Are Any of the Cyberpunk 2077 Endings Good? A Deep Dive into Night City’s Fates
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The question of whether any of the endings in Cyberpunk 2077 can be classified as “good” is complex and subjective. There’s no unequivocally happy ending where V is completely cured and lives a long, peaceful life. However, several endings offer glimmers of hope, personal fulfillment, or a sense of purpose, making them arguably “good” depending on the player’s interpretation and priorities. The game excels in its exploration of existential themes and moral ambiguity, so what constitutes a “good” ending is often a matter of perspective.
Dissecting the Shades of Gray: Understanding Cyberpunk Endings
Cyberpunk 2077 presents players with multiple paths toward its conclusion, each branching off from pivotal decisions made throughout the game. Each ending is infused with varying degrees of loss, sacrifice, and potential. Evaluating their “goodness” requires considering V’s relationships, their impact on Night City, and their ultimate fate.
The Aldecaldos Ending: Hope on the Horizon
Many players consider the Aldecaldos ending the most optimistic. V, alongside their romantic partner (Judy or Panam), leaves Night City with the Aldecaldos nomad clan in search of a cure beyond the city’s borders. While there’s no guarantee of success, this ending offers a tangible sense of belonging, family, and a glimmer of hope for extending V’s life. The strong bond between V and the Aldecaldos makes it a heartwarming conclusion, emphasizing the importance of community in a dystopian world.
The Star Ending: A Future with the Nomads
Similar to the Aldecaldos ending, The Star ending involves V leaving Night City with the Aldecaldos. If V romanced Judy, she will also join them. Together, they plan on finding a cure for V’s condition outside of Night City. This ending is considered more hopeful as it shows V finding friendship, love, and purpose with the Nomads.
The Sun Ending: Becoming a Legend
In the Sun ending, V chooses to return to Night City and work alongside Rogue, continuing their mercenary life and becoming a legendary figure in the Afterlife. This ending offers a sense of power and achievement, but it comes at the cost of V’s remaining time. While they embrace their remaining months with vigor, the knowledge of their impending death hangs heavy. The ambition and grit of V in this ending is admired, and they show the world what they can do.
The Temperance Ending: Johnny’s New Life
Choosing to let Johnny take over V’s body results in the Temperance ending. Johnny, now in control, leaves Night City to start a new life, allowing V to fade into the digital ether. While V’s physical existence ends, this ending offers a sense of redemption for Johnny, who learns from V’s experiences and seeks to make amends for his past. This ending can be considered bittersweet.
The Devil Ending: A Faustian Bargain
The Devil ending is widely considered the most bleak and unfavorable. V agrees to work with Arasaka in exchange for potential treatment. However, they are ultimately betrayed and used by the corporation. This ending highlights the ruthless nature of corporate power and the futility of trusting those who prioritize profit over human life.
The Secret Ending (Don’t Fear the Reaper): A Lone Wolf’s Gambit
The secret ending, “Don’t Fear the Reaper,” unlocks if V has a high affinity with Johnny Silverhand. V undertakes the final mission solo, storming Arasaka Tower without relying on anyone else. This ending offers a challenging and action-packed conclusion, showcasing V’s strength and independence. While the outcome is uncertain, it hints at the possibility of finding a cure through unknown channels, possibly involving a space heist as a potential reward.
The Suicide Ending: A Tragic Choice
The Suicide ending, where V chooses to end their life rather than face their impending doom, is undeniably the saddest and most despairing. It highlights the crushing weight of V’s situation and the lack of viable options in a world that offers little solace. This ending is difficult to witness, but it underscores the themes of existential despair and the struggle for agency in a cyberpunk dystopia.
Defining “Good”: A Matter of Perspective
Ultimately, the “goodness” of a Cyberpunk 2077 ending is a matter of individual interpretation. Some players prioritize hope for a cure, while others value personal connections and a sense of belonging. Still, others seek a blaze of glory or find solace in sacrifice. The game masterfully provides options that cater to diverse perspectives, challenging players to confront their own values and priorities.
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Cyberpunk 2077: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is there an ending where V definitively survives?
No, there is no ending where V is definitively cured and guaranteed a long life. All endings acknowledge V’s limited lifespan due to the Relic.
2. Which Cyberpunk 2077 ending is considered the “happiest”?
The Aldecaldos ending or The Star Ending is generally considered the happiest, offering the most hope for a cure and a strong sense of community.
3. What are the requirements for unlocking the secret ending?
To unlock the secret ending, you must have a sufficiently high relationship with Johnny Silverhand, achieved through specific dialogue choices during the “Chippin’ In” questline. Contrary to some player beliefs, there’s no strict 70% relationship requirement.
4. Can Johnny and V both live in any of the endings?
No, in every ending, either Johnny or V must relinquish their physical body. Either V’s mind fades away to let Johnny take over, or V continues to live but only for a few months.
5. How many different endings are there in Cyberpunk 2077?
There are five main endings, with slight variations depending on your choices and relationships.
6. What is the worst ending in Cyberpunk 2077?
The Suicide ending is generally considered the worst due to its bleakness and lack of hope.
7. Does the Phantom Liberty expansion change the base game endings?
Yes, the Phantom Liberty expansion adds a new ending to the base game, which can be unlocked through specific choices in the expansion’s final missions.
8. What happens if V gives their body to Johnny?
If V gives their body to Johnny, Johnny takes over V’s life and leaves Night City to start anew.
9. Does V survive longer than six months in any ending?
No. Regardless of the ending, V’s remaining lifespan is limited to around six months due to the Relic.
10. Is there a way to permanently equip Johnny Silverhand’s arm?
Yes, to equip Johnny Silverhand’s arm, you must complete the side quest “Chippin’ In.”
11. Which characters can V romance in Cyberpunk 2077?
V can romance Judy Alvarez (if V is female), Panam Palmer (if V is male), River Ward (if V is female), and Kerry Eurodyne (if V is male).
12. What happens if V chooses to work with Arasaka?
Choosing to work with Arasaka leads to the Devil ending, which is generally considered the most unfavorable due to Arasaka’s betrayal.
13. What is Mr. Blue Eyes offering V in the secret ending?
Mr. Blue Eyes offers V a job to steal a cache of data from the Crystal Palace, a luxury space station orbiting Earth.
14. What is the significance of Night City in the game’s endings?
Night City is both a prison and a playground. Whether V chooses to leave or stay, their decision reflects their acceptance of or rebellion against its dystopian grip.
15. Does the secret ending require a 70% relationship with Johnny?
No, the secret ending only requires that you select specific dialogue options during the Chippin’ In side quest.