No you don't need to be a big dick, you can play as a neutral or a chick as well, so you have a choice on what decisions you make. And there was only one person at the first party that refused to talk to the mc and that was Heather saying she doesn't talk to maggots. And at no time are you a 'nerd' and when the mc spoke to Magnar about the 'nerds' he was basically told he wasn't smart enough. The mc ends up joining the DIKs because of his friendship with Derek.As I understand it, in order to advance in the game you need to be as big a dick as possible. As an example, in the first episode at the party you required to talk to all the guests. But if you are a nerd some of the guests refuse to talk to you and you can't leave the party. There is no game further. Overall, I regretted downloading this game.