In the neon-lit world of Cyberpunk 2077, quests are more than just objectives they are stories that reveal the depth, danger, and emotional complexity of Night City. One such quest, For Whom the Bell Tolls, serves as a powerful chapter during the game’s endgame sequence. It blends action, suspense, and crucial decision-making, all while propelling the player closer to one of the game’s many possible endings. Understanding how this mission works, what choices lie ahead, and how to prepare can make the difference between survival and failure in this unpredictable cyber-future.
Overview of For Whom the Bell Tolls
Quest Type and Placement in the Story
For Whom the Bell Tolls is one of the final missions in Cyberpunk 2077, part of the Johnny Silverhand storyline that begins once players decide to let Johnny take control. This mission only triggers if you choose to trust Rogue and give Johnny full access to your body. It leads directly into the finale path known as The Sun ending, which focuses on Johnny and Rogue taking the fight to Arasaka Tower one last time.
In this quest, you play as Johnny Silverhand after taking over V’s body. The tone of the mission is heavy, emotional, and action-packed, featuring high-stakes infiltration, character-driven dialogue, and irreversible consequences.
Mission Walkthrough and Key Moments
Taking Control and Visiting Rogue
The mission starts with Johnny waking up in V’s body, heading straight to the Afterlife club. This is where you meet Rogue, a legendary fixer and one of Johnny’s former allies. Together, they plan the attack on Arasaka Tower with the help of Weyland, Rogue’s trusted associate. This preparation phase is filled with important dialogue that deepens Johnny’s character and reflects the complex relationship between him and Rogue.
Infiltration Sequence
After gearing up, the team takes to the skies aboard an Arasaka AV. What follows is a high-intensity infiltration of Arasaka Tower. Armed and dangerous, you’ll face off against waves of elite Arasaka soldiers, security drones, and automated defenses. Combat in this section is intense, and players must make full use of cover, hacking, and cyberware abilities to survive.
Turning Point: Tragedy in Arasaka Tower
One of the most emotionally powerful parts of For Whom the Bell Tolls occurs when Rogue, during the final push, is killed by Adam Smasher Arasaka’s fearsome cyborg enforcer. Her death marks a tragic but heroic end to her arc, adding emotional weight to the mission. Johnny, full of rage and determination, then continues the mission deeper into the tower to confront Smasher.
Boss Fight: Facing Adam Smasher
The Ultimate Enemy
Adam Smasher stands as the final wall between Johnny and the data relic inside Mikoshi. This boss fight is brutal. Smasher is fast, powerful, and armed with heavy weapons. To defeat him, players must use everything at their disposal hacks, grenades, melee strikes, and careful positioning.
The fight is also a symbolic clash between the past and the future, between humanity and technology. Johnny’s hatred for Smasher stems from their history, and this battle is more than just survival it’s personal vengeance.
Choices and Consequences
After the Tower
After defeating Smasher, Johnny and Weyland make it to Mikoshi, where Johnny can finally connect to the mainframe. At this point, the player is faced with an important decision: who should live in V’s body Johnny or V? This question concludes the arc set in motion during For Whom the Bell Tolls, leading into the ending known as The Sun or others, depending on prior choices.
Possible Endings After This Mission
Depending on the player’s decisions, For Whom the Bell Tolls leads to different narrative outcomes:
- The Sun Ending: Johnny stays in V’s body and becomes a legend in Night City.
- Path of Redemption: V reclaims the body and attempts to live out their remaining time.
Each path has its own epilogue, cinematic conclusion, and thematic weight, making the choices in this mission some of the most meaningful in the game.
Character Development in the Quest
Johnny Silverhand and Rogue
This mission serves as the emotional payoff for Johnny’s arc. His transformation from a reckless anarchist to someone capable of respect and sacrifice is reflected in his actions. His bond with Rogue, rekindled after decades of bitterness, gives the mission emotional depth. Rogue’s death is heartbreaking, but it solidifies her legacy as a hero who fought for her beliefs to the very end.
Weyland’s Role
Weyland, though a supporting character, plays a crucial tactical role. He serves as both a guide and backup during the mission. His survival or death can depend on player actions, though he usually makes it out alive unless something drastically goes wrong.
Tips for Completing the Mission
How to Prepare
Because For Whom the Bell Tolls is part of the game’s final stretch, players must ensure they are ready. Here are some useful preparation tips:
- Ensure Johnny/V is equipped with top-tier weapons and armor
- Upgrade your cyberware to improve survivability in combat
- Use quickhacks like Overheat, Short Circuit, and Reboot Optics for crowd control
- Stock up on health items, grenades, and EMP rounds
This mission does not allow you to return to free-roam before its conclusion, so save your game before committing to Johnny’s plan with Rogue.
Themes and Symbolism
Mortality and Legacy
The title For Whom the Bell Tolls references John Donne’s famous meditation on death and connection. In this quest, it becomes a symbol of endings Rogue’s, Johnny’s, and potentially V’s. The bell tolls for everyone in Night City, and this mission forces players to confront the cost of rebellion and freedom in a cybernetic world.
Rebellion Against Corporations
Arasaka has always represented control, oppression, and exploitation in Cyberpunk 2077. This mission is a direct strike against that tyranny, embodying the heart of the game’s anti-corporate themes. Johnny and Rogue, relics of a different era, attempt one final blow against the empire that stole their futures.
Cyberpunk 2077: For Whom the Bell Tolls is more than just another mission it is a turning point filled with emotion, sacrifice, and unforgettable moments. Whether you fight for revenge, redemption, or rebellion, this quest demands everything from you. It encapsulates the tone of Night City: harsh, beautiful, and filled with impossible choices. As the bell tolls for Rogue and the city hangs in the balance, players are reminded that in Night City, every decision echoes far beyond the moment and some echoes never fade.