Summary

• Cyberpunk 2077 contains hidden graffiti that references the downfall of V's friend.
• The graffiti can be seen as a loving memorial, considering its location in neighborhoods associated with the gang he belonged to and his friendly relationships with Valentino .
• However, it could also reflect anger, jealousy, and regret.

A hidden detail in Night City also has a lot of lore, outlining its politics, geography, and of course, its gangs, mercs, and police, in great detail.

[Warning: This article contains spoilers for the Cyberpunk 2077 job “The Heist.”]

V is a true cosmopolitan, working with different fixers and gangs as suits their needs. They may pick up a gig for Wakako and the Tyger Claws in the morning, then take on a job from Regina Jones and the ND at night. It's good business, and an easy way to get their name out in the world. While they're never really a member of any one family, V does call one or two people their closest allies. And when those allies don't make it, it's nice to know they're memorialized by those who them - or are they?

Cyberpunk Graffiti References Jackie Welles

A bit of street art seen in Cyberpunk 2077 references the downfall of V's friend Jackie Welles, but just what kind of attitude it takes toward him isn't immediately clear. The graffiti reads, "Pinche Jackie Welles se lio con la plebe equivocada." There are various ways to interpret this, but a direct English translation would read something like, "F***ing Jackie Welles got involved with the wrong crowd."

The graffiti can be found throughout Jackie's home turf, especially Heywood and The Glen, after completing "The Heist," the early game mission in which V and Jackie steal a Relic from Arasaka Tower. After reaching Yorinobu Arasaka's penthouse, and bearing witness as the corporate heir murders his father, the two stage a daring escape. However, Jackie is fatally wounded and the Relic's container is damaged in the process. In his final moments, Jackie slots the Relic into V's socket, ensuring that their job is completed and securing himself a place in Night City history.

The easiest landmark where the Jackie graffiti can be found is at El Pinche Pollo restaurant in The Glen, also the site of the side gig "The Fifth Column."

What ensues depends on what V decides to do with Jackie's body. They can send it back to Jackie's family, which unlocks a sorrowful mission called "Heroes" in which V pays tribute at Jackie's funeral. They can also send it to ripperdoc Vik, after which it'll be stolen by Arasaka operatives. But regardless, word of Jackie's ing spreads quickly through Night City, and before long, graffiti starts cropping up everywhere.

What The Jackie Welles Graffiti Actually Means

The graffiti can be interpreted either as pro- or anti-Jackie, depending on how it's read. "Pinche" is a common insult in many North and Central American, Spanish-speaking countries. It could be read as a taunt or an onishment, scolding Jackie for the poor life choices that led to his death.

Despite the phrasing, it can be read as a loving tribute to a fallen friend. The graffiti is located primarily in neighborhoods run by the Valentinos, the gang to which Jackie belonged before going independent. Despite parting ways with the Valentinos, Jackie maintains a friendly relationship with many of its ; a few of them even show up to his funeral, and share a drink with V. The messages may have been left by one of his old friends, to inform those unaware of his ing and keep his name alive.

And while "pinche" is undeniably a dirty word, it's not always meant as an insult. It may even be used as a term of endearment between close friends. In that case, the second half of the inscription, about Jackie falling in with the wrong crowd, takes on a regretful tone. If Jackie had stayed with his friends in the old neighborhood, stuck with his friends in the Valentinos, things might be different.

The other question, then: who makes up the wrong crowd, "la plebe equivocada," that Jackie fell in with? This could be a reference to Dexter DeShawn and Evelyn Parker, the well-known fixer who set Jackie and V up with the Arasaka job and his client, respectively. While not directly responsible for Jackie's death, Dexter and Evelyn bear some of the weight. The Valentinos, with their ear to the ground when it comes to extralegal activity in Night City, might've heard of their involvement. The message could also refer to Jackie's girlfriend Misty, whom some of his family disapproved of.

And of course, it can't be disregarded that "the wrong crowd" Jackie fell in with could be V. While the Valentinos sympathize and socialize with V at Jackie's funeral, they're just being friendly as they mourn a mutual friend. The next time they meet, they see V as a potential threat. Jackie's former associates watched him leave the gang behind, only to turn back to a life of crime with V. There may be a hint of jealousy there, and that may be reflected in the graffiti plastered throughout Night City.

How V Can Memorialize Jackie In Cyberpunk

But regardless of how others feel, V can pay tribute to Jackie in their own way. First, if they unlock the job "Heroes" after sending Jackie's body back to his family, they can attend his funeral. Jackie's mother asks V to leave an ofrenda - an offering - on an altar dedicated to Jackie. For a bonus scene, V should involve Misty in the process of choosing an ofrenda, and encourage her to come to the funeral. They can then defend her in front of Mamá Welles, and the two women will make up.

V can select any item they like from Jackie's garage nearby: things like a picture of his family, a bottle of tequila, or a copy of For Whom the Bell Tolls. They can also select what they say as they deliver a eulogy, and speak to some of the other mourners before Mamá Welles gives them the key to Jackie's motorcycle.

Afterward, V can travel back to the Afterlife, the bar where they share a drink with Jackie before embarking on their Arasaka heist. Cocktails at the Afterlife are named after Night City icons, and V and Jackie fantasize about appearing on its menu one day. When V returns to the Afterlife after Jackie's death, they can fulfill that dream. Speak to the bartender, Claire - she'll Jackie's order, and officially add it to the menu as the Jackie Welles.

The Jackie Welles contains vodka on the rocks, ginger beer, lime juice, and "a splash of love," making it similar to a Moscow Mule.

No matter what the graffiti means, it's clear that Jackie's absence from Night City is felt, and that the former Valentino is sorely missed. His death serves as something of a parable for those who knew him, a warning to know who one's friends are and avoid upsetting anyone at Arasaka. The realistic response to his loss helps immerse players further in the world of Cyberpunk 2077.