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Should I Take My Body or Give It to Johnny? Navigating Cyberpunk 2077’s Ultimate Choice

The question of whether to keep your body as V or relinquish it to Johnny Silverhand is arguably the most impactful decision you’ll make in Cyberpunk 2077. There’s no simple “right” answer; it depends entirely on what you value in the narrative and what kind of ending resonates most with you. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

If you want to experience V’s legacy and a glimmer of hope (albeit tinged with uncertainty), you should choose to keep your body. This leads to endings where V either attempts to find a cure beyond Night City with the Nomads, returns to Night City as a living legend, or confronts a bleak future with Arasaka. The overarching theme is V’s struggle against fate and their determination to make the most of their remaining time.

If you’re more interested in Johnny Silverhand finding peace and a new beginning, allowing him to take over your body might be preferable. This results in the “Temperance” ending, where Johnny (in V’s body) leaves Night City to start a new life. This ending offers a sense of closure for Johnny and a reflection on his growth throughout the game.

Ultimately, both choices are valid, and which one is “better” is subjective. Consider what you’ve come to care about most during your playthrough: V’s fight for survival, or Johnny’s redemption. Each decision offers a unique perspective on the themes of identity, mortality, and the meaning of life in Night City. The Games Learning Society explores these kinds of narrative choices and their impact on player engagement; you can explore more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Understanding the Endings

Before committing to a choice, let’s delve deeper into the consequences of each decision:

Keeping V’s Body: The Struggle Continues

The Star (Panam Palmer and the Aldecaldos): V joins the Aldecaldos nomads in leaving Night City, hoping to find a cure for the Relic beyond the city limits. This ending offers a sense of hope and family, but the threat of death still looms.
The Sun (Rogue and the Afterlife): V infiltrates Arasaka Tower with Rogue’s help, becoming a Night City legend in the process. V returns to their life in Night City, though they still only have a short time to live.
The Devil (Hanako Arasaka): V sides with Arasaka in exchange for a potential cure, but ultimately faces a grim future as a construct in Mikoshi. This is widely considered one of the bleakest endings, highlighting the ruthlessness of Arasaka and the loss of V’s autonomy.
The Secret Ending (Don’t Fear The Reaper): If your relationship with Johnny is high enough, you can choose to infiltrate Arasaka Tower alone. This difficult path can lead to either V returning to Night City or joining the Aldecaldos, similar to the “Sun” and “Star” endings.

Giving V’s Body to Johnny: A New Beginning

Temperance: Johnny takes over V’s body and leaves Night City, seeking a fresh start and leaving V’s past behind. This provides closure for Johnny’s arc, allowing him to escape the cycle of violence and revenge that defined his life.

Factors to Consider

Your Relationship with Johnny: The strength of your bond with Johnny significantly impacts the availability and tone of certain endings, especially the “Don’t Fear the Reaper” ending.
Your Personal Values: What do you value most: V’s survival, Johnny’s redemption, or a sense of hope for the future?
Your Interpretation of the Themes: Cyberpunk 2077 explores themes of identity, mortality, and corporate power. Which ending best reflects your interpretation of these themes?
Phantom Liberty: This DLC adds an additional ending. By working with Songbird and Reed, V can receive brain surgery, which removes Johnny, but leaves V unable to use any cyberware.

How to Get Specific Endings

The Star: Complete Panam Palmer’s questline and choose to ask for the Aldecaldos’ help during the final mission.
The Sun: Complete Rogue’s questline and choose to ask for her help during the final mission.
The Devil: Agree to Hanako Arasaka’s offer during the Nocturne OP55N1 quest.
Temperance: Choose to cross the bridge with Alt Cunningham during the final decision in cyberspace.
Don’t Fear The Reaper: Have a relationship status of at least 70% with Johnny Silverhand.
Phantom Liberty Ending: Complete the Phantom Liberty DLC storyline and make the appropriate choice at the end of the Firestarter quest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is there a truly “happy” ending in Cyberpunk 2077?

Defining “happy” is subjective. Most endings involve significant loss or uncertainty. The Star ending, where V joins the Aldecaldos, offers the most hope for a future, but even then, V’s condition remains a looming threat. Ultimately, whether an ending feels “happy” depends on your perspective.

2. How do I check my relationship status with Johnny Silverhand?

Your relationship with Johnny, or “Synergy,” is displayed in the central box at the top of the pause menu. This percentage reflects the strength of your bond and influences the availability of certain endings.

3. What happens if I choose the “Path of Least Resistance” (suicide)?

This is considered the bad ending. V takes their own life, offering no resolution for any character. It’s a bleak and abrupt conclusion to the story.

4. Does saving Takemura affect the ending?

While saving Goro Takemura doesn’t directly unlock a specific ending, it impacts his presence in certain endings, offering a slightly different narrative experience.

5. What’s the easiest way to get the “Don’t Fear the Reaper” ending?

The key is to maximize your relationship with Johnny. Choose dialogue options that align with his values and complete his side quests.

6. Can I get Johnny Silverhand’s arm in the game?

Yes, completing the Chippin’ In side quest allows you to permanently equip Johnny Silverhand’s arm.

7. What are the main benefits of letting Johnny take over V’s body?

The primary benefit is experiencing Johnny’s perspective and seeing him find closure. The “Temperance” ending offers a chance for Johnny to escape his past and forge a new identity.

8. What are the downsides of letting Johnny take over V’s body?

V effectively ceases to exist, which can be a significant downside if you’re invested in V’s journey and their struggle for survival. Also, you will have to play a new playthrough in order to play as V again.

9. Does the Phantom Liberty DLC change the original endings?

Yes, Phantom Liberty adds an additional ending. By choosing to work with Songbird and Reed, V can receive the surgery to remove Johnny, but lose their ability to use Cyberware.

10. What happens if V sides with Alt Cunningham?

Choosing to cross the bridge with Alt leads to the “Temperance” ending where Johnny inherits V’s body.

11. Is Johnny Silverhand a good or bad person?

Johnny is a complex character. While he has moments of heroism and genuine connection, his past is filled with violence and questionable decisions. Whether he’s “good” or “bad” is a matter of perspective.

12. How much does your ending depend on your choices throughout the game?

Your choices throughout the game, especially regarding your relationships with key characters like Panam, Rogue, and Johnny, significantly influence which endings are available and how those endings play out.

13. What ending is the most suitable for a “Cyberpunk” feel?

Many players consider The Sun ending the most fitting, as it embraces the themes of ambition, legend-making, and the harsh realities of Night City.

14. Will Johnny be angry if I save Takemura?

No, saving Takemura doesn’t negatively impact your relationship with Johnny.

15. How can the Games Learning Society help me understand the game better?

The Games Learning Society studies the educational and social impact of games. Exploring their resources can offer insights into the narrative design, thematic elements, and player choices within Cyberpunk 2077.

Should I take my body or give it to Johnny?