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Should V Keep His Body or Give It to Johnny in Cyberpunk 2077? A Deep Dive

The question of whether V should retain control of their body or relinquish it to Johnny Silverhand is arguably the central moral and narrative quandary of Cyberpunk 2077. There’s no simple answer, as the “best” choice is deeply personal and depends entirely on your priorities and the V you’ve crafted throughout your playthrough. Giving the body to Johnny allows his story to continue, potentially offering him a future, while V effectively fades away. Keeping the body guarantees V’s survival, albeit with a ticking clock and the heavy burden of their impending mortality. Each option leads to distinct endings, each carrying profound implications for both characters and the world of Night City. Your decision is the ultimate culmination of your choices, a reflection of your values in the face of a bleak, unforgiving future.

Weighing the Consequences: V vs. Johnny

The core of this decision lies in understanding the trade-offs inherent in each path. Choosing to let Johnny have the body effectively ends V’s individual existence, though their memories and personality are integrated with Johnny’s. This can be seen as a form of self-sacrifice, allowing Johnny a second chance at life and potentially finding peace after decades of torment. This path often leads to an ending where Johnny leaves Night City, seeking a fresh start far away from the ghosts of his past.

On the other hand, reclaiming the body for V grants them continued existence, but with the crushing knowledge that they only have six months to live due to the Relic’s irreversible damage. This path explores V’s struggle to make the most of their remaining time, leaving their mark on Night City and grappling with the inevitability of their demise. It’s a story of resilience, acceptance, and the relentless pursuit of meaning in the face of oblivion.

Ultimately, the “right” choice is the one that resonates most deeply with you and your interpretation of V’s journey. Do you prioritize self-preservation, even with a limited lifespan? Or do you believe in granting Johnny a second chance, even if it means sacrificing V’s individuality? The answer lies within the choices you’ve made throughout the game and the values you’ve embodied as V.

Understanding the Different Endings

The decision to keep or give up the body branches into several distinct endings, each with its own unique narrative and emotional weight. These endings are largely influenced by your relationships with other characters, particularly Panam Palmer and the Aldecaldos, Rogue Amendiares, and Arasaka.

The Devil (Arasaka Ending): This ending, often considered the “bad” ending, involves siding with Arasaka and undergoing engramming. V survives, but their future is uncertain and controlled by the corporation. It’s a bleak outcome, highlighting the dangers of corporate power and the loss of personal agency.
The Star (Panam/Aldecaldos Ending): Choosing this path involves teaming up with the Aldecaldos and leaving Night City. V continues to live, although their health remains precarious, as they search for a cure with the nomadic family. This offers a glimmer of hope and a sense of belonging, a stark contrast to the isolation of Night City.
The Sun (Rogue Ending): Taking Rogue’s path allows V to assault Arasaka Tower and become a Night City legend. This ending can be achieved regardless of whether V keeps their body or gives it to Johnny. If V keeps their body they become a Legend and eventual owner of the Afterlife.
The Temperance (Johnny Ending): V lets Johnny take over the body and leaves Night City to live a new life, potentially finding peace and closure. V’s consciousness fades away, leaving Johnny to grapple with the consequences of his actions and find his own path forward.
The Secret Ending (Don’t Fear the Reaper): This ending, unlocked by having a high relationship with Johnny and waiting on the rooftop, sees V storm Arasaka Tower alone. It is arguably the “best” ending, with the fewest casualties, although V’s ultimate fate remains uncertain.

The Role of Relationships

Your relationships with other characters play a crucial role in shaping the available endings. A strong bond with Panam unlocks the Aldecaldos ending, offering V a path to escape Night City and find a sense of belonging. Similarly, your relationship with Johnny influences the availability of the secret ending and the tone of the Johnny-centric ending. These relationships are not merely superficial; they deeply impact V’s journey and the ultimate resolution of their story.

Ethical Considerations: Agency and Identity

The decision to relinquish or retain the body raises profound ethical questions about agency, identity, and the nature of consciousness. Is it ethical for V to sacrifice their own existence for Johnny’s potential redemption? Does Johnny have a right to a second chance at life, given his past actions? These are not easy questions, and the game deliberately avoids providing easy answers, forcing players to confront the complex moral ambiguities of Cyberpunk 2077.

Embracing the Gray Areas

There is no inherently “right” or “wrong” answer to this central question. The beauty of Cyberpunk 2077 lies in its ability to challenge players to confront difficult choices and grapple with the complex ethical dilemmas of a dystopian future. Your decision ultimately reflects your own values and your interpretation of V’s journey.

