Navigating the gritty underbelly of Night City often requires players to solve complex investigations that test both tactical awareness and technological capabilities. One of the most gripping and dark side quests in Cyberpunk 2077 is The Hunt, which involves assisting NCPD detective River Ward in locating a missing relative. Fulfilling the objectives of this intense narrative requires players to dive deep into digital forensics, specifically tracking down the digital footprint of a dangerous individual named Peter Harris.

Initiating the Hunt Side Quest

Before you can attempt to locate the digital signature of the suspect, you must successfully activate River Ward storyline in Night City. This narrative arc becomes available after completing the main job titled Life During Wartime and subsequently finishing the initial favor for Peralez known as I Fought The Law. Once River contacts you regarding a personal emergency, you will begin the intricate investigation into the disappearances.

The early phases of the mission will lead you into a highly secure laboratory environment where key evidence is stored. You must work alongside River to gain entry and examine the local networks for any lingering digital trails. Paying close attention to the environmental clues during this phase ensures you do not miss vital narrative context required for the next steps.

Investigating the Netrunner Laptop

The pivotal moment for gathering the crucial network data occurs when you explore the private trailer belonging to the suspect family. Inside this location, players will discover a hidden laptop that requires a strategic approach to bypass its security layers. Accessing this terminal is completely essential for uncovering the hidden coordinates of the farm where the victims are being held.

To successfully interact with the files, having a sufficiently high Intelligence attribute provides a massive shortcut for your character build. If your technical parameters meet the requirements, you can directly breach the operating system to extract the network address. Players who lack the necessary stats must carefully search the surrounding room to discover hidden clues that reveal the required terminal password.

Cracking the Encrypted Network File

Once you gain full access to the terminal desktop, you must navigate to the network tab and locate the specific file containing the encrypted routing data. Reviewing the local messages and audio files provides context, but the ultimate prize is running the designated utility script. This action initiates a tracking protocol designed to trace the exact origin of the suspect digital communications.

Successfully executing this network scan allows V to intercept the digital signature before the connection is completely severed. This information is passed directly to your companion, who will then utilize police databases to translate the digital node into a physical location. Securing this file remains the most reliable method to ensure a favorable outcome for the final rescue operation.

Navigating the Final Rescue Operation

With the digital tracking phase fully complete, your map will update with the location of the infamous Edgewood Farm. Approaching this isolated facility requires extreme caution due to the large concentration of active proximity mines and automated turrets protecting the perimeter. Disabling these defenses using quickhacks or careful movement is highly recommended to protect your health resources.

Inside the main barn, players must quickly locate the control terminal to release the safety systems holding the victims. Taking the time to properly extract the digital evidence earlier ensures you arrive with enough clarity to navigate the facility efficiently. Completing these steps successfully allows you to resolve one of the most memorable storylines in Night City while solidifying your alliance with River Ward.