The Cold Calculation: Why Dex Betrays V in Cyberpunk 2077

Dexter DeShawn, or Dex, is a name that likely evokes a visceral reaction in any Cyberpunk 2077 player. He’s not just a minor inconvenience; he’s the architect of V’s near-death experience, the betrayer who sets the stage for the entire narrative. But why does Dex betray V? The simple answer is purely pragmatic self-preservation and greed. Dex, a seasoned fixer, assessed the situation after the botched Arasaka heist and made a calculated decision. He saw V as a liability, a loose end that could unravel his entire operation and attract unwanted attention from powerful and dangerous forces.

The murder of Saburo Arasaka within Arasaka Tower exponentially increased the stakes. The heat on everyone involved became unbearable. Dex, operating in a world where reputation and survival are paramount, likely reasoned as follows: V knew too much, and controlling V was no longer an option. Eliminating V was a way to attempt to cut his losses and disappear, hoping to avoid the wrath of Arasaka and other interested parties. He likely hoped to pocket the money that would otherwise be paid to V, further sweetening the deal. Dex is an incredibly selfish character, and the fact that V had no idea of his treachery made it all too easy for Dex to backstab him.

Essentially, Dex’s betrayal was an act of desperation fueled by self-interest, cold calculation, and the harsh realities of Night City. There was little to no emotional component to the betrayal. He likely had no personal attachment to V, seeing them only as a tool for a job. When that tool became a potential liability, it was disposed of without hesitation.

Understanding Dex’s Motivations

To delve deeper, we need to consider the following factors that influenced Dex’s decision:

• The Unforeseen Murder: Saburo Arasaka’s death was a game-changer. It transformed a high-stakes heist into a global incident. The level of scrutiny and potential consequences became astronomical.

• Arasaka’s Response: Dex knew Arasaka would stop at nothing to find those responsible. He understood the corporation’s reach and ruthlessness. He was trying to cut loose ends.

• V’s Liability: V was now connected to a massive crime. Dex likely saw V as unpredictable and difficult to control, increasing the risk of further exposure. V was too much of a liability to keep around, and Dex knew that.

• Self-Preservation: Dex’s priority was his own survival and continued success as a fixer. Protecting his reputation and avoiding Arasaka’s wrath took precedence over any sense of loyalty or obligation.

• Profit Motive: While secondary, the potential to keep the full payment for the heist likely factored into Dex’s decision. Greed is a powerful motivator in Night City, and Dex was no exception.

The Harsh Realities of Night City

Cyberpunk 2077 portrays a world where ethical considerations are often secondary to survival. Night City is a place of rampant corruption, corporate power, and ruthless individuals. Dex DeShawn embodies these qualities. His betrayal of V underscores the dog-eat-dog nature of the cyberpunk genre.

Dex’s actions, while shocking, are consistent with the character he is portrayed to be: a pragmatic and ruthless fixer who prioritizes his own interests above all else. He is a product of his environment, a reflection of the moral decay that permeates Night City.

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The Fallout of Dex’s Betrayal

Dex’s betrayal has profound consequences for V. It sets in motion the central conflict of the game, forcing V to confront their mortality and navigate the complex world of Night City while grappling with the presence of Johnny Silverhand. While Dex thought he was solving a problem, he inadvertently created a much bigger one for himself and for Arasaka.

Ironically, Dex’s attempt to eliminate V ultimately led to his own downfall. His actions brought him to the attention of Takemura, Saburo Arasaka’s loyal bodyguard, who eventually hunted him down and executed him after forcing him to provide V’s location. Dex’s betrayal, therefore, proved to be a fatal mistake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of Dex’s betrayal and its implications:

1. Is it worth betraying Dex in Cyberpunk 2077?

No. You cannot betray Dex first. Dex will betray you no matter what you do. The initial dialogue choices regarding Dex only have a minor impact on the Heist mission.

2. Is Dex a good or bad person in Cyberpunk 2077?

Dex is definitively a bad person. He is a ruthless fixer who prioritizes his own interests above all else and is willing to betray and even kill those who work for him if they become liabilities.

3. Does V die when Dex kills you?

Technically, yes, V dies. However, the Relic, containing the engram of Johnny Silverhand, activates and begins repairing the damage to V’s brain, effectively bringing V back to life, albeit with significant consequences.

4. Could V have prevented Dex’s betrayal?

No. Dex’s betrayal is a fixed event in the game’s narrative. No matter what choices V makes leading up to the encounter at the No-Tell Motel, Dex will always betray them.

5. How did V survive being shot by Dex?

V survived due to the Relic, which contained Johnny Silverhand’s engram. The chip compensated for the brain damage and essentially rewrote V’s neural pathways, allowing them to recover.

6. Who eventually kills Dex?

Goro Takemura, Saburo Arasaka’s bodyguard, hunts down Dex and executes him after forcing him to reveal V’s location.

7. Where can you find Dex’s body in Cyberpunk 2077?

Dex’s body can be found at a landfill located south of the Medeski Fuel Station fast travel point. He carries his unique weapon, Plan B.

8. Does betraying Dex earlier in the game change anything?

As you can’t actually betray Dex, the initial dialogue choices regarding Dex only have a minor impact on the Heist mission itself, and have no further repercussions for you.

9. What happens after Dex kills V?

After Dex kills V, the Relic activates, and V begins to experience visions and memories of Johnny Silverhand. This marks the beginning of the main storyline and V’s struggle to survive and find a way to remove the Relic.

10. What was Dex’s plan after killing V?

Dex’s plan was likely to disappear and avoid being caught by Arasaka. He probably intended to keep the payment for the heist and start anew somewhere else.

11. Was Dex working for Arasaka all along?

There is no definitive evidence to suggest that Dex was working for Arasaka. His betrayal seems to be driven by self-preservation rather than a pre-existing allegiance to the corporation.

12. What is the significance of finding Dex’s body?

Finding Dex’s body allows V to retrieve his unique weapon, Plan B, and provides closure on his betrayal. It also serves as a reminder of the dangers and betrayals that exist in Night City.

13. Can V live longer than six months in Cyberpunk 2077?

Depending on the ending you choose, V can potentially extend their lifespan beyond six months, although it often comes at a significant cost. Several endings offer different possibilities for V’s future, some more hopeful than others.

14. What are the different endings available in Cyberpunk 2077?

Cyberpunk 2077 features multiple endings, each influenced by V’s choices throughout the game. These endings include options such as joining Arasaka, seeking help from the Aldecaldos, or attempting to take control of the Crystal Palace.

15. Is Johnny Silverhand a reliable source of information regarding Dex?

Johnny Silverhand is a biased and unreliable narrator. While he despises Dex for what he did to V, his perspective is colored by his own agenda and personal history.

In conclusion, Dex’s betrayal of V is a pivotal moment in Cyberpunk 2077, driven by self-preservation, fear, and the harsh realities of Night City. It sets the stage for the entire narrative and underscores the themes of betrayal, survival, and the struggle for identity in a dystopian world. His actions showcase the morally ambiguous nature of the characters and the cutthroat environment that defines the cyberpunk genre.