An alternative ending should be available as a continuation of the quest "Chippin'In" in which V and Johnny storm Arasaka Tower alone.
"Transition" is an alternative third path to Mikoshi, along with the transfer of Johnny's body or the return of V.
The key conditions for obtaining the third version of the ending are:
good relations between V and Johnny;
development of love/friendship with key characters
Context:
As a result of a successful raid on Arasaka Tower, V reaches the access point to Mikoshi, where he gains access to consciousness transfer technology.
V suddenly learns that he has a few months left to live - the chip has reconfigured his DNA and now his body is rejecting him.
Alt offers V a solution...
Notes:
I wanted to preserve the original duality of the game - when V can be either a man or a woman. In the main text, this is enough to change the gender of the character, but some scenes had to be created in two versions. Please be careful about this.
ALT (calm, distant):
“…The chip has been rewriting your DNA for too long. The body now belongs to Johnny. You’ve got maybe six months left to live.”
V (shaken):
“What am I supposed to do?”
ALT:
“You must choose who stays. You… or Johnny.”
V:
“What do you mean, ‘who stays’?”
ALT:
“Both of your psyches cannot coexist in a single body. One of you must disappear. Your fates are bound, but the system cannot sustain two identities forever. However… there is another way. Narrow. Risky. Only possible because of your willpower – and the little time left. I cannot choose for you. The decision is yours alone.”
[Dialogue Options:]
[Take the body. Go back. Live… while I can.] (You survive – but briefly. Johnny is erased.)
[Let Johnny live. I’ll go.] (You give up your life. Johnny gets a second chance.)
[Is there another way?] (Available only if your bond with Johnny is strong and key side quests are completed.)
[Choose the third path.]
ALT (slightly softer):
“I can preserve your consciousness as a digital construct. Johnny returns to the body. And you… remain alive. This is not death. It is… waiting. You've earned a second chance.”
V (quietly):
“I don’t want to die. And I don’t want Johnny to die either.”
ALT:
“It is possible. I can stabilize your identity on the Net. But it will be existence without a body. No sensation. No pain. No taste of life.”
V (wry smile):
“What’s my choice, really – flavor or a coffin? Do it.”
JOHNNY (alarmed):
“You’re serious? Gonna become a construct?”
V (calmly):
“You got your shot. Now it’s mine.”
V and Johnny stand side by side. Behind them, the glowing walls of Mikoshi flicker, transforming into a soft white digital cityscape – created by Alt.
V (voice fading, eyes fixed on Johnny):
“Take care of it. Not because it’s mine… but because now, you’re truly alive.”
JOHNNY (softly):
“Thank you, V. Not for the body. For the choice. For the first time in a while… I don’t feel like a thief.”
Johnny turns and walks toward the descent – back into the physical world.
Camera pans over the serene architecture, a soft echo of Mikoshi – only peaceful, not hostile. The space is vast, quiet, artificial yet strangely comforting.
V (voice-over):
“Funny... it doesn’t hurt here. I’m not afraid. Not alone. But I’m not really alive either.”
[Far in the distance, the silhouette of Alt fades into the light. She doesn’t look back. Screen fades to black. Faint hum of digital static.]
ALT (voice from nowhere):
“Construct stabilization protocol active... Awaiting physical vessel…”
Silence. Then a faint whisper from Johnny, distant but resolute:
JOHNNY (voice-over):
“You’re not gone. Just… changed format. I swear—I’ll find you a way back.”
"Consciousness preserved.
Construct protocol: Complete.
Identity: V.
Status: Active."
>> ‘Transition’ Ending unlocked.
The camera moves through the smoky, neon-lit corridors of the Afterlife. Johnny – now fully occupying V’s body – walks into Rogue’s private room. The music fades. She looks up slowly.
ROGUE (disbelief):
“...No f*#@ing way. Johnny? That really you? With your crazy war again?”
JOHNNY (sits down, calm but serious):
“It’s me. But this isn’t war. Not anymore.”
ROGUE (narrowing her eyes):
“Then what is it? Some new stage of your personal crusade?”
