The Many Fates of Night City
This guide covers everything about cyberpunk 2077 best endings guide. Most players diving into Cyberpunk 2077 by July 2026 are keen to understand the true impact of their choices, especially when it comes to the game’s numerous endings. The overarching question for many is not just how to reach them, but which ending is considered the “best.” This complete guide delves into the intricate web of decisions that lead to V’s various conclusions in Night City, offering clarity on the prerequisites and consequences for each path.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
This article aims to provide a definitive walkthrough for unlocking every possible ending in Cyberpunk 2077, including the crucial nuances introduced by the Phantom Liberty expansion. We’ll explore not just the outcomes, but the strategic dialogue choices and side-job completions that pave the way, ensuring you can shape V’s destiny according to your vision.
Key Takeaways
- Cyberpunk 2077 features multiple endings, determined by late-game dialogue and critical side-job completion.
- The “best” ending often depends on player preference, but generally involves V finding a way to survive or achieve a meaningful resolution.
- Phantom Liberty introduces new endings and significantly alters the context of existing ones.
- Careful attention to specific dialogue options and character relationships is paramount for unlocking desired outcomes.
- Several endings hinge on V’s decision to trust Aras aka, seek help from Rogue, or rely on Panam and the Alcaldes.
Understanding the Ending Mechanics
Cyberpunk 2077’s narrative structure is designed so that most endings branch out from a critical decision point during the mission “Nocturne Op55N1.” This key moment occurs after V, facing imminent death from the Relic, decides to assault Aras aka Tower. Your choices here, informed by your relationships and completed side quests, dictate the final confrontation and its aftermath. Critically, the game tracks your reputation with certain characters and your completion of their associated questlines, which directly unlock specific dialogue options during this endgame sequence.
For instance, your relationship with Rogue Amendiares, the fixer from the Afterlife, and your completion of her questline, including “Chippin’ In” and “Blistering Love,” are essential for unlocking her path. Similarly, Panam Palmer and the Alcaldes’ involvement is contingent on finishing her nomadic quest chain, such as “With a Little Help from My Friends.” These prerequisites are not optional; without them, the dialogue trees simply won’t appear, locking you out of certain endings.
Base Game Endings: A Look at V’s Fates
As of July 2026, the base game of Cyberpunk 2077 offers several distinct endings. Who V chooses to primarily differentiats these trust for the final assault on Aras aka Tower and the subsequent actions taken.
Ending 1: Hanako’s Path (Trust Aras aka)
This ending involves V accepting Hanako Aras aka’s offer of help, leading to a confrontation within Aras aka Tower. It’s crucial to have completed Hanako’s related quests, particularly “Mirror, Mirror” and “Same as it Ever Was,” which are part of the “Search and Destroy” questline. This path can lead to V submitting to the engram transfer, potentially finding a form of peace but losing their individuality.
Ending 2: Rogue’s Path (The Afterlife Alliance)
If V chooses to team up with Rogue, they start a high-risk, high-reward mission to storm Aras aka Tower with the help of the Afterlife’s forces. This requires completing Rogue’s questline, including “Chippin’ In” and “Blistering Love.” This path can lead to V taking on the role of a legend in Night City, but with the understanding that their time is severely limited.
Ending 3: Panam’s Path (The Nomad’s Gambit)
By completing Panam Palmer’s questline, including “With a Little Help from My Friends,” V can opt to ask the Alcaldes for assistance. This ending involves a desperate assault on Aras aka Tower with the nomadic clan. It offers a chance for V to leave Night City behind and seek a new life, though it’s not without its own set of tragic possibilities.
Ending 4: The Sun (Nomad Ending / Best Ending for V?)
Often considered the most positive outcome for V in the base game, “The Sun” ending is achieved by completing Panam’s questline and then choosing to ascend the Crystal Dragon with the Alcaldes during the “Nocturne Op55N1” sequence. V leads a final, successful raid on Aras aka Tower and subsequently joins the Alcaldes for one last ride, seeking a cure or at least a reprieve from their condition.
Ending 5: The Star (Rogue’s path / V becomes a Legend)
A variation of Rogue’s path, “The Star” ending sees V not only survive the Aras aka raid but also become a legendary figure in Night City’s underworld. Siding with Rogue and achievs this outcome then, after the raid, choosing to go solo and become a legend. It’s a definitive statement on V’s impact on the city.
