The integration of mystical practices into futuristic settings often provides a profound commentary on the enduring human need for meaning and guidance. In the video game Cyberpunk 2077, the use of Tarot cards serves as a unique narrative device, blending medieval symbolism with dystopian aesthetics. This article explores the role of Tarot within the game, examining its origins, its function as a divination tool, and the symbolic significance of its major arcana. By analyzing the mechanics of the "Fool on the Hill" quest and the interpretive readings provided by the character Misty, one can understand how these ancient cards are utilized to foreshadow events and offer insight into the protagonist's journey.
The Origins and Aesthetic of the Cyberpunk Tarot
The Tarot deck featured in Cyberpunk 2077 is a distinct creation designed specifically for the game, yet it draws heavily from historical traditions. The deck originates from medieval Europe, where Tarot cards were initially used for gaming rather than divination. Historically, these decks differ from standard playing cards by featuring suits that depict abstract characters and symbols. The specific set in Cyberpunk 2077 was created by Polish cartoonist Jakub Rebelka. The artwork is described as futuristic, dystopian, and bleak, yet it maintains a thoughtful integration of traditional Tarot symbolism.
Despite the futuristic setting of Night City, the artwork retains recognizable elements of the conventional Rider-Waite Tarot iconography. For instance, the High Priestess card in the game is positioned between two pillars marked with the letters B and J, a direct reference to the traditional deck. This blend of old and new highlights the persistence of spiritual archetypes even in a world dominated by technology. It is noted that the artwork appears solely within the video game's narrative; there are no official printed copies of this specific deck available commercially, though bootleg versions have been produced by unidentified manufacturers.
Tarot as a Divination Tool in the Narrative
In Cyberpunk 2077, Tarot cards are not merely collectibles; they function as a legitimate form of divination within the story, providing insight into the future and assisting characters in making difficult choices. The primary practitioner of this art is Misty, who operates Misty's Esoterica, a fortune-telling shop located in front of the ripperdoc Viktor's clinic. Players can visit Misty at no charge to have their fortune read using the deck that the character Jackie purchased for her.
Misty's readings are dynamic, changing based on the player's current story progress and previous decisions. These readings offer clues about the future and serve as foreshadowing for upcoming events. At the conclusion of the game, Misty performs a final tarot reading that symbolically represents which of the multiple endings the player will receive. This mechanic underscores the narrative weight placed on the cards, suggesting that they are a mirror to the protagonist's internal state and external circumstances.
Misty often utilizes a three-card spread to help the player predict how their life will pan out at the end of the game. Her divination is described as a tool that foreshadows and forecasts the experiences the player's character will undergo. By engaging with this system, players are encouraged to view the game's plot through a more symbolic lens, looking for deeper meaning behind the chaotic events of Night City.
The "Fool on the Hill" Quest and the Major Arcana
A significant portion of the Tarot experience is encapsulated in the side quest titled "The Fool on the Hill." This quest becomes available after the main story mission "The Heist," triggering the appearance of Tarot card graffiti at specific locations throughout Night City. Interacting with one of these graffiti sites and speaking with Misty initiates the quest, tasking the player with finding 20 of the 22 major arcana cards posted around the game world.
The design of each card is saved upon inspection, along with a description detailing its meaning. These descriptions are often written in a second-person perspective, applying the card's traditional meaning to the protagonist's journey. Once the player locates the 20 accessible cards, they return to Misty, who explains that the final two cards are secret and will only be revealed at crucial decision points in the narrative.
The two hidden cards are "The Devil" and "Judgement." Their appearance is tied to the player's choice regarding the Arasaka corporation: * The Devil: Encountered if the player chooses to comply with Arasaka. * Judgement: Encountered if the player resists and goes after Arasaka.
These cards are associated with the game's ending. The Devil card comes with no in-game description, but the Judgement card is linked to concepts of renewal and self-worth. The presence of these cards at the end of the game implies that they indicate whether the protagonist and the engram of Johnny Silverhand receive a "bad" ending.