Cyberpunk 2077, in its storytelling, is a piece of art. It has potential in education that should be developed. Resources from organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org could be extremely helpful in further understanding these educational opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I unlock the secret ending in Cyberpunk 2077?

To unlock the secret ending (“Don’t Fear the Reaper”), you need a high relationship with Johnny Silverhand (over 70%). When prompted to make a choice on the rooftop before the final mission, wait for several minutes. Johnny will eventually offer an alternative plan where V storms Arasaka Tower alone. Choosing to let Johnny dictate your choices at various points throughout the game is the most effective strategy.

2. Does V survive in any ending of Cyberpunk 2077?

Yes, V survives in The Star (Panam/Aldecaldos), The Sun (Rogue), and The Devil (Arasaka) endings. However, survival comes with a caveat: V only has six months to live due to the Relic’s damage, creating a bittersweet conclusion. Even in The Star ending, where V leaves Night City with the Aldecaldos, the search for a cure is fraught with uncertainty.

3. What happens if V gives Johnny Silverhand their body?

If V gives Johnny their body, V’s consciousness essentially fades away, and Johnny takes control. The ending sees Johnny leaving Night City to start a new life, grappling with his past and searching for redemption. This ending is called “The Temperance”.

4. Is the secret ending the “best” ending in Cyberpunk 2077?

Many players consider the secret ending (“Don’t Fear the Reaper”) to be the “best” because it results in the fewest casualties and is the most challenging. However, V’s fate remains ambiguous, and it’s a bittersweet victory at best.

5. How does my relationship with Johnny Silverhand affect the ending?

Your relationship with Johnny significantly impacts the available endings and their tone. A high relationship unlocks the secret ending and leads to a more positive Johnny-centric ending. Siding with Johnny and validating his opinions throughout the game will improve your relationship.

6. What happens if V keeps their body?

If V keeps their body, they continue to live, but with a limited lifespan of six months due to the Relic’s damage. The available endings then depend on your other choices and relationships throughout the game, such as with Panam, Rogue, or Arasaka. The game continues as before, but your actions are now underscored by the knowledge that they may be your last.

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

Cyberpunk 2077 is a dystopian world, so a truly “happy” ending is elusive. However, The Star ending (Panam/Aldecaldos) offers the closest thing to a happy ending, providing V with a sense of belonging and a glimmer of hope for a future outside of Night City.

8. Can Johnny and V both survive?

Not in the traditional sense. Either Johnny or V gets the body, with the other consciousness fading away (or going beyond the Blackwall). There’s no ending where both characters live independently and healthily.

9. Does saving Takemura affect the ending?

Saving Goro Takemura doesn’t directly affect which ending you get, but it does influence the narrative and can offer a more satisfying conclusion to his storyline. He also offers assistance in a specific ending path if alive.

10. What is NetWatch, and why is siding with them controversial?

NetWatch is a powerful organization that polices cyberspace. Siding with them can be controversial because they are often seen as a tool of corporate control and censorship. Johnny Silverhand will disapprove of any alliance.

11. What are the dialogue choices needed to unlock the secret ending?

Aside from a high relationship with Johnny (70%), the following dialogue choices during the side job “Chippin’ In” are often cited as important for unlocking the secret ending:

“Let’s do something about that.”
The guy who saved my life”
“What do you want from me?”

12. Why does V only have six months to live?

The Relic, which houses Johnny Silverhand’s engram, is damaging V’s brain. Even if Johnny is removed, the damage caused by the Relic is irreversible, leaving V with a limited lifespan.

13. Is Johnny Silverhand a good or bad guy?

Johnny Silverhand is a complex and morally ambiguous character. He’s a revolutionary and a freedom fighter, but he’s also impulsive, reckless, and prone to violence. Whether he’s a “good” or “bad” guy is ultimately a matter of perspective.

14. Can I still play after the ending?

Yes, you can continue playing Cyberpunk 2077 after completing the main story. The game loads you back to a point before the final mission, allowing you to explore Night City, complete side quests, and pursue other endings.

15. Are there any Easter eggs or hidden content related to the ending choices?

Yes, Cyberpunk 2077 is filled with Easter eggs and hidden content, and some are related to the ending you choose. Exploring the game world and engaging in side activities can reveal new insights and deepen your understanding of the story and characters.

Should V keep his body or give it to Johnny?