Valentinos
“The Valentinos aren’t just a gang—they’re a family. And in Night City, family is the only thing you can trust.”
Overview
The Valentinos are one of the largest and most influential gangs in Night City, primarily operating out of Heywood and Rancho Coronado. Unlike the chrome-obsessed Maelstrom or the nihilistic Bozos, the Valentinos are bound by a strong sense of cultural identity, family loyalty, and a code of honor rooted in their Latino heritage.
At a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Territory | Heywood, Rancho Coronado, The Glen |
| Population | 6,000+ active members |
| Leadership | Council of senior members (“Los Veteranos”) |
| Colors | Gold and red |
| Symbol | Sacred heart, golden skull, roses |
| Primary Activities | Drug distribution, protection, human trafficking, prostitution |
| Allies | Various Corporations (informal), some Nomad packs |
| Enemies | 6th Street, NCPD, Tyger Claws (territorial) |
History
Origins
The Valentinos were founded in the 2000s by Mexican and Latino immigrants seeking community and protection in the chaos of Night City’s early years. What began as a neighborhood mutual aid society transformed into a criminal organization as the Collapse destroyed legitimate opportunities.
The 4th Corporate War
During the war, the Valentinos carved out their territory in Heywood while the Corporations were distracted. They provided unofficial “police” services to their neighborhoods, extracting protection fees but also genuinely maintaining order when NCPD couldn’t—or wouldn’t.
Time of the Red
Today, the Valentinos are a sprawling organization with fingers in everything from street-level drug dealing to legitimate businesses. They control much of the drug trade in southern Night City and have informal agreements with several Corporations who find it easier to work with them than fight them.
Culture & Identity
The Code
Valentinos live by a strict code of honor rooted in traditional Latino values:
The Valentino Code
- Family first — Blood and gang family are sacred
- Respect the elders — Los Veteranos have earned their authority
- Honor your word — A deal is a deal; betrayal is death
- Protect the neighborhood — The community feeds the gang
- Never snitch — Silence to outsiders, always
Aesthetics
Valentinos are known for their distinctive style:
- Gold cybereyes and chrome with gold accents
- Religious imagery: Sacred hearts, Virgin of Guadalupe, skulls
- Tattoos: Elaborate work covering face and body
- Fashion: Urban flash with traditional Mexican elements
- Cars: Lowriders, heavily customized with gold trim
Religion
Many Valentinos maintain strong Catholic traditions, though often mixed with street interpretations. Some crews have their own “chaplains”—priests who bless their operations and provide last rites when needed.
Organization
Leadership: Los Veteranos
The Valentinos are led by a council of senior gang members called Los Veteranos. These men and women have survived decades on the streets and command respect through experience and accumulated power.
Internal Structure
| Rank | Role | Typical Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Veterano | Council Elder | Strategic decisions, major deals |
| Capitán | District Boss | Controls a specific territory |
| Lieutenant | Crew Leader | Manages 10-20 soldiers |
| Soldado | Soldier | Street-level work, enforcement |
| Prospect | Initiate | Proving themselves, grunt work |
Crews
The Valentinos operate through semi-autonomous crews, each led by a Lieutenant and tied to specific neighborhoods. Crews have some freedom in their operations but must pay tribute to their Capitán and follow the Code.
Operations
Primary Businesses
| Operation | Description |
|---|---|
| Drug Distribution | Primary income source; deal in synthetics and traditional drugs |
| Protection Rackets | ”Security services” for businesses in their territory |
| Prostitution | Control many Joytoys and clubs in Heywood |
| Guns Running | Move weapons through Nomad connections |
| Legitimate Businesses | Restaurants, auto shops, clubs (fronts and real income) |
Territory Control
The Valentinos maintain tight control of their neighborhoods through a combination of:
- Fear: Known for violent punishment of disrespect
- Legitimacy: Provide services NCPD doesn’t (trash collection, dispute resolution)
- Loyalty: Many neighborhood residents are related to members
Relations
With Corporations
The Valentinos have complex relationships with Corporations:
- Biotechnica: Occasional deals for black-market pharmaceuticals
- Arasaka: Mutual avoidance; neither wants a war
- Local businesses: Protection agreements common
With Other Gangs
| Gang | Relationship |
|---|---|
| 6th Street | Hostile — territorial disputes in southern Night City |
| Tyger Claws | Tense — occasional border conflicts |
| Maelstrom | Neutral — different territories, some business |
| Mox | Neutral — little overlap |
| Animals | Hostile — the Animals don’t respect anyone |
With Nomads
The Valentinos have traditionally good relations with some Nomad packs, particularly the Aldecaldos, who move goods through their territory.
Key Locations
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| El Coyote Cojo | Famous bar in Heywood, unofficial meeting place |
| The Glen | Upscale Valentino territory with legitimate businesses |
| Rancho Coronado | Working-class heart of Valentino territory |
| Various auto shops | Fronts for operations, lowrider culture hubs |
Notable Members
Campaign Connections
| NPC | Role | Appears In |
|---|---|---|
| Nacho Varga | Lieutenant, Grapevine’s contact | Campaign ally |
| Gus Madrigal | Fixer, Nacho’s uncle | Mission 05 |
Using Valentinos in Play
As Allies
Valentino Contacts Can Provide:
- Street-level muscle (soldiers for hire)
- Drug connections (buyers and suppliers)
- Local information (Heywood and Rancho Coronado)
- Legitimate business fronts
- Vehicle work (mechanics, choppers)
As Enemies
Valentino Enemies Will:
- Send escalating warnings before violence
- Target your home, loved ones, and reputation
- Call in favors from other crews
- Make you “caliente” (too hot to work in their territory)
- Never forgive a betrayal of the Code
Typical Stats
Valentino Soldado (Street-level member):
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| HP | 30 |
| SP | 7 (Leathers) |
| REF/DEX/COOL | 6/5/6 |
| MOVE | 5 |
| Weapons | Med Pistol (2d6), Knife (1d6) |
| Skills | Handgun +8, Brawling +6, Streetwise +8 |
Valentino Lieutenant (Crew leader):
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| HP | 40 |
| SP | 11 (Light Armorjack) |
| REF/DEX/COOL | 7/6/7 |
| MOVE | 5 |
| Weapons | Hvy Pistol (3d6), SMG (2d6) |
| Skills | Handgun +10, Brawling +8, Streetwise +10, Intimidation +8 |
| Cyberware | Cybereyes (gold-tinted), enhanced hearing |
🔗 Related Topics
- Gangs — All Night City gangs
- Heywood — Primary Valentino territory
- Nacho Varga — Campaign contact
- Gus Madrigal — Campaign antagonist
Valentino Slang
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Carnal | Brother (fellow Valentino) |
| La Familia | The gang as a whole |
| Veterano | Elder/respected member |
| Caliente | ”Hot” — wanted, in danger |
| Plata o plomo | ”Silver or lead” — take the bribe or die |
| La Santa Muerte | Death personified; sometimes invoked |
(Sources: Cyberpunk RED Core Rulebook, Cyberpunk 2077 lore)