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Can You Have a Happy Ending With Panam? A Deep Dive into Cyberpunk 2077’s “The Star”

Absolutely, yes! If you’re navigating the neon-drenched streets of Night City in Cyberpunk 2077 and yearning for a glimmer of hope amidst the corporate dystopia, pursuing the “Panam ending, “officially known as “The Star,” is your best bet for a semblance of a happy ending.” It’s often considered the most optimistic conclusion, especially if you’ve romanced Panam Palmer. This ending offers V a chance to escape Night City with the Aldecaldos, fostering a sense of belonging and hinting at potential solutions for their condition.

Understanding “The Star” Ending

The “Panam ending” isn’t just about riding off into the sunset. It’s a culmination of choices made throughout the game, primarily revolving around building a strong relationship with Panam and the Aldecaldos. This involves completing a series of side jobs that solidify your bond with the nomad clan and earn their trust. Crucially, these side jobs must be completed before you enter Embers to meet Hanako Arasaka, the point of no return in the game’s main storyline.

Key Elements for Unlocking the Panam Ending

To ensure you unlock this hopeful outcome, you need to focus on the following:

Complete Panam’s Side Jobs: Specifically, you must finish the following quests before meeting Hanako at Embers:
- Life During Wartime
- Riders on the Storm
Build a Strong Relationship with Panam: This means being supportive, empathetic, and demonstrating loyalty to the Aldecaldos. Choose dialogue options that align with their values and show that you genuinely care about their well-being.
During Nocturne Op55N1 (The Point of No Return): When Johnny Silverhand presents you with options for tackling Arasaka, you must choose to call Panam for help.

The Actual Ending

If you decide to return to your body after entering cyberspace with Alt Cunningham, V, along with the rest of the Aldecaldos, leaves Night City to start anew. Panam even suggests that she has a friend that may be able to help V with their condition. If romanced, the journey is all the more sweeter.

Why the Panam Ending is Considered “Happy”

In a game as morally grey and bleak as Cyberpunk 2077, the “Panam ending” stands out because it offers:

Escape from Night City: V leaves behind the oppressive atmosphere of Night City, escaping the clutches of corporations and the constant threat of violence.
A Sense of Belonging: V finds a family with the Aldecaldos, a community that values loyalty, trust, and mutual support.
Hope for a Cure: Panam’s suggestion of a friend who might be able to help with V’s condition provides a glimmer of hope for a future where V might overcome the Relic’s influence.
Romance and Companionship: If V has romanced Panam, the ending becomes even more meaningful, as they embark on this uncertain journey together.

Romance and the Panam Ending

While not strictly necessary to unlock the ending, romancing Panam Palmer significantly enhances the emotional impact and overall feeling of happiness. The romantic subplot adds depth to the relationship between V and Panam, making their shared journey feel more personal and meaningful. The game rewards you with extra scenes and dialogue unique to this scenario. This is one aspect that makes the ending widely considered the best.

Different Endings Explained

Within the Panam ending, there are two slightly different scenarios, depending on your choices in cyberspace:

“All Along the Watchtower” Epilogue: V returns to their body and leaves Night City with Panam and the Aldecaldos. Johnny stays behind with Alt. This is the true “Panam ending.”
“New Dawn Fades” Epilogue (Temperance Ending): If you choose to cross the bridge with Alt Cunningham, Johnny Silverhand inherits V’s body and leaves Night City, leading to the Temperance ending.

FAQs About the Panam Ending

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Panam ending and how to achieve it:

1. What are the requirements to unlock the Panam ending?

Complete Panam’s side jobs (“Life During Wartime” and “Riders on the Storm”) before meeting Hanako at Embers. Choose to call Panam during the Nocturne Op55N1 quest. Being kind, helpful, and supportive of the Aldecaldos throughout the game also contributes significantly.

2. Do I need to romance Panam to get her ending?

No, you do not have to romance Panam, but it certainly enhances the emotional weight and “happy” feel of the ending. You need only be nice to Panam and work with her on the various missions. Choose dialogue options that show support for her and her clan. However, romancing Panam requires V to have a male body type.

3. What happens if I don’t complete Panam’s side jobs?

If you don’t complete her side jobs, you will not have the option to call Panam during the Nocturne Op55N1 quest. This will lock you out of the Panam ending.

4. What happens if I choose a different ending?

Cyberpunk 2077 offers multiple endings, each with its own consequences and levels of hope. You can choose to side with Arasaka, let Johnny take over V’s body, or pursue a secret ending. Your choices determine V’s fate and the overall tone of the conclusion.

5. How long does V have to live in the Panam ending?

Regardless of the ending you choose where V survives, V still only has approximately six months to live due to the Relic’s effects on their nervous system. The “Panam ending” doesn’t change this fact, but it provides a glimmer of hope that the Aldecaldos might find a way to extend V’s life.

6. What is the name of the Panam ending?

The “Panam ending” is officially called “The Star.”

7. Can I still play after the Panam ending?

Yes, Cyberpunk 2077 allows you to free roam in the game world after completing the main story. This means you can continue to explore Night City, complete side quests, and engage in other activities. The game will load you back to the point before you entered Embers, allowing you to make different choices and pursue other endings as well.

8. Can I mess up the Panam romance?

It’s difficult to ruin your chances with Panam. You would need to betray her to Saul.

9. What is the “Temperance” ending?

The “Temperance” ending is one of the possible epilogues if you start the final quest line with Panam’s help. It happens if V relinquishes control of their body to Johnny Silverhand. Johnny then leaves Night City to start a new life.

10. Does romancing other characters affect the Panam ending?

No, romancing other characters like Judy Alvarez, River Ward, or Kerry Eurodyne will not directly impact your ability to get the Panam ending. The key is to focus on building a strong relationship with Panam and completing her side jobs. The romance of Judy, River, or Kerry will be less impactful.

11. What is the secret ending in Cyberpunk 2077?

The secret ending, also known as the “Don’t Fear the Reaper” ending, is an alternative path you can unlock by having a high relationship percentage with Johnny Silverhand. It’s considered the most challenging ending, as it requires you to infiltrate Arasaka Tower alone, without the help of any allies.

12. How do I get Johnny Silverhand to 70%?

To get Johnny Silverhand to 70%, make sure to pick dialogue options that align with him. Be sure to complete the following side quests: Automatic Love, Transmission, Life During Wartime, Tapeworm, Search and Destroy, Blistering Love, Holdin’ On, and A Like Supreme.

13. Is the secret ending the best ending?

Whether the secret ending is the “best” is subjective. Some players consider it the most rewarding because it’s the most challenging and offers a unique perspective on V and Johnny’s relationship. However, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee a happier outcome for V.

14. Is Panam or Judy the better romance option?

The “better” romance option depends on your personal preferences. Judy is well-integrated into the main story. Panam, however, gives V the feeling of finally belonging and acceptance.

15. Does V survive in any ending?

V survives in several endings, including the Panam ending. If V survives, they still have a limited time to live.

Games Learning Society

Want to read and learn about the psychology behind video games? Then be sure to check out the website of the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org

Ultimately, the “Panam ending” in Cyberpunk 2077 offers a beacon of hope in a world filled with despair. While V’s fate remains uncertain, the prospect of escaping Night City with the Aldecaldos and finding a new sense of purpose makes this ending the closest thing to a “happy ending” in the game. By prioritizing your relationship with Panam and completing her side jobs, you can ensure that V has a chance to ride off into the sunset, leaving behind the darkness and embracing a future filled with possibility, loyalty, and maybe, just maybe, a cure.

Can you have a happy ending with Panam?