Decoding the Fates: A Deep Dive into the Phantom Liberty Endings
The Phantom Liberty expansion for Cyberpunk 2077 throws players headfirst into a web of intrigue, loyalty, and impossible choices within the walled city of Dogtown. Ultimately, the expansion concludes with branching narratives that hinge on your decisions regarding Solomon Reed and Song So Mi (Songbird). The consequences ripple outwards, affecting V’s fate, Johnny Silverhand’s existence, and the power dynamics of Night City. The primary outcomes involve siding with either Reed or Songbird, each leading to different immediate results and impacting V’s potential cure. One outcome even adds a brand new ending to the base game itself. Let’s break down what actually happens in each potential ending.
The Endings Explained
Each ending path in Phantom Liberty has significant ramifications.
1. The Cure – “The Tower” Ending (New Main Game Ending)
This is arguably the most significant outcome, as it adds a brand new ending to the base Cyberpunk 2077 game. By siding with Solomon Reed and handing over Songbird to the NUSA (New United States of America), you unlock the “The Tower” ending. Reed contacts V after roughly 24 in-game hours. You undergo a special neural matrix surgery to remove the Relic and sever your connection to Johnny Silverhand. This cures V, allowing them to live a normal life, but at a steep price. Due to being in a coma for two years, V loses all of their contacts and reputation. They become a nobody, left to grapple with the aftermath of their choices.
2. Killing Reed and Saving Songbird – “King of Wands”
Choosing to help Songbird escape and killing Solomon Reed leads to another complex outcome. V successfully smuggles Songbird onto a shuttle headed for the moon, where she hopes to find a cure. However, her ultimate fate is left ambiguous, as the Blackwall’s influence remains a constant threat. V is left alive, but facing the original problem of the Relic and Johnny Silverhand’s looming presence.
3. Handing Songbird Over to Reed – “The Killing Moon”
This option also involves siding with Solomon Reed. However, instead of the “The Tower” ending, it culminates in handing Songbird over to Reed on the moon. Reed is visibly shaken, understanding that the NUSA‘s intentions for Songbird may not be benevolent. V is left with the feeling of betrayal, even if they believed they were doing the right thing.
4. Killing Songbird – “Firestarter” (The Unnamed Early Ending)
During the “Firestarter” mission, you have the opportunity to kill Songbird outright. If you choose this path, the NUSA wins, and the story effectively ends relatively early in the expansion. This cuts off access to some of the later content and potential resolutions, considered a shortcut to a definitive end.
5. Letting Reed Kill Songbird
The “Firestarter” mission allows for another decision. If you choose to let Reed kill Songbird when prompted, the events play out without V directly taking her life. V still has to fight Hansen and ultimately escapes Dogtown with Reed after Songbird’s demise.
FAQs: Navigating the Murky Waters of Phantom Liberty’s Endings
1. Does Phantom Liberty have a secret ending?
Yes, the ending that grants V a new main game ending, where V sides with Reed and receives the neural matrix surgery, can be considered a “secret” ending since it unlocks a new path in the original game and isn’t explicitly advertised.
2. Can you play Phantom Liberty after beating the main game?
Yes, you can start Phantom Liberty after finishing the main story. The game will load you back to before the final mission, allowing you to access Dogtown.
3. Does V survive in all Phantom Liberty endings?
Not definitively. While most endings leave V alive, the “Tower” ending results in V losing their entire life, including their friends, connections, and job.
4. Can Johnny Silverhand be saved in Phantom Liberty?
The expansion’s main focus is V’s potential cure, not Johnny’s salvation. The “Tower” ending removes Johnny entirely, while other endings leave him in the same precarious situation as before the expansion.
5. What is considered the “best” Phantom Liberty ending?
This is subjective. The “King of Wands” ending, where V saves Songbird, aligns with some players’ preference for loyalty and defiance against powerful institutions. However, the “Tower” ending offers V a chance at a normal life, albeit at a great cost. Ultimately, the best ending depends on your personal values and what you consider most important for V.
6. How many endings does Phantom Liberty add to the base game?
Phantom Liberty adds one new ending to the base game. This is the “Tower” ending.
7. Can Alex survive Phantom Liberty?
Yes, Alex can survive. You need to side with Songbird during the “Firestarter” mission. If you side with Reed, Hansen will kill Alex.
8. What happens to Songbird after Phantom Liberty?
Songbird’s fate is uncertain. In the endings where she is handed over to the NUSA, her future is likely one of continued exploitation. If she escapes to the moon, her prospects are similarly bleak.
9. How far into Cyberpunk 2077 do I need to be to start Phantom Liberty?
You need to have completed the “Transmission” quest in Act 2 of the main story. This usually occurs after roughly 20 hours of gameplay.
10. Does Phantom Liberty add new romance options?
No, Phantom Liberty does not introduce any new romance options. However, existing romantic relationships with Judy, Panam, Kerry, and River are expanded upon with new dialogue and cutscenes.
11. Should I finish Cyberpunk 2077 before playing Phantom Liberty?
You don’t need to finish the main story before starting Phantom Liberty. However, experiencing the base game first will provide crucial context and emotional investment in V’s character and motivations.
12. Why does Songbird want to go to the moon?
Songbird believes that a cure for her condition, caused by her connection to the Blackwall, may be found on the moon.
13. How long do I have to wait for Reed to contact me?
After the Killing Moon, you typically have to wait around 24 in-game hours for Reed to contact you about the neural matrix surgery.
14. What impact does V’s relationship with Johnny Silverhand have on the endings?
While V’s relationship with Johnny doesn’t directly alter the availability of the Phantom Liberty endings, it does impact the emotional weight and the dialogue options available. A stronger bond with Johnny can lead to different perspectives and decision-making processes.
15. Are there any overarching themes that connect all the Phantom Liberty endings?
Yes, the themes of sacrifice, betrayal, and the illusion of choice permeate all the endings. Each outcome forces V to confront the consequences of their actions and the moral ambiguities of the Cyberpunk world. The expansion underscores that there are rarely easy answers, and every choice comes with a cost. To further explore the narrative design and learning elements within games like Cyberpunk 2077, consider visiting the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The choices, consequences, and complex narratives offer rich learning opportunities about decision-making, morality, and the human condition.