Are any of the Cyberpunk endings happy?
The question on everyone’s mind after finishing the game: Are any of the Cyberpunk endings truly happy? Well, the answer is complex, and it depends on how you define happiness. In this article, we’ll dive into the various endings and explore the emotions and outcomes that come with each.
The Star and The Sun: The Two Happy Endings
In the game, there are two endings that can be considered "happy" depending on your perspective. The Star and The Sun are two possible outcomes that provide a sense of closure and satisfaction for the protagonist, V.
The Star: This ending is achieved by having V return to their body after the events of the main story. As V, you’ll take over the Afterlife bar, and the game ends with a sense of closure and a hint of a new beginning. This is the most "traditional" happy ending, as V gets to keep their humanity and their loved ones.
The Sun: This ending is achieved by having V become the "living legend" they always wanted to be. You’ll receive a special mission to go into space, and the game ends with a sense of accomplishment and pride. This ending is more symbolic of V’s desire to become a legend, rather than a traditional happy ending.
Other Endings: Loss and Sacrifice
While The Star and The Sun are the most "happy" endings, the other possibilities are more bittersweet or tragic. Nomad and Don’t Fear the Reaper are two endings that involve significant loss and sacrifice.
Nomad: In this ending, V’s nervous system is fried by Johnny’s construct, and they have only six months to live. However, Alt reconfigured Johnny’s chip into V’s chip, allowing V to continue living. This ending is more about acceptance and letting go, rather than happiness.
Don’t Fear the Reaper: This ending involves V making a deal with the angels to become immortal, but at the cost of their memories and humanity. This ending is a commentary on the trade-offs we make for power and immortality.
Takemura’s Fury: The Betrayal
Another ending worth mentioning is Takemura’s reaction to V’s choices. If you’ve played through the game, you know that Takemura is fiercely loyal to V, but also intensely angry at the choices they’ve made. Takemura’s fury is a testament to the complexity of the game’s story and characters.
Conclusion: Happiness is Relative
In conclusion, are any of the Cyberpunk endings truly happy? The answer is no, but happiness is relative. Each ending provides a different emotional payoff, and what one player considers "happy" might be different for another.
Here’s a breakdown of the endings:
| Ending | Emotion | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| The Star | Closure | V returns to their body, takes over Afterlife bar |
| The Sun | Pride | V becomes a living legend |
| Nomad | Acceptance | V’s nervous system is fried, continues living |
| Don’t Fear the Reaper | Sacrifice | V becomes immortal, loses memories and humanity |
| Takemura’s Fury | Betrayal | Takemura is intensely angry at V’s choices |
Ultimately, the true happiness of the game’s endings lies in the emotional resonance of the story and characters. Cyberpunk 2077 is a game that challenges its players to think critically about the consequences of their actions, and the endings are no exception.