Should You Trust Evelyn or Dex in Cyberpunk 2077? A Deep Dive into a Fatal Decision

The question of whether to trust Evelyn Parker or Dexter DeShawn is a pivotal early dilemma in Cyberpunk 2077. It’s a decision that seems weighty, fraught with potential consequences, yet, the truth is far more nuanced, and in some ways, frustratingly predetermined. To answer the question directly: Neither Evelyn nor Dex can be truly trusted. The game’s narrative is meticulously constructed to push players down a specific path, and while your choices might feel impactful in the moment, the end result remains largely the same regardless. Let’s unpack why, and explore the ramifications of these characters and their actions.

The Illusion of Choice: Why It Doesn’t Really Matter Who You Side With

From the outset, Evelyn and Dex present themselves as conflicting forces. Evelyn offers a potentially more lucrative deal, hinting at cutting Dex out entirely and working with other fixers. Dex, on the other hand, is the established fixer who brought V into the equation and has a track record. The choice seems crucial: do you favor the potential risk and reward of Evelyn’s plan, or the relative stability of working with Dex?

The Heist’s Inevitable Fallout

Regardless of your choice, the core events of “The Heist” mission unfold similarly. V and Jackie will not receive their promised payment. This is not a bug, but a fundamental plot device designed to drive the narrative forward. The heist goes sideways, and the power play between factions is not something V and Jackie can influence in this instance. The Relic is activated, and the Konpeki Plaza incident has far reaching consequences, leading to V being targeted.

After the heist goes south, Dex betrays V by shooting them in the head. This betrayal is not dependent on any prior decision you make regarding Dex or Evelyn. It is a fixed event that propels the story into Act Two of Cyberpunk 2077. The decision to “side” with one or the other is really just a narrative device for the game. The story doesn’t change in any meaningful way no matter how you react to either of these characters. While Evelyn suggests you’ll get more money, it doesn’t come to fruition.

The Consequences of “Choosing”

Even if you choose to tell Dex about Evelyn’s plan and earn a promised 40% pay bonus, this is, as the article above puts it, just a decoy decision. The payout never materializes, as Dex’s betrayal is imminent. This makes the choice more of a roleplaying moment than a mechanic that has a major impact. The game does not give you any opportunity to actually get more money from either of them.

The Fates of Evelyn and Jackie: Set in Stone

It’s important to recognize that certain key character fates in Cyberpunk 2077 are largely predetermined. The narrative is a very tightly controlled experience that doesn’t let you deviate much, despite the choices you are presented with in dialogue.

The Tragic End of Evelyn Parker

The question of whether Evelyn Parker can be saved has a clear, albeit disappointing answer: No, Evelyn cannot be saved. Her journey is one of exploitation and suffering that ends in tragedy. After her experiences, she is taken in by Judy Alvarez to recover. While she initially improves under Judy’s care, the emotional trauma proves too much, leading to her suicide. Even though it may feel like you should be able to do something to change this outcome, you cannot. This is simply the game’s story.

Jackie Welles’ Unavoidable Death

Similarly, Jackie’s death is a fixed event in Cyberpunk 2077. No matter what choices you make during “The Heist,” Jackie’s fate remains sealed. This is a critical part of the narrative arc and a very impactful moment in the game. There’s nothing you can do to prevent it.

The only true choice players have regarding Jackie after his death revolves around who to send his body to. Choosing to send Jackie to Viktor, the Ripperdoc, closes off the “Heroes” side quest. However, sending his body to his mother, Mama Welles, unlocks this quest line and the opportunity to pay respects to his memory.

Exploring the Grey Areas: Why it’s okay to question the game

Cyberpunk 2077 is a game that excels at setting up situations with moral grey areas. While it can be frustrating that many choices do not materially affect the ultimate outcome, this doesn’t mean that they are meaningless. The game often presents you with difficult choices that make you question who you should trust and what the best course of action is.

The choice between Evelyn and Dex, while ultimately inconsequential in a tangible way, prompts players to consider the implications of these characters’ actions, and the cutthroat world they inhabit. The game is often about V making choices and the player experiencing their impact, rather than the impact actually changing the story.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Evelyn and Dex in Cyberpunk 2077 to further clarify these plot points:

1. Should I tell Dex about Evelyn’s plan?

No, telling Dex about Evelyn’s plan does not change the outcome of the Heist. While he promises a 40% pay bonus, this will not come to fruition. His actions towards V are completely predetermined.

2. Can I save Evelyn Parker?

No, you cannot save Evelyn Parker. Her death is an unavoidable event in the game.

3. How do I stop Jackie from dying?

Unfortunately, you cannot stop Jackie from dying. His death is a fixed narrative point in “The Heist” mission.

4. Who should I send Jackie’s body to?

It is best to send Jackie’s body to his mother, Mama Welles. This choice unlocks the “Heroes” side quest and other related content.

5. What happens if I send Jackie to the Ripperdoc?

Sending Jackie to the Ripperdoc, Vik, will lock you out of the “Heroes” quest.

6. Where is Evelyn’s funeral held?

Evelyn was cremated, and her remains are interred at the Columbarium in the Westbrook District. You can visit her resting place after finishing Judy’s side quests.

7. Can I kiss Judy?

Yes, you can kiss Judy during her romance quest line. There are multiple opportunities to kiss her.

8. Can I romance Judy as V?

Yes, you can romance Judy, but only if V has a female voice and body type.

9. Can I romance Panam as V?

Yes, you can romance Panam, but only if V has a male body type.

10. What did Fingers do to Evelyn?

Fingers, a Ripperdoc, sold Evelyn to a company that made snuff braindances. He also implied he assaulted his clients when they were unable to pay.

11. What happens when Dex kills V?

When Dex kills V, the Relic repairs the damage to V’s brain and introduces Johnny Silverhand into V’s consciousness.

12. Can I keep sleeping with Judy?

Yes, you can continue your relationship with Judy beyond Night City if you choose to keep V’s body and achieve the good ending.

13. Should I give Judy a cigarette?

Yes, giving Judy a cigarette during your conversation will reveal that the cigarette case belonged to Evelyn and opens up conversation between you both.

14. Did the Voodoo Boys hack Evelyn?

Yes, the Voodoo Boys hacked Evelyn, but this was just the beginning of her downfall. The story shows Night City devouring the weak.

15. Should I cut out Dex with Evelyn?

Cutting Dex out with Evelyn does not change the outcome of the heist. The events will play out exactly the same.

Conclusion: Embracing the Narrative

Ultimately, the question of whether to trust Evelyn or Dex is a testament to Cyberpunk 2077’s complex narrative structure. While these choices might not have the direct impact that players would like, they serve to emphasize the lack of control V has in Night City and the often-tragic fates of its inhabitants. Players are meant to experience these moments in the game and how they make V feel, but shouldn’t expect them to drastically change the story. Focus on the journey, the characters, and the fascinating, albeit flawed, world of Cyberpunk 2077. Embrace the role you play, but keep in mind that not every story has a perfectly happy ending.