The situation in Dogtown has worsened since V overthrew dictator Kurt Hansen in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. With no leader in place, it's inevitable that the strongest Barghest organizations will soon battle for dominance, resulting in Dogtown being consumed by violence and bloodshed.
However, before Dogtown spirals into chaos, Mr. Hands has devised a strategy to gain control of the district. He plans to ensure that the new leader, who will replace Kurt Hansen, is easily manipulated by him. This sets the stage for a political quest filled with espionage, deception, and quite possibly, a few murders along the way.
How to Start Run This Town
After completing Firestarter and its subsequent missions, players will receive a call from Mr. Hands upon their return to Dogtown. It is crucial that players kill Kurt Hansen during the Firestarter mission. If players choose to help Songbird, Kurt Hansen will be killed by Alex. However, if they decide to assist Reed, Kurt Hansen will become a boss and must be eliminated after his defeat. Failure to kill Kurt Hansen will prevent players from starting Run This Town.
After some time has passed, players will be welcomed back to Dogtown by Mr. Hands. In this phone call, he will request a face-to-face meeting with V, taking the opportunity to meet the masked man behind the holo-curtain once again.
Meet Mr. Hands
Players are presented with a choice on how to proceed after reaching Mr. Hands' private room at the Heavy Hearts club.
Count me in – Continue the quest as normal.
Plain sick of politics – The quest will fail and V can leave.
Upon receiving the mission from Mr. Hands, V will be furnished with the essential information and data by him in order to assume the identity of Aguilar, a notorious assassin from Havana. Known worldwide, Aguilar is likened to the Grim Reaper, as it is believed that he takes lives whenever a cigar is ignited in Havana. A coffee table will display replicas of Aguilar's gun, Mancinella, his suit, and the crucial Behavioral Imprint chip needed to transform into Aguilar. Once equipped with these items, players can then proceed with the quest.
The main objective of this mission, as requested by Mr. Hands, is for V to convince Jago to step back from his claim to become the leader of Dogtown. Mr. Hands prefers Bennett to undertake this role. However, it is essential that Jago surrenders peacefully, without any harm befalling the accountant, in order to achieve the optimal outcome.
Meet With Jago
After departing from the Heavy Hearts club, players should make their way to the designated meeting spot between Jago and the Voodoo Boys. Once there, they will come across a dilapidated cabin where they can enter and wait for the transformation into Aguilar. It is advisable to create a save file prior to this step, as saving is not an option while the Behavioral Imprint is active.
Once transformed into Aguilar, proceed along the path to locate the Voodoo Boys. The most seamless approach is to possess 20 Cool Attributes, which allows players to peacefully convince the Voodoo Boys to leave. Alternatively, players have the option to eliminate them all. Concerns about combat can be set aside, as Aguilar possesses a substantial amount of health and rapidly regenerates.
After handling the Voodoo Boys, players are required to find solace by resting against a solid rock while anticipating Jago's arrival in a heavily guarded vehicle. Upon Jago's exit from the sleek automobile, he is accompanied by his loyal guard, Charlie. Delving into a series of dialogue options, players are empowered to interact with Jago, leading to an array of potential outcomes:
When someone in Havana lights a cigar, resume a conversation with Jago to find out what happens. Do you value your life? In order to make Jago and Charlie back down and obtain critical information that Bennett is being controlled by Arasaka, you need to reach the maximum level of 20 Cool. This will unlock an optional objective.
You will resume your position – Charlie brandishes a firearm towards Aguilar, prompting V to swiftly pull the trigger. Jago retreats and discloses valuable information about Bennett.
You vanish indefinitely. Never to be located – The identical consequence unfolds. Charlie pulls out a gun and succumbs to V's fatal shot, while Jago divulges details about Bennett.
With Jago's departure, there are two options to consider. The first one is to contact Mr. Hands to ensure that Jago's absence won't pose any issues. Alternatively, players can opt to meet Bennett in the City Center located in the Downtown district. Considering the circumstances, pursuing the optional objective seems like a prudent decision.