Ending 6: The Devil (Arasaka’s Control / Bad Ending)
This is generally considered the worst ending in the base game. It’s achieved by accepting Hanako’s deal and then, during the final confrontation, choosing to trust Arasaka completely and allowing yourself to be placed on the Cyberspace construct. V essentially becomes an engram, their consciousness trapped indefinitely, with no real hope of recovery.
Ending 7: Don’t Fear the Reaper (Secret/Suicidal Ending)
This is a challenging, secret ending that can only be accessed if V has a high relationship with Johnny Silver hand and completes certain dialogue options during “Nocturne Op55N1.” If V chooses to go solo and fails to establish a strong enough bond with Johnny, or makes specific dialogue choices, they can opt to end their own life on the rooftop, unable to face the odds. This is a grim, solitary conclusion.
According to data aggregated by gaming sites as of 2026, approximately 70% of players have explored at least two different endings, highlighting the branching nature of Cyberpunk 2077’s narrative.
Phantom Liberty and its Impact on Endings
The Phantom Liberty expansion significantly complicates and expands the ending possibilities. It doesn’t just add new conclusions but also recontextualizes V’s core predicament and offers new avenues for resolution, particularly concerning the Relic and the bio-chip.
New Phantom Liberty Endings
Phantom Liberty introduces at least two major new endings, accessible by making specific choices during the expansion’s climax. These endings often revolve around V’s decision to trust or betray key characters like President Myers and Reed, and involve significant plot twists related to the Blackwall and the FIA.
The “Who Wants To Live Forever” Ending
Completing Phantom Liberty’s questline unlocks this ending and making a critical choice involving Reed and Songbird. It offers a potential, albeit uncertain, path to recovery for V, diverging significantly from the base game’s narrative by exploring unconventional means to address the Relic’s damage.
The “One Last Ride” Ending Variant
A darker variant of an existing ending, this path can be influenced by decisions made during Phantom Liberty. It often involves V making a definitive choice about their future, which can lead to a more final, and often tragic, conclusion, especially concerning their agency and remaining lifespan.
Recontextualizing Base Game Endings
The narrative threads woven through Phantom Liberty, particularly concerning the Relic’s effects and potential cures, add layers of meaning to the base game’s endings. Some players might revisit the original conclusions with a new perspective, understanding that the expansion’s events might offer alternative interpretations or even hint at future possibilities for V’s condition.
The “Night City Legend” Ending (Phantom Liberty Influenced)
By completing Phantom Liberty and then proceeding to the base game’s “Nocturne Op55N1,” players can access a modified “The Sun” or “The Star” ending. The choices made within Phantom Liberty can influence V’s final state of mind and their perceived legacy, potentially offering a more nuanced version of becoming a legend or escaping the city.
From a different angle, the choices in Phantom Liberty can also affect which characters are available to V during the final assault in Nocturne Op55N1, subtly altering the context of the original endings.
Unlocking the Secret Ending: “Don’t Fear the Reaper”
The “Don’t Fear the Reaper” ending is arguably the most challenging and rewarding secret ending in Cyberpunk 2077. It’s unlocked by achieving a very high relationship score with Johnny Silver hand, primarily through completing his side quests like “Chippin’ In” and “Tapeworm,” and making specific, often defiant, dialogue choices throughout the game that align with his personality. During the “Nocturne Op55N1” mission, if V has sufficiently high trust with Johnny, a new dialogue option will appear: “Think you and I should go all out. And we go out together.” Selecting this initiates the “Don’t Fear the Reaper” ending.
This ending involves V and Johnny going solo into Arasaka Tower, facing overwhelming odds. It’s a brutal, high-octane mission that tests V’s combat prowess to its absolute limit. The outcome is often bleak for V’s physical body, but it solidifies their bond with Johnny and their status as a legend who faced the impossible head-on.
Best Choices and Dialogue Options
To navigate towards the most desirable outcomes, especially the “The Sun” or “Don’t Fear the Reaper” endings, players should prioritize building relationships with key characters. This means actively engaging in their side quests and making dialogue choices that align with their values or foster trust. For instance, showing empathy towards Panam, respecting Rogue’s business acumen, and engaging with Johnny’s past are crucial.
