Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty: Songbird vs. Reed Choosing Sides
V is thrown into a moral conundrum in the riveting universe of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty that shapes the path of the DLC and affects the base game. The decision rests on supporting either Song "Songbird" So Mi, a seasoned Netrunner acting as President Myers's trusted friend, or Solomon Reed, a steadfast Federal Intelligence Agency (FIA) officer. The course of Songbird's and V's own recovery from the Relic virus determines this outcome. While Songbird gives V an opportunity at healing in return for her help, Reed feels Songbird's activities compromise security.
Selecting Songbird: Ambiguity's Path of Freedom
Emphasizing freedom and opposition against a repressive government, Siding with Songbird presents a more morally fulfilling road. The events are broken out here:
Effects of Following Songbird
Songbird's skill at hacking enables V and Alex to flee Kurt Hansen's stronghold, wreaking havoc along their path.
Songbird gives up her opportunity at a cure to enable V to flee. She tells me the cure calls for a trip to a lunar treatment facility and is just for her.
Reed confronts V at the spaceport, threatening to kill Songbird should they refuse to submit. V has to make a snap decision and a great confrontation starts.
After Songbird is successfully defended, V sends her off to the lunar facility, so leaving her fate unknown. This option presents a mixed ending without changing the base game.
Choosing Songbird means forfeiting some of the finest weapons gained following Kurt Hansen's defeat: Hansen's Fang, Bald Eagle, and Wild Dog.
Choosing Reed: a Road towards Uncertain Results and Control
By stressing order and the established power structure, choosing Reed offers a more deliberate and strategic road forward. The events are broken out here:
Results of Following Reed
V can decide to turn Songbird over to Reed at the spaceport, so betraying her in return for a cure. Songbird's capture follows from this, and V's chances for recovery are thus enhanced.
V can decide to activate the Icebreaker during the stadium mission, creating a chaotic scene whereby Songbird goes berserk and Reed sees her arrested.
Songbird's Fate: Reed and V see Songbird arrested should V fail to kill her during their last confrontation. V can decide to go save her and fight a difficult battle against a killer robot.
Though at great cost, V's actions result in the new "Face in the Crowd" ending for the base game.
Siding with Reed opens the "Face in the Crowd" ending for the Base Game, in which V is having government sponsored surgery. This leaves one without Cyberware, isolated from former friends, and in a coma for several years after the operation.
The Best Decision: One of Morality and Taste
Your own moral compass and how you see V's future will ultimately determine which of Reed and Songbird you choose. Songbird captures the spirit of rebellion and a yearning for freedom, while Reed stands for the forces of control and order. While both decisions result in different results and benefits, choosing Songbird corresponds with a sense of justice and a hopeful future view.
Selecting Songbird's Path: A Potential Key to a Better Finish
Although siding with Songbird would seem to be the "less rewarding" option in terms of instantaneous gains, it can help to bring the base game to a more satisfying end. Players must keep a good rapport with Johnny Silverhand if they are to access the "Don't Fear) The Reaper" ending. Selecting Songbird's path will help Johnny's affinity for V be preserved, so facilitating the access to this desired ending.
Knowing the Results of Every Route
The decision between Reed and Songbird has great influence on not only Phantom Liberty's conclusion but also V's life's path in the base game. Before deciding in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, be sure to balance the moral ramifications and think through the possible benefits and drawbacks of every option.