Interpretations of Key Tarot Cards
The Tarot cards in Cyberpunk 2077 provide specific interpretations that reflect the themes of the game. While the artwork is unique to the cyberpunk genre, the pamphlet included with the bootleg deck (referenced in the source data) notes that the example interpretations are not modified to match the genre, remaining true to traditional meanings. Below is an analysis of several key cards found in the game.
The Fool
The Fool represents the beginning of a journey. In the context of the game, it symbolizes the protagonist brimming with enthusiasm but remaining unaware of their capabilities and the threats they face. The card suggests that the protagonist is a "trustworthy lad" driven by tireless hope. It acknowledges that the journey will bring change, transforming the traveler through the steps taken into a brave new world.
The Magician
The Magician is the card of self-confidence and adapting to situations through intellect and sheer will. In the game, the description suggests a need to fight the destructive influence of the Magician, implying that this card may represent a specific antagonist or a negative aspect of the protagonist's own personality that relies on manipulation.
Death
Contrary to common misconception, the Death card does not necessarily signify physical death. In Cyberpunk 2077, it is described as the card of "becoming." It signifies an imminent and difficult transition—the conclusion of one phase of life and the beginning of another. The interpretation acknowledges that while something is inevitably lost during this transformation, something new will rise to take its place. It represents a necessary cycle of destruction and creation.
Temperance
Temperance is the card of balance. In the game, it suggests that the player is ready to shift the balance of their life and may succeed if they can reconcile opposing forces. It is associated with self-restraint, the gradual shift toward a mature state of equilibrium, and the desire to achieve inner peace. This card encourages a controlled approach to the chaos of Night City.
The Tower
The Tower is an omen of radical change, chaos, and destruction. The card warns that the protagonist and those around them will experience a great shock that will change everything. The imagery of lightning striking the Tower signifies a return to the old order buried under ruins and the rise of a new order. It is a symbol of tragedy, apocalypse, and self-destruction, reflecting the volatile nature of the game's world.
The Star
The Star is the card of hope. It suggests that even in the darkest times, there is a light that shines the path home. The card represents inspiration, motivation, and the strength to move forward. The in-game description hints at overcoming unknown desires and severing strong ties, suggesting a need for clarity and direction amidst confusion.
The Moon
The Moon reminds the traveler that reality is not always what it seems at first glance. In a world filled with appearances and illusions, the best course of action is often charted by one's own intuition. The Moon represents dreams, desires, and the subconscious. It warns against deception and encourages trusting internal instincts over external appearances.
The Sun
The Sun symbolizes success. It represents the achievement of goals and the arrival of brighter times. In the context of the protagonist's struggle, it offers a promise of overcoming the darkness that pervades Night City.
The Role of Symbolism in Storytelling
The inclusion of Tarot cards in Cyberpunk 2077 serves a dual purpose. First, it acts as a collectible mechanic that encourages exploration of the game world. Second, and more importantly, it is an invitation from the game's writers to consider the story symbolically. By overlaying ancient archetypes onto a futuristic dystopia, the game suggests that the fundamental struggles of humanity—hope, despair, transformation, and judgment—remain constant regardless of the era or level of technological advancement.
The cards are woven into the quest "The Fool on the Hill," with the exception of Judgement and The Devil, which are tied to the narrative's climax. The fact that the cards appear as graffiti on the walls of Night City implies that the city itself is speaking through these symbols, reflecting the collective unconscious of its inhabitants. The tarot readings from Misty act as a guide, helping the player navigate not just the physical dangers of the city, but the moral and existential dilemmas faced by the protagonist.
Conclusion
The Tarot system in Cyberpunk 2077 is a sophisticated integration of medieval mysticism into a cyberpunk narrative. Created by Jakub Rebelka, the deck blends traditional Rider-Waite symbolism with a dystopian aesthetic, providing a unique visual language for the game's themes. Through the character Misty and the "Fool on the Hill" quest, players are offered a form of divination that foreshadows the narrative arc and provides insight into the protagonist's future. The cards, ranging from The Fool to The Tower, mirror the chaotic and transformative journey through Night City, offering warnings of destruction and promises of renewal. Ultimately, the Tarot cards serve as a reminder that even in a world consumed by technology, the search for meaning remains a central part of the human experience.