Is the Secret Ending the Best in Cyberpunk 2077? A Deep Dive

The question of whether Cyberpunk 2077’s secret ending, known as “Don’t Fear The Reaper,” is truly the “best” is complex and subjective. From a purely utilitarian perspective, where saving lives is the primary metric, it arguably wins. However, “best” depends entirely on your personal values and what you seek from the narrative. This ending sees V and Johnny Silverhand storm Arasaka Tower alone, risking everything with no guaranteed backup. While it avoids involving (and potentially sacrificing) allies like Panam and the Aldecaldos or relying on the morally questionable Arasaka, it’s also the most challenging. Ultimately, whether it’s the “best” hinges on your willingness to prioritize self-reliance and minimize collateral damage, even at potentially greater personal risk.

Examining the “Don’t Fear The Reaper” Ending

The secret ending stands apart for several reasons. Its difficulty is immediately apparent; it’s designed for high-level characters with optimized builds. It requires an intimate understanding of Cyberpunk 2077’s combat mechanics and enemy weaknesses. But beyond the gameplay challenges, the ending’s narrative impact is significant.

It’s the only ending where V and Johnny truly act as a united front, embracing their shared destiny. They are not reliant on external forces, making their choices completely their own. This resonates with players who value autonomy and a sense of agency. There is also a very strong narrative payoff due to the characters fighting a seemingly impossible fight.

However, this ending also isolates V. While it spares their allies immediate danger, it also cuts them off from potential support networks in the future. It’s a path of self-sacrifice that raises questions about whether V’s burden should be shared.

The Subjectivity of a “Best” Ending

Cyberpunk 2077 excels in offering a range of endings, each with its own merits and drawbacks. There is no universally “correct” choice, and the game encourages players to grapple with difficult moral questions.

• The Star Ending: This path, achieved through allying with the Aldecaldos, offers a sense of community and hope. It allows V to leave Night City with a newfound family, but it also involves risking the lives of those close to them.

• The Sun Ending: Partnering with Rogue for one last hit provides V with a taste of legendary status and a blaze of glory. However, it’s a lonely path that reinforces V’s mercenary lifestyle.

• The Temperance Ending: This occurs when Johnny takes over V’s body and leaves Night City to allow V to live on. This is only possible through certain endings, and shows that Johnny values V’s life more than his own.

• The Devil Ending: This path is regarded as the “worst” ending because of the morally grey decisions that you make and the people that you work with.

Each ending explores different facets of Cyberpunk’s themes, including mortality, legacy, and the value of human connection. The “best” ending, therefore, is the one that resonates most deeply with your personal values and the choices you made throughout the game. Understanding how games like Cyberpunk 2077 engage players in ethical decision-making can offer valuable insights into morality and learning, a topic explored further by the Games Learning Society.

Why “Don’t Fear The Reaper” Resonates with Some

Despite its challenges and moral ambiguities, the secret ending holds a unique appeal for many players. It speaks to a desire for control in a world where individuals often feel powerless.

It is also an ending that is much more difficult to obtain than other endings. The 70% relationship level with Johnny is hard to obtain for many players if you don’t know exactly what choices to make in the game.

The “Don’t Fear The Reaper” ending is also popular among players who seek the ultimate challenge. This ending will only be possible if your character is at a high enough level and you have built your character in the right way.

Ultimately, the secret ending offers a sense of closure and resolution. V and Johnny confront their shared destiny head-on, without compromise or external interference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cyberpunk 2077 Endings

Here are some common questions about Cyberpunk 2077’s endings, designed to help you navigate the choices and understand the potential consequences:

1. What are the prerequisites for unlocking the secret ending?

You need a high relationship level with Johnny Silverhand (around 70%) and must have completed specific dialogue choices during the “Chippin’ In” side job.

2. Which dialogue options during “Chippin’ In” unlock the secret ending?

When speaking to Johnny on the oil fields, choose these options: “**Nah, I **** up that too.” and then “Let’s do something about that.**”

3. How do I check my relationship level with Johnny?

Unfortunately, there’s no in-game meter. Judge it based on your dialogue choices with Johnny, completing his side quests, and generally being supportive. Positive interactions and completing his requests are crucial.

4. Is the secret ending harder than the other endings?

Yes, significantly. It’s designed for high-level characters with optimized builds, requiring mastery of combat mechanics. It’s also much more difficult because you are doing it solo.

5. Does anyone die in the secret ending?

This is the only closing mission where you won’t suffer any casualties among your allies, but the risk to V and Johnny is extremely high.

6. Can V and Johnny both survive in any ending?

Ultimately, no. Either V or Johnny gets the body. Johnny can live indefinitely if he gets the body, while V only has six months left if they keep it, unless you consider future expansions.

7. Can I still play after completing an ending?

Yes. After the credits roll, you’re returned to a point before the final mission, allowing you to explore the world and complete other quests.

8. Does killing enemies affect the ending?

No, choosing lethal or non-lethal approaches doesn’t significantly impact the major ending choices. The primary factors are your relationships with key characters and your dialogue choices.

9. How many endings are there in Cyberpunk 2077?

There are five main endings in the base game, with variations based on specific choices. Future DLC may add more.

10. What happens to Panam if Johnny takes over V’s body?

In the “Temperance” ending, where Johnny takes over, he leaves Night City, breaking ties with Panam.

11. What’s the “best” ending for V’s survival?

None of the endings guarantee V’s long-term survival. All have consequences, whether it’s V’s impending death or their personality fading.

12. Is there a romance that affects the endings?

Judy Alvarez, Panam Palmer, River Ward, and Kerry Eurodyne are the main romance paths. Completing their questlines opens up specific ending possibilities.

13. What happens if I reject Judy’s advances?

Rejecting Judy can lock you out of her questline and certain endings.

14. Is Cyberpunk 2077 a happy game?

Not at all. The game explores themes of death and mortality. This is not a game with a happy ending in any scenario.

15. Where can I learn more about the impact of video games?

Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to explore research and resources on the educational and social impact of video games and interactive media.

Conclusion: The Choice is Yours

Ultimately, the “best” ending in Cyberpunk 2077 is a deeply personal choice. The secret ending, “Don’t Fear The Reaper,” offers a unique blend of challenge, self-reliance, and narrative closure. However, it’s just one path among many, each with its own merits and consequences. Consider your values, the relationships you’ve forged, and what you seek from the story. Only then can you truly determine which ending resonates most deeply with you. Cyberpunk 2077’s strength lies in its ability to provoke thought and offer a range of morally ambiguous choices, leaving the final judgment entirely in your hands.