Is there a happy ending?

[Oksiki]

There is nothing to show because V is going to die. As they said in a interview, or a stream (i don't remember), The Star ending is more a "peaceful" ending, V gives up, and spends the little time he/she has with people he/she loves (The Tower is the opposite IMO, you survive, but you are alone).
The Devil ending is a bad ending, if players are going to fast, don't take time to play the game, that's their only option.
For The Sun, I don't remember them talking about it and they don't want to communicate if there is a canon ending or not.

I'm genuinely curious, when has any of devs actually said that? Because The Star obviously feels like a peaceful one among all endings, I don't recall any official statement about V is going to die and gives up. I've been following numerous articles and interviews and I don't recall any of them directly mentioning which one is good or bad and what exactly is gonna happen after any ending, Star and Devil included. All endings are left with ambiguousness and there's a lot of space for different interpretions in each of them.

 

[abnajam]

Just ended the game on Saturday. Saved the soul of V and now I can freeroam in city. The game is now just before the last mission. I am going to do all gigs and sidejobs.

 

[Torque]

So the whole expansion, in terms of V's survival, was completely pointless?

I thought CDPR were supposed to be good at writing stories....considering the 'can do anything' nature of the Cyberpunk world they could have given us a decent ending, even if you have to really work for it.

I cant believe I wasted 30 hours only to stick with the Panam ending with a few more guns and vehicles

I'm fucking depressed now....they had better really knock it out of the park with the sequel...I know Cyberpunk isnt known for happy endings but fuck it...I hate feeling down when i get to the end of a story

The entire genre is dystopian -- happy endings aren't part of the structure of these stories. The whole point of the Cyberpunk genre is that in the face of increased integration with machines, pollution, overpopulation, the failure of social systems and infrastructure, and decreased humanity, making people "happy" is nearly impossible (except maybe for the ultra-wealthy, but even Lizzy Wizzy And Hanako are horribly broken people).

The best people can hope for in such a world is to find some tiny measure of even provisional optimism. Look at the endings we do have:

!! SPOILER ALERT !!

* We might become the night city legend, but we're still going to die.

* Johnny can take over...so V is gone, but Johnny has learned and tries to be a better person.

* We can get a cure, but the cost is V can never be what he/she was...no chrome, just a face in the crowd.

There are good elements to these, but they all come with a steep price to pay. That's the essence of Cyberpunk: anything you try to get for yourself in this awful world will come at a cost. Nothing is free, we have to get the small moments of hope and joy where we can and be content with them. It's kind of like the real world in that regard -- None of us have everything perfect, we have to learn to live with failure, disappointment, and terrible events and situations. Cyberpunk is just a magnification of that.

Thoroughly happy endings are for Hallmark movies, not the real world and certainly not Cyberpunk. Take the win where you can get it, even if it's only fleeting.

 

[Oksiki]

The entire genre is dystopian -- happy endings aren't part of the structure of these stories. The whole point of the Cyberpunk genre is that in the face of increased integration with machines, pollution, overpopulation, the failure of social systems and infrastructure, and decreased humanity, making people "happy" is nearly impossible (except maybe for the ultra-wealthy, but even Lizzy Wizzy And Hanako are horribly broken people).

The best people can hope for in such a world is to find some tiny measure of even provisional optimism. Look at the endings we do have:

!! SPOILER ALERT !!

* We might become the night city legend, but we're still going to die.

* Johnny can take over...so V is gone, but Johnny has learned and tries to be a better person.

* We can get a cure, but the cost is V can never be what he/she was...no chrome, just a face in the crowd.

There are good elements to these, but they all come with a steep price to pay. That's the essence of Cyberpunk: anything you try to get for yourself in this awful world will come at a cost. Nothing is free, we have to get the small moments of hope and joy where we can and be content with them. It's kind of like the real world in that regard -- None of us have everything perfect, we have to learn to live with failure, disappointment, and terrible events and situations. Cyberpunk is just a magnification of that.