Meet Lieutenant Bennett
Upon learning of Bennett's communication with Arasaka, V and Johnny agree that the world's most powerful megacorporation does not require additional influence, and it should steer clear of Dogtown. To proceed, players must journey to the Downtown district within the City Center to rendezvous with Bennett. Eliminating his guard is the initial step, which can be effortlessly accomplished by stealthily hugging the left wall and ambushing him from behind. Safely dispose of the guard's body by discreetly disposing of it in a nearby garbage bin. Subsequently, players are instructed to await Bennett's arrival in his vehicle to advance further in this gripping espionage mission.
From here, they can talk to Bennett, and they will have two dialogue options to choose from:
Once Jago is no longer a problem, Bennett will gladly opt out of any dealings with Arasaka, allowing you to forget about them entirely.
Attend Kurt Hansen’s Wake
After Bennett's retreat, deactivate the Behavioral Imprint and proceed to contact Mr. Hands, who will assign V with their subsequent directive. This entails V traveling to the Black Sapphire located in Dogtown to partake in Hansen's memorial service as Aguilar, in order to directly observe the exchange of authority between Jago and Bennett.Arriving at the Black Sapphire, players must once again transform into Aguilar by locating a secluded corner hidden beneath scaffolding. Now that the transformation is complete, they are granted access to the Black Sapphire. With the elevator taking them to Floor 99, players will encounter Jago, who will guide them to Bennett and Kurt Hansen's burial chamber. It is here that the trio engage in a conversation about leadership and the future of Dogtown, leading to three potential outcomes. The pivotal moment occurs when Bennett demands Jago hand over his contacts.
Outcome 1: Jago is Killed, Bennet Rules Dogtown
No, Bennett, there won't be a new toy for you. – Bennett's fury intensifies, and he vows to unleash his might upon Jago and his soldiers unless the players reveal their weapons. Once Jago is vanquished, Bennett claims complete dominion over Dogtown, with no adversary to restrain his authority.
Outcome 2: Kill Bennett, Jago Rules Dogtown
Jago will need to pay a fair price for his actions. He must provide Bennett with the data on his secret contacts within the NCPD. Once Jago fulfills this task, Bennett will execute Jago's men and hold a gun to Jago's head. In all scenarios, Bennett will kill Jago unless the players possess a Reflex level of 15 or higher. If players meet this requirement, they have the option to shoot Bennett, resulting in his death, and allowing Jago to establish control over Dogtown. By looting Bennett's body, players will find a Confidential shard labeled with the name Susan A, who has demanded Jago's contacts and his demise.
Outcome 3: Bennett Rules Dogtown With Jago By His Side
Show your weapon | Are you really willing to unleash mayhem on Dogtown? – Bennett and Jago come to understand the immense power Havana possesses as well as the danger that lurks in Aguilar's every word. In light of this, they will form a partnership, resulting in prosperity for Dogtown as they gain a new leader and an accountant to rely on.
Should You Choose Jago or Bennet to Rule Dogtown?
To ensure both payment and lore considerations, it is crucial for Bennett to maintain his rule over Dogtown, with Jago as his trusted companion. Without Jago, Bennett's authority would go unchallenged, resulting in a deteriorating leadership for Dogtown. The absence of Jago's intelligence and guidance would lead to rampant violence in the streets, plunging Dogtown into chaos. However, with Jago by Bennett's side, he can earn the respect of the people and benefit from Jago's advisory role. Together, they can maintain control over Dogtown's finances, allowing them to thrive as a cohesive team and potentially surpass the achievements of Kurt Hansen.
Call Mr. Hands
After resolving the situation in the Black Sapphire, it is time to depart and switch back from the Aguilar persona. Players can bid farewell to Aguilar and contact Mr. Hands to inform him about the positive or negative developments concerning the new Dogtown leader. Mr. Hands will only be pleased if Bennett assumes leadership and if Jago is alive. The rewards for each outcome in Run This Town are as follows:
- If Bennett becomes the ruler of Dogtown, Mr. Hands will be satisfied and grant V 10,000 Eurodollars.
Jago reigns over Dogtown while Mr. Hands expresses great discontent and presents V with 8,000 Eurodollars.
Following this conversation, the task is completed, and individuals have the option to embrace a new beginning for Dogtown or make a swift exit.
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty is out now for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.