Does V Get Rid of the Chip? Unraveling the Fate of the Relic in Cyberpunk 2077
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The short answer is: no, V never permanently gets rid of the Relic chip in Cyberpunk 2077. The game presents various scenarios, each with different outcomes, but none involve V simply removing the chip and returning to a normal life. The Relic, containing the engram of Johnny Silverhand, becomes inextricably linked to V’s physiology, making its removal a near-impossible feat. This core conflict is a driving force behind the narrative and the various endings. While the chip can be ‘removed’ in the sense that Johnny is separated from V or that V’s consciousness is transferred elsewhere, the physical chip remains a dangerous and ever-present factor. V’s journey is primarily about managing the situation they’re in, rather than finding a complete cure that returns them to their pre-chip existence.
The Impossibility of Simple Removal
The reason V cannot just ‘pop out’ the Relic chip is directly tied to the events early in the game. The traumatic headshot inflicted by Dexter DeShawn resulted in significant brain damage that was only repaired by the Relic’s advanced technology. The chip didn’t simply sit in V’s brain; it actively integrated with their neural structures, essentially rebuilding the damaged areas. Attempting to remove the chip would be akin to extracting a vital part of their brain – a fatal endeavor. This makes the Relic more than just a foreign object; it’s a fundamental element of V’s now-modified biology.
The Chip’s Destructive Nature
The Relic is also progressively killing V. This is not because of the physical presence of the chip, but because the chip’s damage is being repaired using V’s brain. The process is relentless, and each day, V loses a little more of their original self to the chip. It’s a slow and agonizing deterioration, fueled by the chip’s flawed design and the ongoing conflict between V’s consciousness and the engram of Johnny Silverhand. This is what motivates V throughout the game to find a solution, be it to save themselves or make peace with their destiny. This aspect of the game is crucial to understanding the urgency that V faces and why they’re willing to take so many dangerous risks.
Temporary Solutions and Endings
While permanent removal is impossible, some endings allow for temporary separations or altered states:
- The Arasaka Ending: In some Arasaka endings, V’s consciousness is stored as an engram, essentially uploading them onto the digital plane. While the physical chip is no longer an immediate threat, V’s physical body is either left to die, or trapped in an Arasaka vault, highlighting a desperate situation that is far from a happy ending.
- The Sun Ending: This ending sees V as a legend of Night City and involves the chip being temporarily removed from V, and V is placed in a new body, with Johnny’s engram being wiped away. This is one of the more hopeful ends, however, it still does not involve V simply removing the chip and going back to life before the chip was inserted.
- The Devil Ending: This sees V, in desperation, signing a contract with Arasaka and becoming an engram, effectively leaving their body behind. Again, this is a desperate and disheartening ending, far from V being able to remove the chip and continue life.
- Phantom Liberty Endings: The Phantom Liberty expansion introduces new endings, some of which provide ways for V to survive, however, these do not result in the physical chip’s removal. One ending sees V in a coma while a new body is prepared for them, while others focus on V making difficult choices to prolong their life, but never fully rid themself of the chip’s impact.
These scenarios highlight that V’s fight is not to erase the Relic but to find the least destructive way to live with its consequences. None of them allow for the permanent removal and destruction of the chip, nor do they allow for V to return to their old life as they once knew it. They are forced to adapt to a new life, with the chip always being a part of their story.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did V put the chip in his head in the first place?
Following Jackie’s death, V is left with no other option to save the Relic from potential destruction, as the chip had been removed from its protective casing and was in danger of overheating. V decides to sacrifice themself by inserting the chip in their head. V is also motivated by a sense of responsibility not to waste Jackie’s sacrifice, and so, takes the drastic step of inserting the Relic into their cranial port.
2. What happens if I remove the virus from the chip before meeting Maelstrom?
Removing the malware from the Militech shard before meeting Royce allows you to use the chip as payment, avoiding a potentially difficult fight with them. You are able to remove the virus from the chip via a decryption minigame. Without the decrypted chip, you’ll have to fight the gang during the deal.
3. What is the purpose of the malware on the Militech chip?
The malware on the Militech chip is designed to disrupt Maelstrom’s system, which would have been a way for Militech to strike back at the gang. Tampering with it changes the outcome of the confrontation with Royce.
4. What happens if you decrypt the Militech chip?
Decrypting the Militech chip removes the virus designed to harm Maelstrom’s system. You also have the option to copy the malware, which could prove useful later on. Furthermore, if you choose to decrypt it, Militech will notice, and this can lead to additional combat with Militech forces.
5. Why is the Relic chip slowly killing V?
The chip isn’t inherently poisonous, it’s the ongoing repair process that is using V’s brain to fix damage, this constant process is slowly destroying the delicate neural balance of V’s brain.
6. Can V survive Cyberpunk 2077?
V’s long term survival is questionable and largely depends on your chosen ending. Some endings offer a sense of hope, with V living on in some capacity. V’s story is a complex and often grim one, with no clear ‘happy’ ending in a traditional sense.
7. Is there a canonical gender for V?
No, there is no canonical gender for V. Both male and female versions offer unique perspectives on the narrative and relationships, especially regarding Johnny Silverhand. The player’s choice of gender is primarily for personalization and does not impact the main storyline.
8. Why was V kept a secret from BTS fans before their debut?
This question does not relate to the game, and seems to be a reference to a BTS member called “V”. In the game, V was not kept secret, and is instead a player character who is known throughout the city as they progress through their missions.
9. What is the best ending in Cyberpunk 2077?
The “best” ending is subjective and depends on personal preference. Many players consider The Sun ending to be the most satisfying, seeing V as a legend of Night City. However, some prefer endings where they are able to save V’s life, at any cost, leading them towards the new Phantom Liberty endings.
10. Does Phantom Liberty add a new ending?
Yes, Phantom Liberty adds new endings to the base game, offering alternative outcomes for V and reflecting a more pragmatic approach to their situation. These endings explore the cost of the relentless search for a cure and can vary from other base endings.
11. Who is the mole in Militech?
The mole in Militech is Anthony Gilchrist, and you can interact with him to get a call if you are not close to him during his mission.
12. What happens if you fail to decrypt the Militech chip?
If you don’t decrypt the Militech chip, you will have to fight Maelstrom during the deal and won’t get the option to pay them with the chip.
13. Is Militech a good or bad corporation in Cyberpunk 2077?
Militech is portrayed as a powerful and aggressive corporation, often seen as a dangerous entity. While they provide essential supplies, their unchecked power and self-serving nature make them ethically questionable. They are not seen as ‘good guys’.
14. Can you get money from the Militech chip?
Yes, you can get money from the Militech chip, however, you must decrypt the chip first before you give it to Maelstrom. Then, go into your backpack and access the shard, then download the money.
15. Why does V sometimes get angry in Cyberpunk 2077?
V’s anger is often a reflection of the difficult circumstances they face and their internal struggles with the chip and Johnny Silverhand. Many players have also noted V’s reactions to different in-game scenarios being emotional, with some even referring to times when they have been upset in the game. These moments help make V a complex and layered character that players can engage with.
In conclusion, while V’s struggle with the Relic is a central theme of Cyberpunk 2077, the chip never truly leaves them. The narrative instead focuses on the struggle to manage its effects, the choices V makes because of its presence, and the desperate search for a future, however fleeting.