Cyberpunk 2077’s Sequel Should Embrace the Original’s Divisive Endings

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The launch of Cyberpunk 2077, a highly anticipated video game, was marked by considerable controversy. After a wait of eight years, gamers found themselves grappling with numerous bugs, recurrent crashes, and underdeveloped gameplay mechanics. Even though some technical glitches could be mitigated with a high-performance PC, the game was virtually unplayable for users on Xbox One and PlayStation 4. Following this rocky debut, CD Projekt Red has dedicated considerable effort to resolving bugs, refining gameplay systems, and introducing substantial content updates such as the Phantom Liberty expansion. Despite these improvements, one aspect of the game continues to spark heated debate: its endings.

In much the same way as numerous RPG games, Cyberpunk 2077 offers players branching storylines that require significant decisions. The path a player chooses in Night City can lead to distinct endings tailored to their actions during a specific playthrough. The various endings of Cyberpunk 2077 differ from one another, but they all carry a shared, somber feeling. Although players expressed dissatisfaction over the game not having a joyful ending, this unusual approach could potentially boost the success of its upcoming sequel, Project Orion.

The Impact of Cyberpunk 2077’s Endings

In the game “Cyberpunk 2077”, there are seven distinct conclusions a player may reach – six initially within the main game, with an additional one introduced through the expansion, “Phantom Liberty”. Multiple endings are a common element in RPGs as they make the player’s decisions matter and entice them to replay the game to understand how their character’s tale might have unfolded differently. This was particularly true for “Cyberpunk 2077”, given the anticipation generated by the branching narratives of CD Projekt Red’s earlier open-world RPG, “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt”. However, players were taken aback to find that, despite the diverse settings, characters, and plot twists in each ending, they all ended up being surprisingly melancholic.

In Cyberpunk 2077, various conclusions to the game’s story offer better outcomes for V than others, but even the most favorable resolutions are tinged with nuance and ambiguity. Given the extensive playtime required to finish the main plot and optional objectives necessary for certain endings, players were disappointed to discover that none of the game’s conclusions provided a fully satisfying payoff. Although these sentiments are understandable, the complexity in the game’s endings contributes to a more impactful and memorable experience.

A Dystopian Finish to a Dystopian Game

Initially, the multiple endings of Cyberpunk 2077 seem more consistent with the game’s initial objectives. The character V and the city of Night City are both rich in complexity and perpetual conflict. Given that V is a violent mercenary in a corporate dystopia, an ending where V and their loved ones live peacefully for a long time might contradict the overall tone and message of the game.

The Validity of Every Ending in Cyberpunk 2077

In a nutshell, having no clear ‘best’ or definitive ending in Cyberpunk 2077 gives each player’s outcome a unique feel, as it suggests that every ending is equally valid and represents the choices they made throughout the game. This differs from games like Red Dead Redemption 2, where multiple endings exist but one is often considered superior, making alternative endings seem like alternate timelines rather than equally significant outcomes.

In light of the criticism surrounding the multiple endings of Cyberpunk 2077, CD Projekt Red might choose to steer clear of such an approach for Project Orion. However, the complexity of the various outcomes in Cyberpunk 2077 contributes significantly to its overall character. Introducing more wicked endings could add a fresh twist for a sequel, but it would be wiser for Project Orion to omit a purely virtuous ending altogether.

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2025-03-10 17:35