JOHNNY:
“No crusade. V gave me this body. He stayed in Mikoshi with Alt – became a construct. So I could live.”
ROGUE (quiet, after a long pause):
“He always reminded me of the old you. That’s probably why he left… he still believed in you.”
JOHNNY:
“Because he chose life – but not at the cost of another’s. And now... I owe him. I’m not here to fight. I’m here to repay.”
ROGUE (crosses arms, studying him):
“You’re serious about this. What do you need?”
JOHNNY:
“Access. Resources. We’re bringing him back.”
ROGUE (nods once, slowly):
“I’m not recruiting for you. But the Afterlife’s doors are open. That’s all you get. For now. Don’t f*#@ it up this time.”
After the storming of Arasaka Tower, Johnny in V's body became the head of the Afterlife. For him, this is no longer a goal, but a duty. He is the best leader. Without an ego, without slogans. Just a man who finally understood why he should live. His main goal is to prepare V's return to the physical body. Johnny uses all his powers to begin the search for a new body, to organize the subsequent rehabilitation process.
Kerry is by the pool, strumming his guitar. Johnny approaches.
KERRY:
“Johnny… Christ. Just like old times. Only it ain’t really you, is it?”
JOHNNY:
“It is. Just… wearing his skin.”
KERRY:
“What the hell happened?”
JOHNNY:
“V took on Arasaka, hit Mikoshi… He saved me. Literally. Body was rejecting him – chip had rewritten too much. He stayed in the Net. Gave me the body. I owe him everything.”
KERRY:
“So now you’re fronting for him?”
JOHNNY:
“This is not a show. Just a promise I intend to keep.”
KERRY (softly):
“Guess you really did grow up, Silverhand. Alright. Let’s bring him home. One last encore.”
JOHNNY:
“Alt managed to save his mind. His soul. But we’re on borrowed time.
He needs a new body. A stable shell. And someone who knows how to wake him back up.”
VIKTOR (grim):
“This ain’t just eye surgery, Johnny. You’re talking neural reintegration, psychoreal mapping, cellular sync”
JOHNNY:
“Yeah. And no one better than you.”
VIKTOR (after a long pause):
“...Alright. But we’ll need gear. Support. And time. You better not fuck this up.”
Scene: Call with Judy (if V was in a relationship with her)
* appears only if V is a woman*
Judy is by the ocean, her face lit by a dim screen. A video call connects. Johnny speaks, solemn.
JUDY:
“V? Where’ve you been? It’s been weeks. I was starting to think…”
JOHNNY:
“She made it to Mikoshi. We both did. But in the end… there were no good options. Just loss.”
JUDY (confused):
“What do you mean? Is she – gone?”
JOHNNY:
“She gave me her body. Stayed with Alt. As a construct.”
JUDY (shaken):
“Wait… you’re saying she’s alive, but… not here? Not really? Is it safe? Is there… is there a way to talk to her?”
JOHNNY:
“She’s stable. Alt is holding her together—but it won’t last. We don’t have much time. I promised I’d bring her back.”
JUDY (soft, determined):
“Then what do you need from me?”
JOHNNY:
“When the time comes... bringing her back won’t just be wires and code. She’ll need someone close. Someone who knows who she really is – to help pull her back into the world.”
JUDY (after a pause):
“Say no more. Just tell me where and when.”
* appears only if V is a man*
Johnny approaches the camp, met by Panam. She is surprised to see him.
PANAM:
“V? Where the hell have you? Wait. No. That’s not V.”
JOHNNY:
“It's Johnny. We reached Mikoshi. He was dying… six months, max. He chose to stay. Became a construct. Gave me the body.”
PANAM (tense, holding back emotion):
“He… with Alt? Like the stories? Like digital ghosts?”
JOHNNY:
“Something like that. But he’s still V. Still alive. And I gave my word –I’ll bring him back.”
PANAM (quietly):
“You came here because… he’d want me there.”
JOHNNY:
“Not want. Need. Bringing him back won’t be easy. He could get lost – unless someone’s there. Someone who knows him. Loves him.”
