Are There Bad Endings in Cyberpunk 2077? Exploring the Nuances of Cyberpunk Endings
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Yes, absolutely. Cyberpunk 2077 offers a spectrum of endings, some of which can be considered definitively “bad” depending on your perspective and what you value within the game’s narrative. These endings vary in their impact, ranging from bittersweet to downright tragic, often hinging on the choices V, the protagonist, makes throughout their journey. The subjectivity of “bad” is key here. What one player finds devastating, another might see as a fitting conclusion to a gritty, morally ambiguous world.
The Spectrum of Cyberpunk Endings: Good, Bad, and Everything In Between
Understanding the “badness” of an ending in Cyberpunk 2077 requires a look at the various narrative threads that weave together. Endings that could be classified as negative often involve:
- V’s impending death: The core conflict of the game revolves around V’s deteriorating condition due to the Relic, and many endings do not offer a concrete cure. This looming mortality casts a shadow even on seemingly positive outcomes.
- Loss of Relationships: Choices made during the game directly impact V’s relationships with key characters like Judy, Panam, and Johnny Silverhand. Some endings sever these ties, leaving V isolated and alone.
- Moral Compromises: To achieve certain outcomes, V might be forced to make ethically questionable decisions, such as siding with corporations or betraying allies.
- Uncertain Futures: Even when V survives, the future is often uncertain, filled with unknowns and potential dangers. The game rarely offers a neat and tidy resolution.
- Johnny’s Fate: What happens to Johnny Silverhand is also an element of a happy or sad ending. Does he get a chance at life, or does he disappear?
One notable example of a widely considered “bad” ending is the “Devil” ending, where V trusts Arasaka and ultimately becomes a construct stored in Mikoshi. While Hanako keeps her word, the player experiences V’s loss of agency, the cold, sterile environment of Arasaka, and the eventual fading of their personality. This ending is particularly bleak if Takemura was saved, adding another layer of regret, as he feels betrayed by V’s choices. Other endings, like “The Sun,” offer the prospect of legendary status but do so with the constant awareness of V’s limited time. “The Star” ending, achieved with the Aldecaldos, is often seen as one of the “happier” options, providing V with companionship and a glimmer of hope for a cure, but even this is tinged with uncertainty.
The beauty (and the darkness) of Cyberpunk 2077 is that no ending is purely “good” or “bad.” They’re all shades of gray, reflections of a morally compromised world. This aligns perfectly with the themes explored by many games discussed within the Games Learning Society, which studies the educational and social impact of games. For more information on game narrative and its impact on players, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cyberpunk 2077 Endings
1. Is there a “true” ending to Cyberpunk 2077?
No. Cyberpunk 2077 deliberately avoids having a single “true” ending. Each ending is a valid conclusion to V’s story, shaped by the player’s choices throughout the game. The “Don’t Fear The Reaper” secret ending is arguably the most challenging to unlock and complete, but it’s not necessarily the “true” one.
2. What makes the Arasaka ending (“The Devil”) so bad?
The “Devil” ending is considered bad due to V’s loss of autonomy. They essentially become a tool of Arasaka, their consciousness stored in Mikoshi. It’s a stark contrast to the freedom V craves, and the sterile, corporate environment underscores the loss of their humanity.
3. Can V survive in any of the Cyberpunk 2077 endings?
V’s survival is always tenuous. In some endings, V returns to Night City with only months to live, while in others, they leave with the Aldecaldos, holding onto the hope of finding a cure. The “cure” offered in Phantom Liberty is also a moral dilemma. There’s no guarantee of a permanent, happy resolution.
4. Which Cyberpunk 2077 ending is considered the happiest?
Many players consider “The Star” ending, where V joins the Aldecaldos nomads, as the closest thing to a “happy” ending. It offers V a sense of belonging, a supportive community, and the hope of finding a cure with Panam’s help.
5. What is the “Don’t Fear The Reaper” secret ending, and how do I unlock it?
The “Don’t Fear The Reaper” ending is unlocked by having a high relationship with Johnny Silverhand (around 70% or higher). It involves V launching a solo assault on Arasaka Tower.
6. Does saving Takemura affect the endings in Cyberpunk 2077?
Saving Takemura can influence certain dialogue options and his presence in some endings, particularly the “Devil” ending. However, it doesn’t drastically alter the overall outcome. He feels betrayed by V if V takes Hanako’s deal.
7. What happens if V gives their body to Johnny Silverhand?
If V chooses to give their body to Johnny, Johnny leaves Night City to start a new life. This is the “Temperance” ending.
8. Can Johnny and V both live in Cyberpunk 2077?
Not exactly. In the “Temperance” ending, Johnny lives on in V’s body, while V’s consciousness essentially fades. Conversely, if V chooses to retain their body, Johnny goes beyond the Blackwall, potentially existing in cyberspace.
9. Is there a way to romance Judy Alvarez as a male V?
No. Judy Alvarez is only available as a romance option for a V with a female body type and voice.
10. How can I improve my relationship with Johnny Silverhand to unlock the secret ending?
Increasing your relationship with Johnny involves making choices that align with his values and completing his side quests. Key moments include dialogue options in quests like “Automatic Love,” “Transmission,” “Life During Wartime,” “Tapeworm,” “Search and Destroy,” “Blistering Love,” “Holdin’ On,” and “A Like Supreme.”
11. Does the Phantom Liberty expansion offer a guaranteed cure for V?
Phantom Liberty introduces new endings and the potential for a cure, but it comes at a cost. The expansion presents difficult moral choices, and the “cure” often involves sacrifices or compromises.
12. What happens if V goes with Alt Cunningham beyond the Blackwall?
If V goes with Alt Cunningham beyond the Blackwall, Johnny Silverhand takes control of V’s body and leaves Night City, leading to the “Temperance” ending.
13. Can you save both Mitch and Scorpion in the Aldecaldos ending?
Yes, it is possible to save both Mitch and Scorpion during the Nomad storyline. The choices you make during their respective missions will determine their fates.
14. Is it better to give Johnny V’s body or vice versa?
This is entirely subjective. Giving Johnny V’s body allows him to live on, while allowing V to keep their body enables them to pursue their own goals, albeit with a limited lifespan.
15. Are there any endings where V gets to live a normal, happy life?
Unfortunately, no. Cyberpunk 2077 is not a game that offers purely happy endings. All endings are tinged with uncertainty, loss, or the looming threat of V’s impending death. The game prioritizes thematic resonance and moral complexity over simple resolutions. The ambiguity of each ending is what makes Cyberpunk 2077’s narrative so captivating.
Cyberpunk 2077’s endings are a reflection of its world: bleak, morally ambiguous, and rarely offering easy answers. Whether an ending is considered “bad” ultimately depends on the player’s perspective and their investment in V’s journey.