Should You Betray the Voodoo Boys in Cyberpunk 2077? A Deep Dive
Whether or not you should betray the Voodoo Boys in Cyberpunk 2077 is a complex decision with significant consequences that ripple throughout the main storyline and your character’s future. There is no definitively “right” or “wrong” answer. The optimal choice depends on your V’s personality, your desired ending, and your tolerance for risk. Generally speaking, betraying them offers more tangible rewards and arguably a cleaner, albeit riskier, resolution to the “Ghost in the Shell” storyline, while remaining loyal presents its own set of dangers and limitations. The decision ultimately hinges on your willingness to trust a highly unpredictable and self-serving organization.
Examining the Voodoo Boys: Trustworthy Allies or Ruthless Exploiters?
The Voodoo Boys are a netrunning gang operating in Pacifica, specializing in traversing the Blackwall and accessing forbidden knowledge. Their leader, Brigitte, offers V a potential solution to the Relic malfunction: access to Alt Cunningham, the AI construct containing Johnny Silverhand’s engram. This alliance, however, comes with a heavy price. The Voodoo Boys have their own agenda, often placing V in dangerous situations with little regard for their well-being.
Pros and Cons of Siding with the Voodoo Boys
Pros:
- Access to Alt Cunningham: This is the primary reason to align with the Voodoo Boys. Alt is crucial for understanding the Relic and finding a potential cure for V’s condition.
- Understanding the Blackwall: Interacting with the Voodoo Boys gives V insight into the mysteries and dangers beyond the Blackwall.
- Potential for Unique Cyberware: Depending on your choices, siding with them may unlock access to unique and powerful cyberware only obtainable through the Voodoo Boys.
Cons:
- Betrayal and Exploitation: The Voodoo Boys are notorious for using and discarding those they deem no longer useful. Trusting them completely is a dangerous gamble.
- Risk of Netrunner Peril: Their methods involve diving deep into the Net, exposing V to potential dangers from rogue AIs and other netrunners.
- Negative Reputation with Other Factions: Siding too closely with the Voodoo Boys can damage your reputation with other factions in Night City, potentially limiting future opportunities.
The Consequences of Betrayal
Betraying the Voodoo Boys typically involves working with NetWatch, a corporate security force that monitors and regulates the Net. NetWatch offers V a deal: help them eliminate the Voodoo Boys and, in return, they will ensure V’s safe passage through the Blackwall to Alt Cunningham.
Benefits of Betraying the Voodoo Boys
- Tangible Reward from NetWatch: NetWatch typically offers a monetary reward or other benefits for fulfilling their contract.
- Eliminating a Dangerous Faction: Taking out the Voodoo Boys removes a significant threat from Pacifica and potentially improves the lives of its residents.
- Potentially Safer Passage Through the Blackwall (Deceptive): NetWatch promises a secure passage to Alt, but this promise comes with its own risks, as they likely have their own agenda for both Alt and V.
Risks of Betraying the Voodoo Boys
- NetWatch’s Untrustworthiness: Just like the Voodoo Boys, NetWatch is not to be trusted. They may have ulterior motives and betray V after they have served their purpose.
- Potential for Permanent Damage: NetWatch’s methods of dealing with the Voodoo Boys can be destructive and leave lasting damage to Pacifica’s infrastructure and the lives of its inhabitants.
- Alienation of Potential Allies: Betraying the Voodoo Boys can damage your reputation with other netrunners who may have been willing to help you.
The Middle Ground: Playing Both Sides
While it’s difficult, it’s theoretically possible to play both sides to some extent. This requires careful dialogue choices and a deep understanding of each faction’s motivations.
Key Considerations
- Street Cred: Having high street cred can influence how both the Voodoo Boys and NetWatch perceive you and your abilities.
- Intelligence Attribute: High intelligence allows for better dialogue options and a deeper understanding of the intricacies of the situation.
- Technical Ability: Technical ability might be useful to leverage certain situations and hack devices to gain an edge over the Voodoo Boys and Netwatch.
Making the Choice: A Summary
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to betray the Voodoo Boys is a complex one with no easy answer. Consider your character’s values, your desired ending, and your willingness to gamble with the lives of others. The choice is yours, V.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if I completely trust the Voodoo Boys?
If you put all your trust in the Voodoo Boys, they will ultimately attempt to sever your connection to Johnny Silverhand without your full knowledge. This has dire consequences for V and potentially leads to a negative outcome.
2. Does betraying the Voodoo Boys guarantee a better ending?
No. Betraying the Voodoo Boys does not guarantee a better ending. It simply opens up a different path with its own unique set of risks and rewards.
3. Can I avoid the Voodoo Boys altogether?
No, if you want to progress to the main story. The questline with the Voodoo Boys is crucial for gaining access to Alt Cunningham and understanding the Relic malfunction.
4. What are the best skills to have when dealing with the Voodoo Boys?
Intelligence and Technical Ability are highly recommended. These skills allow for better hacking abilities, dialogue options, and a deeper understanding of the Net.
5. Is there a morality system in Cyberpunk 2077?
Cyberpunk 2077 doesn’t have a strict morality system. Choices impact relationships with factions and characters, influencing ending outcomes.
6. Will betraying the Voodoo Boys impact my relationship with Johnny Silverhand?
Yes, choosing to side with Netwatch and betraying the Voodoo Boys does impact your relationship with Johnny. He is generally opposed to siding with corporations, and his approval is likely to drop.
7. Is it possible to kill Brigitte?
Yes, it is possible to kill Brigitte. However, this can have negative consequences for your relationship with the Voodoo Boys and access to certain quests.
8. How does NetWatch plan to help me?
NetWatch promises to provide safe passage through the Blackwall and access to Alt Cunningham in exchange for your help in eliminating the Voodoo Boys. However, their motives are suspect, and they may have their own agenda.
9. Can I reconcile with the Voodoo Boys after betraying them?
No, once you betray the Voodoo Boys, there is no turning back. Your relationship with them will be permanently severed.
10. Are there any unique items I can only get from the Voodoo Boys?
Yes, depending on your choices and dialogue options, you may gain access to unique cyberware only obtainable through the Voodoo Boys.
11. What is the Blackwall, and why is it important?
The Blackwall is a barrier separating the Old Net from the rogue AIs that reside beyond it. It’s important because it is the only way that V can reach Alt Cunningham to solve their relic problem.
12. Who is Alt Cunningham?
Alt Cunningham is a legendary netrunner whose engram resides within the Net. She is crucial to finding a cure for V’s condition caused by the Relic malfunction.
13. What are the best endings in Cyberpunk 2077?
The “best” ending is subjective and depends on your personal preferences. Each ending offers a unique resolution to V’s story, with varying degrees of success and sacrifice.
14. Does my lifepath affect the Voodoo Boys questline?
Your lifepath has a minimal impact on the core Voodoo Boys questline, although it may unlock unique dialogue options and perspectives.
15. What happens if I refuse to help either the Voodoo Boys or NetWatch?
Refusing to help either faction will effectively halt your progress in the main storyline and prevent you from accessing Alt Cunningham, significantly limiting your options for finding a cure. You must choose a side, at least temporarily, to move forward.