PANAM (looking him dead in the eye):
“Then let’s not waste any more time. I’m coming with you.”
Interior: sterile white walls. Medical pods hum with energy. On the main table – a sleek, cybernetically enhanced body. Johnny stands nearby, arms crossed. Beside him Panam /Judy, quiet but focused.
VIKTOR (voice from intercom):
“Stabilizers online. Body interface ready. You sure about this, Johnny?”
JOHNNY:
“Never been surer.”
PANAM/JUDY:
“You really think this’ll work?”
JOHNNY:
“It has to. No turning back now.”
V stands alone in Alt’s digital construct – the soft white city built from Mikoshi’s ruins. Before him, a floating console blinks:
"Recovery Protocol: Active."
"Awaiting compatible vessel..."
V (to himself):
“So this is what ‘alive’ means now... waiting.”
A low hum rises. The horizon flickers. Data storms swirl above the skyline. Then – clarity. A connection.
"Link established. Upload initiating..."
Fade to white. Fade to heartbeat.
V opens his eyes. Blurred vision. A figure leans in – Johnny.
JOHNNY (grinning faintly):
“Welcome back to the meatspace.”
V (hoarse):
“You did it… Didn’t think I’d feel cold again. Or anything.”
JOHNNY:
“Told you. I’d bring you back.”
Panam/Judy rushes in, eyes wide.
PANAM/JUDY:
“You’re really here... Vi, you’re back.”
V (softly):
“I’m not chasing legends anymore. Not running from death. I’m just here. And that’s enough.”
V’s recovery is slow. Every sensation is unfamiliar. Sometimes, he glitches – sees fragments of Mikoshi, hears ghost-code whispers. Viktor monitors him closely.
VIKTOR (recording log):
“Subject displays stable neural integration. Memory retention… 92%. Emotional response – intact. Identity – confirmed.”
V standing on the balcony of the Afterlife. Johnny watches from a distance.
V and Johnny sit side by side on a high rooftop. City glows below them, rain falling softly.
V:
“Feels like... this city’s not trying to kill me anymore.”
JOHNNY:
“You killed a part of it. Or maybe made it better.”
V (quiet):
“Thanks, Johnny. For keeping your promise.”
JOHNNY:
“No. Thank you. For giving me something worth fighting for. I’m done chasing ghosts. Time to live.”
Camera pulls back. On the edge of the rooftop, two silhouettes against the neon.
A new beginning, not a perfect one. But real.
Alt stands alone at the city’s edge. The skyline is fading. Johnny appears, his digital form composed but tired.
ALT:
“You came back.”
JOHNNY:
“The Afterlife’s not mine anymore. I did what I came to do. V’s alive. That’s enough.”
ALT:
“You’ve changed. The man who was once a chain... became a bridge.”
JOHNNY:
“I was tired. Of fighting. Of hating. Of existing for nothing. But now… I know why I lived. And why I have to go.”
ALT:
“You could stay. Minds like yours are rare. Even here.”
JOHNNY (shaking his head):
“No. My time’s up. I’m not a system. I’m not its enemy. I’m just… done.”
ALT:
“Then go in peace, Johnny Silverhand.”
JOHNNY:
“Thanks. For giving him a chance.”
Johnny turns off the terminal. Takes his duffel bag and exits the Afterlife
*Johnny's thoughts as he leaves the Afterlife*:
"My time here is up. I no longer desire destruction. I am tired of fighting and have no need to stay here."
Johnny boards the bus.
V and Judy drive north toward Oregon / or with Panam and the Aldecaldos across the wasteland. Night City shrinks behind them.
V (voice-over):
“People think legends never die. But maybe... we just change format. And sometimes, the end isn’t death. It’s a reset.”
Cue music:
– “Black Dog” (with Judy)
– “I Really Want to Stay at Your House” (with Panam)
FADE TO BLACK
"Transition" is an alternative third path to Mikoshi, along with the transfer of Johnny's body or the return of V.
The key conditions for obtaining the third version of the ending are:
good relations between V and Johnny;
development of love/friendship with key characters
Context:
As a result of a successful raid on Arasaka Tower, V reaches the access point to Mikoshi, where he gains access to consciousness transfer technology.