Thoroughly happy endings are for Hallmark movies, not the real world and certainly not Cyberpunk. Take the win where you can get it, even if it's only fleeting.

Cyberpunk genre is definitely dystopian but doesn't necessarily involve the 'sad and tragic ending'. There are some cyberpunk games or movies that have 'happy endings' I can think of. I think, for Cyberpunk 2077, it's more about noir genre being heavily involved that it makes the game darker and more tragic. I forget the exact video where it was mentioned, but one of writers or directors talked about noir affecting this game as the whole 'no happy ending in Night City' thing, not cyberpunk itself. I believe it was from one of CDPR podcasts, but I thought it was interesting.

Also this is just my feelings about Cyberpunk 2077's endings and the reception of them, but I genuinely think there is a happy ending. Sure, it's bittersweet and not 'everyone's alive and everything's fine' kind of ending, but I'm very happy with Star/Panam ending. Some might think Sun/Rogue or Temperance/Johnny ending is happy and satisfied with it. Whatever the next story or protagonist Orion involves, I do hope that CDPR won't be too intimidated about writing somewhat bittersweet or dark endings because of fan reception. I think there are beauty and hope to be found in these kind of endings, if well written. Especially when video games nowadays in general tend to go somewhere very safe and happy when it comes to the story and it can be boring when most of the games are like that.

 

[Shafir]

Cyberpunk genre is definitely dystopian but doesn't necessarily involve the 'sad and tragic ending'.

I agree with that. But for the simple reason that even stories in dark worlds and times can also tell of a better future and thus take on an important task: Giving hope and meaning. The fight for a better life, for a good cause, for a community, for love and peace can also take place in this genre and find a happy ending.

I'm not a fan of slavishly sticking to genre tropes.

In the context of Cyberpunk 77 and the genre in general, a really good ending would of course somehow make the others less bad, which would run a little counter to the narrative.

But I can understand the desire for a good ending and would have liked it myself. But not simply in the sense of "V, keep it up...", but as a journey at the end of which V is a different person than she was at the beginning. The classic character development.

Seen in this light, "Face in the Croud" and "Leaving with the Aldecaldos" correspond best to this transformation, because V chooses a different "life".

That fits for me, although I would have liked it better if V had changed from the initial selfish fight for her life and fame to a fight for someone or something. So a stronger focus on "what do I want" and "what do I need" but. I want fame, but I need love, family and community more.

 

[bmobius]

I don't reply much to this forum or threads, but I can honestly say that the endings provided by both the base game and PL are all dark. Each one. In every instance, V loses. So all the work you've done and all the Gigs you've completed and all the relationships you build and so on and so on, still result in V losing either their life or their relationships. This absolutely does not in any way respect the hours a player may have put into the game itself.

During my first playthrough, I didn't spoil any of the endings for myself. I actively avoided watching or reading anything about the story or its endings because I wanted to earn the ending. And isn't the what an ending is, if not something you earn for yourself as an active participant in the world that the game presents to you?

The first ending of my first playthrough was the Panam ending. I had also romanced Judy and even with leaving behind a place I initially wanted to become a legend in, it was mildly satisfactory to know that at least two relationships had survived with me. V was, in that instance, part of a large loving family with an amazing partner. That ending also gave at least some glimmer of hope that a cure could be found for V.

Then along comes Phantom Liberty with the promise of a new ending. An ending where V might actually get cured and find themself whole again. Except CDPR punishes the player for pursuing that ending. And that's exactly what the ending in PL is, a punishment for wanting to see V actually live. There's no two ways around it because if a player follows through with that ending, V does get cured of the Relic... and loses every relationship they've built along the way. Panam flat out hates you and will never talk to you again. Also, let's not forget that all the time the player puts into the build they did for their character. Did you spend hours looking for just the right legendary or iconic cyberware or cyberdeck? Too bad, that's all thrown out the window by the developers/writers.

