02/10/2010
In the sprawling, neon-drenched metropolis of Night City, your vehicle isn't just a mode of transport; it's an extension of your persona, a vital tool for survival, and often, your only sanctuary. So, when the unthinkable happens – your prized ride is unceremoniously totalled – it can feel like a genuine punch to the gut. This is precisely the predicament many players find themselves in early in Act 2 of Cyberpunk 2077, triggering the infamous 'Human Nature' quest. This guide will walk you through the frustrating aftermath of that incident, reveal how to cope without your wheels, and, most importantly, show you the quickest path to getting V's iconic Hella EC-D I360 back on the asphalt.
The moment you step into Act 2, you're instructed to retrieve your car from the garage. What follows is an immediate, jarring collision with one of Delamain's rogue AI-driven cabs, leaving your vehicle a mangled wreck. The initial instructions are clear, yet disheartening: you'll have to wait for repairs. And not just a quick pit stop; we're talking about a significant chunk of in-game time, roughly ten real-world hours worth. The immediate consequence? You're left stranded, reliant on your own two feet, or Night City's often unreliable public transport system. To even begin the repair process, you must first follow up with Delamain in the 'Tune Up' quest, which initiates the countdown for the extensive repairs.
Being carless in Night City can feel like a severe handicap. The city is vast, dangerous, and designed for speed. However, while your Hella is in the repair shop, you're not entirely without options. It forces you to adapt, to truly experience Night City from a different perspective, and to utilise alternative means of locomotion that you might otherwise overlook.
Temporary Transport Solutions
Firstly, consider the motorcycle. If you've completed the 'Heroes' quest – a pivotal mission that often occurs before or around the 'Human Nature' incident – you'll be rewarded with a fantastic motorcycle. This is an excellent, free alternative to your damaged car and offers a different, often more agile, way to navigate Night City's dense streets and alleys. It's fast, nimble, and certainly beats walking.
Secondly, Night City is full of vehicles just waiting to be appropriated. Provided you possess sufficient technical ability, you can hijack cars from unsuspecting passersby. This is a quick and dirty solution for immediate transport needs, though it comes with the obvious caveat that these vehicles aren't yours to keep or repair. They're disposable, often damaged, and will disappear if you leave them behind or fast travel.
Lastly, if you've got eddies burning a hole in your cybernetic pocket, you can always purchase a new vehicle. Fixers across Night City will frequently call you up, offering various models for sale, from sleek sports cars to robust trucks. While this requires a significant financial investment, it provides a reliable, personal vehicle that you can call upon at any time, sidestepping the wait for your Hella. This option gives you immediate freedom and access to a diverse range of vehicles that might even surpass your original ride in performance or style. Consider it an upgrade opportunity if you have the funds.
Understanding Vehicle Mechanics and Troubleshooting
During this car-free period, you might encounter some peculiar issues with Night City's vehicle mechanics. One common frustration is the 'Call Vehicle' button appearing red and unresponsive. There are generally two primary reasons for this malfunction.
- No Vehicle Available: If you're currently in the midst of the 'Human Nature' quest and haven't acquired another personal vehicle (like the Heroes motorcycle or a purchased car), you simply have nothing to call. Your Hella is being repaired, and stolen cars cannot be 'called' to your location.
- Location Restrictions: Even if you do have a personal vehicle, the 'Call Vehicle' function often fails if you're too far from a street or a suitable summoning point. Night City's dense urban environment means you can't always call a car directly to your rooftop perch or a narrow alleyway. Always try to move to an open road or a designated vehicle spawn point before attempting to call your ride.
Repairing Damaged Vehicles
Another common query revolves around repairing damaged cars. Surprisingly, Cyberpunk 2077 doesn't feature traditional car mechanics or repair shops where you can pay for services. The system is much simpler, albeit a bit abstract:
- Stolen Cars: If you've damaged a stolen vehicle, there's nothing you can do to fix it. Your best bet is to abandon it and find a new one. They're disposable assets.
- Your Personal Vehicles: For any vehicle you own (your Hella, purchased cars, or quest rewards), repairs are remarkably simple. All you need to do is fast travel to any location on the map. Upon your arrival, your personal vehicle will be instantly restored to pristine condition, appearing as good as new. This mechanic is a fantastic quality-of-life feature, saving you from tedious repair bills or searching for elusive mechanics.
The "Human Nature" Quest: Getting V's Car Back
The core of the 'Human Nature' quest is, naturally, getting V's iconic Hella EC-D I360 back. While the game initially sets up a long, seemingly unavoidable wait, there's a widely known method to significantly accelerate the repair process, allowing you to bypass the full ten hours of in-game waiting time.
