Unravelling the Mystery of Cyberpunk 2077's Most Enigmatic Character

In Cyberpunk 2077, the Side Job "Imagine" introduces players to a mysterious figure known as the Zen Master. This enigmatic monk offers V a healing experience through a meditative braindance, only to vanish without a trace once the session concludes. Despite the brief encounters—reappearing in the Side Jobs "Stairway To Heaven," "Poem Of The Atoms," and "Meetings Along The Edge"—the Zen Master’s identity remains shrouded in mystery. Here’s a look at the most intriguing theories about who the Zen Master might be.

Theory 1: The Zen Master Is Rache Bartmoss

One of the most compelling theories posits that the Zen Master is Rache Bartmoss, the renowned netrunner known for creating the Demon program series and his role in the Fourth Corporate War. Although Bartmoss is believed to have died in 2020 and again in 2022 when his digital self was erased, some speculate that he could be the Zen Master.

This theory is supported by Maximum Mike of 107.3 Morro Rock Radio, who claims to have heard of a monk healing the sick in Night City and suggests it might be Bartmoss. However, players familiar with the game know that Bartmoss's body is found frozen in one of the game's notable Side Jobs, "Kold Mirage," with Johnny Silverhand confirming his death.

Still, it’s possible that Bartmoss’s connections with Spider Murphy and Alt Cunningham allowed him to upload his consciousness into the net and manifest as a monk. The Zen Master’s blue-glowing eyes during transactions hint at something more than a simple monk, suggesting possible cyberware integration. Despite this, it seems unlikely that Bartmoss would be content as a wandering monk when he could be actively opposing the corporations he despises.

Theory 2: The Zen Master Is a Rogue AI

Another theory suggests that the Zen Master is actually a rogue AI designed for wellness purposes. In Cyberpunk 2077, many AIs are known to cause chaos, and this AI might have been programmed to assist with health and wellbeing. This could explain why the Zen Master helps V with their mental health issues.

However, this theory doesn’t fully address why the Zen Master is knowledgeable about Johnny Silverhand or why he selectively aids only those he deems worthy. The Zen Master’s mysterious behavior and ability to vanish suggest complexities beyond a typical AI's scope, leaving much to interpretation.

Additionally, the Zen Master might be connected to the "blue-eyed people," a shadowy group manipulating society from behind the scenes. Although there’s no direct evidence linking the Zen Master to this organization, his ability to appear and disappear and his distribution of enigmatic braindances make him a plausible candidate.

Theory 3: The Zen Master Is Part of V's Consciousness

A more introspective theory is that the Zen Master is a construct of V's own mind, possibly linked to V’s cyberpsychosis. This theory is supported by Johnny Silverhand’s inability to see the Zen Master, indicating that he may be a figment of V's imagination. The Zen Master’s references to Samurai lyrics and knowledge of V’s dire situation suggest an intimate connection with V’s psyche.

Nevertheless, there are counterarguments. The GLaDOS Delamain car also seems aware of V’s impending doom, which contradicts the idea that the Zen Master is purely a mental construct. Additionally, interactions with other characters like Misty and reports from Maximum Mike confirm that the Zen Master is known to others, challenging the notion that he’s merely a figment of V’s imagination.

Conclusion: The Zen Master’s True Identity Remains Elusive

The Zen Master’s true identity is one of the many unanswered mysteries in Cyberpunk 2077. Whether he is Rache Bartmoss, a rogue AI, or something entirely different, the game leaves his origins unresolved. It’s possible that this character could play a role in a future sequel, offering a chance for his true identity to be revealed.

For now, players can appreciate the Zen Master as an enigmatic figure who has helped V grapple with their mental struggles. The Zen Master remains a captivating mystery in the Cyberpunk 2077 universe, and perhaps his true nature is best left shrouded in intrigue.