Jackie Welles' Death

A broken promise in the rain that changes everything for V.

Jackie Welles' death is the pivotal inciting incident of the Cyberpunk 2077 narrative, marking the tragic end of a beloved independent mercenary and the catalyst for V's journey into Night City's darkest depths. As the loyal friend and partner to the protagonist, Jackie's demise during a high-stakes heist at Konpeki Plaza shatters their partnership and forces V to confront the brutal reality of corporate warfare alone.

Quick Facts

Character: Jackie Welles
Role: Independent Mercenary; Protagonist's Partner
Affiliation: None (Independent), Arasaka (target)

Lore & Background

The circumstances surrounding his death reveal the harsh truth that no amount of skill or preparation can guarantee survival against a corporate hit squad. Collapsing on the rain-slicked streets outside Konpeki Plaza after escaping the building, Jackie succumbs to his injuries, transforming the mission failure into a spiritual crisis for V. His legacy persists through V's choices, serving as a constant reminder of what was lost to the pursuit of the Relic and the dream of immortality.

Reader's Guide

The event begins when V and Jackie infiltrate Konpeki Plaza to steal a prototype bio-chip known as the Relic. Their extraction plan goes awry when Arasaka security forces ambush them, leading to a chaotic firefight through the corporate tower. During the escape, Jackie is critically shot by an enemy soldier. Despite his injuries, he manages to get V and himself into an elevator, but his condition rapidly deteriorates due to blood loss and shock. In the final moments before the elevator reaches the ground, Jackie passes away in V's arms, leaving behind a promise to help him finish what they started. His death forces V to flee the scene alone, carrying the stolen chip and the weight of their friend's sacrifice.