Would You Take a Bullet for Johnny Silverhand? Navigating Loyalty and Sacrifice in Cyberpunk 2077

The question of whether you would take a bullet for Johnny Silverhand in Cyberpunk 2077 is more than just a hypothetical. It’s a pivotal moment in the narrative that defines your relationship with the enigmatic rockerboy and shapes the course of the game’s story. The “correct” answer isn’t about moral obligation; it’s about understanding Johnny, understanding V, and understanding the complex bond that binds them together. In essence, answering “yes” is typically the optimal choice for players seeking to deepen their bond with Johnny, unlocking crucial dialogue and setting the stage for key narrative developments.

Understanding the Significance of the Question

The moment arrives during the Tapeworm quest, a turning point where the merging of V and Johnny’s minds becomes increasingly apparent. The question itself is presented after accessing a memory fragment where Johnny grapples with his own regrets and mortality. It’s a vulnerable moment for him, and your response significantly impacts his perception of you.

Answering “yes” acts as a catalyst. Johnny, initially skeptical and self-absorbed, begins to view V not merely as a host body but as someone capable of genuine empathy and loyalty. This, in turn, fosters a deeper connection that unlocks further dialogue options, insights into Johnny’s past, and ultimately, access to the secret ending.

The Ramifications of Your Choice

While answering “yes” unlocks a more compelling narrative arc, answering “no” doesn’t necessarily lock you out of content. It simply shifts the dynamic between V and Johnny. He remains cynical and potentially less cooperative. However, it’s important to remember that Cyberpunk 2077 thrives on player agency. Your choices, regardless of what they are, define your individual playthrough.

Unlocking the Path to the Secret Ending

The most compelling reason to answer “yes” is its connection to unlocking the secret ending (also known as the “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” ending). This ending is widely considered the most challenging and arguably the “best” ending from a gameplay perspective, offering a high-stakes solo assault on Arasaka Tower.

To access this ending, you need to reach a 70% relationship with Johnny. Consistently siding with him, supporting his goals, and showing empathy are key to achieving this threshold. Answering “yes” to the “take a bullet” question is a significant step in building that relationship.

The Philosophical Underpinnings

The question touches on fundamental themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the nature of identity. Cyberpunk 2077 constantly challenges the player to confront their values and question what they are willing to do to survive or achieve their goals. Would you sacrifice yourself for someone else, even someone as flawed and complicated as Johnny Silverhand? Your answer reflects your own moral compass within the harsh world of Night City.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does Answering “No” Ruin the Game?

Absolutely not. Cyberpunk 2077 offers multiple branching paths and endings. Saying “no” simply alters the dynamic with Johnny and might lock you out of the secret ending, but it doesn’t break the game. You’ll still have access to other compelling storylines.

2. How Do I Increase My Relationship with Johnny Silverhand?

Several actions contribute to increasing your relationship with Johnny, including:

• Agreeing with his viewpoints: Side with Johnny in dialogues and support his decisions.
• Completing his side quests: Actively engage with the side quests related to Johnny.
• Visiting key locations from his past: Explore locations that hold significance for Johnny.
• Choosing empathetic dialogue options: Demonstrate understanding and compassion for his experiences.

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3. Is the Secret Ending the “Canon” Ending?

There’s no officially designated “canon” ending. Each ending represents a valid conclusion to V’s story, shaped by the player’s choices throughout the game. The secret ending is simply one of the most challenging and rewarding paths.

4. What Happens If I Choose to Let Johnny Keep My Body?

If you allow Johnny to take over V’s body, he eventually leaves Night City to forge his own path. This ending offers a bittersweet resolution for Johnny, allowing him to move on from his past.

5. Can V and Johnny Both Survive?

Unfortunately, there isn’t an ending where both V and Johnny definitively survive in a traditional sense. The core conflict of the game revolves around the struggle for control of V’s body, and ultimately, a sacrifice must be made.

6. Does Romancing Panam or Judy Affect My Relationship with Johnny?

No, romancing Panam or Judy doesn’t negatively impact your relationship with Johnny. He may offer occasional commentary, but it doesn’t hinder your ability to reach the 70% relationship threshold required for the secret ending.

7. What Are the Key Side Quests for Increasing Johnny’s Affinity?

Essential side quests include:

• Chippin’ In: Unlocks after allowing Johnny to take over during Tapeworm, offering significant relationship gains.
• Blistering Love: A key quest involving Rogue Amendiares that offers a deeper look into Johnny’s past.
• Holdin’ On: A side quest that gives you insight to Johnny and Nancy’s past and his band.
• A Like Supreme: A continuation of the side quest, that gives more insight to Johnny’s history.

8. How Do I Know What My Relationship Percentage Is with Johnny?

There’s no in-game meter that explicitly displays your relationship percentage with Johnny. However, you can gauge your progress by paying attention to his dialogue and reactions. If he’s more cooperative and open, it’s a good sign that your relationship is improving. The game does allude to it at points through dialog prompts with the character Misty.

9. Does Saving Takemura Anger Johnny?

Saving Takemura has little to no affect in terms of dialogue options or story progression. Johnny does not get mad if you save Takemura.

10. Is There a Way to Reverse My Decision If I Answered “No” Initially?

While you can’t directly reverse your decision in the same conversation, you can still improve your relationship with Johnny through other actions and dialogue choices throughout the game. Consistent support and empathy can still lead to a strong bond.

11. What Happens If I Side with Arasaka?

Siding with Arasaka leads to “The Devil” ending, which is generally considered the most tragic. In this ending, V becomes an engram and is ultimately betrayed by Arasaka. This choice also significantly damages your relationship with Johnny.

12. Is There Any Way to Cure V?

In the main game, there’s no definitive cure for V’s condition. Each ending offers a different path forward, but none of them guarantee a complete and permanent recovery. The Phantom Liberty expansion, however, introduces the possibility of a surgical procedure that removes the relic but also leaves V without the ability to use Cyberware.

13. Can I Get Johnny Silverhand’s Car and Gun?

Yes, both Johnny’s Porsche 911 and his Malorian Arms 3516 pistol are obtainable in the game through the Chippin’ In side quest.

14. What is the significance of Johnny’s Dog Tags?

The dog tags are symbolic of the promise made between V and Johnny during the Tapeworm quest. They represent a commitment to sacrifice for one another, solidifying their bond.

15. Does The Difficulty Setting Affect the “Don’t Fear the Reaper” Ending?

Yes, the difficulty setting significantly impacts the challenge of the “Don’t Fear the Reaper” ending. On higher difficulties, the solo assault on Arasaka Tower becomes incredibly demanding, requiring careful planning and optimized builds.