Should I Save the Guy in the Trunk in Cyberpunk 2077? A Detailed Guide
The question of whether to save the guy in the trunk during the Cyberpunk 2077 mission, “The Gig,” is a classic example of the moral choices players face throughout Night City. The short answer is: yes, you should absolutely let Alex out of the trunk. While the immediate monetary reward might seem counterintuitive, freeing Alex is the morally superior and ultimately more rewarding path, leading to a better outcome for both V and Alex. Let’s delve into why.
The Olive Branch Dilemma: Free Alex or Deliver Him?
The mission, “The Gig,” presents a scenario where you’re tasked with retrieving a valuable asset for the Tyger Claws. The asset turns out to be a person named Alex, stuffed into a car trunk. Upon opening the trunk, you have a direct choice: deliver Alex to the Tyger Claws or let him go free. This seemingly simple decision has significant ramifications, both in terms of your immediate reward and your overall experience with the game.
Financial Rewards: More Money for Morality
Surprisingly, choosing the “nicer” option of letting Alex go nets you a far greater sum of Eurodollars. Delivering Alex to the Tyger Claws earns you a meager 1,860 Eurodollars. In contrast, releasing Alex grants you 3,700 Eurodollars, a substantial difference that makes the morally righteous path also the financially lucrative one. This is a deliberate design choice by the game developers, encouraging players to consider more than just immediate profit.
The Moral Choice: Freedom vs. Captivity
Beyond the monetary incentive, the decision to free Alex aligns with the more morally grounded choices presented in Cyberpunk 2077. The game often blurs the lines between good and bad, but in this instance, it’s relatively clear. Keeping Alex imprisoned and handing him over to a potentially brutal fate with the Tyger Claws feels inherently wrong. Letting him go, on the other hand, offers him a chance at freedom and survival.
Consequences and Reactions
The immediate repercussions for releasing Alex are minimal. You’ll receive an angry phone call from Sergei, expressing his displeasure at your decision. However, this is a minor consequence and does not significantly impact the game’s storyline or your standing within Night City. The benefits of saving Alex, both financially and ethically, far outweigh the brief inconvenience of a disgruntled phone call.
The Phantom Liberty Connection: Alex’s Fate
The decision of whether to save Alex extends beyond “The Gig.” If you decide to play the Phantom Liberty expansion, this initial choice concerning Alex actually has a major impact on his ultimate fate. In order to keep Alex alive, you’ll have to side with Songbird during the critical choice in the DLC. If you choose to side with Reed at that juncture, and thus not side with Songbird during that initial opportunity, Alex will be killed by a heavily armed and prepared Hansen. This makes the initial decision of saving him from the trunk more important as it is the foundation upon which his survival rests. It is also important to note that choosing to side with Reed initially will also prevent you from unlocking one of the new endings in the base game.
Why Letting Alex Go Is the Right Choice
In conclusion, the decision to let Alex out of the trunk is clear-cut. It’s the morally sound option, it rewards you with more money, and in the Phantom Liberty DLC, it can potentially save his life. Cyberpunk 2077 often throws tough choices at the player, but this one offers a rare moment where the “right” decision aligns with both ethical and practical considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions relating to the “Olive Branch” mission and related mechanics in Cyberpunk 2077.
1. What exactly happens if I open the trunk and talk to Alex?
If you open the trunk, you’ll find Alex inside. After a brief conversation, you’ll be presented with the choice to either release him or close the trunk and deliver him to the Tyger Claws.
2. Is there any way to deliver Alex to the Tyger Claws and still have him survive?
No. Delivering Alex to the Tyger Claws directly results in a less beneficial outcome for both Alex and the player, in terms of rewards and potential impact within Phantom Liberty. Choosing to release him is always the better option.
3. How much money do I get for delivering Alex to the Tyger Claws?
You will receive 1,860 Eurodollars for handing Alex over to the Tyger Claws.
4. How much money do I get for letting Alex go free?
You will receive 3,700 Eurodollars for letting Alex go free, almost double the reward for delivering him.
5. Does the decision to save Alex affect my relationship with Wakako?
No, this decision doesn’t affect your relationship with Wakako. She is merely a broker, and your choice concerning Alex is outside of her interest.
6. What is the “Professional Widow” quest and how do I get it?
The “Professional Widow” quest is a side gig you receive from Wakako after completing all of her other gigs. It rewards you with the unique Byakko Katana.
7. What is the code for the hidden dev room in Cyberpunk 2077?
The code for the hidden developer room is 605185.
8. How many gigs does Wakako have?
Wakako has a total of eight gigs for you to complete.
9. What is the free cyberware that Wakako gives?
Wakako gives you the Tattoo: Tyger Claws Dermal Imprint for your hands, which costs 0 Eurodollars.
10. Can I romance Judy as a male V in Cyberpunk 2077?
Originally, you could not romance Judy as a male V, but after the release of patch 2.0, the game now supports romancing Judy as a male V with the use of mods.
11. What happens if you don’t kiss Judy in the bathroom during Pyramid Song?
If you do not kiss Judy, the romantic path with her will end, and she will leave Night City.
12. What does Wakako give you after completing all her gigs?
Once all of Wakako’s gigs are done, she will give you the “Professional Widow” quest. Upon completing it, you receive the Byakko Katana.
13. Does Cyberpunk 2077 have bad endings?
Yes, there are several bad endings in Cyberpunk 2077. One particularly bleak ending involves taking Hanako’s deal, which can feel shockingly awful, especially if V has been able to save Takemura.
14. Are there any new romances in the Phantom Liberty DLC?
No, there are no new romance options in Phantom Liberty. However, you can continue existing romances with Judy, Panam, Kerry, and River.
15. Is there a free Sandevistan I can find in Cyberpunk 2077?
Yes, you can find a free Sandevistan during the Gig: Prototype in the Scraper. While you can also purchase one, finding it free is a great option.