Who Should You Side With in Phantom Liberty? A Veteran’s Guide to a Difficult Choice

The million-dollar question plaguing every Cyberpunk 2077 player diving into the Phantom Liberty expansion: who should you side with? The seemingly simple answer is: there’s no definitively “right” choice. Both Songbird and Reed offer compelling motivations, and both paths lead to drastically different outcomes, impacting not just Dogtown, but V’s fate as well. The real answer lies in understanding their motivations, weighing the consequences, and aligning your decision with your V’s personal narrative and values.

Understanding the Stakes

Before diving into the specifics, it’s crucial to understand what’s actually at stake. You are being forced to play a dangerous game between NUSA (New United States of America) represented by Solomon Reed and the enigmatic Songbird. Each promises something alluring: Reed offers a potential cure for the Relic, while Songbird promises… well, let’s just say something equally compelling, albeit shrouded in uncertainty.

However, both are deeply flawed individuals operating in a moral gray area. Reed is a hardened intelligence operative, accustomed to making sacrifices for the “greater good,” which often translates to manipulating people and bending the truth. Songbird, on the other hand, is desperate, pushed to her limits, and willing to do anything to survive – even betray those closest to her. Your choice determines not only the fate of Dogtown and these individuals, but also potentially V’s future within Night City.

Weighing the Choices: Reed vs. Songbird

Siding with Solomon Reed

Choosing Reed means aligning yourself with the NUSA and embracing a more traditional power structure. He offers a concrete reward: the promise of a cure for V’s Relic problem. However, this comes at a cost. You’ll be instrumental in capturing Songbird, essentially handing her over to the NUSA, knowing full well what awaits her.

Benefits of Choosing Reed:

• Potential Cure for the Relic: The most obvious and compelling benefit. If V’s primary motivation is survival, this is a strong argument.
• NUSA Resources: Access to the NUSA’s vast intelligence network and potential support.
• “Order” in Dogtown (Arguable): While not necessarily desirable, Reed aims to stabilize Dogtown, which could have long-term benefits for its inhabitants.
• Specific ending(s) depending on your other choices within Reed’s path: The choice of betraying or saving Songbird ultimately rests with V.

Drawbacks of Choosing Reed:

• Betrayal of Songbird: You’ll be directly responsible for her capture and likely imprisonment or worse.
• Moral Compromise: Working with the NUSA means accepting their often-questionable ethics.
• Limited Freedom: You become indebted to the NUSA, potentially limiting your future options.
• Potential Disappointment: The cure isn’t guaranteed and may come with unforeseen consequences.

Siding with Songbird

Choosing Songbird means placing your trust in a desperate and unpredictable individual. She offers a chance to escape your current predicament, potentially through unconventional means. However, this path is fraught with danger and uncertainty. You’ll be betraying Reed and the NUSA, aligning yourself with a rogue agent with potentially dangerous goals.

Benefits of Choosing Songbird:

• Alternative Solution to the Relic: Songbird offers a different path, a potential alternative to the NUSA’s “cure.”
• Intrigue and Mystery: This path is filled with twists and turns, offering a more unpredictable and engaging storyline.
• Moral Ambiguity: If your V thrives in the gray areas, this path allows for more morally complex decisions.
• Freedom from NUSA Control: You avoid becoming indebted to the NUSA, maintaining your independence.
• Specific ending(s) depending on your other choices within Songbird’s path: The choice of betraying or saving Reed ultimately rests with V.

Drawbacks of Choosing Songbird:

• High Risk, High Reward: Songbird’s plan is risky and its success is far from guaranteed.
• Betrayal of Reed: You’ll be going against a powerful and resourceful enemy.
• Moral Dilemmas: Songbird’s actions often push the boundaries of morality, forcing you to make difficult choices.
• Potential Deception: Songbird is not always forthcoming, and you may not always know her true motives.
• Sacrifice: Helping Songbird might require you to make difficult choices that have repercussions in Dogtown.

