The pivotal decision in Cyberpunk 2077's Phantom Liberty expansion revolves around whether to assist Songbird or Reed. This choice involves aligning with either an escaped hacker or a former FIA agent, each presenting compelling reasons during the Birds With Broken Wings quest.
Songbird's objective is to escape Hansen and seek a cure for her Blackwall infection, while Reed argues that capturing Songbird is necessary for her safety and the well-being of others. Your selection in the Firestarter mission carries significant repercussions for the remainder of your Phantom Liberty experience, influencing both subsequent quests and potential endings.
While we refrain from revealing specific endings in this article, we will outline the outcomes of each choice, their immediate effects, and the types of endings they may lead to. It's essential to note that opting for either path enables you to access a new ending for the main game.
Please be aware that this guide contains spoilers, so proceed with caution if you wish to avoid them.
Helping Songbird Escape
When opting to aid Songbird's escape during the Firestarter mission, the initial consequence is the demise of Hansen. As Songbird signals you to initiate the plan, she swiftly eliminates everyone in the observation room as originally intended, only to realize your intent to escape alongside her.
Under these circumstances, it's important to note that a direct confrontation with Hansen won't occur, resulting in the inability to acquire his three Iconic weapons, specifically:
- Fang (Knife)
- Bald Eagle (Power Revolver)
- Wild Dog (Light Machine Gun)
Instead, as you make your way out of the stadium, the opportunity arises to eliminate Murphy and secure his Iconic Murphy's Law (One-Handed Club).
Regarding the various game endings, it's worth mentioning that each one necessitates a specific decision. Opting to aid Songbird's escape route ultimately paves the way for what can be aptly described as the "positive" ending. Without delving into the specifics of the final choice, in this particular scenario, your objective shifts towards infiltrating the Night City spaceport to assist Songbird in her quest to find a remedy for the Blackwall infection endangering her life.
Should you genuinely align with Songbird's cause, aim to forge a deeper connection with her, and actively contribute to her mission, it's highly advisable to select this particular course of action.
Aiding Reed in Capturing Songbird
Should you opt to utilize the Icebreaker provided by Reed to capture Songbird instead, the immediate consequence is the demise of Alex, as opposed to Hansen. When Songbird becomes aware of your betrayal, she alerts Hansen, leading to Alex's demise in the observation room. Songbird, in her attempt to resist the Icebreaker by accessing the Blackwall, goes on a destructive rampage within the stadium.
In this scenario, you engage in a confrontation with Colonel Hansen during your escape, thereby gaining possession of his three Iconic weapons. Reed arrives to extract you, and together, you pursue Songbird, ultimately finding her in the custody of MaxTac after her post-rampage collapse.
However, your journey is far darker in this version, as you liberate Songbird from MaxTac and pursue her into a Militech bunker beneath Dogtown. Choosing to assist Reed is more aligned with the transformation Songbird undergoes due to her access to the Blackwall and the inner turmoil she grapples with.
If your trust lies more with Reed, Myers, and the FIA, and you are inclined to oppose Songbird, this is unquestionably the path to follow.
Our Advice: Pick the character you like best to see more of their story as you play through the game and don't sweat over it!
