Does Killing Make a Difference in Cyberpunk 2077? A Deep Dive

In short, while Cyberpunk 2077 offers players a vast array of choices, the impact of lethal versus non-lethal approaches on the main storyline is surprisingly minimal. Although your role-playing experience will change depending on the approach you choose, the storyline will not.

The Illusion of Choice: Lethality and the Main Narrative

The grim reality of Night City often compels players to make tough decisions, and deciding whether to kill or spare enemies feels like a crucial aspect of shaping V’s journey. However, in terms of the main narrative arc, choosing a pacifist or lethal approach offers little to no meaningful change. Whether you go on a murderous rampage or meticulously subdue every opponent non-lethally, the core plot points remain consistent. This aspect can be disappointing for players hoping for branching storylines based on their moral choices.

This isn’t to say that your actions are entirely without consequence. The world around you reacts – Night City Police Department (NCPD) will respond to wanton violence. However, these reactions are often superficial and do not significantly alter the overall narrative.

Role-Playing vs. Story Impact

The real difference lies in the role-playing experience. A player committed to a non-lethal playthrough will adopt a different mindset, using specific weapons, cyberware, and quickhacks designed for subduing enemies. This can lead to unique tactical challenges and a heightened sense of immersion. On the other hand, a lethal playthrough might focus on maximizing damage output and embracing the brutal realities of Night City.

Ultimately, the choice to kill or not to kill is a personal one, driven more by role-playing preferences than by the game’s narrative structure.

Cyberpsychos: A Morality Test?

The Cyberpsycho Sightings side missions offer a seemingly perfect opportunity to explore the consequences of lethal versus non-lethal takedowns. Regina Jones tasks V with neutralizing these individuals driven mad by cyberware overload. While you can choose to eliminate them permanently, the game encourages a non-lethal approach.

However, even here, the narrative impact is limited. Whether you kill or spare the Cyberpsychos, Regina will eventually contact you for a debriefing, with her comments subtly reflecting your choices. The reward for completing the questline remains the same, regardless of your lethality.

This can be disheartening for players who expect more significant rewards for showing mercy and adhering to a non-lethal approach.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about the impact of killing and non-lethal approaches in Cyberpunk 2077:

1. Does killing Adam Smasher during the prologue change anything?

No, Adam Smasher cannot be killed during the prologue. Even if you were somehow able to defeat him, the story would still progress as intended.

2. Are there any benefits to not killing Cyberpsychos?

There are no significant in-game benefits to not killing Cyberpsychos. While Regina Jones expresses her preference for non-lethal takedowns, the reward for completing the questline remains the same regardless of your choices.

3. Do non-lethal takedowns give more XP?

In the past, there were exploits related to XP gains from non-lethal takedowns followed by lethal blows. However, these exploits have largely been patched out. There’s no inherent XP advantage to using non-lethal methods.

4. What happens if you save every Cyberpsycho?

If you spare all the Cyberpsychos, Regina Jones will make a specific comment about your efforts during your debriefing. However, this is purely a cosmetic change, with no tangible impact on the story or rewards.

5. Are Gorilla Arms non-lethal?

Gorilla Arms are primarily used for melee combat and can be used to subdue enemies without killing them. They are an excellent choice for non-lethal playthroughs, especially when dealing with Cyberpsychos.

6. Can you stop V from dying in Cyberpunk 2077?

Regardless of your choices, V’s fate is ultimately determined by the Relic. Even in the “best” endings, V only has a limited time to live. The player can choose the circumstances of the ending, but cannot remove the “curse”.

7. How do you neutralize a Cyberpsycho without killing them?

You can use non-lethal weapons such as blunt melee weapons, firearms equipped with the Pax mod, or quickhacks like Short Circuit and Contagion. The Target Analysis cyberware mod can also make all weapons non-lethal.

8. Can you make Katanas non-lethal?

No, you cannot make Katanas non-lethal. If you wish to use non-lethal combat options, you’ll need to rely on blunt weapons or modify your ranged weapons with the Pax mod.

9. Is there any benefit to a non-lethal Cyberpunk 2077 playthrough?

The benefit of a non-lethal playthrough is that your conscience can be clear. Story wise it doesn’t change.

10. Can you spare Adam Smasher?

No, you cannot spare Adam Smasher in the main story. He is the final boss in one ending, and is never presented as a spareable option.

11. Which ending is best for Cyberpunk 2077?

The “best” ending is subjective and depends on the player’s preferences. Many consider “The Sun” ending, where V becomes a Night City legend, to be the most fulfilling.

12. Can you cure Cyberpsychosis?

No, there is no known cure for Cyberpsychosis in Cyberpunk 2077. The condition is considered irreversible, which is why Regina Jones asks V to neutralize the Cyberpsychos.

13. Can you spare the Cyberpsychos?

Yes, you can spare the Cyberpsychos by using non-lethal methods to subdue them. This allows Regina Jones to study them and potentially find a way to help others suffering from Cyberpsychosis.

14. What is the max level in Cyberpunk 2077?

The max level in Cyberpunk 2077 2.0 is 60.

15. Are Maelstrom full of Cyberpsychos?

While not all members of the Maelstrom gang are clinical Cyberpsychos, a significant portion of them are, with the remainder being borderline. Their heavy reliance on cyberware and disregard for human life often blur the lines between sanity and psychosis.

Conclusion: Role-Playing Over Repercussions

While Cyberpunk 2077 provides a detailed and immersive world, the ultimate decision to embrace a lethal or non-lethal approach is largely a matter of personal preference. The game’s core narrative remains largely unaffected by your choices, making the role-playing aspect more significant than the actual in-game consequences.

Players who prioritize moral consistency and immersion will find value in adhering to a specific code of conduct. However, those seeking tangible rewards or branching storylines based on their choices may find the lack of impact disappointing. Ultimately, the choice is yours, and the experience you create is what truly matters in the neon-drenched streets of Night City. For more insights into the intersection of gaming and learning, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.