What Did V Do at the End of Cyberpunk 2077?
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The fate of V, the protagonist of Cyberpunk 2077, is anything but straightforward. The game offers several distinct endings, each dramatically altering V’s trajectory and leaving players to grapple with profound choices. In essence, what V “does” at the end depends entirely on the player’s decisions throughout the game, especially during the final act. Broadly, V either faces death within months due to the Relic’s influence, relinquishes their body to Johnny Silverhand, becomes a Night City legend with a ticking clock, seeks a cure with unknown consequences, or, through the Phantom Liberty expansion, makes a difficult choice for a chance at a normal life but at a significant personal cost. This ending has V cured, but leaves them in a coma for two years, during which time they lose contact with most of their friends and connections in Night City.
Understanding V’s Endings: A Detailed Breakdown
Each ending presents a unique resolution to V’s central dilemma: the merging of their consciousness with that of Johnny Silverhand within their own body, accelerated by the damaged Relic. Let’s break down the primary endings:
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The Devil (Arasaka Ending): V chooses to side with Arasaka, effectively becoming a construct for their use, in the hope of finding a permanent solution. While this offers a (highly conditional) extension of life, it comes at the cost of V’s autonomy and freedom. It’s a Faustian bargain, trading independence for a slim chance of survival.
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The Star (Nomad Ending): V allies with the Aldecaldos, leaving Night City behind to seek a cure and a new life outside the city’s control. This ending offers hope for a future, although the exact outcome remains uncertain. V has the support of a community and a chance to find a lasting solution with the nomads.
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The Sun (Rogue/Solo Ending): V takes on the final Arasaka mission with Rogue and the Afterlife crew. Upon completion, V returns to Night City, facing their inevitable demise with the notoriety of a living legend. It’s a blaze of glory, choosing to live out their remaining days in the spotlight. A secret variation of this ending can occur if the player has a strong relationship with Johnny. V undertakes the final mission solo with Johnny, saving more lives in the process and solidifying their legendary status.
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The Temperance (Johnny Takes Over): In this path, Johnny permanently takes control of V’s body, allowing V’s consciousness to fade into the digital realm. This sacrifice allows Johnny to find redemption and a chance at a new life, albeit in V’s body. It is a selfless act on V’s part.
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The Suicide Ending (Path of Least Resistance): This bleak ending involves V choosing to end their own life rather than face the inevitable. It is a tragic choice that reflects the overwhelming despair of their situation.
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Phantom Liberty Ending (Cure): Introduced in the Phantom Liberty expansion, this ending sees V undergoing a risky experimental surgery offered by Songbird and Reed to remove the Relic. While successful in removing the Relic and curing V, the procedure leaves V in a coma for two years, severing ties with their past life and abilities. V must rebuild their life and is no longer the powerful mercenary they once were. This comes at a great personal cost, but also offers the opportunity for a normal, if somewhat diminished, life.
Exploring the Nuances of Choice
Each ending is layered with moral ambiguity. There’s no “right” answer, and each path forces players to confront difficult questions about life, death, identity, and sacrifice. The choice ultimately rests on the player’s interpretation of V’s values and their willingness to compromise.
V’s journey throughout Cyberpunk 2077 is a testament to the power of player agency. The ending isn’t just a cutscene; it’s the culmination of countless decisions that shape V’s character and their place in the brutal world of Night City. Whether V chooses to fight for every last breath, embrace oblivion, or make a deal with the devil, their final act defines their legacy. The game truly showcases how the gaming realm offers unique learning opportunities, with players building critical thinking and decision-making skills. For more on the educational aspects of gaming, visit the GamesLearningSociety.org website.
Cyberpunk 2077: Frequently Asked Questions About V’s Fate
1. Does V actually die in every ending?
No, V doesn’t definitively die in every ending. In The Star (Nomad) ending, V leaves Night City with the Aldecaldos, seeking a cure and a new life. The outcome is uncertain but holds promise. In the Phantom Liberty ending, V survives after being cured of the Relic, albeit at a significant cost.
2. Is there a “canon” ending for Cyberpunk 2077?
No, there is no official canon ending. CD Projekt Red has deliberately left V’s fate open-ended, allowing players to interpret the story based on their choices. There is no “correct” or “official” storyline.
3. What happens to Johnny Silverhand in each ending?
Johnny’s fate is intertwined with V’s. In The Devil, he’s likely trapped within Arasaka’s systems. In The Star, he either merges with Alt Cunningham beyond the Blackwall or remains with V, facing an uncertain future. In The Sun, he either vanishes beyond the Blackwall or supports V’s final days in Night City. In The Temperance, Johnny takes over V’s body. In the Phantom Liberty ending, Johnny is completely gone.
4. Does V become a Cyberpsycho?
The provided information states that V does not become a Cyberpsycho. While V may exhibit aggressive behavior at times, they maintain control of their actions and do not descend into the uncontrolled rage that characterizes Cyberpsychosis.
5. What triggers Dexter DeShawn to betray V?
Dexter DeShawn betrays V after the heist goes wrong. Yorinobu Arasaka’s murder of his father, Saburo Arasaka, creates too much heat, and Dex fears the consequences. He eliminates V to cover his tracks and cut ties to the situation.
6. How long does V have to live in most endings?
If V survives Cyberpunk 2077, they typically have around six months to live due to the Relic’s deteriorating effects on their body. This is a key motivator driving V’s choices in the latter half of the game.
7. What is the “secret ending” and how do you unlock it?
The secret ending, a variation of The Sun ending, is unlocked by achieving a high relationship level with Johnny Silverhand throughout the game. It involves V taking on the Arasaka mission alone with Johnny, resulting in fewer casualties and cementing V’s legend status.
8. Is it possible for both V and Johnny to survive?
Yes, but not in the traditional sense. In The Temperance ending, Johnny takes over V’s body, allowing him to live on while V’s consciousness fades. While Johnny exists in the real world, V effectively ceases to be.
9. Does gender choice affect the ending?
No, the choice of male or female V does not affect the available endings or the core narrative. However, it can subtly influence the player’s experience and their relationship with certain characters, particularly Johnny Silverhand.
10. What happens if V refuses all endings?
There isn’t a specific ending for refusing all options presented at the end. The game will ultimately force the player to choose one of the available paths, even if they delay the decision.
11. What role does Rogue play in V’s fate?
Rogue Amendiares is instrumental in The Sun ending. V enlists her help to storm Arasaka Tower, relying on her expertise and connections. Her questline is crucial for unlocking this particular path.
12. What is the significance of Alt Cunningham?
Alt Cunningham is a key figure in understanding the digital afterlife and the potential for transferring consciousness. Her expertise is vital for both The Star and The Temperance endings, as she offers a potential solution for separating V and Johnny.
13. Is the Phantom Liberty ending considered the “best” ending?
Whether the Phantom Liberty ending is the “best” is subjective. While it offers V a chance to live without the Relic, it comes at the cost of their identity and relationships. It’s a complex choice with significant trade-offs.
14. Does V lose their powers in the Phantom Liberty ending?
Yes, in the Phantom Liberty ending, V loses their cyberware enhancements and combat abilities due to the surgery and coma. They return to Night City as an ordinary person.
15. How does Cyberpunk: Edgerunners relate to V’s story?
While Cyberpunk: Edgerunners tells a separate story, it shares the same world and themes as Cyberpunk 2077. It doesn’t directly impact V’s story or the available endings, but it provides additional context and expands the lore of Night City.