Unlocking the Secret (Don’t Fear) The Reaper Ending
To unlock the secret “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” ending in Cyberpunk 2077, you must complete specific Side Jobs centered around Johnny Silverhand and achieve at least a 70% relationship with him before entering Embers to meet Hanako. Once these conditions are met, during the rooftop conversation with Johnny in the “Nocturne Op55N1” main job, select “Think you and Rogue should go,” then wait approximately 5 minutes without making another choice until Johnny offers an alternative plan, which you then accept by choosing “Let’s hear this plan.”
This unique ending path sees V and Johnny storming the Arasaka facility alone, presenting a significant challenge as V’s death during this sequence results in an immediate game over. Success, however, leads to two distinct final choices: “Path of Glory” for The Sun Achievement, or “New Dawn Fades” for the Temperance Achievement. The path to this ending is meticulous, requiring careful attention to specific dialogue options and quest completions throughout the game.
Achieving 70%+ Johnny Silverhand Affinity
A crucial prerequisite for the “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” ending is reaching at least 70% affinity with Johnny Silverhand. This relationship percentage can be monitored by opening the main menu and hovering over the large middle rectangular icon at the top of the screen. While general supportive choices towards Johnny’s anti-corporate ideals contribute, specific Side Jobs and dialogue choices are paramount for reaching this threshold.
The following Side Jobs are essential and contribute significantly to Johnny’s affinity:
| Side Job | Description |
|---|---|
| Tapeworm | This quest occurs during the late stages of the main storyline and is a precursor to “Chippin’ In.” |
| Chippin’ In | Directly follows “Tapeworm.” This mission is critical for the secret ending, especially the dialogue choices made at Johnny’s grave. |
| Blistering Love | This quest, triggered after “Chippin’ In,” involves Rogue and further boosts Johnny’s affinity. |
The dialogue choices made during the “Chippin’ In” Side Job are particularly impactful for Johnny’s affinity. During the scene at Johnny’s grave, selecting the precise responses listed below is vital to ensure you reach the necessary relationship percentage. These choices demonstrate understanding and a willingness to work with Johnny, solidifying your bond.
| Dialogue Prompt | Correct Response |
|---|---|
| [Inscribe Johnny’s Initials] | “Let’s do something about that.” |
| When discussing Johnny’s legacy | ”The Guy who Saved My Life” |
| Reflecting on past mistakes | ”Nah, fucked that up too.” |
| Johnny asks what you want from him | ”What do you want from me?” |
| Offering Johnny a second chance | ”OK. But as second chances go, this is your last.” |
| Reflecting on Johnny’s initial behavior | ”You were a real dick in the beginning.” |
| Johnny mentions letting down his friends | ”When you said you let down your friends…” |
| Deciding whether to call Rogue | ”Yeah, I’ll call Rogue.” |
Ensuring these specific dialogue options are chosen during “Chippin’ In,” alongside completing the other mentioned Side Jobs, is the most reliable way to secure the 70% or higher affinity with Johnny Silverhand required for the secret ending. Without this strong relationship, the unique dialogue option to trigger “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” will not appear.
Triggering the Secret Ending Option
Once you have successfully completed the required Side Jobs (“Tapeworm,” “Chippin’ In,” and “Blistering Love”) and achieved over 70% affinity with Johnny Silverhand, the final step to trigger the secret ending occurs during the “Nocturne Op55N1” main job. This is the point of no return where you make your ultimate decision about how to proceed with the game’s climax.
After speaking with Misty and heading to the rooftop to talk with Johnny, you will be presented with several dialogue choices regarding how to approach Arasaka. To access the secret ending, you must not immediately choose one of the presented options. Instead, select the option that suggests Johnny and Rogue go:
- “Think you and Rogue should go.”
After selecting this, you will need to remain on this dialogue menu and wait. Do not select any further options for approximately 5 minutes. During this waiting period, Johnny will eventually speak up, offering an alternative, more radical plan. This is the critical moment. When he presents his new idea, you must agree to it:
- “Let’s hear this plan.”
This specific sequence – selecting “Think you and Rogue should go,” waiting for Johnny’s intervention, and then agreeing to “Let’s hear this plan” – is the only way to initiate the “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” ending. If you choose another option or fail to wait for Johnny’s suggestion, you will proceed down one of the other standard ending paths.
Navigating the (Don’t Fear) The Reaper Path
Embarking on the “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” path means V and Johnny will storm the Arasaka facility alone. This is a highly challenging and unforgiving sequence, often considered the most difficult combat encounter in the game. Unlike other ending paths where failure might lead to a different outcome or a reload point, dying during this assault will immediately result in a game over, and the credits will roll. There are no allies to assist, making V’s build, gear, and combat proficiency critically important for survival.
The objective of this solo assault is to reach the Mikoshi Access Point within Arasaka Tower. Players should be prepared for intense firefights against numerous Arasaka security forces, including elite soldiers and mechs. Utilizing cover, strategic use of cyberware, and effective weapon choices are paramount. Health items and defensive abilities should be managed carefully, as the fight is a gauntlet from start to finish.
Should V successfully navigate the gauntlet and reach the Mikoshi Access Point, you will then be presented with a final choice that determines the ultimate fate of V and Johnny:
| Final Choice | Outcome