Who is Alive at the End of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners?

At the grim conclusion of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, the list of survivors is tragically short. The only definitively alive characters are David Martinez’s landlord, Falco (David’s getaway driver), and arguably Lucy. While Lucy is shown heading to the moon, her ultimate fate is left ambiguous, leaving room for speculation and interpretation. Most of the beloved crew, including David himself, are definitively deceased.

The Fallen: A Chronicle of Loss

The anime is notorious for its high body count and willingness to kill off seemingly main characters. Understanding who didn’t make it is crucial to grasping the full emotional weight of the ending.

• David Martinez: The protagonist, David, sacrifices himself to save Lucy. He pushes his cyberware enhancements too far, succumbing to cyberpsychosis and ultimately being neutralized by Adam Smasher.

• Maine: David’s mentor and a pivotal figure in the crew, Maine gradually loses control due to cyberpsychosis, forcing Dorio to end his suffering.

• Dorio: Maine’s partner and a skilled techie, Dorio is killed during a chaotic firefight in an attempt to help Maine.

• Pilar: The eccentric and often humorous member of the crew, Pilar is killed by Rebecca after he’s infected with cyberpsychosis.

• Rebecca: A strong and loyal member of the crew, Rebecca is brutally killed by Adam Smasher during the final confrontation.

• Kiwi: The netrunner, Kiwi betrays the crew under pressure from Faraday. She is subsequently killed by Faraday to cover his tracks.

• Gloria Martinez: David’s mother, Gloria, is killed early in the series by a stray bullet during a gang shooting. Her death serves as a catalyst for David’s entry into the world of edgerunners.

• Faraday: The manipulative fixer who orchestrates much of the chaos, Faraday is killed by Adam Smasher after he has outlived his usefulness.

The Survivors: Hope Amidst the Rubble

While the list of the dead is extensive, a few characters manage to escape the carnage, albeit with varying degrees of emotional scarring.

• Falco: Falco’s survival is confirmed in the ending scene where he helps Lucy board the shuttle to the moon. He carries the heavy burden of witnessing David’s downfall and the loss of the entire crew.

• Lucy: Lucy’s survival is the most ambiguous. She’s shown on the moon, seemingly fulfilling her and David’s shared dream. However, her emotional state is unclear. She is likely traumatized by the events of the series, but physically alive.

• David’s Landlord: A minor but recurring character, David’s landlord survives the events of the series. He’s last seen reacting to the news of David’s exploits.

Ambiguous Fates and Speculation

While the fates of most main characters are clearly defined, some minor characters have ambiguous endings. Their survival or death is not explicitly stated, leaving room for interpretation.

• Becca’s Brother: Becca mentions a brother a few times throughout the show. His location and fate remain unknown.

• Various Arasaka Personnel: While many Arasaka employees die during the events of the show, it’s likely some survive, considering Arasaka’s vast influence and resources.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is David really dead?

Yes, David Martinez is definitively dead. He pushes his cyberware implants too far, succumbing to cyberpsychosis and ultimately being killed by Adam Smasher. There’s no ambiguity about his fate.

2. Does Lucy die on the moon?

Lucy’s fate on the moon is deliberately left ambiguous. The ending shows her fulfilling her dream, but her emotional state is unclear. Whether she thrives or simply exists, haunted by her past, is open to interpretation. She is alive when reaching the moon.

3. How did Falco survive?

Falco survives primarily because he’s the designated getaway driver and isn’t directly involved in the final confrontation with Adam Smasher. He avoids the most dangerous situations and prioritizes escape when things go south.

4. Could David have been saved?

It’s highly unlikely David could have been saved. His obsession with cyberware and his desire to become a legend ultimately lead to his downfall. Even with the best medical intervention, the damage from cyberpsychosis was likely irreversible.

5. Will there be a Season 2 of Edgerunners?

While Cyberpunk: Edgerunners was initially conceived as a standalone series, its immense popularity has fueled speculation about a potential Season 2. However, CD Projekt Red has stated that there are currently no plans for a sequel.

6. Is Adam Smasher still alive after Edgerunners?

Yes, Adam Smasher is still alive after the events of Edgerunners. He remains a significant antagonist in Cyberpunk 2077.

7. What happened to Maine’s implants after his death?

The fate of Maine’s implants is not explicitly stated in the anime. It’s possible they were recovered by Arasaka or scavenged by others.

8. Why did Kiwi betray the crew?

Kiwi betrays the crew because she is pressured by Faraday, who threatens her. She values her own survival above loyalty to the crew.

9. Was Rebecca in love with David?

Rebecca’s feelings for David are strongly implied throughout the series. She clearly cares deeply for him, and her actions suggest a romantic interest that is never explicitly stated.

10. What is Cyberpsychosis?

Cyberpsychosis is a mental disorder in the Cyberpunk universe caused by the overuse or incompatibility of cyberware. It leads to a loss of empathy, violent tendencies, and ultimately, a complete breakdown of the individual’s psyche.

11. What was David’s cyberware?

David initially has the Sandevistan implant, which allows him to move at superhuman speed. He later receives numerous other implants, eventually pushing his body and mind to their breaking point.

12. Where does Edgerunners fit into the Cyberpunk timeline?

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is set approximately one year before the events of Cyberpunk 2077.

13. What is Arasaka’s role in Edgerunners?

Arasaka Corporation serves as a major antagonist in Edgerunners. They are responsible for many of the conflicts and tragedies that befall the crew. They constantly seek powerful technology and are willing to do anything to obtain it.

14. Why did David keep getting more cyberware?

David’s motivations for getting more cyberware are complex. Initially, he does it to protect himself and his friends. Later, it becomes a means of chasing power and fulfilling his desire to become a legend, mirroring Maine’s trajectory. He is also manipulated by others to take on more implants.

15. What is the significance of the moon in Edgerunners?

The moon represents a dream and escape for Lucy. It’s a place where she hopes to find peace and escape the harsh realities of Night City. She eventually makes it to the moon, but the experience is bittersweet because she can’t share it with David.