Cyberpunk 2077: Navigating Choices to Shape Your Outcome

Cyberpunk 2077 is a vast world brimming with choices that influence the outcome of the game in numerous ways. Each decision impacts not only the final ending but also romance opportunities, side jobs, and available storyline content. This layered approach means players may not immediately discern the long-term effects of their actions. To fully appreciate this intricate narrative, it's vital to thoroughly explore each side job and make informed choices.

Decisions That Echo Through The Game

While the game typically makes it obvious when a choice carries significant weight, some pivotal decisions are subtly tucked away within optional objectives or side jobs. The main storyline of Cyberpunk 2077 spans approximately 30 hours, with the thrilling Phantom Liberty DLC adding an extra 14 hours of gameplay. Including side jobs, gigs, and various NCPD tasks, players can expect over 100 hours of gameplay if aiming for 100% completion.

Early choices can lead to unanticipated outcomes much later in the game. For instance, a single decision could limit V's available endings, long before the player even realizes what has transpired. Thus, making well-considered decisions is crucial for shaping V’s destiny and unlocking all possible scenarios within the game.

The Heist: Deciding Jackie's Fate

At the conclusion of "The Heist," Delamain prompts V to decide where to send Jackie’s body. Though this may not seem significant at the moment, it has far-reaching consequences. If V decides to send Jackie’s body to his family or asks Delamain to wait until the meet with Dex is concluded, V will be invited to a memorial service by Mama Welles in the "Heroes" side job. This side job unravels touching dialogues about Jackie and offers V a chance to secure alliances with some of the Valentinos.

Engaging in this side job not only enriches V’s backstory but also builds meaningful relationships that can benefit V throughout their journey. Ignoring this decision, however, means missing out on this heartwarming storyline and the associated character development.

Automatic Love: Facing Woodman

During the "Automatic Love" job, V confronts Woodman, the proprietor of Clouds, who is partly to blame for Evelyn’s situation. Players have three options: confront Woodman with force, interrogate him before ending the encounter, or interrogate him and let him leave. Choosing the latter means Woodman will resurface in Judy’s side job "Ex-Factor," where Judy will request V to handle him once more.

How players choose to address this situation will impact their relationship with Judy and shape the story. Dealing with Woodman again can either cement or strain the bond between V and Judy, influencing subsequent interactions and narrative outcomes.

I Walk The Line: Sparing or Confronting the Netwatch Agent

In the main job "I Walk The Line," V aids the Voodoo Boys in locating and dealing with a Netwatch agent, Bryce Mosley. Upon finding Mosley, he warns V of the Voodoo Boys' plan to abandon V once their objective is completed. In exchange for leniency, Mosley offers to help V remove the implanted virus.

Choosing to confront Mosley means enduring the virus's detrimental effects but maintaining a favorable relationship with the Voodoo Boys. Conversely, siding with Mosley turns the Voodoo Boys hostile, leading to a confrontation with Placide later in "Transmission." Each choice steers the player towards distinct narrative paths and alliances.

Chippin' In: Unlocking the Secret Ending

Though seemingly minor, the side job "Chippin' In" is vital for accessing the (Don't Fear) The Reaper secret ending, considered one of the game's best outcomes. At the Oilfields with Johnny, players must exhibit kindness and inscribe "The Guy Who Saved My Life" on his grave. Following this, choosing specific dialogue options will unlock the secret ending: "Nah, f***ed that up too," "What do you want from me?" and "Ok. But as second chances go, this is your last."

Agreeing to call Rogue when Johnny asks is the final step in this sequence. Although the immediate impact may not be evident, these decisions cumulatively unlock Cyberpunk 2077's hidden route, offering players a unique and rewarding ending experience.

Ghost Town: Progressing Panam's Romance

During "Ghost Town," V and Panam set out to recover her stolen car and capture Anders Hellman. After recovering her car, Panam seeks V's help to confront Nash, who betrayed her. Agreeing to assist Panam in her quest for retribution helps foster their relationship, paving the way for a potential romance subplot.

Opting to share a single room for the night further develops their bond. While the initial interaction may seem uneventful, it sets a foundation for future collaborations and personal moments between the two characters, enriching the storyline.

