Summary

• The Zen Master in Cyberpunk 2077 is speculated to be either Rache Bartmoss, a rogue wellness AI, or part of V's consciousness.
• The Zen Master disappears after guiding V through braindances, leaving players to theorize about their true identity.
• Despite conflicting evidence, the Zen Master's identity remains a mystery, possibly reserved for the sequel, adding to the game's intrigue.

In the Side Job "Imagine" in Cyberpunk 2077, V encounters a mysterious monk called Zen Master who offers to heal them through the power of a meditative braindance. Once the braindance has finished, the Zen Master disappears completely, leaving V more than a little confused. However, V can encounter the Zen Master three more times in the Side Jobs "Stairway To Heaven", "Poem Of The Atoms", and "Meetings Along The Edge".

Each time V encounters the Zen Master, they help them with another meditative braindance before mysteriously vanishing. The final interaction with the Zen Master sees them disappear forever, making them yet another aspect of Cyberpunk 2077 that makes no sense. However, there are plenty of theories surrounding who the Zen Master could be, several of which are very compelling.

The Zen Master In Cyberpunk 2077 Is Rache Bartmoss

The Legendary Netrunner Has Taken The Form Of The Zen Master

Perhaps the most compelling theory surrounding the identity of the Zen Master in Cyberpunk 2077 is that they are Rache Bartmoss, the legendary netrunner. Bartmoss is best known for creating the Demon program series, and for his involvement in the Fourth Corporate War against Arasaka. He is largely regarded as being one of the best netrunners of all time, and was reportedly killed in both 2020 when his physical body died, and in 2022 when he was tracked in the net and wiped out.

The theory that Bartmoss is somehow the Zen Master stems from Maximum Mike, the host of 107.3 Morro Rock Radio. Mike states that he's "been hearing about this monk that’s been walking around Night City’s streets healing the sick, but only those he deems worthy," and that some of his listeners "seem convinced that it’s none other than Rache Bartmoss." However, keen-eyed players would know that this is practically impossible, as Bartmoss' body is found very much dead in a freezer in one of Cyberpunk 2077's best Side Jobs "Kold Mirage", with Johnny instantly confirming that it is him.

Nevertheless, Bartmoss could be the Zen Master as his s with Spider Murphy and Alt Cunningham would have given him access to the Soulkiller, allowing him to his consciousness to the net before taking physical form as a wandering monk. While this is just a theory, as most believe Bartmoss to be truly dead, the monk's eyes glow blue when transferring money, implying he is more than a typical monk, as monks never install cyberware. However, it’s unlikely the greatest netrunner is spending his days as a monk, especially when he could be taking down the corporations he hates.

Cyberpunk 2077's Zen Master Could Be A Rogue AI

The Zen Master Could Be A Wellness AI Gone Rogue

One possible theory surrounding the Zen Master's true identity is that he is in fact a rogue wellness AI. It's common knowledge that in Cyberpunk 2077 there are lots of AIs roaming the net causing havoc, and it's possible that the Zen Master, or at least his human form, is a host for one of those AIs. This AI could be one that was designed to help others with their health and wellbeing, which would explain why the Zen Master is helping V with their mental struggles.

However, this doesn't explain why the Zen Master seemingly knows so much about Johnny Silverhand or the fact that he's trapped in V's head. It also doesn't really explain why the Zen Master would only help those he deems worthy, as an AI dedicated to helping others would surely assist everyone. Much like the many secrets of Cyberpunk 2077, there's a lot of conflicting evidence that makes things a lot more complex.

It is also possible that the Zen Master is part of the "blue-eyed people", the nefarious and mysterious organization that is secretly controlling governments and society from the shadows. V first encounters them during the Cyberpunk 2077 mission "Dream On", and can even meet Mr. Blue Eyes, who seems to be behind the group. While there's nothing strictly pointing to the Zen Master being a part of this group, his ability to appear and disappear at will, as well as the fact that he's going around showing mysterious braindances to people, certainly makes him a prime candidate for the organization.

The Zen Master Is Part Of V's Consciousness

V Is Just Imagining The Zen Master

Another possible theory for the Zen Master's identity in Cyberpunk 2077 is that he is merely a figment of V's imagination, either part of his general psychosis or some form of cyberpsychosis. The first clue that points to this being true is that Johnny cannot see the Zen Master, as he gets confused when V brings him up. If the Zen Master is a part of V's imagination, then it makes sense that Johnny wouldn't see him.

Additionally, the Zen Master frequently references the lyrics to Samurai songs, which would be floating around in V's head thanks to Johnny Silverhand, and he is also aware of V's impending doom. Knowing all of this, that Johnny is in V's head and that V is dying, would only be possible if the Zen Master was part of V. However, naturally, there's a lot disproving this, like how the GLaDOS Delamain car is also aware of V's impending doom.

During the end of the final Zen Master mission in Cyberpunk 2077, V will tell Johnny how the monk had helped him, to which Johnny will respond "the f**k are you talking about?" It's made clear here that Johnny has no idea who the Zen Master is, implying that he couldn't see him this whole time.

Additionally, if players head to Misty's computer in Cyberpunk 2077 and read the note regarding the Zen Master, they'll discover that not only has Misty's friend also seen the Zen Master, but so too has another of their friends. Finally, Maximum Mike also mentions that his fans have brought up the Zen Master, implying that at the very least dozens of people are aware of him. This definitively proves that the Zen Master cannot be a figment of V's imagination, or as a result of his cyberpsychosis.

The Zen Master's Identity Is A True Mystery In Cyberpunk 2077

Maybe The Zen Master's Identity Is Being Saved For The Sequel

The Zen Master's true identity remains a mystery in Cyberpunk 2077. While it's possible he is Rache Bartmoss or a rogue wellness AI or perhaps something else altogether, Cyberpunk 2077 does not give players the true answer. It's very likely that the Zen Master will be one of the many characters who could return in Cyberpunk 2077's sequel, with his identity finally being revealed.

For all fans know, the Zen Master could be one of the lizard men from Alpha Centauri that Garry the Prophet truly believes are real. For now, players will have to rest knowing that, in some small way, the Zen Master helped V partially overcome their mental struggles. The Zen Master is an enigma in Cyberpunk 2077, and in some ways, he is better off that way.