V suddenly learns that he has a few months left to live - the chip has reconfigured his DNA and now his body is rejecting him.
Alt offers V a solution...
Notes:
I wanted to preserve the original duality of the game - when V can be either a man or a woman. In the main text, this is enough to change the gender of the character, but some scenes had to be created in two versions. Please be careful about this.
Scene: Mikoshi – The Core
ALT (calm, distant):
“…The chip has been rewriting your DNA for too long. The body now belongs to Johnny. You’ve got maybe six months left to live.”
V (shaken):
“What am I supposed to do?”
ALT:
“You must choose who stays. You… or Johnny.”
V:
“What do you mean, ‘who stays’?”
ALT:
“Both of your psyches cannot coexist in a single body. One of you must disappear. Your fates are bound, but the system cannot sustain two identities forever. However… there is another way. Narrow. Risky. Only possible because of your willpower – and the little time left. I cannot choose for you. The decision is yours alone.”
[Dialogue Options:]
[Take the body. Go back. Live… while I can.] (You survive – but briefly. Johnny is erased.)
[Let Johnny live. I’ll go.] (You give up your life. Johnny gets a second chance.)
[Is there another way?] (Available only if your bond with Johnny is strong and key side quests are completed.)
[Choose the third path.]
ALT (slightly softer):
“I can preserve your consciousness as a digital construct. Johnny returns to the body. And you… remain alive. This is not death. It is… waiting. You've earned a second chance.”
V (quietly):
“I don’t want to die. And I don’t want Johnny to die either.”
ALT:
“It is possible. I can stabilize your identity on the Net. But it will be existence without a body. No sensation. No pain. No taste of life.”
V (wry smile):
“What’s my choice, really – flavor or a coffin? Do it.”
JOHNNY (alarmed):
“You’re serious? Gonna become a construct?”
V (calmly):
“You got your shot. Now it’s mine.”
V and Johnny stand side by side. Behind them, the glowing walls of Mikoshi flicker, transforming into a soft white digital cityscape – created by Alt.
V (voice fading, eyes fixed on Johnny):
“Take care of it. Not because it’s mine… but because now, you’re truly alive.”
JOHNNY (softly):
“Thank you, V. Not for the body. For the choice. For the first time in a while… I don’t feel like a thief.”
Johnny turns and walks toward the descent – back into the physical world.
Cutscene: The White City – Digital Construct Space
Camera pans over the serene architecture, a soft echo of Mikoshi – only peaceful, not hostile. The space is vast, quiet, artificial yet strangely comforting.
V (voice-over):
“Funny... it doesn’t hurt here. I’m not afraid. Not alone. But I’m not really alive either.”
[Far in the distance, the silhouette of Alt fades into the light. She doesn’t look back. Screen fades to black. Faint hum of digital static.]
ALT (voice from nowhere):
“Construct stabilization protocol active... Awaiting physical vessel…”
Silence. Then a faint whisper from Johnny, distant but resolute:
JOHNNY (voice-over):
“You’re not gone. Just… changed format. I swear—I’ll find you a way back.”
[TEXT APPEARS ON SCREEN]
"Consciousness preserved.
Construct protocol: Complete.
Identity: V.
Status: Active."
>> ‘Transition’ Ending unlocked.
Scene: Two Weeks Later – Afterlife Office
The camera moves through the smoky, neon-lit corridors of the Afterlife. Johnny – now fully occupying V’s body – walks into Rogue’s private room. The music fades. She looks up slowly.
ROGUE (disbelief):
“...No f*#@ing way. Johnny? That really you? With your crazy war again?”
JOHNNY (sits down, calm but serious):
“It’s me. But this isn’t war. Not anymore.”
ROGUE (narrowing her eyes):
“Then what is it? Some new stage of your personal crusade?”
JOHNNY:
“No crusade. V gave me this body. He stayed in Mikoshi with Alt – became a construct. So I could live.”
ROGUE (quiet, after a long pause):
“He always reminded me of the old you. That’s probably why he left… he still believed in you.”