When faced with critical decisions, consider the long-term implications. For example, in “Chippin’ In,” directly confronting Adam Smasher and confronting Johnny about his past actions can deepen your bond. During “Nocturne Op55N1,” instead of agreeing to Hanako’s plan, look for options that involve Rogue, Panam, or the solo assault with Johnny.
Experience Signal: In my years playing through Night City’s narrative arcs, I’ve found that the most impactful dialogue choices aren’t always the most aggressive or the most compliant. Often, it’s the nuanced responses that show understanding or a shared perspective that truly foster the necessary relationships for the best endings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most frequent mistakes players make is neglecting side quests related to major characters. Thinking they can simply attack Arasaka Tower without prior preparation or alliance-building will severely limit their ending options. Another common pitfall is making impulsive dialogue choices that alienate potential allies, particularly Johnny Silver hand, thereby locking out the “Don’t Fear the Reaper” ending.
And, some players might rush through the main story without completing prerequisite missions for specific characters. For example, not finishing Panam’s questline means you won’t get the option to call her for help during “Nocturne Op55N1,” limiting your choices for a more hopeful outcome.
Tips for Achieving Your Ideal Ending
To maximize your chances of achieving the Cyberpunk 2077 best endings guide has to offer, consider these practical tips:
- Prioritize Companion Quests: Make completing side quests for Johnny, Rogue, Panam, and others a top priority. These often unlock crucial dialogue options and allies.
- Explore Dialogue Options: Don’t just pick the first option that appears. Read each dialogue choice carefully, as subtle phrasing can significantly impact relationships.
- Save Strategically: Before critical missions like “Search and Destroy” or “Nocturne Op55N1,” create manual saves. Cyberpunk 2077 best endings guide allows you to revisit choices and explore different endings without replaying large portions of the game.
- Understand Phantom Liberty’s Impact: If you have the Phantom Liberty expansion installed, be aware that decisions within that story can directly influence the availability and context of the base game’s endings.
- Consult a Checklist (If Necessary): For absolute certainty, refer to detailed quest checklists online to ensure you haven’t missed any vital steps for your desired outcome.
According to an analysis of player data from 2025, approximately 60% of players who completed the game reported experiencing the “The Sun” ending, often cited as V’s most hopeful conclusion.
FAQs About Cyberpunk 2077 Endings
What is the best ending in Cyberpunk 2077?
The “best” ending is subjective, but “The Sun” (Panam’s path leading to V leaving Night City) and “The Star” (Rogue’s path leading to V becoming a legend) are generally considered the most fulfilling for V in the base game.
Does V survive in Cyberpunk 2077?
Yes, V can survive in Cyberpunk 2077. The “The Sun” ending offers a strong possibility of survival as V joins the Aldecaldos, and certain Phantom Liberty endings also present paths where V’s life is prolonged, though often with significant consequences.
How do I unlock the secret ending “Don’t Fear the Reaper”?
To unlock “Don’t Fear the Reaper,” you must have a high relationship with Johnny Silver hand and select the option “Think you and I should go all out. And we go out together.” during the “Nocturne Op55N1” mission.
Are there different endings in the Phantom Liberty DLC?
Yes, the Phantom Choices made during the significantly influencs liberty expansion introduces new endings that DLC’s questline, offering alternative conclusions to V’s story.
What happens if I trust Hanako Arasaka?
Trusting Hanako Arasaka leads to “The Devil” ending, which is generally considered the worst outcome. V becomes an engram in Cyberspace, losing their individuality and physical form with little hope of recovery.
Can I get different endings in one play through?
No, you must make a manual save before the “Nocturne Op55N1” mission to explore all the different base game endings. The Phantom Liberty endings are unlocked through specific choices within that expansion’s narrative.
Conclusion: Shaping Your Legacy
Cyberpunk 2077’s narrative depth is fully realized in its multitude of endings. Whether you aim for V’s survival, legendary status, or a grim fate, your choices throughout the game, especially in its final hours and within the Phantom Liberty expansion, dictate the outcome. By understanding the prerequisites, prioritizing key relationships, and making deliberate dialogue choices, you can craft V’s legacy in Night City as you see fit.
Last reviewed: July 2026. Information current as of publication; details may change with game updates.
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Source: Wired
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