?”
- “Remake kicks the original’s ass.”
- “**** off already” to Rachel if she reappears.
Johnny Silverhand chimes in post-convo, wrapping the job. Wait 12+ in-game hours for Rachel’s call triggering the next phase.
Critical Dialogue Choices and Hidden Mechanics
Dialogue isn’t cosmetic; it feeds a points system (max 6 needed for optimal braindance success later). Positive choices during Zuleika chats accumulate points. Track roughly:
| Dialogue Option | Impact | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Why the braindance? | +1 Point | Zuleika talk |
| Law’s got nothing? | +1 Point | Zuleika talk |
| Insane, that’s what this is | -1 Point | Avoid |
| Reject Rachel bribe | Progression | Vehicle |
| Neutral PieZ lines | Maintains score | Diner |
Branching paths exist: Accepting Rachel’s offer ends the job early with eddies but skips rewards and sequels. Always reject for 667 EXP and 1501 Street Cred.
Rewards, XP, and Quest Chain Impact
Full completion nets substantial gains, vital for leveling in mid-game:
- 667 Experience Points: Boosts attributes and perks.
- 1501 Street Cred: Unlocks vendors and gigs.
- Potential Eddies: If accepting bribe (not recommended).
This forms the Sinnerman trilogy: Sinnerman > There Is a Light… > They Won’t Go When I Go. Failing choices voids the chain, locking narrative closure.
Common Pitfalls and Pro Tips
Avoid these errors for smooth runs:
- Don’t stand aggressively with Zuleika’s mom—ends job prematurely.
- Refuse Rachel every time for chain continuity.
- Wait 12 hours post-PieZ; fast-travel or sleep advances time.
- Save before dialogues; points affect endings subtly.
For immersion, role-play V’s lifepath—Street Kid fits Arroyo’s vibe, Corpo clashes with Rachel dynamically. Non-lethal playstyles work; no combat required.
Connections to Cyberpunk 2077’s Broader Lore
This quest explores braindance ethics, faith in a dystopia, and corpo overreach—themes echoing main arcs like Johnny’s redemption. Joshua’s arc humanizes Night City’s underbelly, contrasting Arasaka’s cold machinery. Completing it enriches V’s worldview, influencing subtle story beats.
FAQ: Quick Answers for Night City Mercs
Q: Does accepting Rachel’s bribe break the questline?
A: Yes, it ends this job early, blocking They Won’t Go When I Go and braindance payoff.
Q: What are the exact rewards?
A: 667 EXP, 1501 Street Cred on proper completion; eddies if bribed.
Q: Can I replay if I mess up dialogues?
A: Reload saves; no NG+ quest reset without mods.
Q: Is combat involved?
A: None; pure dialogue and exploration.
Q: Best lifepath for this?
A: All work, but Nomad adds outsider perspective to faith themes.
Why This Quest Matters in 2077’s Ecosystem
Beyond loot, it exemplifies CD Projekt RED’s branching narratives. In a game with myriad weapons—Power, Tech, Smart—and damage types (Physical, Thermal, EMP, Chemical), side jobs like this provide respite, focusing on character over gunplay. Gunsmith upgrades and ricochet perks shine elsewhere, but here, words are your arsenal.
Expand your Night City mastery with guides on Phantom Liberty DLC quests like Poem of the Atoms or Venus in Furs for more depth.
References
- There is a Light that Never Goes Out quest guide | Cyberpunk 2077 — Upcomer. 2020-12-15. https://upcomer.com/there-is-a-light-that-never-goes-out-quest-guide-cyberpunk-2077-walkthroughs/
- Cyberpunk 2077 There is a Light That Never Goes Out Walkthrough — PowerPyx. 2020-12-10. https://www.powerpyx.com/cyberpunk-2077-there-is-a-light-that-never-goes-out-walkthrough/
- There Is A Light That Never Goes Out | Cyberpunk Wiki — Fextralife Wiki. 2023-09-20. https://cyberpunk.fandom.com/wiki/There_Is_A_Light_That_Never_Goes_Out
- There Is A Light That Never Goes Out Side Gig Quest Guide — YouTube (Javier Gaming). 2020-12-12.
- There Is a Light That Never Goes Out Quest Walkthrough — Game8. 2023-10-05. https://game8.co/games/Cyberpunk-2077/archives/Quests-There-Is-a-Light-That-Never-Goes-Out
- There is a Light that Never Goes Out | Cyberpunk 2077 Wiki — Fextralife. 2023-09-26. https://cyberpunk2077.wiki.fextralife.com/There+is+a+Light+that+Never+Goes+Out
- Weapon Mechanics Overview in Cyberpunk 2077 — YouTube (Gaming Channel). 2020-12-18.