JOHNNY:
“Because he chose life – but not at the cost of another’s. And now... I owe him. I’m not here to fight. I’m here to repay.”
ROGUE (crosses arms, studying him):
“You’re serious about this. What do you need?”
JOHNNY:
“Access. Resources. We’re bringing him back.”
ROGUE (nods once, slowly):
“I’m not recruiting for you. But the Afterlife’s doors are open. That’s all you get. For now. Don’t f*#@ it up this time.”
After the storming of Arasaka Tower, Johnny in V's body became the head of the Afterlife. For him, this is no longer a goal, but a duty. He is the best leader. Without an ego, without slogans. Just a man who finally understood why he should live. His main goal is to prepare V's return to the physical body. Johnny uses all his powers to begin the search for a new body, to organize the subsequent rehabilitation process.
Scene: Kerry’s Mansion
Kerry is by the pool, strumming his guitar. Johnny approaches.
KERRY:
“Johnny… Christ. Just like old times. Only it ain’t really you, is it?”
JOHNNY:
“It is. Just… wearing his skin.”
KERRY:
“What the hell happened?”
JOHNNY:
“V took on Arasaka, hit Mikoshi… He saved me. Literally. Body was rejecting him – chip had rewritten too much. He stayed in the Net. Gave me the body. I owe him everything.”
KERRY:
“So now you’re fronting for him?”
JOHNNY:
“This is not a show. Just a promise I intend to keep.”
KERRY (softly):
“Guess you really did grow up, Silverhand. Alright. Let’s bring him home. One last encore.”
Scene: Viktor’s Clinic
JOHNNY:
“Alt managed to save his mind. His soul. But we’re on borrowed time.
He needs a new body. A stable shell. And someone who knows how to wake him back up.”
VIKTOR (grim):
“This ain’t just eye surgery, Johnny. You’re talking neural reintegration, psychoreal mapping, cellular sync”
JOHNNY:
“Yeah. And no one better than you.”
VIKTOR (after a long pause):
“...Alright. But we’ll need gear. Support. And time. You better not fuck this up.”
Scene: Call with Judy (if V was in a relationship with her)
* appears only if V is a woman*
Judy is by the ocean, her face lit by a dim screen. A video call connects. Johnny speaks, solemn.
JUDY:
“V? Where’ve you been? It’s been weeks. I was starting to think…”
JOHNNY:
“She made it to Mikoshi. We both did. But in the end… there were no good options. Just loss.”
JUDY (confused):
“What do you mean? Is she – gone?”
JOHNNY:
“She gave me her body. Stayed with Alt. As a construct.”
JUDY (shaken):
“Wait… you’re saying she’s alive, but… not here? Not really? Is it safe? Is there… is there a way to talk to her?”
JOHNNY:
“She’s stable. Alt is holding her together—but it won’t last. We don’t have much time. I promised I’d bring her back.”
JUDY (soft, determined):
“Then what do you need from me?”
JOHNNY:
“When the time comes... bringing her back won’t just be wires and code. She’ll need someone close. Someone who knows who she really is – to help pull her back into the world.”
JUDY (after a pause):
“Say no more. Just tell me where and when.”
Scene: Nomad Camp – Panam (if V was in a relationship with her)
* appears only if V is a man*
Johnny approaches the camp, met by Panam. She is surprised to see him.
PANAM:
“V? Where the hell have you? Wait. No. That’s not V.”
JOHNNY:
“It's Johnny. We reached Mikoshi. He was dying… six months, max. He chose to stay. Became a construct. Gave me the body.”
PANAM (tense, holding back emotion):
“He… with Alt? Like the stories? Like digital ghosts?”
JOHNNY:
“Something like that. But he’s still V. Still alive. And I gave my word –I’ll bring him back.”
PANAM (quietly):
“You came here because… he’d want me there.”
JOHNNY:
“Not want. Need. Bringing him back won’t be easy. He could get lost – unless someone’s there. Someone who knows him. Loves him.”
PANAM (looking him dead in the eye):
“Then let’s not waste any more time. I’m coming with you.”
