Songbird or Reed: Navigating the Treacherous Choices of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty

The question that haunts every Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty player: who do you betray, Songbird or Reed? The answer, frustratingly, is that there isn’t a definitively “right” choice. It depends entirely on what you value most: V’s potential cure, Songbird’s freedom, the stability of the NUSA, or your own personal moral code. Both paths offer compelling narratives, unique rewards, and devastating consequences. Ultimately, the “best” decision is the one that resonates most deeply with your V’s story.

Before delving into the specifics, let’s establish a crucial point: Phantom Liberty thrives on moral ambiguity. There are no heroes and villains, only flawed characters making difficult choices in a nightmarish world. Each path leads to significant loss and lasting repercussions.

Understanding the Stakes

The core conflict revolves around Songbird (So Mi), a brilliant netrunner with immense power tied to the Blackwall, and Reed, a hardened FIA agent loyal to the New United States of America (NUSA). Songbird promises V a cure for the Relic in exchange for helping her escape the control of President Myers and the FIA. Reed, on the other hand, seeks to bring Songbird back into the fold, believing she is vital to national security and potentially unstable.

Siding with Songbird prioritizes her liberation. The narrative focuses on V and Songbird forging a bond, fighting against overwhelming odds to get her off-planet. The cost, however, can be high: Reed may die, and V might forfeit their chance at a cure, at least temporarily. This path leads to a more optimistic ending for Songbird, but a potentially bleak one for V.

Siding with Reed aligns V with the NUSA and the promise of a potential cure. This path emphasizes duty, sacrifice, and the cold calculus of national security. However, it necessitates betraying Songbird, potentially condemning her to a life of imprisonment and exploitation. This path focuses more on political intrigue and the ethical dilemmas of serving a powerful, often ruthless, government.

The Songbird Path: Freedom at a Price

Choosing Songbird means helping her escape to the moon, where she hopes to find a permanent solution to her own deteriorating condition. This involves a series of intense missions culminating in a desperate struggle to reach the spaceport.

Pros:

• Songbird’s Freedom: This is the primary motivator for many players. Seeing her escape her torment offers a sense of closure and accomplishment.
• Unique Loot: The Songbird path rewards you with unique weapons and cyberware that can significantly enhance your gameplay.
• Moral Ambiguity: This path forces you to confront the ethical implications of your actions. You must decide if Songbird’s freedom is worth the potential consequences.

Cons:

• Loss of Cure: This is the most significant drawback. Choosing Songbird often means sacrificing V’s chance at a cure, at least in the short term.
• Reed’s Death: In some variations of this path, Reed is killed, either directly by V or indirectly as a result of your actions.
• Unsatisfying Ending: Some players find the Songbird ending unsatisfying because it doesn’t provide a resolution to V’s core problem with the Relic, and you never discover what happens with Songbird.
• Limited Base Game Impact: The Songbird ending doesn’t change the core game of Cyberpunk 2077.

The Reed Path: Duty and Sacrifice

Choosing Reed means siding with the FIA and helping them capture Songbird. This path is filled with political maneuvering, difficult choices, and the understanding that sometimes, the greater good requires personal sacrifice.

Pros:

• Potential Cure: While not guaranteed, siding with Reed offers V the best chance at obtaining a cure for the Relic.
• NUSA’s Support: You gain the backing of a powerful organization, which can open up new opportunities and resources.
• Intriguing Narrative: The Reed path delves deeper into the political machinations of the NUSA and the complexities of espionage.

Cons:

• Songbird’s Betrayal: Betraying Songbird is a difficult moral choice. You are essentially condemning her to a life of imprisonment or worse.
• Bleak Outcome: The Reed path can lead to a bleak and depressing ending, with little hope for a positive resolution for anyone involved.
• Moral Compromise: You must be willing to compromise your own values and make ethically questionable decisions to succeed on this path.

Considering Your V’s Personality

The most important factor in deciding who to betray is your V’s personality and motivations. Have you role-played a ruthless mercenary who prioritizes survival above all else? Or a compassionate individual who seeks to help those in need? Your V’s pre-established values should guide your decision.