What I cannot seem to get around is why CDPR couldn't give just one single happy end for both V and the player that spent so much time with him/her. I mean they give us all these great and FREE DLCs with new vehicles, weapons, etc. but it doesn't mean a things with the current selection of endings for the game.

And before anyone gives the same tired explanation of "it's all about the journey, not the destination", why can't we have both? We did earn at least a chance of happiness for all the time we've spent in the world of CP2077, no? Doesn't V deserve it? Have they not been put through the grinder over and over and over again throughout the course of the story? The endings as they stand just feel so meanspirited, angry or hateful towards players for wanting something good for V, and absolutely disrespectful for a player's time and energy.

That's my take on it. Thanks if you read all this.

 

[nocoolnamejim]

I read up on the 2.2 update and there was only one thing that I actually wanted in an update.

Just one thing.

Give ONE happy ending option. Make it as hard to actually get as you want. But give us ONE CHANCE at not coming away miserable and feeling like all our efforts were pointless.

Nope. Just a bunch of new cosmetic junk that modders have pretty much already added.

 

[xiao1keke]

I think all endings are tragic

 

[Torque]

I think all endings are tragic

Demonstrably true. We all die. IMO Cyberpunk is about what you do with the time you have, not the end you come to.

 

[Liyonidus]

• V : Guess I meant, I dunno... a happier ending... for everyone involved.
• Johnny Silverhand : Here, for folks like us? Wrong city, wrong people.

Personally as gut wrenching any story is within the world of Cyberpunk (Edgerunners, I'm also looking at you). I love the fact this is so far away from whatainstream media always shows us.

The Hero doesn't always triumph or get the girl.
Nice guys do actually finish last sometimes.
The world is not just good and evil there is a lot of grey and uncertainty beyond our choices.

And no matter what the struggle, how much blood sweat and tears are poured into whatever it is you're trying to achieve, sometimes life will stomp on your dreams.

Cyberpunk 2077 is a masterpiece.

“You Don't Make A Name As A Cyberpunk By How You Live.”​

cyberpunks “make a name by how they die.”​

 

[Kalzandius]

I just got done with a mission in Phatom Liberty where the playthrough just hit me wrong, one of those...no good choice. So I broke my golden rule and decided to see where this is going to go. What I found is that there (once again) is no 'good' ending. Running off into the sunset with Panam is not a good ending either, but that's just me.

What makes no sense to me is, after spending hours playing this game and now the expansion...just to have your character die?, in one fashion or the other. Anyway, doesn't make sense to me and I'm pretty sure I'm in a very small minority. I play a game for enjoyment, have fun and to feel that I have accomplished something, not to get depressed.

Before anyone jumps on me, I'm already aware the it's a dark gritty world, I get that, but it is a game and there should be a way to accomplish one good ending as one of the choices.

I feel the same way. ALL the endings being death (or the PL one being bleak for the sake of bleakness and having bad writing on top of it) just killed the whole experience of playing. I wish i'd know the endings were like this before I bought the game or I would've passed on it.

 

[cyberchoom03]

I like the endings. They make me feel like V is hopeless and insignificant in the face of the Arasaka Corporation. I think it’s a crucial piece of the world building.

 

[Ben4]

Hello! Come on, there's no playing without Judy! Cool, there's a happy ending with Judy, you just need to deal with Rogue/Johnny. When you're in Afterlife and Johnny suggests a plan, agree to it, and then choose the dialogue option to control V's body. I don't know, go with Judy to the depths!
Seriously, keep an eye on your relationship with Judy from the beginning, ask her questions and be nice to her. Otherwise there's no romance! Good luck !

 

[MartineDee]

There is the matter of the

Spoiler

secret 'Sun' ending. (Don't Fear) The Reaper.

