Hey, choombas! Diving into the neon-soaked streets of Night City, you're bound to face some tough choices, and one that sticks out is whether to take down or show mercy to Sasquatch in Cyberpunk 2077. This isn't just another boss fight; it’s a decision that can ripple through the rest of your playthrough. So, let's break down who Sasquatch is, what's at stake, and whether you should pull the trigger or holster your weapon.

Who is Sasquatch?

Sasquatch, also known as Matilda Krose, isn't just some random goon you stumble upon in the Cyberpunk universe. She's the imposing, cybernetically enhanced leader of the Animals gang, a group notorious for their brute strength and relentless aggression. You encounter her during the 'I Walk the Line' quest, a crucial part of the Voodoo Boys storyline. Sasquatch guards the entrance to the Grand Imperial Mall, which you need to infiltrate to progress further in the main quest. Right off the bat, her sheer size and menacing presence make it clear that she’s not someone to be taken lightly.

Her backstory adds layers to her character. Matilda Krose was once a promising athlete who turned to the Animals gang after suffering a career-ending injury. Driven by a desire to regain her physical prowess and dominate others, she underwent extensive cybernetic modifications, transforming herself into the hulking figure we see in the game. This transformation, however, came at the cost of her humanity, turning her into a symbol of unchecked aggression and the dark side of cybernetic augmentation. Understanding her motivations and history can influence your decision on whether to kill or spare her, adding a moral dimension to the fight.

When you first meet Sasquatch, she is a formidable obstacle standing between you and your goal. Her arena is a claustrophobic, dimly lit space within the Grand Imperial Mall, filled with debris and makeshift barriers. This environment favors her close-quarters combat style, making the fight even more challenging. She wields a massive sledgehammer, which she uses with devastating force, capable of crushing V’s bones with a single blow. Sasquatch is relentless in her attacks, constantly charging and swinging her hammer, making it difficult to create distance or find openings. In addition to her brute strength, she also possesses enhanced durability, allowing her to withstand significant damage before going down. This combination of power and resilience makes her one of the toughest bosses you'll encounter in the early stages of the game.

Strategically, facing Sasquatch requires a mix of cunning and firepower. Simply rushing in with guns blazing is unlikely to work, as she can quickly close the distance and overwhelm you with her attacks. Instead, you need to use the environment to your advantage, creating space and utilizing cover to avoid her hammer blows. Quick hacking can also be effective, disrupting her movements or weakening her defenses. Ultimately, defeating Sasquatch is a test of your combat skills and strategic thinking, forcing you to adapt to her relentless assault and find creative ways to exploit her weaknesses. Whether you choose to kill or spare her, the encounter with Sasquatch is a memorable and challenging moment in Cyberpunk 2077, highlighting the dangers and moral complexities of Night City.

The Stakes: What Happens When You Kill Her?

Most players, driven by the game's narrative and the immediate threat Sasquatch poses, opt to eliminate her. But what are the actual consequences? Killing Sasquatch nets you immediate rewards, such as her iconic hammer, a powerful melee weapon that can be a beast in close combat. You also loot other valuable items, like crafting components and eddies, which can boost your resources in Night City. From a gameplay perspective, it's a clean, efficient resolution to a difficult encounter.

However, there are narrative repercussions to consider. Killing Sasquatch solidifies your role as a problem solver through force. It reinforces the cycle of violence that pervades Night City. While it might feel like the only option in the heat of the moment, it closes off any potential for alternative resolutions or alliances. The Voodoo Boys are pleased with your efficiency, but it doesn't necessarily deepen your relationship with them in any meaningful way. You've simply removed an obstacle for them.

Sasquatch's death also has a subtle impact on the world around you. The Animals gang, while not significantly altered, might become even more hostile in certain encounters. They might recognize you as the one who took down their leader, leading to increased aggression. However, this is more of an atmospheric change than a major plot alteration. The story moves forward, largely unaffected by Sasquatch's absence, which can feel somewhat anticlimactic after such an intense battle.

