Unlocking Cyberpunk 2077’s New Ending: A Comprehensive Guide
So, you’re looking to experience the new ending added with the Phantom Liberty expansion for Cyberpunk 2077? You’ve come to the right place. Unlocking this ending hinges on a pivotal choice within the expansion’s storyline, specifically during the quest “Firestarter.” The key is to side with Reed initially, but then refuse to hand over Songbird to him at the end. This sets you on a path toward a drastically different conclusion, impacting not just Dogtown but V’s ultimate fate as well. It’s a journey of difficult choices, moral ambiguities, and a stark examination of pragmatism versus idealism, a theme often discussed within the Games Learning Society.
Making the Crucial Decision: Siding with Reed and Changing Your Mind
The most important moments come at the climax of the Firestarter quest. You’ll be presented with the decision of whether to help Songbird escape or to hand her over to Reed.
- Begin by siding with Reed: Agree to his plan to capture Songbird. This involves using the Icebreaker program.
- Complete the missions: Proceed through the expansion until you reach the point where you are on the rainy platform with Songbird, about to hand her over to Reed.
- The pivotal moment: This is where it gets interesting. When you’re on that rainy platform, you’ll get the option to put Songbird down to spare her from Reed.
- Refuse to hand her over: This triggers a different chain of events, locking you into the new ending path.
This choice dramatically alters the narrative, leading to a final quest that explores the consequences of your decision and V’s potential fate.
The Consequences of Your Choice
Choosing to spare Songbird from Reed sets off a chain of events that leads to one of the most thought-provoking and bittersweet endings in Cyberpunk 2077. While I won’t spoil the specifics, be prepared for:
- A quest focused on seeking a cure for both V and Songbird’s conditions.
- Confrontations with major players in the Phantom Liberty storyline.
- A deep dive into the themes of sacrifice, ambition, and the cost of survival.
- Ultimately, an ending that offers a sense of closure but comes at a significant price.
This path allows you to witness the pragmatic resolution CD Projekt Red crafted. It’s a mature and reflective conclusion that contrasts starkly with the more action-oriented endings of the base game.
Additional Considerations
- Save often: As always, create multiple save files before making key decisions. This will allow you to explore different outcomes and find the ending that resonates most with you.
- Explore all dialogue options: Pay close attention to the dialogue throughout the Phantom Liberty storyline. The conversations often provide valuable insights into the characters’ motivations and the potential consequences of your choices.
- Consider your V’s personality: The best ending is often the one that feels most true to your V’s established personality and values.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Phantom Liberty add a new ending to the base game?
Yes! The Phantom Liberty expansion adds a new ending to the base game in addition to the expansion’s own endings. It changes the circumstances of V’s health.
2. Is there only one new ending in Phantom Liberty?
No. Phantom Liberty offers multiple endings. The one we’re discussing here is the new base game ending accessed through choices made in Phantom Liberty.
3. Can V be cured in Phantom Liberty?
Yes, potentially. One of the central themes of Phantom Liberty revolves around the possibility of finding a cure for V’s condition (and Songbird’s). However, the path to that cure is fraught with peril and moral compromises. As the website GamesLearningSociety.org explores, the game raises questions about the cost of such cures.
4. What happens if I side with Reed completely?
Siding with Reed and handing over Songbird leads to a different ending scenario, where Songbird is in FIA custody, and Reed plays a different role in V’s life.
5. Does my relationship with Johnny Silverhand affect the new ending?
While a good relationship with Johnny Silverhand is crucial for unlocking the secret “Don’t Fear the Reaper” ending of the base game, it does not directly impact the accessibility of the new ending introduced in Phantom Liberty.
6. How do I check my relationship status with Johnny Silverhand?
In the pause menu, look for the “Synergy” box, which displays your relationship percentage with Johnny. A status of at least 70% is generally considered necessary for unlocking the original secret ending.
7. Can I still get the “Don’t Fear the Reaper” ending after installing Phantom Liberty?
Yes, the requirements for unlocking the original secret ending remain the same even after installing Phantom Liberty.
8. Is the new ending considered a “good” or “bad” ending?
That’s subjective and depends on your interpretation. It’s certainly a more pragmatic and less overtly heroic ending than some of the others. It offers a glimmer of hope but at a significant personal cost to V.
9. Does Alex survive in all endings of Phantom Liberty?
No. Alex’s survival depends on the choices you make. To keep her alive, you must side with Songbird during a key moment in the story.
10. Can V live longer than six months in any ending?
The new ending does affect V’s life expectancy, but the circumstances and consequences of this change vary.
11. What are the requirements for unlocking the “Star” ending?
To unlock the “Star” ending, you need to complete Panam’s series of side quests and then, during the main mission Nocturne Op55N1, choose to call Panam for help.
12. Can V end up with Judy in Phantom Liberty?
The romance options from the base game, including Judy Alvarez, remain largely unchanged in Phantom Liberty. Your ability to romance Judy still depends on your V’s gender and body type.
13. What is the rarest ending in Cyberpunk 2077?
The secret ending, the “Don’t Fear the Reaper” ending (Johnny Silverhand solo run), is generally considered the rarest due to its specific and demanding prerequisites.
14. Can you go back and change your ending in Cyberpunk 2077 after you’ve finished the game?
Not directly. Once you complete an ending, the game typically throws you back to a point before the final decision, allowing you to explore other options. This is why saving frequently is crucial.
15. Is Phantom Liberty the “true” ending of Cyberpunk 2077?
There’s no single “true” ending. Cyberpunk 2077 thrives on player choice and the moral ambiguity of its world. While siding with Reed can be seen as a pragmatic ending, it isn’t necessarily the definitive one. Each ending offers a unique perspective on V’s journey and the world of Night City. The “true” ending is ultimately the one that resonates most with you.