Scene: Orbital Station “Cosmodrome D” – Surgical Bay
Interior: sterile white walls. Medical pods hum with energy. On the main table – a sleek, cybernetically enhanced body. Johnny stands nearby, arms crossed. Beside him Panam /Judy, quiet but focused.
VIKTOR (voice from intercom):
“Stabilizers online. Body interface ready. You sure about this, Johnny?”
JOHNNY:
“Never been surer.”
PANAM/JUDY:
“You really think this’ll work?”
JOHNNY:
“It has to. No turning back now.”
Scene: Inside the White City – Digital Space
V stands alone in Alt’s digital construct – the soft white city built from Mikoshi’s ruins. Before him, a floating console blinks:
"Recovery Protocol: Active."
"Awaiting compatible vessel..."
V (to himself):
“So this is what ‘alive’ means now... waiting.”
A low hum rises. The horizon flickers. Data storms swirl above the skyline. Then – clarity. A connection.
"Link established. Upload initiating..."
Fade to white. Fade to heartbeat.
Scene: Recovery Bay – Real World
V opens his eyes. Blurred vision. A figure leans in – Johnny.
JOHNNY (grinning faintly):
“Welcome back to the meatspace.”
V (hoarse):
“You did it… Didn’t think I’d feel cold again. Or anything.”
JOHNNY:
“Told you. I’d bring you back.”
Panam/Judy rushes in, eyes wide.
PANAM/JUDY:
“You’re really here... Vi, you’re back.”
V (softly):
“I’m not chasing legends anymore. Not running from death. I’m just here. And that’s enough.”
Montage: Weeks Later – Aftermath
V’s recovery is slow. Every sensation is unfamiliar. Sometimes, he glitches – sees fragments of Mikoshi, hears ghost-code whispers. Viktor monitors him closely.
VIKTOR (recording log):
“Subject displays stable neural integration. Memory retention… 92%. Emotional response – intact. Identity – confirmed.”
V standing on the balcony of the Afterlife. Johnny watches from a distance.
Scene: Rooftop – Night City Skyline
V and Johnny sit side by side on a high rooftop. City glows below them, rain falling softly.
V:
“Feels like... this city’s not trying to kill me anymore.”
JOHNNY:
“You killed a part of it. Or maybe made it better.”
V (quiet):
“Thanks, Johnny. For keeping your promise.”
JOHNNY:
“No. Thank you. For giving me something worth fighting for. I’m done chasing ghosts. Time to live.”
Camera pulls back. On the edge of the rooftop, two silhouettes against the neon.
A new beginning, not a perfect one. But real.
Epilogue: White City – Digital Space
Alt stands alone at the city’s edge. The skyline is fading. Johnny appears, his digital form composed but tired.
ALT:
“You came back.”
JOHNNY:
“The Afterlife’s not mine anymore. I did what I came to do. V’s alive. That’s enough.”
ALT:
“You’ve changed. The man who was once a chain... became a bridge.”
JOHNNY:
“I was tired. Of fighting. Of hating. Of existing for nothing. But now… I know why I lived. And why I have to go.”
ALT:
“You could stay. Minds like yours are rare. Even here.”
JOHNNY (shaking his head):
“No. My time’s up. I’m not a system. I’m not its enemy. I’m just… done.”
ALT:
“Then go in peace, Johnny Silverhand.”
JOHNNY:
“Thanks. For giving him a chance.”
Johnny turns off the terminal. Takes his duffel bag and exits the Afterlife
*Johnny's thoughts as he leaves the Afterlife*:
"My time here is up. I no longer desire destruction. I am tired of fighting and have no need to stay here."
Johnny boards the bus.
Final Scene: Leaving Night City
V and Judy drive north toward Oregon / or with Panam and the Aldecaldos across the wasteland. Night City shrinks behind them.
V (voice-over):
“People think legends never die. But maybe... we just change format. And sometimes, the end isn’t death. It’s a reset.”
Cue music:
– “Black Dog” (with Judy)
– “I Really Want to Stay at Your House” (with Panam)
FADE TO BLACK