From a moral standpoint, killing Sasquatch is a pragmatic choice with limited long-term impact. It aligns with V's role as a mercenary in a brutal world, where survival often means making tough decisions. However, it also reinforces the idea that violence is always the answer, which can be a bleak outlook in a game that explores themes of humanity and redemption. The decision to kill her is a reflection of your own values and how you choose to navigate the moral complexities of Cyberpunk 2077.

The Stakes: What Happens When You Spare Her?

Here's where things get interesting. Cyberpunk 2077, despite its reputation for violence, often offers opportunities for non-lethal solutions. While the game doesn't explicitly reward you for sparing Sasquatch, there are subtle benefits and narrative nuances that make it a compelling choice.

First off, subduing Sasquatch requires a specific build and approach. You need to focus on non-lethal takedowns, using weapons and cyberware mods that incapacitate rather than kill. This means investing in perks and gear that enhance your ability to knock enemies unconscious. It's a more challenging path, as it requires strategic planning and precise execution. You can't just rely on brute force; you have to be smart and resourceful.

If you manage to spare Sasquatch, the immediate reward is a clear conscience, which might not seem like much in Night City, but it aligns with a more pacifistic or nuanced playthrough. The Voodoo Boys are still able to proceed with their plans, albeit with a slight delay. They might express surprise at your choice, but they ultimately don't penalize you for it. This opens up a different kind of dialogue, one that acknowledges the possibility of mercy in a world that often lacks it.

The long-term consequences of sparing Sasquatch are more subtle. There's no grand reward or major plot twist that results from your decision. However, it does impact your perception of V and their place in Night City. It reinforces the idea that violence isn't always the answer and that there's room for compassion even in the darkest corners of the world. This can influence your future decisions and shape your overall experience of the game.

From a moral standpoint, sparing Sasquatch is a more thoughtful and compassionate choice. It challenges the notion that the only way to succeed in Night City is through violence and dominance. It suggests that there's value in empathy and understanding, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. While it might not lead to tangible rewards, it can enrich your gameplay experience and leave you with a greater sense of satisfaction.

How to Decide: Factors to Consider

Alright, so you're standing there, hammer raised, or maybe your non-lethal weapon of choice is locked and loaded. How do you decide? Here’s a breakdown to help you weigh your options:

• Your V's Build and Playstyle: Are you a netrunner who prefers to hack from the shadows? Or a street brawler who likes to get up close and personal? Your build will significantly impact your ability to take down Sasquatch non-lethally. If you're specced into stealth and non-lethal takedowns, sparing her might be a fun challenge. If you're a heavy weapons specialist, it might be more practical to just blast her away.
• Your Moral Compass: How do you want to role-play V? Are you a ruthless mercenary who does whatever it takes to survive? Or a more compassionate character who tries to minimize harm? Your moral alignment will heavily influence your decision. If you believe in redemption and second chances, sparing Sasquatch might be the right choice. If you're more pragmatic, killing her might seem like the only logical option.
• The Potential for Future Consequences: While there aren't any major immediate repercussions, consider the long-term implications. Do you want to reinforce the cycle of violence, or do you want to try to break it? Sparing Sasquatch might not change the world, but it can change your perception of it. It's a small act of defiance against the brutal reality of Night City.
• The Challenge: Let's be real, sparing Sasquatch is harder. It requires more skill, planning, and patience. If you're looking for a challenge, this is it. It's a chance to test your abilities and see if you can overcome a difficult obstacle without resorting to violence.

Final Verdict: Kill or Spare?

Ultimately, the decision to kill or spare Sasquatch in Cyberpunk 2077 is a personal one. There's no right or wrong answer. It depends on your playstyle, your moral compass, and what you want to get out of the game. If you're looking for a quick and easy solution, killing her is the way to go. If you're looking for a challenge and a chance to role-play a more nuanced character, sparing her might be the better choice.

No matter what you choose, remember that your decisions have consequences, even if they're not always immediately apparent. Cyberpunk 2077 is a game about choices, and the decision to kill or spare Sasquatch is just one of many that will shape your experience in Night City. So, choose wisely, choombas, and make your mark on the world.