Decoding Cyberpunk 2077: A Deep Dive into Every Ending

Cyberpunk 2077, CD Projekt Red’s ambitious RPG, offers a surprisingly intricate web of narrative conclusions. The core game boasts five primary endings, with the Phantom Liberty expansion adding another, bringing the grand total to six distinct final outcomes. However, the path to each ending, the nuances within them, and the overall impact on V’s fate contribute to a much richer tapestry of possibilities than a simple number suggests. Each decision, each relationship, and each mission contributes to the final narrative.

Understanding the Base Game Endings

The base game endings are primarily determined by your relationship with Johnny Silverhand and the choices made during specific side quests, particularly those involving Rogue Amendiares and Panam Palmer. Let’s break them down:

• The Devil: This ending is triggered by trusting Hanako Arasaka and siding with the Arasaka corporation. V agrees to become an engram and potentially exist only within Mikoshi, the Arasaka digital archive. This is often considered the most bleak ending, as V sacrifices their agency for a slim chance at survival, only to face a grim reality within Arasaka’s control.

• The Star: To achieve this ending, you must have built a strong relationship with Panam Palmer and the Aldecaldos. V joins the nomadic clan and leaves Night City with them, seeking a solution to their condition outside the corporate world. While hopeful, it’s a bittersweet departure, knowing V’s time is still limited.

• The Sun: This ending requires completing Rogue Amendiares’ questline. V, with the help of Rogue, infiltrates Arasaka Tower as a legend, leaving behind a legacy in Night City. You awaken to a penthouse and a reputation, but the ticking clock remains a constant companion.

• The Temperance: In this ending, Johnny Silverhand permanently takes over V’s body. He leaves Night City to start a new life, allowing V to finally rest in peace within Mikoshi. This ending provides closure for V, but at the cost of their own existence. It’s a poignant conclusion that underscores the central themes of identity and sacrifice.

• “Don’t Fear the Reaper” (Secret Ending): This ending is only unlocked if your relationship with Johnny Silverhand is at least 70%. Instead of choosing an ally, V chooses to storm Arasaka Tower solo, without relying on anyone else’s help. This ending is notoriously difficult, but it offers a unique challenge and a sense of self-reliance. Whether V survives this run or not is based on player performance.

Phantom Liberty’s Contribution

The Phantom Liberty expansion introduced a significant addition to the ending roster, further complicating and enriching V’s possible fates:

• King of Swords/King of Wands: The new Phantom Liberty ending ties directly into the events of the DLC and the choices made regarding Songbird and Reed. Siding with Reed and handing over Songbird leads to an option during the main game’s final decision to undergo an experimental surgery offered by the NUSA. This surgery removes the Relic but also leaves V without the ability to use cyberware, effectively nullifying the Night City legend they’d become. This ending offers survival, but at the cost of V’s identity and potential. It is possible to kill Reed and save Songbird.

Navigating the Complex Web of Decisions

It’s important to remember that the “best” ending is subjective and depends on your personal interpretation of V’s story and the themes of Cyberpunk 2077. The game encourages players to grapple with difficult choices and accept the consequences, making each ending a valid and impactful conclusion.

Factors Influencing the Endings

Several factors influence which endings are available to you:

• Relationship with Johnny Silverhand: This is arguably the most crucial factor. The closer you are to Johnny, the more options become available. Dialogue choices during key side quests, such as “Chippin’ In” and “Holdin’ On,” significantly impact this relationship.
• Side Quest Completion: Completing the side quest lines for Panam Palmer, Rogue Amendiares, and Kerry Eurodyne unlocks specific ending options.
• Main Story Choices: Your decisions during the main story, particularly when meeting with Hanako Arasaka at Embers, determine which path you will take.
• Phantom Liberty Choices: The choices you make regarding Songbird and Reed in the Phantom Liberty expansion can add an entirely new ending to the list of possibilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cyberpunk 2077 Endings

Q1: What is the “true” ending of Cyberpunk 2077?

There’s no single “true” ending. Each ending offers a valid conclusion to V’s story, reflecting the player’s choices and the consequences of their actions. Some players consider “Don’t Fear the Reaper” the closest to a true ending, as it showcases V’s self-reliance and determination.

Q2: How do I unlock the “Don’t Fear the Reaper” ending?

You need to have a very high relationship (70% or more) with Johnny Silverhand. This is achieved by making specific dialogue choices during his side quests, particularly in “Chippin’ In.”

Q3: Which ending is considered the “best”?

The “best” ending is subjective. Some players prefer “The Sun” for its sense of triumph and legendary status, while others find “The Star” more hopeful, offering a chance for V to find peace outside of Night City.

Q4: Is there any ending where V is cured of their condition?

The Phantom Liberty expansion introduces an ending where V can be cured of their condition, but it comes at the cost of their cyberware and legendary status. Otherwise, V’s fate remains uncertain in all other endings.

Q5: What happens if I don’t complete any of the side quests?

If you skip the major side quest lines involving Panam, Rogue, and Johnny, your options are limited to either siding with Arasaka (“The Devil”) or choosing suicide.

Q6: How do I increase my relationship with Johnny Silverhand?

Pay attention to dialogue choices during Johnny’s side quests. Be supportive, understanding, and respectful of his experiences. Avoid dismissive or antagonistic responses.

Q7: Can I get all the endings in a single playthrough?

No, you can only experience one ending per playthrough. However, you can create multiple save files at key decision points to explore different outcomes.

Q8: Does the Phantom Liberty ending replace one of the original endings?

No, the Phantom Liberty ending is an addition to the existing endings. It becomes available if you complete the expansion and make specific choices regarding Songbird and Reed.

Q9: What’s the saddest ending in Cyberpunk 2077?

Many consider the suicide ending, triggered by throwing away the pills, the saddest. It offers no hope for V or Johnny and represents a complete surrender.

Q10: Does V live in any of the endings?

V survives the events of the endings in some cases. However, they still only have six months to live due to the Relic unless you choose the Phantom Liberty ending where V lives but loses their ability to use cyberware.

Q11: What side jobs are needed to achieve all five different endings in Cyberpunk 2077?

• Chippin’ In: Essential for the “Don’t Fear the Reaper” secret ending and influencing your relationship with Johnny.
• Rogue’s Side Quests: Crucial for unlocking the “The Sun” ending.
• Panam’s Side Quests: Required for “The Star” ending.

Q12: Is the Cyberpunk secret ending the best?

This depends on your preference. It’s arguably the most challenging but rewards players with a unique solo run experience.

Q13: Who should I side with in Phantom Liberty?

There is no ‘correct’ option. Siding with Reed or Songbird both lead to significant consequences and impactful narrative branches. Which aligns with your version of V?

Q14: Can Songbird actually save V?

In the Phantom Liberty story, Songbird promises V a cure connected to the Blackwall. The implications and consequences of this possible cure depend heavily on player choice, so that outcome is only determined by playing Phantom Liberty to the end.

Q15: Does Phantom Liberty add any new romance options?

No, Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty does not add any new romance options, but the previously-romanceable characters have new dialogue and cutscene content in the expansion.

The endings of Cyberpunk 2077 are not simply checkboxes to be ticked off, but rather the culmination of a complex and engaging narrative journey. They offer a powerful reflection on themes of identity, mortality, and the choices we make in the face of adversity. The game creates a fascinating environment for analyzing the connections between game design and learning. For more on the educational aspects of gaming, be sure to visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.