Should You Betray Dex in Cyberpunk 2077? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer? Yes, betraying Dex doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of Cyberpunk 2077. Your choices during that initial Heist mission have limited long-term consequences. Dex ultimately betrays V regardless of whether you side with him or Evelyn, so go ahead and explore your options!
The Nuances of Night City: Dex, Evelyn, and Betrayal
The early hours of Cyberpunk 2077 are a whirlwind of neon lights, cybernetic enhancements, and moral compromises. One of the first major decisions you face is whether to betray Dexter DeShawn during the Heist. Evelyn Parker presents a tempting offer: cut Dex out of the deal and split the profits with her. It seems like a straightforward choice – more money for you and less for a shady fixer. However, the reality is far more complex, and your decision has surprisingly little impact on the overall narrative.
Why Your Choice Barely Matters
Regardless of whether you agree to Evelyn’s proposal or stay loyal to Dex, the heist goes sideways. Yorinobu Arasaka murders his father, Saburo, triggering a chain of events that leads to V and Jackie being hunted and ultimately, Dex betraying V. This betrayal is a pivotal moment in the game, triggering the main storyline and the introduction of Johnny Silverhand. Because Dex’s betrayal is inevitable, whether or not you betray him becomes largely inconsequential. The game is designed to funnel you towards that critical juncture, regardless of your initial choices.
Exploring the Immediate Consequences
While the long-term impact is minimal, there are some immediate differences based on your decision:
- Dialogue Changes: If you agree to betray Dex, you’ll have different dialogue options with Evelyn and Jackie. These conversations offer more insight into their characters and motivations, but don’t drastically alter the plot.
- Slight Variation in Mission Payout: Depending on how you negotiate, you might receive slightly more or less money upfront. However, this difference is negligible compared to the overall amount of eddies you’ll earn throughout the game.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to make the choice that feels right for your V’s personality. Are you playing a ruthless mercenary who’s always looking for the best deal? Or a loyal friend who sticks to their word? Either approach is valid, and the game will accommodate your decision.
The Inevitable Betrayal: Dex’s Double-Cross
Even if you choose to remain loyal to Dex, he will still betray you at the No-Tell Motel. Fearing the heat brought on by the Arasaka murder, Dex sees V as a liability and eliminates them. This is a crucial plot point, as V’s death activates the Relic containing Johnny Silverhand, setting the stage for the rest of the game.
The Games Learning Society emphasizes the importance of player agency and meaningful choices in video games. While Cyberpunk 2077 offers a vast and immersive world, this particular choice highlights how even seemingly significant decisions can be rendered ultimately meaningless by the overarching narrative structure. Learn more about the importance of game design at GamesLearningSociety.org.
FAQ: Navigating the Treacherous Waters of Night City
Here are some frequently asked questions that may assist you in the beginning of the game:
1. Should I side with Dex or Evelyn?
It doesn’t really matter. Both paths lead to Dex betraying V. Choose based on your preferred dialogue and roleplaying choices.
2. Does betraying Dex do anything significant?
No, the impact is minimal and mostly affects the Heist mission itself. There are no long-term repercussions.
3. Why does Dex betray V?
Dex fears the heat brought on by the Arasaka murder and sees V as a liability.
4. What happens when Dex kills V?
V dies, but the Relic activates and begins to overwrite V’s brain with Johnny Silverhand’s engram.
5. How does V survive being shot by Dex?
The Relic compensates for the brain damage and allows V to survive.
6. Who kills Dex Deshawn?
Takemura, Saburo Arasaka’s bodyguard, tracks down and executes Dex.
7. Does V come back after Dex kills you?
Yes, V is resurrected by the Relic containing Johnny Silverhand.
8. Is Dex a good guy?
No, Dex is a ruthless fixer who prioritizes his own interests above all else. He is a major antagonist in Act 1.
9. Is Johnny Silverhand good or bad?
Johnny Silverhand is a complex character with both heroic and villainous qualities. He is considered both by the game’s community.
10. Does betraying Dex affect my relationship with Jackie?
Your decision might influence Jackie’s initial reaction, but it doesn’t significantly impact your overall relationship with him.
11. Can I get my money back from Dex after he betrays me?
No, you cannot recover the money that Dex owes you.
12. Are there any consequences for trusting Arasaka later in the game?
Yes, there are significant consequences for trusting Arasaka, leading to one of the game’s darker endings.
13. Does my choice impact the multiple endings in Cyberpunk 2077?
No, siding with Dex or Evelyn does not affect any of the game’s possible endings.
14. What happens if I ask Dex for more money before the Heist?
Your choices during this scene won’t matter in the long run, so answer however you want and head out to call Dex.
15. Can V keep his body cyberpunk?
Once completed, Johnny is left with a choice: give V’s body back or keep it for himself. Keeping the body results in the same ending, but giving it back to V results in legendary status comparable to a certain Netwatch Netdriver MK. 5 Cyberdeck across Night City.
Night City’s Unforgiving Reality
Cyberpunk 2077 often presents choices that seem significant but ultimately have little bearing on the grand narrative. The decision to betray Dex is a prime example of this design philosophy. While it offers a brief glimpse into the complex relationships and moral ambiguities of Night City, it serves primarily as a narrative device to propel the story forward. Don’t sweat the small stuff; focus on enjoying the journey, exploring the world, and forging your own legend in the neon-lit dystopia.