Is it Possible for V to Live in Cyberpunk 2077? A Definitive Guide
Yes, it is possible for V to live in Cyberpunk 2077, but with significant caveats. The most straightforward path to V’s survival comes in the Phantom Liberty expansion through the “Take the Cure” ending. However, this survival comes at the cost of V’s identity and their life as a cyberpunk legend. Other endings offer a bittersweet hope or a temporary extension, but ultimately, V’s fate is intertwined with the Relic and the looming threat of death. Let’s dive into the nuances of each ending and the possibility of prolonging V’s existence.
Understanding V’s Predicament: The Relic’s Curse
The core conflict in Cyberpunk 2077 stems from the Relic, a biochip containing the engram of Johnny Silverhand that is slowly overwriting V’s consciousness. This process, unfortunately, also leads to V’s inevitable demise. The game presents various paths and choices, but few offer a guaranteed escape from this grim prognosis. Understanding this fundamental element is crucial to navigating the game’s endings and assessing the chances of V’s survival.
Examining the Endings: A Path to Survival?
The Phantom Liberty Ending: Giving Up Everything
The “Take the Cure” ending, achieved through the Phantom Liberty expansion, offers the only definitive pathway to V’s survival. This outcome involves siding with Reed and allowing Songbird to be handed over. After some time passes, V can contact Reed to get the cure. However, the cure suppresses V’s body’s reaction to the Relic, and effectively removes them from the world of cybernetics. This ending strips V of their cyberware, their skills, and essentially their identity, rendering them a normal person with a drastically shortened lifespan due to their body rejecting cyberware moving forward. While V lives, it’s a life unrecognizable from the cyberpunk they once were.
The Star Ending: Hope with the Aldecaldos
In “The Star” ending, V leaves Night City with Panam and the Aldecaldos. While this ending offers a glimmer of hope, it doesn’t guarantee V’s survival. Panam suggests seeking help from contacts outside Night City who might be able to assist with V’s condition. However, this remains an uncertain prospect, and V still faces the same six-month prognosis stemming from the Relic. The hope lies in finding a solution beyond Night City’s corrupt corporations and cutthroat fixers.
The Sun Ending: Legend in Night City
The “The Sun” ending sees V return to Night City and become a legend in the Afterlife. Though fulfilling, this ending is bittersweet because V is still aware they only have six months left to live. V plans a daring heist of the Crystal Palace Casino, potentially offering a final, legendary act, but the underlying threat remains.
The Temperance Ending: Johnny Takes Over
In the “Temperance” ending, Johnny Silverhand takes permanent control of V’s body and leaves Night City to start a new life. While this ensures Johnny’s survival, it effectively marks the end of V’s existence. Johnny will leave Night City for a new life, leaving V in the past.
The Devil Ending: Arasaka’s Empty Promises
The “The Devil” ending, aligned with Arasaka, initially seems like a solution. V agrees to have their consciousness copied and stored within Mikoshi, with the promise of a future return to their body. However, this promise proves to be hollow, as Arasaka ultimately intends to absorb V’s engram permanently. This ending essentially leads to V’s erasure, even if their digital copy persists.
The Secret Ending: (Don’t Fear) The Reaper
The secret ending, unlocked by having a high relationship with Johnny Silverhand, sees V storm Arasaka Tower solo. While this ending grants V a powerful sense of agency, it doesn’t alter their fundamental fate. V still faces the same six-month countdown.
V’s Power and Influence: Does Strength Matter?
Throughout Cyberpunk 2077, V can become incredibly powerful. They can defeat formidable opponents like Adam Smasher and overcome numerous challenges. However, this strength doesn’t directly translate to a cure for the Relic. V’s prowess in combat and hacking doesn’t circumvent the biochip’s degenerative effects. Ultimately, V’s power is more about shaping their legacy and influencing the world around them during their remaining time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about V’s Survival
1. How long does V have left to live initially?
V is initially given six months to live after connecting to cyberspace and learning about the Relic’s irreversible damage.
2. Is there a guaranteed way for V to live indefinitely?
The “Take the Cure” ending in Phantom Liberty is the only guaranteed way for V to live, but it comes at the cost of their identity and former life.
3. Can Johnny and V both live simultaneously?
No, in the endings of the game, Johnny will have to leave V and Night City. One of them will have to make a sacrifice.
4. Does V’s relationship with Johnny affect their survival?
A high relationship with Johnny unlocks the secret ending, but it doesn’t change V’s ultimate fate.
5. Can side missions and activities extend V’s lifespan?
No, side missions and activities don’t extend V’s lifespan beyond the initial prognosis. They can enrich V’s experiences and relationships during their remaining time, however.
6. Does Cyberware or specific perks provide immunity to the Relic’s effects?
No, Cyberware and perks do not offer immunity to the Relic’s degenerative effects.
7. Is there a cure for the Relic in the base game without Phantom Liberty?
No, the cure is exclusively available in the Phantom Liberty expansion.
8. Can V find a solution outside Night City with the Aldecaldos?
Panam suggests seeking help from contacts outside Night City, offering a glimmer of hope but no guarantee of a cure.
9. What happens to V if Johnny takes over their body?
V’s consciousness fades, and Johnny Silverhand takes control, effectively ending V’s existence.
10. Is V immune to cyberpsychosis?
While the 2.0 update might hint at greater customization and control, it doesn’t confirm immunity to cyberpsychosis, it just hints at the character that V might be immune.
11. What is the “best” ending for V?
The “best” ending is subjective and depends on player preferences. Some consider “The Star” ending the most hopeful, while others prefer “The Sun” for its legendary status.
12. Can V end up with Judy Alvarez and still survive?
Yes, V can romance Judy Alvarez in several endings. The survival aspect is separate from the romance and is primarily determined by the chosen ending path.
13. Is V the strongest character in Cyberpunk 2077?
By the end of the game, V can become incredibly powerful and defeat formidable opponents, potentially making them the most powerful character.
14. What happens after V dies in Cyberpunk 2077?
Depending on the chosen ending, V’s legacy varies. They might become a legend in the Afterlife, have their engram absorbed by Arasaka, or fade into obscurity.
15. How important are player choices in determining V’s fate?
Player choices are paramount in determining V’s fate. Each decision influences the available endings and shapes V’s final moments.
Conclusion: Embracing the Cyberpunk Dilemma
Ultimately, Cyberpunk 2077 doesn’t offer a clear-cut happy ending for V. The game’s narrative explores themes of mortality, identity, and the consequences of technological advancement. While survival is possible through the “Take the Cure” ending, it requires sacrificing everything that made V unique. Other endings offer a bittersweet hope or a chance to leave a lasting impact on Night City. The game encourages players to confront difficult choices and grapple with the complex moral dilemmas inherent in the cyberpunk genre. The GamesLearningSociety.org explores how games like Cyberpunk 2077 can be used as tools for learning and understanding complex social issues. Even without a perfect ending, the journey itself is a powerful and unforgettable experience.