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Cyberpunk 2077 endings: every outcome explained

Updated on

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Leandro Sandmann

11 min read

The various Cyberpunk 2077 endings are one of the biggest reasons players keep returning to Night City. Unlike many RPGs that funnel players into a single conclusion, Cyberpunk 2077 offers multiple outcomes shaped by relationships, side quests, and critical decisions made throughout V’s journey.

From hopeful escapes to devastating sacrifices, the Cyberpunk 2077 endings reveal different perspectives on freedom, survival, and identity. As a result, every final choice feels meaningful, especially when key characters become deeply involved in determining V’s future. And before we continue, know that to know more about all the relevant content about gaming, you just have to check our blog.

What are the Cyberpunk 2077 endings?

To begin with, understanding how the Cyberpunk 2077 endings work is essential before reaching the point of no return. Whether you are pursuing the Aldecaldos' path, trusting hanako arasaka, or hunting for the Cyberpunk secret ending, your decisions can dramatically alter the fate of both V and Night City.

Cyberpunk 2077 features several major endings that become available depending on the choices you make during the story. While the core conflict remains centered on V's struggle against the Relic, the way that conflict is resolved varies significantly.

At first, the game may appear to funnel players toward a single finale. However, completing side quests and strengthening relationships unlocks entirely new possibilities.

How the ending system works

Before the final missions begin, players reach a point commonly known as the "Point of No Return." At this stage, the game warns you that major story decisions are approaching.

From there, V must choose who to trust and how to approach Arasaka. That decision determines which ending path becomes available.

Several factors influence the final outcome:

  • Completion of companion questlines
  • Relationship status with Johnny Silverhand
  • Decisions made during major story missions
  • Choices involving Arasaka and Night City's factions
  • Outcomes connected to expansion content

Because of that, many players spend extra time completing side activities before advancing toward the finale.

Why relationships affect endings

Relationships are among the most important mechanics in the game. Unlike traditional RPGs, these connections are directly tied to ending availability.

Johnny Silverhand is perhaps the most influential character. Your interactions with him determine whether specific dialogue options and unique conclusions become available later.

Similarly, Panam Palmer's storyline unlocks one of the most beloved endings in the game.

Key characters connected to endings include:

  • Johnny Silverhand
  • Panam Palmer
  • Rogue Amendiares
  • Takemura
  • Hanako Arasaka

Above all, investing time in these relationships provides greater narrative depth and more meaningful choices during the final act.

You may also like: Playing Cyberpunk 2077 on PC: Everything You Need to Know

How player choices shape Cyberpunk endings

Player agency sits at the heart of Cyberpunk 2077. Almost every major decision contributes to the overall narrative direction.

While some choices create immediate consequences, others may not reveal their impact until dozens of hours later.

Before reaching the finale, players should consider how their actions affect the world around them.

Decisions that matter most

Several story moments play a major role in determining which endings can be accessed.

For example, helping Panam and the Aldecaldos opens an entirely different route compared to relying on corporate allies.

Likewise, your conversations with Johnny can unlock additional opportunities that remain hidden for less cooperative players.

Important decisions include:

  1. Completing Panam's questline
  2. Supporting Johnny during key conversations
  3. Choosing whether to trust Arasaka
  4. Building alliances with major characters
  5. Handling critical events involving Rogue

Each of these choices influences future opportunities.

Important characters that unlock endings

Certain characters serve as gateways to specific outcomes.

Panam represents freedom and family beyond Night City's borders. Rogue symbolizes one final opportunity to challenge Arasaka from within the city's underworld.

Meanwhile, Johnny embodies rebellion against corporate control.

At the same time, hanako arasaka offers a completely different perspective. Her path focuses on cooperation with the corporation rather than resistance.

This contrast highlights one of Cyberpunk 2077's greatest strengths: there is rarely a clear right or wrong answer.

The Devil ending explained

The Devil ending is one of the most controversial conclusions in the game.

To access this route, players choose to work with Hanako Arasaka and place their trust in the corporation's resources.

While this decision may seem practical, the consequences are far more complex than they initially appear.

Choosing Hanako Arasaka

When V decides to cooperate with Arasaka, the story shifts toward corporate interests and political power.

Hanako promises answers and potential solutions to the Relic crisis. Therefore, many players see this option as the safest route. However, safety often comes at a price in Night City.

As events unfold, V becomes increasingly entangled in Arasaka's long-term ambitions.