 

[Delilah_]

To be honest, for me, the "happy" ending in Phantom Liberty is the saddest of all. Death is okay is all you got is death, letting you chose how you die is good in my opinion. Would it have been nice if CDPR implemented a real Happy Ending? Not so sure, especially how it would meddle with the plot. The game is full of dread and despair everywhere you look, not just V's sitch. I like all of the endings regardless. Maybe in the next Cyberpunk game!

 

[dusanyu]

This Game's story is VERRY good with foreshadowing. And does in the end what an RPG does best. Lets you Write your own End story for V.

News and some side quests do setup a good ending for V. for example the news mentions a nanobot cure for MS that does repairs to damaged nerves but lists a price of 700,000 a Month. But at the same time we find people stealing and smuggling the drugs for cyberphycos to black clinics.

Between the Aldecaldos and all of the friends V has made in night city it is a safe bet that S/He will be getting the medication Especially if Panam is invalved.

 

[nocoolnamejim]

This Game's story is VERRY good with foreshadowing. And does in the end what an RPG does best. Lets you Write your own End story for V.

News and some side quests do setup a good ending for V. for example the news mentions a nanobot cure for MS that does repairs to damaged nerves but lists a price of 700,000 a Month. But at the same time we find people stealing and smuggling the drugs for cyberphycos to black clinics.

Between the Aldecaldos and all of the friends V has made in night city it is a safe bet that S/He will be getting the medication Especially if Panam is invalved.

Actually it REALLY doesn't.

It lets you choose between a variety of very sucky endings for V. It doesn't let you choose anything else.

In particular, with Panam and the ending to Phantom Liberty where V is in a coma for two years. You can even pass along that V was in a coma for two years. She doesn't give a shit. Won't even speak to you and the Aldecados basically tell you to fuck right off no matter what you've previously done for them.

You're now completely depowered and unable to have any implants at all. At the mercy of any random street thug. One would think that would be the time that the Aldecados who you have saved from destruction multiple times would be most ready and willing to step up and take you in.

Nah! Jokes on you. They don't care what side quests you did to help them out or what your relationship with Panam was previously. You be fucked boyo.

That is NOT "choosing an end for V" but the writers declaring one that even goes against the character of Panam from the base game.

 

[SpookyFX]

In particular, with Panam and the ending to Phantom Liberty where V is in a coma for two years. You can even pass along that V was in a coma for two years. She doesn't give a shit. Won't even speak to you and the Aldecados basically tell you to fuck right off no matter what you've previously done for them.

You're now completely depowered and unable to have any implants at all. At the mercy of any random street thug. One would think that would be the time that the Aldecados who you have saved from destruction multiple times would be most ready and willing to step up and take you in.

Nah! Jokes on you. They don't care what side quests you did to help them out or what your relationship with Panam was previously. You be fucked boyo.

I had not really thought that hard about that until you laid it out here. I always was a bit annoyed at Panam for the unfair treatment but to me that was in her character. However the rest of the clan... I kinda wish I had not read this. But you are right. That is a slight tarnish now on the DEV work.

Ignorance Is Bliss.

 

[Adorable007]

Haven't read the entire topic, but no happy endings it's a core of cyberpunk as a genre in general. CDRP deserves credit that they kept true to it. I think all endings are great because none of them comes without a sacrifice.

 

[alittleLowkey]

One thing I think could solve the problems for me with the endings would be for more customization, like right now you pick a romance and an ending and that's it basically.

But it could easily have been that you, for example, romance Judy, go and do the attack by yourself and then leave with the Aldecados. I think that could solve some issues since it would make the choices you've made feel more significant.

Add to that the fact that you could go it yourself, have Alt semi-cure you, realize it didn't fully work and then get help from Militech. In that ending Panam and everybody would know you end up in a coma so people won't think you juts left them.

Would still end with you depowered and kind of a liability to the Aldecados so not all roses and sunshine, but less of a everyone turns their back on you ending.