Gimme Danger: Strengthening Friendship with Takemura

In the "Gimme Danger" job, players can join Takemura for reconnaissance before a parade. This mission reveals strategic vulnerabilities of the building and offers a chance for V to deepen their camaraderie with Takemura through insightful dialogues. This strengthened friendship significantly impacts subsequent dialogues and can influence one of the game's various endings.

If V opted to send Jackie's body to Viktor at the end of "The Heist," Takemura will disclose that Arasaka intercepted Jackie's body with plans to use Soulkiller on him.

Play It Safe: Deciding Oda's Fate

In "Play It Safe," V must confront Oda, Hanako Arasaka’s bodyguard. After V overcomes Oda, Takemura requests V to show mercy. Choosing to spare Oda means he might reappear later during one of the game's endings, adding extra narrative layers. Although sparing Oda doesn't alter the main storyline, it enriches the ending with additional character engagements.

These interactions underscore the consequences of mercy within the game, highlighting how seemingly insignificant decisions can contribute to a more nuanced and memorable gaming experience.

Search And Destroy: Rescuing Takemura

An exemplary hidden decision occurs during the "Search and Destroy" job. After Arasaka forces raid the building, V is separated from Takemura. The quest objectives direct V to escape, but choosing to find and save Takemura upstairs unlocks additional content and key trophies or achievements.

Saving Takemura ensures his presence during the Epilogue, providing enriched narrative closure and acknowledging the player's strategic decision-making.

Happy Together: Helping Barry Through Tough Times

In the "Happy Together" job, V’s neighbor Barry is struggling after the loss of his best friend. The NCPD officers ask V to check on him. To achieve the best outcome, V must promptly engage with Barry, visit Andrew’s memorial to learn he was a tortoise, and relay this truth to the NCPD officers. Doing so alerts the officers to Barry's dire situation, preventing a tragic conclusion.

This choice, while not central to the main plot, deeply impacts the immediate narrative environment and underscores the consequences of empathy and timely intervention.

The Beast In Me: Choosing Between Revenge or Forgiveness

The "The Beast In Me" job involves street races organized by Claire, a bartender at the Afterlife. After the Santa Domingo race, Claire reveals she seeks vengeance against Sampson. Players can persuade Claire to reconsider her intentions or support her, which affects Cyberpunk 2077 choices later in the questline. In the final race, V can comply with Claire’s wishes or treat the race as usual.

If V honors Claire's request, they forfeit the race win but gain Claire’s unique truck. Alternatively, if V dissuades Claire from revenge, the outcome is dual rewards: Claire’s truck and Sampson’s unique car, provided the initial persuasion attempt was successful. These decisions underscore the balance between personal gain and supporting friends.

Dream On: Revealing the Truth to Jefferson

In "Dream On," evidence emerges that a mysterious group is manipulating the Peralez couple’s memories. Elizabeth Peralez implores V to withhold this information from her husband, Jefferson, to protect him. At the job's conclusion, V must choose to disclose the truth to Jefferson or deflect suspicion elsewhere. Whichever option is chosen, Jefferson thanks V and concludes the mission.

Afterwards, V receives unsettling messages from Jefferson and Elizabeth, who then sever contact. If V opts for full disclosure, Jefferson calls during the end credits, expressing anxiety over the perceived influence on his identity. These outcomes highlight the ongoing consequences of revealing sensitive information.

Phantom Liberty: The President's Fate

The Phantom Liberty DLC centers around rescuing President Rosalind Myers. Unique to this expansion, V can choose to allow the President's fate to unfold without intervention. This decision does not terminate the game but ceases the DLC storyline, with Johnny outlining V’s role in the President's outcome before continuing with the base game.

This branching path showcases how pivotal choices can redirect the narrative, providing varied player experiences and replay opportunities.

Phantom Liberty: Choosing Between Reed or Songbird

The key choice in the Phantom Liberty DLC arises during the mission "Firestarter," where V must either align with Solomon Reed or Songbird. Two crucial junctures dictate this: activating the Icebreaker at the stadium and deciding V's actions when Reed appears at the spaceport. These decisions determine the DLC's conclusion and can open a new ending for the base game.

To unlock the new ending, V must ensure Songbird’s survival while siding with Reed. Navigating these choices thoughtfully enriches the gaming experience, emphasizing strategic decision-making and narrative depth.