Cyberpunk 2077 has become one of the most talked-about video games of recent years, not only for its gameplay and graphics but also for its intriguing storyline. One of the major questions players had was whether there would be a way for the protagonist, V, to survive beyond the events of the game. The new “final” ending introduced in the Phantom Liberty DLC seemed to offer that possibility, but it came with its own set of devastating consequences.
In this new ending, players have the option to hand over Songbird to the NUSA government and Reed instead of killing her. This decision leads to the extraction of the chip from V’s head, ultimately saving her life. However, it comes at a high price. V wakes up two years later, having lost everything. She no longer has Johnny, her friends have moved on and forgotten her, and her body can no longer accept advanced combat cyberware.
The most heart-wrenching part of this ending is the realization that V is now just an average person, a ghost of her former self. She is no longer the powerful and influential mercenary she once was. The only solace she finds is in the companionship of Viktor, who invites her back to Night City to come to terms with her new reality. However, even that relationship proves to be a hollow glimmer of hope, as Viktor is unable to fix her cyberware problem.
This ending is a stark departure from the power fantasy that players may have expected. Instead of a triumphant overcoming of obstacles, it presents a bleak and haunting reality. V is left alone, isolated, and stripped of everything that made her special. Even her physical appearance reflects this change, with her shaved head, removed makeup, and lack of cyberware.
While this ending may be considered the “best” in terms of V’s survival, it is also the most devastating. It forces players to confront the harsh and unforgiving world of Cyberpunk 2077. It shatters any hope of a happy ending or a continuation of V’s story in future games.
As a player, experiencing this ending was a gut punch that left a lasting impact. It was a powerful reminder of the dark and unforgiving nature of the Cyberpunk world. Despite being brilliantly written by CD Projekt Red, it left me feeling shattered and desperate for an alternative outcome.
In the end, the Phantom Liberty ending I chose as my “canon” was one where I killed Songbird and defied the President, leaving the possibility open for one of the original endings. While V’s survival in this ending does not necessarily confirm my theory that she will be the protagonist of Cyberpunk 2, it does suggest that her story is far from over. Whether or not she plays a major role in future installments, her journey remains a poignant and impactful one.
Ultimately, the final ending of Cyberpunk 2077 is a testament to the narrative depth and emotional resonance of the game. It forces players to grapple with the profound consequences of their choices and reminds us that even in a futuristic dystopia, there are no easy answers or happy endings.