A Pragmatic V: If your V is primarily concerned with finding a cure and surviving, siding with Reed might be the more logical choice, despite the moral implications.

An Empathetic V: If your V values compassion and is willing to risk their own life to help others, siding with Songbird might be the more appealing option.

Beyond the Binary: The “Good” Ending

Some players argue that there’s a “good” ending that involves a specific choice within the Songbird path. This typically involves helping Songbird escape but making a specific decision at the end, sometimes related to “mercy killing” her. This ending offers a sense of closure and allows you to make a final, impactful decision regarding her fate.

The Importance of Multiple Playthroughs

Phantom Liberty is designed to be experienced multiple times. Each playthrough offers a different perspective on the events and characters, revealing new layers of complexity and nuance. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different choices and see how they impact the story.

Conclusion: Your Cyberpunk Legacy

Ultimately, the choice of whom to betray – Songbird or Reed – is a deeply personal one. There is no right or wrong answer, only different paths with varying consequences. Consider your V’s personality, your own moral compass, and the potential outcomes of each decision. Embrace the ambiguity and allow the story to unfold in a way that resonates with you. Your choices will shape your Cyberpunk legacy.

And if you want to delve deeper into the design and impact of games like Cyberpunk 2077, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the complexities of the Songbird vs. Reed dilemma:

1. Is Songbird lying to V?

Yes. Songbird is demonstrably deceitful. She withholds crucial information and outright lies to V throughout the Phantom Liberty expansion.

2. Does siding with Songbird guarantee a cure for V?

No. Siding with Songbird does not guarantee a cure. In fact, it often leads to V sacrificing their chance at a cure in the short term.

3. Does siding with Reed guarantee a cure for V?

No. Siding with Reed doesn’t guarantee a cure either. It offers a potential cure through the FIA, but the process is not guaranteed and may have unforeseen consequences.

4. Can you save both Songbird and Reed?

No, you cannot save both Songbird and Reed in all scenarios. The core narrative forces you to choose between their competing interests, and at least one of them usually dies or suffers greatly. There are some variations depending on your choices.

5. Is Songbird a cyberpsycho?

The game hints at Songbird’s increasing cyberpsychosis due to her connection to the Blackwall and her deteriorating mental state. Her actions become more erratic and destructive as the story progresses.

6. What are the unique rewards for siding with Songbird?

Siding with Songbird grants you unique weapons, cyberware, and access to certain areas. These rewards can significantly impact your gameplay style and offer tactical advantages.

7. What are the unique rewards for siding with Reed?

Siding with Reed offers access to NUSA resources, potential rewards from the FIA, and a unique ending sequence.

8. Does the ending choice affect the base game of Cyberpunk 2077?

Mostly no. The Phantom Liberty endings provide alternative endings to V’s story.

9. Is Reed a “good” guy?

Reed is not inherently “good.” He is a pragmatic operative who believes in the NUSA’s ideals. He is willing to do whatever it takes to protect his country, even if it means making morally questionable decisions.

10. Is Songbird a “bad” guy?

Songbird is also not inherently “bad.” She is desperate to escape her predicament and is willing to manipulate and deceive others to achieve her goals. She’s a survivor, not a saint.

11. What happens if you kill Reed?

Killing Reed will save Songbird (assuming you are on that path).

12. What is the “King of Wands” ending?

The “King of Wands” ending typically refers to the scenario where you side with Songbird and take specific actions to ensure her escape. The specifics can vary.

13. Should I trust Songbird?

You should not blindly trust Songbird. She is manipulative and self-serving. Approach her with caution and be aware of her potential motives.

14. What are the moral implications of handing over Songbird?

Handing over Songbird is a morally complex decision. It condemns her to a life of imprisonment and exploitation.

15. What happens to Songbird if you hand her over to Reed?

The ending can vary depending on your choices, with the best case scenario being treatment for her and V.

This exploration of the Songbird vs. Reed dilemma offers a deeper understanding of the choices players face in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. Remember to approach the game with a critical eye, consider your V’s motivations, and embrace the ambiguity that makes the narrative so compelling.