TL;DR
- Specific dialogue choices during Chippin’ In mission trigger the secret ending
- Complete main story paths and Tapeworm mission before attempting
- Reach Point of No Return at Nocturne Op55N1 to access ending options
- Secret ending features one of the game’s most challenging combat sequences
- Proper preparation and character build significantly impact success chances
Cyberpunk 2077 features multiple narrative conclusions determined by your decisions throughout the campaign, with one particularly elusive ending that requires precise conditions to unlock. Missing these specific triggers means you’ll never encounter this challenging conclusion.
Important Update: Recent community discoveries have clarified the exact activation criteria for Cyberpunk 2077’s secret ending. Contrary to earlier theories about relationship meters, the trigger involves exact conversation selections during the Chippin’ In side mission. Credit goes to content creator KVNG IX for decoding the precise requirements.
Spoiler Alert: This guide contains significant story revelations about Cyberpunk 2077’s narrative structure and ending sequences, though we’ve minimized direct plot spoilers where possible.
The game offers numerous potential conclusions shaped by your alliances, moral choices, and interactions with Johnny Silverhand throughout your playthrough. While most endings become accessible through clear in-game prompts when prerequisites are satisfied, one hidden conclusion remains completely invisible unless you’ve executed the exact sequence of actions. This secret path presents players with arguably the most demanding combat encounter in the entire Cyberpunk experience.
Activating the secret ending demands precise conversational responses during a specific mission: Chippin’ In. While additional side content enhances the experience, this particular mission serves as the non-negotiable gateway. For comprehensive preparation guidance, consult our detailed breakdown of essential pre-endgame activities and their unlock conditions.
Following the dialogue requirements, you must advance the narrative to the irreversible juncture marked by the Nocturne Op55N1 story mission. Beginning this mission initiates the endgame sequence, preventing further side quest completion while positioning you for the finale selection process.
This mission becomes available after completing all primary narrative branches: locating Evelyn Parker, extracting information from Anders Hellman, and your meeting with Hanako Arasaka. Completing these objectives finishes the Tapeworm story mission, which then unlocks Chippin’ In. During this mission, you’ll need to select specific conversational options at key moments.
- When Johnny inquires about epitaph suggestions, respond with: “The Guy Who Saved My Life.”
- When Johnny reflects on his failures but mentions his connection with V, answer: “No, you f**ked that up too.”
- When Johnny requests redemption, question him: “What do you want from me?”
- When Johnny observes that V was his only non-hostile relationship until recently, reply: “OK. But as second chances go, this is your last.”
Strategic Insight: The conversation’s emotional tone matters significantly. These responses establish necessary tension while demonstrating V’s willingness to grant Johnny one final opportunity, creating the precise dynamic required for the secret ending trigger.
Timing Consideration: Complete this mission sequence before reaching the Point of No Return. The game doesn’t provide confirmation that you’ve successfully activated the secret ending path, so meticulous attention to dialogue selection is crucial.
Preparation Protocol: Before attempting the secret ending path, ensure your character build can handle extreme combat scenarios. The secret ending’s final sequence features relentless enemy waves without checkpoints, making survival builds with high cyberware efficiency particularly valuable.
Common Mistakes: Players frequently misunderstand the relationship requirement. It’s not about achieving maximum affinity with Johnny but creating the specific contentious-yet-respectful dynamic these dialogue choices establish.
Optimization Approach: Consider completing relevant side content like weapon enhancement guides to optimize your combat effectiveness for the challenging conclusion.
Time Investment: The secret ending sequence typically requires 45-60 minutes of continuous combat without saving opportunities. Ensure you have adequate time allocated before commencement.
Character Build Recommendations: Netrunner builds may struggle during the final combat sequence due to limited quickhack effectiveness against certain enemies. Consider hybrid builds incorporating strong weapon skills or consult our class specialization guide for optimization strategies.
Verification Method: If uncertain whether you’ve correctly triggered the secret ending, observe the ending selection menu during Nocturne Op55N1. The option will appear without explicit labeling, typically as a silent choice after other options are presented.
Action Checklist
- Complete all main story paths: Evelyn Parker investigation, Anders Hellman interrogation, Hanako Arasaka meeting
- Finish Tapeworm mission to unlock Chippin’ In
- During Chippin’ In, select the four specific dialogue options at the oil fields
- Progress to Point of No Return at Nocturne Op55N1
- At ending selection, choose the unlabeled option to access secret path
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Cyberpunk 2077: How To Unlock The Secret Ending, “Don’t Fear The Reaper” Master Cyberpunk 2077's secret ending with precise dialogue choices and strategic preparation