Cyberpunk 2077: Should You Ditch Dex for Evelyn? A No-Nonsense Guide
So, you’re standing at a crossroads in Night City, contemplating whether to betray the notorious fixer Dexter DeShawn and side with the enigmatic Evelyn Parker for the Heist. The promise of a 50% cut dangles before you, a tantalizing alternative to Dex’s undoubtedly smaller offer. The burning question is: Should you do the job for Evelyn without Dex?
The short answer is: It doesn’t significantly matter. While the prospect of a bigger payout is attractive, the core narrative of The Heist and its immediate aftermath remain largely unchanged regardless of your choice. Dex will betray you regardless. The long-term ramifications are minimal, making it more of a roleplaying choice than a strategic one.
Diving Deep into the Choice: Evelyn vs. Dex
Choosing to work directly with Evelyn, informing her you’ll cut Dex out of the deal, certainly feels like a major decision. The potential for a larger slice of the pie is definitely there. However, Cyberpunk 2077’s narrative is intricately designed, and certain key events are set in stone. This is a key part of its appeal, and also, potentially, its biggest flaw.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect if you choose this route:
- The Heist Mission: The actual gameplay of the Heist mission itself won’t drastically alter. You’ll still infiltrate Konpeki Plaza, steal the Relic, and encounter Yorinobu Arasaka.
- The Betrayal: The unfortunate truth is that Dex will inevitably betray you after the Heist goes sideways. This betrayal is a crucial plot point that drives the main story forward.
- The Payout: Despite Evelyn’s promise of a larger cut, you won’t receive any money from the Heist. The events that unfold at Konpeki Plaza ensure that everyone involved loses out on their potential profits.
- Long-Term Consequences: There are no significant long-term consequences for betraying Dex in favor of Evelyn. The main storyline proceeds in much the same way, and your relationships with other characters aren’t drastically affected.
Why Does the Choice Seem to Matter?
The illusion of choice is a powerful tool in storytelling. Cyberpunk 2077 excels at making you feel like your decisions have weight, even when the overarching narrative remains relatively fixed. Choosing to side with Evelyn appeals to your sense of self-preservation and greed – who wouldn’t want a bigger cut? The game encourages you to think as a mercenary, looking out for your own interests in the cutthroat world of Night City. This is a very important lesson and a very interesting way to learn about storytelling and plot design, key topics that are researched at the Games Learning Society and detailed on GamesLearningSociety.org.
However, this choice primarily affects the dialogue and the immediate narrative context surrounding the Heist. It’s a matter of roleplaying your V in a way that aligns with your personal vision of the character. If you see V as someone who is opportunistic and willing to double-cross to get ahead, siding with Evelyn makes perfect sense.
Is There Any Advantage to Siding With Evelyn?
While the material benefits are nonexistent, there’s a potential psychological advantage. If you prioritize loyalty or feel a sense of responsibility towards Evelyn, siding with her might provide a sense of narrative satisfaction. You’re acting in accordance with your character’s moral compass, even if it doesn’t translate into tangible rewards.
Moreover, some players find that knowing Dex is being cut out of the deal adds a layer of intrigue to the Heist. It heightens the tension and makes the mission feel more personal.
The Bottom Line: Play it Your Way
Ultimately, the decision of whether to side with Evelyn or Dex is a matter of personal preference. There’s no right or wrong answer, and the consequences are minimal. Focus on roleplaying your V in a way that feels authentic to you and enjoy the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of this decision:
1. Should I lie to Dexter about the Relic?
Telling Dex the truth about the Relic will result in a slightly different conversation, where he’ll be appreciative of your honesty. However, it doesn’t significantly alter the overall outcome. Lying to him might make him suspicious, but the story progresses regardless.
2. Can you save Jackie in Cyberpunk 2077?
Unfortunately, no. Jackie’s death is a fixed narrative event in Cyberpunk 2077. No matter what choices you make, Jackie will die as part of the Heist’s tragic consequences.
3. Who should I send Jackie’s body to?
You have two options: send Jackie to his family (Mama Welles) or send him to Vik Vektor, your ripperdoc. Sending him to Mama Welles unlocks the “Heroes” side quest, which is highly recommended for its emotional depth and rewards. Sending him to Vik will lock you out of this quest.
4. What happens if you send Jackie’s body to Vik the ripperdoc?
Sending Jackie to Vik will prevent you from attending his Ofrenda and will lock you out of the emotional “Heroes” side quest. You will not get Jackie’s guns or the key to his garage. This choice is generally considered less rewarding than sending him to his family.
5. What happens if you send Jackie to his mom?
Sending Jackie to Mama Welles triggers the “Heroes” side quest, where you’ll attend a ceremony in his honor and receive a key to his garage, where you can find his iconic weapons. This is the generally preferred option for narrative depth and rewards.
6. Is it worth betraying Dex in Cyberpunk 2077?
Narratively, yes, if that’s how you envision your V. Practically, it makes little difference to the overall plot. The main plot beats will happen regardless of your choice.
7. Who killed Dex DeShawn?
Dex was ultimately killed by Takemura, Saburo Arasaka’s bodyguard, after Dex fulfilled his task of recovering V’s body. This event underscores the ruthless nature of Night City and the powerful forces at play.
8. Can you save Evelyn Cyberpunk 2077?
While you can initially save Evelyn from the Scavengers, you cannot save her in the long run. She ultimately succumbs to the trauma she endured and takes her own life.
9. Can you romance Evelyn in Cyberpunk 2077?
No, you cannot romance Evelyn Parker in Cyberpunk 2077. Your relationship with her remains strictly professional and platonic.
10. Why did Dex shoot V?
Dex shot V because he saw them as a liability after the Heist went horribly wrong. V had become too much “heat”, and Dex was trying to protect himself and his reputation.
11. Does Silverhand take over V?
In certain endings, Johnny Silverhand can indeed take over V’s body. This depends on the choices you make throughout the game and the ending you pursue.
12. Should I push Dexter for more money?
You can try to push Dexter for more money, and if you tell him the truth about Evelyn he’ll actually offer you a 40% bonus in a dialogue response! However, ultimately, you won’t receive any payout from the Heist, making this negotiation largely inconsequential.
13. What happens if you pay with the Militech card?
Using the Militech card during the Maelstrom questline will trigger a different encounter with the gang. If the card is virus-free, Royce will let you take the bot. However, Militech forces will then arrive, leading to a firefight as you escape.
14. How to sleep with Meredith Stout?
If you wish, you can sleep with Meredith Stout during the “Venus In Furs” side job. This requires choosing certain dialogue options during your initial meeting with her and accepting her invitation to the No-Tell Motel.
15. What does Jackie’s mom give you?
If you send Jackie to his mom, Mama Welles, and complete the “Heroes” side quest, she will ultimately give you the keys to Jackie’s motorcycle. This vehicle will then be available for you to use throughout the rest of the game.