The main story quest in Cyberpunk 2077 offered several different choices, but the results never felt unique. As such, the player’s choice didn’t feel like it mattered in the grand scheme of things, at least not until the end.
But in Phantom Liberty, the choices feel somewhat more impactful. They alter the outcome of the expansion and some of the path leading up to it, and even include an alternate ending for the main game depending on the player’s choices. So, should the player side with Reed or Songbird in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty?
There are spoilers for Phantom Liberty in this guide!
Should You Side With Songbird In Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty?
As the first main character the player meets upon starting the Phantom Liberty expansion, it’s not outside the realm of reality to choose Songbird over Reed. If the player sides with Songbird, the path is somewhat easier overall. A few things change:
- Alex instantly kills Alex Hansen, eliminating the need for a boss fight.
- Alex dies at the hands of Hansen’s guards.
In any case, as V and Sonbird make their escape, Songbird will occasionally help by using a set of quickhacks to open passages and eliminate guards. After that, the two flee in separate vehicles, and the player must wait for her phone call a few days later. After that, it’s just a matter of escorting her to and through the spaceport.
If only that were the ending, though. At the spaceport, Reed corners V and Songbird, ordering her return. At this point, players must draw their guns and shoot Reed, killing the agent in the process, before sending Songbird off on a shuttle to freedom.
It’s important to note that this ending does not change the main game’s end whatsoever!
Should You Side With Reed In Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty?
Players will find that siding with Reed is, while the morally correct option, arguably the more difficult path between the two main characters. If the player does side with the secret agent, a few things happen during the final set of missions, namely:
- Songbird loses all control and escapes.
- Kurt Hansen also escapes and will become a boss fight.
It’s important to note that, following the Hansen boss fight, Reed will scoop up the player and escape from Dogtown. During the ride, MaxTac calls to alert Reed of a cyber psycho case, and of course, it’s Songbird. This situation alters two missions: Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos and Somewhat Damage.
- Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos: Players must defeat MaxTac to save Songbird.
- Somewhat Damage: A stealth mission involving an underground facility and a robotic guard.
The end goal is the same, though. Both V and Reed want to help Songbird. But if players side with Reed and bring Songbird in alive, it will unlock a secret ending in Cyberpunk 2077.