The ending ultimately forces players to question whether survival is worth sacrificing personal freedom.

Check also: Complete guide to Cyberpunk romance options in Cyberpunk 2077

Is The Devil ending good or bad?

Opinions remain divided within the community.

Some players appreciate the realism and moral ambiguity. Others view it as one of the darkest outcomes available.

Reasons players consider it controversial include:

  • Corporate manipulation
  • Loss of independence
  • Uncertain future for V
  • Heavy emotional consequences
  • Questions surrounding identity and control

In other words, The Devil ending perfectly reflects Cyberpunk's central theme: every victory comes with a cost.

The Star ending explained

Among all available conclusions, The Star ending is often considered the most optimistic.

Rather than relying on corporations, V joins forces with the Aldecaldos and seeks a future beyond Night City's influence.

As a result, many fans regard this route as the closest thing to a happy ending.

Working with the Aldecaldos

Unlocking The Star ending requires completing Panam's storyline.

Throughout these missions, players strengthen their bond with both Panam and the nomad family.

Eventually, the Aldecaldos agree to help V launch an assault against Arasaka.

This path emphasizes trust, loyalty, and community rather than power or profit.

Furthermore, it provides some of the game's most emotional character moments.

Why many players consider it the best ending

The Star ending resonates with players because it offers something rare in Cyberpunk's dystopian world: hope.

Instead of remaining trapped within Night City's endless cycle of violence and corruption, V chooses a different future.

Key reasons players love this ending include:

  • Strong emotional payoff
  • Panam's character development
  • Escape from Night City
  • Greater sense of freedom
  • Hope for V's future

Even more importantly, The Star reinforces one of the game's most powerful messages: meaningful connections can matter more than power.

As the story continues to evolve through expansions and additional content, many players still view The Star as the benchmark against which all other Cyberpunk endings are measured.

Check also: The Ultimate Guide to Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty

The Sun ending explained

The Sun ending explained cyberpunk 2077 endings

The Sun ending offers one of the most iconic conclusions in the game. Instead of leaving Night City behind, V embraces the role of a living legend and takes on one final challenge.

For many players, this route represents the ultimate mercenary fantasy. However, beneath the glamour lies a deeper question about ambition and sacrifice.

Rogue's final mission

To unlock this path, players must build a strong relationship with Johnny Silverhand and choose to work alongside Rogue.

The mission itself is among the most memorable in the game. Together, V, Johnny, and Rogue launch a direct assault against Arasaka.

Throughout the operation, players face intense combat encounters and major emotional moments.

Moreover, Rogue's involvement adds significant weight to the story because of her history with Johnny and Night City's past.

Becoming a Night City legend

Following the attack, V achieves a status few mercenaries ever reach.

The Afterlife recognizes V as one of the greatest legends to ever operate within Night City.

However, success does not eliminate the consequences of the Relic.

As a result, The Sun ending combines triumph and uncertainty in a way that perfectly reflects Cyberpunk's themes.

Cyberpunk secret ending guide

Among all available routes, the Cyberpunk secret ending remains one of the most popular.

Known by fans as "Don't Fear The Reaper," this ending removes the need for allies and transforms the final assault into a dangerous solo mission.

Because of its difficulty and unique presentation, many players consider it the definitive challenge.

How to unlock the Cyberpunk secret ending

Unlocking the Cyberpunk secret ending requires specific interactions with Johnny Silverhand.

Players must:

  1. Complete Johnny's personal questline.
  2. Select the correct dialogue options during key conversations.
  3. Reach the rooftop decision sequence.
  4. Wait during the final choice dialogue.
  5. Accept Johnny's risky proposal.

Missing any of these requirements can prevent the ending from appearing.

Therefore, careful preparation is essential.

Why Don't Fear The Reaper is unique

Unlike other endings, this route removes backup support.

V attacks Arasaka alone, creating one of the hardest combat sequences in the game.

Reasons players love this ending include:

  • Highest difficulty level
  • Unique dialogue
  • Special narrative impact
  • Strong Johnny Silverhand moments
  • Legendary status among fans

Above all, it delivers one of the most intense finales in Cyberpunk 2077.

Check also: The Ultimate Guide to Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty

Phantom Liberty endings explained

The expansion introduces entirely new story branches and moral dilemmas.

In particular, the phantom liberty endings revolve around one difficult decision involving two central characters.