Aligning with Your V’s Narrative

Ultimately, the “right” choice depends on your V’s personality and motivations. Ask yourself these questions:

• What are V’s priorities? Survival? Freedom? Justice?
• Is V willing to compromise their morals for a chance at survival?
• Does V trust Reed or Songbird more?
• What kind of ending are you hoping for?

Consider your V’s past decisions throughout the main Cyberpunk 2077 storyline. Have they typically sided with corporations or individuals? Have they prioritized their own survival above all else, or have they fought for what they believe is right? These factors should influence your decision in Phantom Liberty.

For example, a V who prioritizes their own survival and trusts authority figures might lean towards Reed. Conversely, a V who distrusts corporations and values freedom might find Songbird more appealing.

The Moral Gray Zone

There is no purely “good” or “evil” choice in Phantom Liberty. Both Reed and Songbird are flawed individuals, and both paths involve making difficult compromises. The beauty of the expansion lies in its exploration of moral ambiguity and the consequences of your actions. Embrace the gray zone and make the choice that feels most authentic to your V’s character.

This expansion highlights how video games, and especially those with branching narratives, can simulate complex decision-making processes. The Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ studies the effects of games on human learning and behavior. It is one example of organizations that examine the implications of video game experiences, like those found in Cyberpunk 2077.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Phantom Liberty Choices

1. Does choosing Reed or Songbird affect the main Cyberpunk 2077 storyline?

Yes, drastically. Depending on your choices within Phantom Liberty, you unlock new endings for the main game, impacting V’s ultimate fate. This offers a very different conclusion compared to the original game.

2. Can I change my mind after choosing a side?

No, once you commit to a path, there’s no turning back. Make sure you’re absolutely certain before making your final decision.

3. Which path is “easier” in terms of gameplay?

Neither path is inherently easier. Both present unique challenges and combat encounters. The difficulty depends more on your build and playstyle than the specific path you choose.

4. Does choosing a side affect my relationships with other characters in Night City?

Indirectly, yes. The new ending can impact your relationships depending on who is around for it.

5. Are there any rewards or items exclusive to each path?

Yes, both paths offer unique rewards, including weapons, cyberware, and clothing. Some of these items are quite powerful and can significantly impact your gameplay.

6. Which path has more replay value?

Both paths offer significant replay value, as the outcomes and consequences of your choices vary greatly. Experiencing both sides of the story is highly recommended.

7. Does siding with Reed guarantee a cure for the Relic?

No, siding with Reed only offers the potential for a cure. The outcome is not guaranteed.

8. Is Songbird truly trustworthy?

That’s a question you’ll have to answer for yourself. Songbird is a complex character with her own agenda. Whether or not you trust her is up to you.

9. How does Dogtown change depending on my choice?

The fate of Dogtown depends heavily on your choices. Siding with Reed aims to bring stability, while siding with Songbird can lead to further chaos and instability.

10. Can I still explore Dogtown after completing Phantom Liberty?

Yes, Dogtown remains accessible after completing the expansion. You can continue to explore, complete gigs, and interact with its inhabitants.

11. What level should I be before starting Phantom Liberty?

It’s recommended to be at least level 20 before starting Phantom Liberty. The enemies and challenges are significantly more difficult than those in the early game.

12. Does my build matter when choosing a side?

Not directly, but your build will impact your ability to overcome the challenges presented by each path. Choose a build that aligns with your preferred playstyle.

13. Are there any secret endings in Phantom Liberty?

There are variations to each ending based on your choices, but no truly “secret” endings in the traditional sense.

14. Is there a “best” ending?

The “best” ending is subjective and depends on your personal preferences and your V’s story. There is no objectively “best” outcome.

15. Can I experience both Reed’s and Songbird’s paths in a single playthrough?

No, to experience both paths, you need to play through Phantom Liberty twice, making different choices each time. This is the only way to see the full breadth of the expansion’s narrative.