At the end of Cyberpunk 2077, the player’s choices determine which of several endings occurs, each leading to different outcomes for V, the protagonist, and the city of Night City. The game offers multiple endings based on player decisions made throughout the story, including relationships, missions, and specific key choices.
Background and Narrative Setup
Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world RPG set in Night City, a sprawling futuristic metropolis rife with corporate intrigue, gang violence, and advanced technology. The protagonist, V, is a mercenary seeking a one-of-a-kind implant called the Relic, which contains the digitized consciousness of Johnny Silverhand, a legendary rocker and rebel. As V’s story unfolds, they confront various factions, face life-threatening choices, and ultimately seek a way to survive the destructive power of the Relic.
The Core Choices Leading to the Endings
The game’s conclusion hinges on several pivotal decisions made during the final missions. These include:
- How to handle the confrontation with Arasaka Corporation.
- Whether to prioritize personal survival or to sacrifice oneself for others.
- Choices regarding Johnny Silverhand’s role and influence.
- Decisions about the future of Night City, including who should lead or whether to dismantle certain factions.
The Main Endings Explained
Cyberpunk 2077 features several distinct endings, each with unique outcomes:
1. The Devil (Arasaka’s Path)
This ending occurs if V chooses to work with Hanako Arasaka and infiltrates Arasaka Tower to stop the biochip from killing them. V confronts the corporation and, depending on choices, can survive by transferring their consciousness into a digital construct or sacrifice themselves. Johnny Silverhand plays a significant role, often aiding V in the final confrontation.
2. The Star (Johnny’s Ending)
This ending is achieved if V chooses to prioritize Johnny Silverhand’s desires, effectively letting Johnny take control of their body. Johnny then leaves Night City, and V’s fate varies—sometimes surviving in a digital afterlife or fading away—depending on prior choices. This ending emphasizes Johnny’s desire for freedom and a new beginning.
3. The Sun (Rogue’s Ending)
This path involves working with Rogue and the Aldecaldos, a nomad clan. V opts to escape Night City with the nomads, seeking a new life outside the city’s chaos. It’s a more hopeful ending, with V surviving and finding a chance at peace, though at the cost of leaving behind familiar surroundings.
4. The Temperance (Sacrifice Ending)
In this ending, V sacrifices themselves to save others, often by allowing Johnny or another character to upload their consciousness into the digital realm, effectively ending V’s physical existence. This is considered the most tragic ending but also the most altruistic.
Additional Endings and Variations
Cyberpunk 2077 also contains minor variations within these main endings, influenced by side choices, romances, and specific mission completions. For example, whether V survives the final confrontation can depend on how well they manage their health and relationships beforehand. Some endings also include epilogues that show the future of Night City and V’s companions, providing closure or open-ended questions.
How Player Choices Affect the Ending
The game emphasizes player agency, meaning decisions made throughout the story significantly influence which ending players receive. Key factors include:
- Choosing to work with or oppose Arasaka.
- Deciding whether to save Johnny Silverhand or let him go.
- Completing specific side quests that influence V’s relationships and skills.
- Making moral decisions that impact V’s reputation and alliances.
Because of this, players can experience multiple playthroughs to explore different endings and see how their choices shape the story’s conclusion.
Revisiting the Endings and Replayability
Cyberpunk 2077’s multiple endings encourage replayability, allowing players to make different decisions and see alternate outcomes. Many players revisit the game after completing an ending to explore other paths, especially since some endings provide more optimistic or more tragic conclusions. This design promotes a personalized experience, making each playthrough unique based on choices made earlier in the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I change my ending after I finish the game?
Unfortunately, once you complete the game and see the ending, you cannot directly change it without starting a new game or loading an earlier save. However, you can replay the game and make different decisions to experience other endings.
2. Is there a “best” ending in Cyberpunk 2077?
There is no objectively best ending, as it depends on your preferences. Some players prefer the hopeful nomad ending, while others choose the more action-oriented Arasaka route. The choice reflects personal values and how you want V’s story to conclude.
3. Does the ending affect the gameplay experience?
Yes, each ending offers different epilogues, character fates, and future scenarios for Night City, which can influence subsequent gameplay or your understanding of the story’s impact.
4. Are there hidden or secret endings?
There are no officially confirmed secret endings, but some players speculate about minor variations based on very specific choices or side missions. Most endings are accessible through main story decisions.
5. How long does it take to see all the endings?
It depends on your playstyle and how thorough you are with side quests, but typically, completing all main endings and exploring variations can take 50-100 hours, including multiple playthroughs.
Conclusion
The ending of Cyberpunk 2077 is a culmination of the player’s choices throughout the game, offering multiple paths that lead to different outcomes for V, Johnny Silverhand, and Night City itself. Whether V survives, finds peace, or sacrifices everything depends on the decisions you make, emphasizing the importance of player agency in shaping the story’s conclusion. Exploring these endings enhances the game’s replayability and allows players to craft a personalized narrative in the vibrant, dangerous world of Cyberpunk 2077.
Related
- When Do Birds Start to Migrate? Understanding Migration Timelines
- When Do Birds Start Migrating? A Complete Guide
- When Do Birds Migrate in the USA?