This choice dramatically alters the future of the expansion's narrative.

Betray Reed or Songbird

The decision to betray reed or songbird is one of the hardest choices in the entire game.

Neither option provides a perfect outcome.

Choosing Reed prioritizes duty and government interests.

Choosing Songbird prioritizes personal freedom and survival.

At the same time, both characters carry secrets that complicate the situation.

Because of that, many players replay Phantom Liberty multiple times to experience every perspective.

How Phantom Liberty affects the base game endings

One of the biggest surprises introduced by the expansion is an entirely new ending path.

Depending on your decisions, V may gain access to additional opportunities that do not exist in the base game.

These outcomes expand the narrative and provide more context regarding V's condition.

Consequently, the phantom liberty endings have become some of the most discussed conclusions in the Cyberpunk community.

Which Cyberpunk 2077 ending is canon?

The question of a canon ending continues to divide players.

While some fans believe The Star best fits V's character arc, others argue that The Sun or Temperance align more closely with the game's themes.

CD Projekt Red has intentionally avoided confirming a single official conclusion.

Community theories

Popular theories often focus on:

  • The Star ending
  • The Sun ending
  • Temperance
  • Phantom Liberty's new route

Each option has evidence supporting its position.

Therefore, debate remains active years after release.

CD Projekt Red's approach

The developers have consistently emphasized player choice.

Instead of presenting one definitive answer, they encourage players to decide which future feels most authentic.

This philosophy helps make every ending feel personal.

Best Cyberpunk 2077 endings ranked

Although opinions vary, some conclusions receive stronger community support than others.

Ending comparison table

EndingOutcomeDifficultyFan Reception
The StarHopeful futureMediumVery High
The SunNight City legendMediumHigh
TemperanceJohnny's futureHighHigh
The DevilCorporate solutionEasyMixed
Phantom Liberty EndingVariableMediumHigh

Top reasons players prefer different endings

  • Emotional payoff
  • Character development
  • Relationship outcomes
  • Narrative consistency
  • Replay value

Ultimately, the best ending depends on what players value most.

How ExitLag helps Cyberpunk 2077 players

Although Cyberpunk 2077 is primarily a single-player experience, many players use cloud gaming services, download large updates, and participate in community-driven online activities.

In these situations, ExitLag can help improve stability and responsiveness.

Better stability for cloud gaming and online services

Players using cloud platforms benefit from lower latency and more consistent connections.

As a result, gameplay feels smoother during demanding sessions.

Faster downloads and smoother updates

Major Cyberpunk updates can be substantial.

ExitLag helps optimize network routes, reducing interruptions and improving overall connection quality.

For players returning to Night City after major patches, this can create a more reliable experience. ExitLag can drastically improve your gameplay for an accessible price. To know more, check our pricing page.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How many Cyberpunk 2077 endings are there?

Cyberpunk 2077 includes multiple major endings, along with several variations depending on your relationships, decisions, and Phantom Liberty choices. Each route offers a different perspective on V's future.

What is the Cyberpunk secret ending?

The Cyberpunk secret ending is the hidden "Don't Fear The Reaper" route. It allows V to assault Arasaka Tower alone and is considered the most challenging ending in the game.

Is The Star ending the best ending?

Many players consider The Star ending the most satisfying because it offers hope, emotional closure, and a chance for V to leave Night City alongside trusted allies.

Should you betray Reed or Songbird?

The decision to betray reed or songbird depends entirely on your personal values. Both options involve sacrifices and lead to significantly different outcomes.

Does Phantom Liberty add new endings?

Yes. The expansion introduces additional story outcomes and can unlock a completely new conclusion for V depending on your decisions.

Does ExitLag improve Cyberpunk 2077 performance?

ExitLag can improve connection stability for cloud gaming, game downloads, and online services, helping create a smoother overall experience. You should check more games compatible with ExitLag at our official games page.

In conclusion

The variety of Cyberpunk 2077 endings is one of the game's greatest strengths. From the hopeful Star ending to the challenging secret route and the morally complex phantom liberty endings, every conclusion offers a unique perspective on V's struggle for survival.

Whether you choose to trust hanako arasaka, pursue the Cyberpunk secret ending, or decide whether to betray reed or songbird, your choices shape the future of Night City in meaningful ways. Ultimately, the best outcome is the one that feels right for your version of V, making the journey through the Cyberpunk 2077 endings unforgettable. Download ExitLag now!

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