Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is one of the best video game-to-anime adaptations to come out in recent years, but it, too, isn’t exempt from ‘Who Is Best Girl’ debates that run amok. I mean, just because it’s fast-paced and chaotic, doesn’t mean you don’t have the time to focus on the absolutely stacked roster of waifus that it also has on offer. I mean, you ‘d have to be living under a rock if you haven’t seen the numerous Lucy cosplayers around.
But in my humble opinion, we already know who the Best Girl in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is. Spoiler alert (or not, honestly): It’s Rebecca. No, we will not be taking any criticisms or questions at this time. Okay, but seriously. The trigger-happy cutie might’ve started out playing second fiddle to the face of the show, Lucyna Kushinada aka Lucy. But she quickly became the fan-favorite, due to her extremely erratic behavior, foul mouth, and unwavering loyalty to David Martinez, the protagonist. So, it’s even more amazing to learn that Rebecca wasn’t even part of the original script that was pitched to Studio Trigger.
And if that doesn’t set the tone for the unpredictable madness that is Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, I don’t know what is. But that’s why it can be hard to consider the amazing women (and men!) of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners when there is so much going on. Like, it’s a tragedy from the very first episode, so it’s not like you have the time to compute much or anything. So, yeah, it’s kind of hard to notice anyone at first glance. But Lucy and Rebecca definitely stand out, as the ultimate waifu vs waifu of the show.
But if you had to choose, who is the definitive best girl in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners? Well, to us, the answer is pretty clear. Rebecca is simply the superior option in every way possible, but I can see a case being made for Lucy as well. Both have a chokehold on the fandom in their ways. But in the end, it comes down to preference. Ice Princess VS Gun Violent Loli, who will win this Waifu War? Let’s break it down!
Lucy: The Beautiful Lone Wolf?
The first thing you learn about Lucy is that she exists in the shadows, despite her genuinely stunning appearance. Like, don’t get us wrong. She is beautiful, with her pastel rainbow haircut in that asymmetrical design, edgy makeup, and edgier clothing. Lucy fits her environment perfectly, coming across as the best girl in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.
She is a Netrunner in Night City who we meet on the tram, swiping shards from Corpos left and right. So, she has to be fast, cunning and just the right amount of mystery. Which, yeah, she totally delivers on that. Her aloof attitude is what gets David Martinez interested, but it’s when she opens up to him about her dreams unintentionally that she really hooks him in. But, of course, there’s that nasty business of her betraying Martinez over his neuralware, the stolen Sandevistan.
But overall, her appeal is that of the enigmatic beautiful stranger. Lucy is almost ethereal like she doesn’t deserve to be slumming it up with the likes of the others. Her face is almost innocent in its beauty, but she is as tough as nails when everything comes down to it. And because it’s easy to superimpose yourself onto the inexperienced protagonist, David, and see her as the cold mentor figure, she feels almost forbidden to adore. An unattainable beauty.
Of course, her past reveals she is just as human as everyone else, with a gritty past and rough present. But she remains this beacon of hope, that one day she might just reach the moon she so desperately wants to escape to.
Rebecca: The Loli With (Too Many) Shotguns
Okay, so the first thing about Rebecca: She wasn’t even supposed to exist. Studio Trigger is known for a very specific character type and they weren’t afraid of shoehorning one here, even in the world of Cyberpunk. And while some people might overlook Rebecca (literally!), she caught our attention at first glance.
Rebecca is Pilar’s sister, and like every sibling, they fought a lot. Rebecca might have seemed diminutive, but she was cutthroat and merciless, shooting everything in sight. When her brother was killed by a Cyberpsycho, she threw all caution to the wind. Because the one thing Rebecca does is that she is deeply loyal and devoted to the people she ends up caring about.
Despite how she appears, with her round eyes and petite appearance, Rebecca is a huge personality. She is loud and boisterous, crass to the point of making much older men around her cringe. And it’s this unpredictability of her that makes her so endearing. Even her maniacal bouts of murder frenzy during battles are almost lovable because you just don’t expect it at first glance.
But that doesn’t mean she’s a one-note character, a Loli type with too much violence. No, Rebecca is much more nuanced than that. She shows emotion beyond just arbitrary anger and mania. She even shows genuine envy towards Lucy, jealous because of her own feelings for David. But she never tries breaking them apart or any of that other cliché stuff. Instead, she wears her love for those around her like armor, bludgeoning her way through most things that stand in her way.
One thing about Rebecca? She isn’t subtle. And she will remind you of that with a smile on her face and a gun in yours. Rebecca is the best girl contender in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, for sure!
Winner: Rebecca Is The Best Girl In Cyberpunk: Edgerunners!
Look, I get Lucy is, like, the Cyberpunk girl. She is one of the most recognizable characters. But Rebecca just hits differently. It’s all of the aspects that combine to make her more than just a trope of the gun-swinging Loli.
Rebecca is proud and loud and she isn’t afraid to showcase exactly what she feels in the moment. She isn’t above dirty tricks to get her way, while simultaneously being righteous in her morals. The best thing about Rebecca is that, unlike Lucy, she is actually approachable.
Lucy might be cool and all, but there’s no person we’d rather prowl the streets of Night City with, than Rebecca!
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