Night City is a place where you start with nothing and, usually, end with even less. Most players spend their time decorating V’s cramped Megabuilding H10 apartment or perhaps splurging on a pad in the Glen. However, there is a “secret” luxury mansion—a massive penthouse overlooking the entire city—that you cannot buy with Eurodollars. Unlocking it is a high-stakes game of diplomacy, relationship management with a dead rockstar, and surviving the most difficult combat challenge the game has to offer. This isn’t just an apartment; it’s a trophy that proves you’ve truly conquered the dark future.
1. The Path of Glory: The Choice That Matters
To get the keys to this sprawling mansion, you must achieve the “Path of Glory” ending (also known as “The Sun”). This ending isn’t just a cutscene; it grants you access to a completely new world space where V has become the undisputed legend of the Afterlife.
The Critical “Secret” Ending
While you can reach the penthouse through the standard Rogue ending path, the most “authentic” way to earn it is by triggering the secret ending: Don’t Fear the Reaper. To unlock this choice on the balcony at the end of the game, you must have a specific relationship dynamic with Johnny Silverhand.
- The 70% Rule: Traditionally, players believed you needed 70% “Friendship” with Johnny. However, the real trigger is your dialogue during the quest “Chippin’ In” at the oil fields.
- The Dialogue Chain: You must choose: “The Guy who Saved My Life,” “No, already fucked that up,” “What do you want from me?” and finally, “Okay. As far as second chances go, this is your last.”
If done correctly, waiting for five minutes on the balcony during the final choice will prompt Johnny to suggest a suicide run on Arasaka Tower—solo.
2. Surviving the Arasaka Solo Raid
If you choose the “Don’t Fear the Reaper” path, be warned: if you die, the credits roll. There are no checkpoints. You must be at least Level 50 and have a top-tier build (Netrunner or Sandevistan are highly recommended).
- The Objective: You must fight your way through the lobby, down to Mikoshi, and defeat Adam Smasher without any help.
- The Reward: Upon victory, you will wake up in the secret luxury penthouse in the “Path of Glory” epilogue.
3. Exploring V’s Mansion: What’s Inside?
Once you unlock the penthouse, you’ll realize why players go through the trouble. It makes the Corpo Plaza apartment look like a budget motel.
The Legendary Gear
Inside the mansion, you can find several unique items that belong to “Legendary V.”
- V’s Golden Jacket: A high-armor, high-style piece of clothing found in the bedroom.
- The Armory: You can find some of your iconic weapons displayed here, along with a massive collection of high-tier loot that carries over if you continue playing after the credits.
The Scenery
The penthouse features a fully interactive terrace, a massive bathroom with a view of the spaceport, and a computer that reveals lore-heavy emails about V’s new status as the owner of the Afterlife. It’s the only place in the game that feels like you’ve actually “won” against the corporate machine, even if the victory is bittersweet.
4. Other “Choice” Apartments: The Romances
If a suicide raid on a mega-corp isn’t your style, there are other secret living spaces unlocked through specific NPC questlines. These serve as secondary safehouses where you can stash gear and sleep for XP bonuses.
- Judy Alvarez’s Apartment: Complete her entire questline (ending with “Pyramid Song”). If you romance her, you get a key. If you are playing a male V and finish her quests, she leaves Night City and gives you the keys anyway.
- Kerry Eurodyne’s Villa: Located in North Oak. Completing Kerry’s questline allows you to treat this rockstar mansion as a home base.
- River Ward’s Trailer: Completing the “Following the River” quest gives you access to a cozy, if somewhat rural, home in the Badlands.
5. The Phantom Liberty Safehouse
If you own the Phantom Liberty expansion, the most atmospheric “secret” home is the Dogtown Safehouse.
- The Choice: You must progress through the main DLC story and stay loyal to Reed or Songbird initially to maintain access to this hideout. It features a unique radio station, a terminal with secret NUSA messages, and a brutal, industrial aesthetic that perfectly fits the “spy thriller” vibe of the expansion.
GGC