Unlocking the Star Ending in Cyberpunk 2077: A Comprehensive Guide
The Star Ending in Cyberpunk 2077 is arguably the most hopeful and satisfying conclusion to V’s tumultuous journey. It’s an ending that offers a glimmer of optimism amidst the bleakness of Night City, and allows V to potentially find solace and a future beyond their impending demise. To trigger the Star Ending, you must prioritize building a strong relationship with Panam Palmer and the Aldecaldos by meticulously completing their side questline.
How to Trigger the Star Ending: The Core Requirements
The key to unlocking the Star Ending lies in your choices during the main quest “Nocturne Op55N1”. However, the groundwork needs to be laid far in advance. To ensure this ending is available, you must undertake and complete all of Panam Palmer’s side quests. This builds trust and opens the avenue for seeking her help in the final act. The specific requirements are:
- Complete Panam’s Entire Side Questline: This includes, but is not limited to:
- Riders on the Storm: This quest triggers a call from Panam roughly 12 in-game hours after finishing “Life During Wartime”. Make sure you answer the call!
- With a Little Help from My Friends: Focus on siding with Panam during the quest.
- Queen of the Highway: Make the correct choices to advance the quest.
- During “Nocturne Op55N1”:
- When on the balcony with Misty and Johnny, choose the dialogue option “[Call] Panam.”
- Accept Panam’s offer to help and continue down that questline.
Essentially, you’re choosing to rely on the Aldecaldos to assault Arasaka Tower instead of going with Hanako. This crucial decision sets the stage for the Star Ending.
The Aldecaldos’ Path: Leading to the Star Ending
After deciding to call Panam during “Nocturne Op55N1,” you’ll embark on a series of missions with the Aldecaldos. These missions culminate in a daring assault on Arasaka Tower and involve entering Mikoshi. The key missions include:
- We Gotta Live Together
- Forward to Death
- Belly of the Beast
It’s critical to follow the mission objectives carefully and make choices that support the Aldecaldos throughout these quests. These missions are crucial for solidifying the Star Ending.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Star Ending
1. What are the specific dialogue choices that impact the Star Ending?
While there aren’t individual dialogue choices with massive swings, consistently showing support and loyalty to the Aldecaldos is essential. Specifically, during Panam’s questline, side with her in disagreements, be supportive of her leadership, and generally build trust. During “With a Little Help from My Friends,” resist Saul’s distrust of Panam and make it clear you trust her judgment.
2. Do I need a specific romance option to get the Star Ending?
No, romancing Panam is not required to achieve the Star Ending, although it certainly enhances the emotional impact of the ending. You can romance Judy as a female V and still get the Star Ending, as it all depends on your choice to call Panam. While you cannot romance Judy as a male, you can romance Panam with a male V.
3. Does V die in the Star Ending?
The Star Ending is ambiguous. While V still has a limited time to live due to the Relic, there’s a sense of hope that the Aldecaldos might find a solution to their condition as they leave Night City. It is not certain, but it is a hopeful ending.
4. Can I still play after getting the Star Ending?
Yes! After the credits roll, the game returns you to a point before the final decision. This allows you to explore the world, complete any outstanding side quests, and even pursue other endings. The game is still open world after obtaining the Star Ending.
5. What is the “secret ending” and how does it relate to the Star Ending?
The “secret ending” (also known as “Don’t Fear the Reaper”) is a separate ending that requires a high relationship with Johnny Silverhand (over 70%). In this ending, V assaults Arasaka Tower solo, but it’s completely independent of the Star Ending.
6. How do I check my relationship with Johnny Silverhand?
You can check your relationship (Synergy) with Johnny by pausing the game and looking at the central box at the top of the pause menu.
7. How do I increase my relationship with Johnny Silverhand?
The game has made it simple to raise your synergy with Johnny Silverhand.
- Automatic Love.
- Transmission.
- Life During Wartime.
- Tapeworm.
- Search and Destroy.
- Blistering Love.
- Holdin’ On.
- A Like Supreme.
8. Does Phantom Liberty change the Star Ending?
Phantom Liberty adds a new ending to the game, but it does not directly alter the existing Star Ending. However, the new ending introduced through Phantom Liberty can be considered the most hopeful as it has the chance of removing Johnny Silverhand from V’s mind.
9. What is the “Sun” ending and how is it different from the Star Ending?
The “Sun” ending involves V choosing to “Goin’ with Alt, you live on”. Then crossing the bridge and entering the Cyberspace forever (do not enter the well). This will make Johnny stay in the Cyberspace with Alt and triggers the Sun Ending where V becomes the Legend of Night City. While the Star Ending offers a path of escape and community with the Aldecaldos, the Sun ending sees V staying in Night City and solidifying their legacy as a legend of the Afterlife.
10. Is there an ending where V and Johnny both survive?
No, there’s no ending where both V and Johnny definitively survive. The choice at the end always involves a sacrifice, either V’s body for Johnny or V’s potential future.
11. Does V get cured in any ending?
The new ending provided by Phantom Liberty has the possibility of curing V.
12. What do I need to do for the Legend of the Afterlife ending?
To become a legend of the Afterlife, you’ll need to:
- Complete Rogue’s Blistering Love side job by picking the correct dialogue for Johnny during Chippin’ In
- Choose to ask Rogue for help.
- Take the pseudoendotrizine (pills)
- Inside Mikoshi, cross the bridge as Johnny.
- Finish Path of Glory.
13. Can I romance Judy as a male character?
No, you can only romance Judy Alvarez as a character that is voiced as female.
14. Is the Star ending the “best” ending?
The “best” ending is subjective and depends on your personal preferences. The Star Ending is often considered the most hopeful due to its theme of family and escape.
15. Why is the Games Learning Society relevant to Cyberpunk 2077?
The Games Learning Society is relevant to games like Cyberpunk 2077 because these games often feature complex narrative structures, ethical dilemmas, and player agency, which are all valuable areas for study in the context of learning and education. Understanding how players navigate these choices and learn from them can provide insights into learning processes in general. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more.
In Conclusion
The Star Ending in Cyberpunk 2077 is a rewarding conclusion that requires strategic choices, a focus on relationship building, and a willingness to trust the Aldecaldos. By following the steps outlined above and making decisions that align with their values, you can unlock this hopeful ending and guide V towards a brighter, albeit uncertain, future.