The Beast In Me: Quest Review & Guide

Nick Leason

-Nov 14, 2025

The Beast in Me is one of Cyberpunk 2077's most memorable and morally complex side quests. Players navigate V's relationship with Claire Russell, the Afterlife bartender, as they delve into the gritty world of Night City's illegal racing scene, uncovering dark secrets and facing difficult choices. The quest explores themes of revenge, redemption, and the blurred lines between justice and vengeance.

Key Takeaways

Intense Narrative: Experience a gripping storyline filled with twists, turns, and difficult moral choices.
Character Development: Witness Claire Russell's personal journey and influence her path.
Racing Gameplay: Engage in thrilling races across Night City's diverse districts.
Multiple Endings: Your decisions determine the outcome, leading to different consequences.
Emotional Impact: Prepare for a quest that explores dark themes and leaves a lasting impression.

Introduction

"The Beast in Me" isn't just another side quest in Cyberpunk 2077; it's a narrative-driven experience that delves into the psyche of its characters and the brutal reality of Night City. This questline offers a unique blend of high-octane racing and profound moral dilemmas, challenging players to confront their own sense of justice and compassion. As V gets entangled in Claire Russell's quest for revenge, they must navigate a treacherous path where the lines between right and wrong become increasingly blurred. This guide will provide an in-depth look at the quest, exploring its various stages, outcomes, and the significant choices that shape its conclusion.

What & Why: Exploring the Quest's Depths

What is "The Beast in Me"?

"The Beast in Me" is a multi-stage side quest in Cyberpunk 2077 centered around V's involvement in illegal street races with Claire Russell. Claire, the Afterlife's bartender, seeks V's help in avenging her husband's death, allegedly caused by another racer. The quest involves participating in several races across Night City, each presenting its own challenges and dangers. As V gets closer to the truth, they uncover a web of deceit and must decide whether to support Claire's thirst for revenge or guide her towards a more peaceful resolution.

Why is this quest important?

Narrative Depth: The quest offers a compelling narrative that explores themes of grief, revenge, and redemption, adding depth to the Cyberpunk 2077 universe.
Character Development: "The Beast in Me" provides significant development for Claire Russell, allowing players to understand her motivations and influence her ultimate fate.
Gameplay Variety: The quest combines racing gameplay with narrative choices, offering a diverse and engaging experience.
Moral Ambiguity: The quest challenges players to confront difficult moral dilemmas, forcing them to question their own values and beliefs.
Multiple Endings: The player's choices have a significant impact on the quest's outcome, leading to different endings and consequences.

Potential Risks

While "The Beast in Me" offers a rich and rewarding experience, it also carries potential risks:

Emotional Toll: The quest deals with heavy themes and can be emotionally draining for some players.
Relationship Impact: Depending on your choices, your relationship with Claire Russell can be significantly affected.
Missed Opportunities: Certain choices can lock you out of specific endings or rewards.

How-To: Navigating the Questline

Here's a breakdown of the quest stages and how to navigate them:

Meet Claire at the Afterlife: Initiate the quest by speaking with Claire Russell at the Afterlife bar. She will explain her plan to enter the racing circuit and ask for your help.
Participate in the Races:
- The City Center Race: The first race takes place in City Center. Focus on mastering the track and avoiding collisions.
- The Badlands Race: This race is set in the Badlands, requiring you to navigate rough terrain and watch out for environmental hazards.
- The Coastview Race: The Coastview race features tight corners and challenging turns, demanding precise driving skills.
Investigate Sampson's Involvement: After each race, gather information about Sampson, the racer Claire believes killed her husband. Pay attention to clues and dialogue options.
The Final Confrontation: The final race leads to a confrontation with Sampson. Here, you'll face a critical choice: allow Claire to take her revenge or intervene and seek a different outcome.

Examples & Use Cases: Outcomes and Consequences

"The Beast in Me" offers several possible outcomes, each with its own consequences:

Claire Takes Revenge: If you support Claire's desire for revenge, she will kill Sampson. This outcome may provide her with temporary satisfaction but leaves her haunted by her actions. V's relationship with Claire may become strained.
V Intervenes and Claire Forgives: If you convince Claire to spare Sampson, she may find peace and begin to heal. This outcome leads to a stronger bond between V and Claire, showcasing the potential for redemption and forgiveness.
Sampson Survives and Claire Moves On: In some variations, Sampson survives the encounter, leading Claire to confront her grief and seek closure. This outcome emphasizes the importance of moving on from the past and finding inner peace.

Best Practices & Common Mistakes

To make the most of "The Beast in Me" quest, consider these best practices:

Listen Carefully to Dialogue: Pay close attention to the conversations with Claire and other characters to gather valuable information and understand their motivations.
Explore All Dialogue Options: Experiment with different dialogue choices to uncover hidden clues and influence the quest's direction.
Upgrade Your Vehicle: Invest in vehicle upgrades to improve your racing performance and increase your chances of winning.
Practice Your Driving Skills: Familiarize yourself with the racing mechanics and practice your driving skills to master the tracks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Ignoring Clues: Neglecting to gather information and follow clues can lead to misunderstandings and poor decisions.
Making Hasty Choices: Avoid rushing into decisions without considering the potential consequences.
Disregarding Claire's Feelings: Failing to empathize with Claire's grief and desire for revenge can negatively impact your relationship with her.

FAQs

1. What is the best ending for "The Beast in Me"?

There's no single "best" ending, as it depends on your personal values and preferences. Some players prefer the revenge outcome, while others find the forgiveness ending more satisfying. — Park Slope Copy Center: Brooklyn's Printing Hub

2. Can I fail "The Beast in Me" quest?

Yes, it is possible to fail the quest if you make certain choices or perform poorly in the races.

3. How do I improve my racing skills in Cyberpunk 2077?

Practice is key. Experiment with different vehicles, upgrade their performance, and familiarize yourself with the tracks.

4. Does my relationship with Claire Russell affect the game's ending? — Longest Government Shutdown: Causes, Impact, And History

While it doesn't directly affect the main game ending, it does impact the outcome of "The Beast in Me" quest and your overall experience with the character.

5. What happens if I kill Sampson during the final race?

If you kill Sampson, Claire will be upset and the quest will fail. — Ecuador Vs Canada: A Head-to-Head Football Analysis

Conclusion

"The Beast in Me" stands out as a testament to Cyberpunk 2077's capacity for storytelling, with nuanced characters facing relatable struggles within the unique dystopian setting. Whether you choose the path of vengeance or forgiveness, the impact of this quest will linger long after the race is over. Dive into Night City and experience this thrilling and thought-provoking questline. Now, begin your journey into Night City and may your choices reflect your values!

Last updated: October 26, 2023, 07:53 UTC