Can You Go To The Moon In Phantom Liberty? Unveiling the Lunar Mysteries
No, you, the player, cannot physically travel to the moon in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. While the expansion deals heavily with themes of space, transhumanism, and broken dreams orbiting around lunar ambitions, your character V remains grounded on Earth (or, more accurately, Night City). However, the story intricately involves the concept of sending Songbird to the moon in hopes of finding a cure for her condition, and this narrative thread shapes one of the expansion’s core endings. The idea of lunar escape and potential salvation looms large, even if the actual gameplay doesn’t involve astronaut training.
Exploring the Lunar Narrative in Phantom Liberty
The Phantom Liberty DLC delves into the complex relationship between V, Songbird, and the machinations of the NUSA (New United States of America). Songbird, a powerful netrunner connected to the Blackwall, holds the key to a potential cure for V’s Relic malfunction. Her dreams, however, are intertwined with a desperate wish to escape her exploitative situation and seek refuge on the moon.
This lunar aspiration isn’t merely symbolic; it’s presented as a tangible goal, driven by the belief that advanced medical technologies or a different environment on the moon could offer Songbird a chance at survival. V’s choices throughout the Phantom Liberty storyline directly impact whether this dream becomes a reality, and if so, at what cost.
The Killing Moon: A Pivotal Decision
The mission “The Killing Moon” represents a critical juncture in the DLC. Depending on your earlier choices, you may find yourself tasked with either helping Songbird escape to the moon or handing her over to Reed and the NUSA. This decision has profound consequences for all involved:
- Helping Songbird Escape: This path involves navigating the treacherous NCX (Night City International and Translunar Spaceport) and facing opposition from both Militech and the NUSA. Successfully launching Songbird towards the moon becomes the immediate objective, driven by a desire to fulfill her wish for escape.
- Handing Songbird Over: This choice aligns V with Reed and the NUSA, potentially leading to a cure for V, but at the expense of Songbird’s freedom and potentially her life. It represents a betrayal of Songbird’s trust and a commitment to the established power structures.
The Endings and Their Lunar Connection
Phantom Liberty features multiple endings, each shaped by the choices you make throughout the story. The “lunar ending” where Songbird is sent to the moon is just one possibility. Other endings may involve:
- Songbird being handed over to the NUSA and undergoing a different form of treatment.
- Songbird dying as a result of the Blackwall’s influence or the NUSA’s experiments.
- V receiving a potential cure from the NUSA in exchange for their cooperation.
Regardless of the specific outcome, the lunar theme permeates the narrative, serving as a potent symbol of hope, escape, and the relentless pursuit of survival in the dystopian world of Cyberpunk 2077. The game uses this lunar element to explore themes such as player agency and the consequences of decisions, similar to many other digital games. The Games Learning Society explores how games can contribute to knowledge-building and literacy. You can find more information about this at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Phantom Liberty: A New Perspective on V’s Fate
While Phantom Liberty doesn’t allow you to personally walk on the moon’s surface, it significantly expands the narrative possibilities for V. Depending on the ending you achieve, you may find yourself:
- Grappling with the moral implications of your choices.
- Seeking a cure for your condition through new avenues.
- Re-evaluating your relationships with key characters like Johnny Silverhand and Reed.
The DLC’s ending can also unlock a new ending for the base game of Cyberpunk 2077, adding another layer of complexity to V’s already uncertain future. Phantom Liberty ultimately offers a compelling exploration of hope and despair, framed by the allure and impossibility of reaching for the stars.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Phantom Liberty and the Moon
Here are some frequently asked questions about the possibility of going to the moon in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty and related aspects of the DLC:
1. Can V travel to the moon in any way during Phantom Liberty?
No, V cannot physically travel to the moon during the events of Phantom Liberty. The DLC focuses on helping or hindering Songbird’s potential journey to the moon, not V’s.
2. What is the significance of the moon in the Phantom Liberty storyline?
The moon represents a symbol of hope, escape, and the possibility of finding a cure for Songbird’s condition. It embodies the idea of transcending the limitations of Night City and reaching for a better future.
3. How many endings are influenced by the decision to send Songbird to the moon?
The decision to help Songbird influences one of the core endings of Phantom Liberty. This impacts your relationship with other characters and your own journey.
4. Does Songbird contact V after she’s sent to the moon?
Yes, if you send Songbird to the moon, she will send V a message a few days later. In this message, she will reference souvenirs and that she made it to the moon.
5. Does siding with Songbird guarantee her escape to the moon?
No, siding with Songbird initially doesn’t automatically guarantee her escape. The actual outcome depends on your actions during the “The Killing Moon” mission and the choices you make at the spaceport.
6. What happens to Reed if V helps Songbird escape to the moon?
If V helps Songbird escape and then kills Reed, he dies. This is a consequence of siding with Songbird.
7. Does Phantom Liberty add new areas to explore beyond Dogtown?
No, Phantom Liberty’s main explorable area is Dogtown, a walled-off district within Night City. While the story touches upon the NCX spaceport, the game does not allow exploration of the moon.
8. How does my choice regarding Songbird affect the base game ending of Cyberpunk 2077?
Depending on your choices in Phantom Liberty, you can unlock a new ending for the base game.
9. Is Songbird a robot or an AI?
Songbird is a human netrunner with extensive cybernetic enhancements and a deep connection to the Blackwall. She is not a robot or purely an AI.
10. What level should I be to start Phantom Liberty?
It is best to start Phantom Liberty after completing the “Transmission” quest in Pacifica and when your level is appropriate for engaging in combat within Dogtown. A level between 20 and 30 is usually appropriate.
11. Can V keep his body in the end if they do the Phantom Liberty endings?
Your choices in the base game still determine whether or not V is able to keep his body in the end.
12. Is trusting Reed a better option than trusting Songbird?
Whether trusting Reed or Songbird is “better” is a matter of personal choice and moral alignment. Both characters have their own agendas and motivations, and neither is entirely trustworthy.
13. If I help Songbird escape to the moon, do I still have a chance at a cure for V?
Helping Songbird escape may close off certain avenues for a cure that are offered by the NUSA, but it doesn’t necessarily eliminate all possibilities. The game still offers some hope for V’s survival.
14. How does Phantom Liberty contribute to the themes explored in the original Cyberpunk 2077?
Phantom Liberty reinforces the themes of corporate exploitation, transhumanism, and the struggle for survival in a dystopian world. It adds a layer of political intrigue and moral ambiguity to the existing narrative.
15. What are the most important factors in determining the Phantom Liberty ending I receive?
The most important factors are your choices during key missions like “Firestarter,” “The Killing Moon,” and the final confrontation at the spaceport. Your alignment with either Songbird or Reed will heavily influence the outcome.
Cyberpunk 2077’s universe remains fascinating with its many endings and choices, whether one can reach the moon or not.