The Ultimate Game-Changer in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty Revealed! Uncovering the True Costs

Warning: This article contains major spoilers for the game Phantom Liberty. In open-world RPGs, player choice is often crucial, and this holds true for Cyberpunk 2077. The main storyline revolves around the protagonist, V, and the Relic biochip, which is slowly killing them. Many of the game's endings are determined by V's choices regarding their fate. Although the original game did not offer an ending where the chip could be removed, the DLC expansion Phantom Liberty introduces one after three years.

In Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, players become involved with a group of FIA agents who have a complicated history filled with lies, betrayal, and personal connections. This leads to a conflict of interest with their assigned duties. Ultimately, the relationship between Songbird and Reed is put to the test as players are forced to choose between them to reach the conclusion. Furthermore, every subsequent choice made by the player also affects the overall outcome of the story.

The Impact of the Firestarter Quest in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty

The Firestarter quest in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty is a pivotal moment that often triggers significant anxiety for players. It marks the moment when the various story threads start converging, and players begin to feel the weight of their choices. The quest revolves around a rendezvous arranged by Songbird with Reed, V, and Alex to retrieve the AI neural matrix hidden by Kurt Hansen. However, the Firestarter quest offers the most significant decision in the game.

During the final stages of extracting the matrix, V faces a crucial choice between helping Songbird escape or assisting Reed. Both options have a profound impact on the outcome of the game. One choice leads to a high-stakes showdown between Songbird and Reed. In this scenario, V is forced to surrender So Mi or kill Reed. The other choice opens up a more extensive series of quests, where V can determine the fate of So Mi and confront the Blackwall. These quests shape the destinies of Reed, So Mi, and V as the story concludes.

Choosing Between Songbird and Reed in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty

Fans may find it challenging to choose between the two endings, considering the devastating consequences they each bring to the game. On the other hand, it's understandable if players have already made their decision, particularly due to the discussions about Songbird and Reed's troubled relationship as FIA agents throughout the game. However, deciding on the overall preferred ending is a difficult task as both options have their advantages and disadvantages. Interestingly, siding with Reed could be considered the "good" ending since it allows for the possibility of saving him and So Mi. Nevertheless, choosing to assist Songbird unlocks the exclusive new ending for Cyberpunk 2077 as a whole. Ultimately, the decision lies entirely in the hands of the player, regardless of how one perceives the situation.

The separation of the desired ending and the actual ending in Cyberpunk 2077's DLC aligns perfectly with the gritty nature of the Cyberpunk genre. Reflecting a dystopian world where even the President is not protected, the absence of an easy or "correct" choice emphasizes the morally ambiguous nature of CP2077's universe, which is also evident in the exclusive ending. In this ending, Phantom Liberty grants V the opportunity to remove the Relic chip, but at the cost of V's previous life, rendering their cyberware useless and forcing them to relearn basic motor skills due to neural damage. It presents a second chance, but compels players to reflect on whether the sacrifices made were worthwhile, resulting in a profound and impactful conclusion. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty is now available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.