Decoding the Enigma: Unveiling Cyberpunk 2077’s Secret Ending
The secret ending in Cyberpunk 2077, often dubbed “Don’t Fear the Reaper,” is a challenging and arguably the most rewarding conclusion to V’s saga in Night City. It becomes available only if your relationship with Johnny Silverhand has reached a high level of 70% affinity or higher. Instead of choosing to side with Arasaka, Rogue, or Panam, V, believing they are the only one that can save themself, embarks on a suicide mission to storm Arasaka Tower alone, with Johnny’s full support. This ending provides a unique set of challenges, a different perspective on the narrative, and an epilogue distinct from the other available choices.
Unlocking the Reaper: How to Access the Secret Ending
Achieving a 70% relationship with Johnny requires careful attention to dialogue choices and completing specific side quests involving him. Some key moments that significantly impact your relationship are:
- Chippin’ In: This quest line is crucial. Be sure to choose dialogue options that show respect for Johnny’s past and acknowledge his experiences.
- Oil Fields Conversation: During the Chippin’ In quest, when visiting Johnny’s grave in the oil fields, selecting the dialogue option *”Nah, I ***ed that up too” gives a huge affinity boost.
- Supporting Johnny’s Choices: Throughout the game, try to align with Johnny’s perspectives and motivations, even if they clash with V’s initial desires.
- Completing Side Quests: Engage with all of Johnny’s side quests, such as “Holdin’ On,” “A Like Supreme,” and “Blistering Love” with Rogue.
- Consistent engagement: Regularly chat with Johnny and engage in conversation whenever prompted to increase affinity.
- Main Story Missions: Automatic Love, Transmission, Life During Wartime, Tapeworm, Search and Destroy, Holdin’ On, and A Like Supreme.
If you’ve successfully cultivated a strong bond with Johnny, the option to attempt the secret ending will appear during the final conversation with him on the balcony. When prompted by Johnny for your plan, after a short pause, V will suggest that they, along with Johnny, will take Arasaka Tower on alone. It is a risky path, but with the two of them, there is nothing they can’t do.
The Gauntlet: What Happens During the Secret Ending?
Unlike other endings that involve allies and pre-planned strategies, “Don’t Fear the Reaper” thrusts you into a relentless solo assault on Arasaka Tower. You’re essentially going in blind, without support or guidance. The challenges are significantly ramped up, testing your skills and strategic thinking. Prepare for:
- Increased Difficulty: Enemies are tougher, resources are scarcer, and every decision carries weight.
- No Saves: There are no manual saves, leaving you only the auto-save checkpoints. If you die, you go all the way back to the begining.
- Unique Encounters: Expect different enemy placements and tactical scenarios compared to other endings.
- High Stakes: The narrative tension is palpable, highlighting the desperate nature of V’s situation.
- V and Johnny as a Team: You are forced to rely on yourself, and Johnny’s support becomes extremely important.
Epilogue and Legacy: The Outcome of “Don’t Fear the Reaper”
If V and Johnny succeed in their audacious gambit, the epilogue largely mirrors the one obtained by choosing Rogue’s path and entering the well. Johnny remains in cyberspace, while V returns to Night City, now a legend forged in fire. This ending implies that V has earned the respect of Night City, and the player is able to start over with an increase in stats to reflect that. Although V still has a ticking clock, the experience showcases their unwavering resolve and defiance against fate.
Is It Worth It? The Allure of the Secret Ending
The secret ending isn’t just about seeing a different cinematic; it’s about experiencing Cyberpunk 2077 at its most challenging and narratively resonant. This ending is most likely the “best” ending of the game.
- Solo Triumph: It’s a testament to V’s capabilities, proving they can overcome impossible odds.
- Deeper Connection with Johnny: The ending reinforces the bond between V and Johnny, highlighting their shared struggle and mutual respect.
- Thematic Resonance: It encapsulates the core themes of Cyberpunk 2077: rebellion, self-determination, and the fight against corporate power.
- Unpredictability: There are no hints that this is the “correct” choice. It’s entirely up to the player to decide what is correct.
Ultimately, whether the secret ending is “worth it” depends on your personal preferences. However, for those seeking a true test of skill, a profound narrative experience, and a definitive conclusion to V’s journey, “Don’t Fear the Reaper” is an absolute must.
Cyberpunk 2077 Secret Ending: FAQs
1. What is the secret ending’s official name?
While commonly referred to as the “secret ending,” its more accurate title, reflecting the song playing during key moments, is “Don’t Fear the Reaper.”
2. How do I check my relationship percentage with Johnny?
Unfortunately, Cyberpunk 2077 doesn’t explicitly display the exact percentage of your relationship with Johnny. However, if the dialogue option for the “Don’t Fear the Reaper” ending does not show up, then your relationship is not high enough. Focus on choosing dialogue options in the quest, Chippin In.
3. Can I fail the secret ending?
Yes, if you die during the mission, you will automatically be taken back to the point where you have to choose to call Rogue, call Panam, trust Arasaka, or go rogue.
4. Does the secret ending affect future playthroughs?
Completing any ending, including the secret ending, unlocks specific items and dialogue options in subsequent playthroughs, adding to the game’s replayability.
5. Is the secret ending the “canon” ending?
CD Projekt Red has not designated a “canon” ending. The “true” ending is ultimately up to each player’s interpretation.
6. Does the Phantom Liberty DLC affect the secret ending?
The Phantom Liberty DLC introduces an entirely new ending path which replaces one of the original ending options, but does not change the conditions to unlocking the “Don’t Fear the Reaper” ending, or the content of the ending.
7. Is the secret ending harder than other endings?
Yes, the “Don’t Fear the Reaper” ending is widely considered the most difficult, due to its lack of support and increased enemy difficulty.
8. Can I still get the secret ending if I romance Judy or Panam?
Yes, your romantic choices do not affect your ability to unlock the secret ending. The relationship with Johnny is the only relationship that matters.
9. What level should I be to attempt the secret ending?
It is recommended to be at least level 30 with well-developed skills and cyberware before attempting “Don’t Fear the Reaper.”
10. Are there any unique rewards for completing the secret ending?
Completing the secret ending rewards you with a strong sense of accomplishment and a unique perspective on V’s journey.
11. Can I save Johnny and V in any ending?
There is no ending where both Johnny and V survive together in their own bodies. One of them will have to give up their body to the other, and V only has a 6 months either way.
12. What happens if I fail to meet the relationship requirement with Johnny?
If you don’t meet the 70% relationship requirement, the “Don’t Fear the Reaper” option will not appear during the final conversation with Johnny. You will have to choose one of the other endings.
13. Does difficulty level affect the availability of the secret ending?
No, the difficulty level does not impact your ability to unlock the secret ending. However, it will affect how challenging it is to complete.
14. Can I get the secret ending after completing other endings?
Yes, Cyberpunk 2077 allows you to return to the point of no return after completing an ending, allowing you to explore different options, including the secret ending.
15. How does Cyberpunk 2077‘s narrative contribute to educational discussions?
Cyberpunk 2077, with its complex narratives and moral choices, offers a rich platform for discussing ethics, technology, and societal impact, aligning with the interdisciplinary approach championed by organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. By analyzing the game’s themes and characters, educators can engage students in critical thinking and foster a deeper understanding of real-world issues.