Can V Be Cured in Phantom Liberty? Exploring the Cure, Endings, and Consequences
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Yes, V can be cured in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, but it comes with significant caveats and is tied to specific choices made during the DLC’s storyline. The possibility of a cure hinges on siding with Solomon Reed and the FIA over Song So Mi (Songbird) and pursuing the “The Killing Moon” questline. This path unlocks a brand-new ending to V’s overall story in the base game, where V undergoes a procedure that removes the Relic and the Johnny Silverhand construct from their mind. However, this cure comes at a steep price: V loses their ability to use most cybernetic implants and essentially becomes a “normal” person, unable to engage in combat-oriented roles. In essence, they trade their extraordinary life and abilities for a chance at a longer, albeit ordinary, future. This outcome is neither wholly good nor bad, as it represents a profound sacrifice for the sake of survival. The cure’s availability also locks you into the base game’s new ending, which in the grand scheme is not necessarily the best or most desirable ending to some.
Understanding the Cure and Its Implications
The quest for a cure is a central theme in both the base Cyberpunk 2077 game and the Phantom Liberty expansion. V’s initial predicament, the looming threat of death due to the Relic malfunction, drives much of their actions. Phantom Liberty offers a potential solution, but it’s crucial to understand that this solution isn’t a simple fix. It’s a complex choice with far-reaching consequences that fundamentally alter V’s identity and capabilities.
The cure offered by the NUSA, facilitated by Reed, is a drastic measure. It involves separating V’s consciousness from the Relic and, by extension, Johnny Silverhand. While this eliminates the immediate threat to V’s life, it also severs their connection to the digital ghost and removes the source of their unique abilities.
The Trade-Off: Power for Longevity
The core dilemma lies in the trade-off: V can choose to retain their cybernetic enhancements, combat skills, and the unique perspective offered by Johnny Silverhand, but face a limited lifespan. Alternatively, they can opt for the cure, sacrificing those attributes for a chance at a longer, more conventional life.
This choice resonates deeply with the game’s themes of transhumanism, identity, and the cost of ambition. It forces players to confront the question of what truly matters: power, freedom, or survival.
Endings and Outcomes
The ending where V gets cured is not necessarily a “happy ending” in the traditional sense. V becomes a regular person, stripped of their cybernetic enhancements and combat prowess. This new reality can be jarring, especially considering the life V led as a mercenary in Night City.
It’s important to consider this outcome within the context of the other endings available in both the base game and Phantom Liberty. Some players might prefer the “Star” ending, where V leaves Night City with the Aldecaldos, or the “Sun” ending, where they become a legend. These endings offer different forms of resolution, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
The Songbird Choice and Alternate Outcomes
Choosing to side with Songbird leads to different outcomes. In this scenario, a cure for V is not the primary focus. Instead, the storyline revolves around helping Songbird escape her predicament and confronting the dangers of the Blackwall.
While siding with Songbird doesn’t offer a cure for V, it does provide access to a different set of endings, each with its own consequences for V, Songbird, and other characters like Alex. The choice ultimately depends on the player’s priorities and their willingness to sacrifice one character for the sake of another.
The King of Wands Ending
This option, achieved by helping Songbird and then ultimately killing Reed, is considered by some to be the “best” ending in Phantom Liberty. It offers a unique perspective on V’s situation and aligns with the philosophies of both V and Johnny Silverhand. However, it doesn’t offer a cure for V.
Alex’s Fate
The choice between Songbird and Reed also determines Alex’s fate. Siding with Songbird is crucial to keeping Alex alive. If players side with Reed, Alex will likely be killed by Kurt Hansen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about V’s potential cure in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty:
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Is there a guaranteed cure for V in Phantom Liberty?
No, there isn’t a guaranteed cure. The possibility of a cure depends on the choices you make during the DLC’s storyline, specifically siding with Reed and the FIA. -
What are the consequences of taking the cure?
The main consequence is the loss of V’s ability to use most cybernetic implants and engage in combat-oriented roles. V essentially becomes a “normal” person. -
Can I still use some cyberware after taking the cure?
No. All cyberware is disabled, including your cybernetic eyes. -
Does the cure affect V’s relationship with Johnny Silverhand?
Yes, the cure removes the Relic, which also eliminates the Johnny Silverhand construct from V’s mind. -
What happens if I side with Songbird?
Siding with Songbird leads to a different set of endings that do not involve a cure for V. -
Is there a “good” ending in Phantom Liberty?
No outcome can be said to be wholly good or bad. Each ending has its own upsides and downsides for V, Songbird, Reed, and other characters. -
Does Phantom Liberty add a new ending to the base game?
Yes, siding with Reed and pursuing the cure unlocks a brand-new ending to V’s overall story in the base game. -
Can I save Alex in Phantom Liberty?
Yes, but only if you side with Songbird during the initial opportunity. -
What is the “King of Wands” ending?
The King of Wands ending is achieved by helping Songbird and then killing Reed. It’s considered by some to be the “best” ending in Phantom Liberty. -
Does the secret ending offer a cure for V?
No, the secret ending does not offer a cure for V. -
What happens if I fail the secret ending?
Failure results in the game abruptly ending with the credits rolling—no second chances or reloading checkpoints. -
Can I play Phantom Liberty after finishing the main Cyberpunk 2077 storyline?
Yes, you can play Phantom Liberty after finishing the main game. It’s a separate expansion with its own story and quests. -
What is the max level in Phantom Liberty?
The level cap is raised from 50 to 60 with the Phantom Liberty DLC. -
Is V the main character in Phantom Liberty?
Yes, you play as V in Phantom Liberty, just as you do in the original game. -
How does Phantom Liberty fit into the main Cyberpunk 2077 story?
Phantom Liberty’s story is intertwined with the main Cyberpunk 2077 story, offering a new perspective on V’s predicament and the world of Night City. The choices you make in Phantom Liberty can have a significant impact on V’s fate and the overall ending of the game. The Cyberpunk 2077 2.0 patch included alongside Phantom Liberty reworked and revamped massive parts of the game, including an entirely new perk system, new weapons, a new take on cyberware, and so much more.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to pursue the cure is a personal one. It depends on the player’s interpretation of V’s character, their priorities, and their willingness to make difficult choices with far-reaching consequences.
Exploring these complex themes through video games can be a valuable learning experience. To further explore the intersection of gaming and education, consider visiting the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Final Thoughts
The question of whether V can be cured in Phantom Liberty is not a simple yes or no answer. It’s a complex and nuanced decision that depends on your choices, your values, and your vision for V’s future. While the cure offers a chance at a longer life, it comes at a significant cost. It’s up to each player to weigh the pros and cons and decide what truly matters most.