The Invisible Timer and the Clever Shortcut
After the crash, an invisible in-game timer begins counting down, signifying the 10 hours required for your Hella's repair. Many players dutifully wait, engaging in other quests, exploring Night City, or simply skipping time in their apartments. However, as discovered by keen-eyed players and YouTubers like ZaFrostPet, there's a specific trick that seems to 'trick' the game into thinking the timer has expired, completing the repair instantly.
The trick involves the 'Epistrophy' quest chain. These side missions involve tracking down and recovering rogue Delamain cabs scattered throughout Night City. Here's the step-by-step process to potentially speed up your car's repair:
- Initiate 'Human Nature': Ensure you've triggered the 'Human Nature' quest by having your car wrecked and following up with Delamain in 'Tune Up' to start the repairs.
- Complete an 'Epistrophy' Quest: While your car is 'under repair', go and complete *any one* of the 'Epistrophy' side quests. Delamain will usually contact you about these quests, tasking you with finding his rogue AI units. Pick the closest one and see it through to completion.
- Save and Quit: Once you've successfully finished an 'Epistrophy' mission, immediately save your game. Then, fully quit the game to your desktop or console dashboard.
- Restart Cyberpunk 2077: Relaunch the game and load the save file you just created.
Upon loading back into Night City, the game should register that the 10-hour in-game timer for your Hella's repair has completed, regardless of how much actual time has passed. This effectively 'glitches' the timer forward, allowing you to reclaim your vehicle almost instantly after completing one of these short side missions. It's a fantastic way to avoid the tedious wait and get back to cruising Night City in your favourite ride.
The Junkyard Reunion (or Farewell)
Once the repair is complete, you'll be directed to a specific junkyard to retrieve your Hella. This marks the culmination of the 'Human Nature' quest. Upon arrival, you'll be presented with a choice: take your car back or, interestingly, sell it or give it to the person who completed the repairs. For most players, reclaiming their original vehicle is the sentimental and practical choice. It's your first car in Night City, a symbol of your journey, and it's now free and fully repaired.
However, the option to sell or give it away highlights the game's flexibility. While perhaps not the fastest vehicle in Cyberpunk 2077, the Hella is reliable, and getting it back for free is a significant boon, especially early in the game. If you choose not to reclaim it, fear not; Night City is brimming with other vehicle options, as discussed earlier. You can purchase numerous models, 'borrow' them from the street, or even find other free vehicles scattered around the map by completing specific side quests.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vehicles in Cyberpunk 2077
Here are some common questions players have about vehicle ownership and mechanics in Night City:
Q: Can I customise V's Hella EC-D I360?
A: Unfortunately, Cyberpunk 2077 does not currently offer extensive vehicle customisation options beyond selecting a different paint job for some vehicles if available when purchasing. Your Hella will return to its default appearance after repair.
Q: What's the best way to get around Night City quickly?
A: For sheer speed and convenience, fast travel is king. However, if you prefer to drive, a fast car or motorcycle is essential. The game offers many high-performance vehicles for purchase or as quest rewards.
Q: Are there any other free vehicles besides the Hella and the 'Heroes' motorcycle?
A: Yes! Throughout Night City, completing certain side quests or exploring specific locations can reward you with additional free vehicles. Keep an eye out for blue side quest markers or messages from Fixers that hint at vehicle opportunities.
Q: My car is stuck or flipped over. What do I do?
A: If your personal vehicle becomes hopelessly stuck or flips over, simply walk a short distance away from it and then try to 'Call Vehicle' again. It will usually despawn and then reappear upright and accessible nearby. If that doesn't work, fast travelling to another location will always reset its position and condition.
Q: How do I know if a car can be hijacked?
A: When you approach a vehicle, if you have sufficient technical ability, a prompt to 'Enter' or 'Steal' will appear. If it's a vehicle you can hijack, the prompt will typically indicate the required Body or Technical ability level if it's locked, or simply allow you to enter if it's unlocked.
Conclusion
Losing your primary mode of transport in Night City, especially during the 'Human Nature' quest, can be a frustrating experience. However, as this guide has shown, it's a temporary setback with multiple solutions. Whether you choose to patiently wait out the repair timer, embrace the challenge of navigating the city on alternative wheels, or cleverly exploit the Epistrophy quest shortcut, getting V's Hella EC-D I360 back is a straightforward process. Remember, Night City is a place of endless possibilities, even when it comes to getting around. So, get your ride back, or find a new one, and hit the streets, choom. The neon-lit adventures await!
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