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Should I Leave the Body to Johnny? A Cyberpunk 2077 Dilemma Decoded

Deciding whether to cede control of V’s body to Johnny Silverhand in Cyberpunk 2077 is a deeply personal choice with significant ramifications. Ultimately, there’s no objectively “right” answer. It hinges entirely on your individual interpretation of V’s character, your relationship with Johnny, and your desired ending for the game. Choosing to let Johnny keep the body leads to the “Temperance” ending, a bittersweet conclusion where Johnny leaves Night City to seek a new life, leaving V’s consciousness erased.

Understanding the Stakes

Before making this monumental decision, it’s crucial to fully grasp the implications. V’s predicament is dire: the Relic containing Johnny Silverhand’s engram is slowly overwriting their consciousness. Several paths present themselves, each with its own set of consequences. Giving the body to Johnny means V’s consciousness is permanently suppressed. Choosing otherwise means confronting the inevitability of V’s death within a relatively short timeframe.

The decision point arises during the “Changes” quest, one of the game’s climactic moments. You’ll have a heart-to-heart conversation with Johnny, laying bare the complexities of your shared existence. It’s here that the weight of the choice truly settles in.

The “Temperance” Ending: Johnny’s Perspective

If you opt to let Johnny take over, you initiate the “New Dawn Fades” mission. This ending sees Johnny, inhabiting V’s body, bid farewell to Night City. He leaves messages for V’s friends, acknowledging the impact they had on his life – a life he inherited. Johnny boards a bus, heading towards an unknown future, carrying the weight of V’s memories and the potential for a fresh start. This ending offers closure for Johnny, allowing him to escape his past and potentially find peace. However, it comes at the ultimate cost for V: oblivion.

Considerations Before Deciding

Several factors should influence your decision:

Your Relationship with Johnny: Has Johnny become a trusted ally, or do you still view him as a disruptive presence? This influences whether you want him to have this “second chance” at life.
V’s Desires: What are V’s primary motivations? Are they driven by a desire to leave a legacy, to help others, or simply to survive? This ending offers V a kind of peace, albeit a permanent one.
The Narrative Impact: Which ending resonates most with you thematically? Do you prefer a story of sacrifice, redemption, or defiance against fate?

Alternatives and Their Outcomes

It’s important to remember that allowing Johnny to take over is just one of several options. You can also:

Reclaim Your Body: If V reclaims their body, they’re left with approximately six months to live, and pursue the “The Sun” ending where V becomes a legend in Night City, or the “Star” ending where they leave Night City with the Aldecaldos.
Seek Help from Arasaka: This leads to the “The Devil” ending, considered by many to be the bleakest, where V becomes a construct.
The Secret Ending (“Don’t Fear the Reaper”): If you have a high relationship with Johnny, you can attempt a suicide mission on Arasaka Tower with just V and Johnny.

The Phantom Liberty expansion introduces further complexities, offering alternative paths to potentially save V’s life, though often at a steep price.

Conclusion: A Matter of Perspective

Ultimately, the decision of whether to leave the body to Johnny is a deeply personal one. There’s no single “best” choice, only the option that aligns most closely with your vision for V’s story and your interpretation of the complex relationship between V and Johnny Silverhand. Consider the consequences, weigh your options, and choose the path that resonates most profoundly with you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate this critical decision:

1. Does Johnny Silverhand betray you in any ending?

Johnny doesn’t actively betray V in the traditional sense, but his presence inherently alters V’s life and influences their choices. In “The Devil” ending, some might argue that V betrays Johnny by siding with Arasaka.

2. What happens if Johnny keeps V’s body?

If Johnny keeps V’s body, V’s consciousness is suppressed, and Johnny leaves Night City to start a new life. This results in the “Temperance” ending.

3. Can Johnny and V both live in any ending?

Unfortunately, there is no ending where both Johnny and V can live independently in separate bodies. The Relic’s nature necessitates that one consciousness must yield.

4. Is there an ending where V lives a long life in Cyberpunk 2077?

No, there is no ending where V lives a long and healthy life, free from the consequences of the Relic. Even in the “better” endings, V’s remaining lifespan is severely limited.

5. How does the Phantom Liberty DLC affect the decision to give Johnny the body?

Phantom Liberty offers potential alternative cures, which could impact your decision. The DLC provides opportunities to potentially save V’s life, though they come with their own moral and ethical dilemmas.

6. What is the “secret” ending and how does it relate to Johnny?

The secret ending, “Don’t Fear the Reaper,” involves V and Johnny storming Arasaka Tower alone. It requires a high relationship with Johnny and is a high-risk, high-reward option. This option may be more favorable to a V who trusts Johnny implicitly.

7. How important is my relationship level with Johnny Silverhand?

A high relationship level with Johnny unlocks the secret ending and influences the dialogue options available, particularly during the critical decision-making moments. Many find the secret ending the most noble.

8. How do I improve my relationship with Johnny Silverhand?

Choose dialogue options that align with Johnny’s values and show him respect. Complete his side quests, such as “Chippin’ In” and “Holdin’ On,” and follow his advice where appropriate.

9. If I save Takemura, does Johnny get angry?

Saving Takemura doesn’t significantly impact Johnny’s attitude towards V. He might express mild disapproval, but it won’t drastically alter your relationship.

10. Should I trust Johnny or Hanako Arasaka?

Trusting either character is a gamble. Hanako offers a potential “cure,” but it comes with Arasaka’s control. Johnny offers a chance at freedom, but it means potentially sacrificing V’s life. Consider your character’s values and motivations.

11. What are the consequences of siding with Songbird in Phantom Liberty?

Siding with Songbird can lead to different endings within Phantom Liberty, including one where you betray Reed. The consequences vary depending on your specific choices during the DLC.

12. What are the consequences of siding with Reed in Phantom Liberty?

Siding with Reed can lead to a new ending for the base game, potentially offering V a chance to remove the Relic at the cost of Songbird’s freedom.

13. Can I get Johnny Silverhand’s arm as an item?

Yes, you can acquire Johnny Silverhand’s arm permanently by completing the “Chippin’ In” side quest.

14. Why is V dying in Cyberpunk 2077?

V is dying because the Relic, designed to overwrite the host’s consciousness with Johnny Silverhand’s, is malfunctioning and causing irreversible brain damage.

15. Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of gaming?

For more information on the educational and societal impact of video games, explore the resources available at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ or GamesLearningSociety.org.

Should I leave the body to Johnny?