Dominant intent: Commercial investigation/decision support
Spoiler warning: This guide discusses major events, endings, character deaths, and rewards from Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty.
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty makes you choose between Solomon Reed and Songbird during Firestarter. Your decision changes the missions, rewards, character outcomes, and endings available afterward. There is no universally correct choice, but one route may suit your priorities much better.
If you mainly want to protect Alex and follow Songbird’s escape story, betray Reed. If you want more Blackwall lore, Cynosure, and several distinctive rewards, betray Songbird. You can still switch sides later on Songbird’s route, so the first decision doesn’t lock you into one ending.
Betray Reed or Songbird at a Glance
| Choice | Immediate result | Alex | Main route | Major appeal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Betray Reed | Help Songbird escape | Lives | The Killing Moon | Action-heavy escape and Songbird-focused ending |
| Betray Songbird | Help Reed capture her | Dies | Black Steel / Somewhat Damaged | Cynosure, Blackwall lore, horror sequence, unique gear |
The decision appears after V and Songbird reach the Neural Matrix during Firestarter. Choosing “I’m with you” means helping Songbird and betraying Reed. Choosing “One more second…” activates Reed’s ICEbreaker and betrays Songbird.
A manual save before this choice is highly recommended. The two branches contain different missions and exclusive experiences. Reloading that save lets you see both without replaying the whole expansion. Game worlds like this one also keep drawing screen talent, as you can see from Norman Reedus and his career in games and film.
Which Choice Is Better?
For most players focused on story and character outcomes, betraying Reed first offers greater flexibility. Alex survives, you experience The Killing Moon, and you can still hand Songbird to Reed later. That later decision can also preserve access to the new Tower ending.
Betraying Songbird is stronger for players who want the darker and more unusual gameplay route. It opens Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos and Somewhat Damaged. That branch also explores Cynosure, rogue AI threats, and the Blackwall more deeply.
Neither choice gives you every reward in one uninterrupted playthrough. Several Iconic items and story sequences remain branch-specific. Keeping a Firestarter save is therefore the safest approach for completionists.
What Happens If You Betray Reed?
Choosing “I’m with you” means V refuses to use Reed’s ICEbreaker. Songbird begins her escape from Hansen’s stadium with V beside her. Alex survives this version of Firestarter and kills Hansen during the escape.
The story eventually leads to The Killing Moon at the NCX spaceport. This route stays closer to Phantom Liberty’s action and spy-thriller style. You fight through the facility while trying to get Songbird to a shuttle bound for the Moon.
Songbird later reveals information that changes V’s understanding of the promised cure. You then receive another major choice involving Reed. This means helping her during Firestarter does not force you to support her through the final scene.
Pros of Betraying Reed
- Alex survives the Firestarter branch.
- You gain access to The Killing Moon.
- The route delivers a large-scale spaceport battle.
- You can still hand Songbird to Reed later.
- Fully helping Songbird can lead to King of Wands.
- Switching later can lead to King of Swords and Tower access.
Cons of Betraying Reed
- You miss the Cynosure route during that playthrough.
- You cannot experience Somewhat Damaged on this branch.
- Several Reed-route Iconics become unavailable.
- Following Songbird completely can result in Reed’s death.
- The NUSA cure is unavailable if Songbird reaches the Moon.
The route is especially appealing if you sympathize with Songbird’s desire to escape the FIA. It also keeps more characters alive during the immediate Firestarter aftermath. Its later choices remain morally difficult, though, so it is not a simple “good” route.
What Happens If You Betray Songbird?
Selecting “One more second…” activates the ICEbreaker created for Reed’s plan. Songbird detects the betrayal and loses control as the situation collapses. Hansen kills Alex during this version of the stadium sequence.
V later fights Hansen directly and continues toward Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos. The branch eventually reaches Somewhat Damaged inside the Cynosure facility. That mission shifts toward tense survival-horror gameplay.
This route reveals more about Songbird’s past and the Blackwall-related forces affecting her. It also gives Reed more narrative focus than the escape route does. Players interested in Phantom Liberty’s deeper espionage and AI material may prefer it.
Pros of Betraying Songbird
- You fight Kurt Hansen directly.
- You reach Cynosure and Somewhat Damaged.
- The route contains extensive Blackwall story material.
- You can obtain route-specific Iconic equipment.
- Spared Songbird can eventually provide access to The Tower ending.
Cons of Betraying Songbird
- Alex dies during Firestarter.
- Songbird immediately becomes hostile toward V.
- You lose The Killing Moon route.
- The Cynosure sequence includes survival-horror mechanics.
- You cannot reverse the Firestarter branch without reloading.
The Reed route also provides access to items associated with Hansen and Cynosure. Guides commonly highlight Fang, Bald Eagle, Wild Dog, Erebus, and the Militech Canto among route-related rewards. Exact acquisition requirements vary by item, so explore carefully before leaving mission areas.
Reed vs. Songbird: Missions and Rewards Compared
| Category | Betray Reed | Betray Songbird |
|---|---|---|
| Firestarter ally | Songbird | Reed |
| Alex | Survives | Dies |
| Hansen | Killed by Alex | Boss fight |
| Major later mission | The Killing Moon | Somewhat Damaged |
| Style | Action / spaceport assault | Horror / infiltration |
| Blackwall lore | Less extensive | More extensive |
| Later loyalty switch | Yes | No equivalent branch switch |
| Tower ending possible | Yes, if Songbird goes to Reed | Yes, if Songbird survives |
This difference is bigger than a normal dialogue choice. Entire locations and mission sequences change based on the branch. Some Iconic equipment is also exclusive to those separate finale paths.
That makes “best” dependent on what you value. Songbird’s branch favors emotional payoff, spectacle, and later flexibility. Reed’s branch favors lore, darker gameplay, and a larger collection of unusual combat rewards.
Which Choice Saves Alex?
Betraying Reed saves Alex during Firestarter. She kills Hansen while V and Songbird escape. She remains alive for later events on this branch.
Betraying Songbird results in Alex’s death. Hansen kills her after Songbird detects the ICEbreaker attempt. There is no later dialogue choice on that route that reverses her death.
Players who rank Alex’s survival above rewards should therefore choose Songbird during Firestarter. This is one of the clearest practical differences between the two options.
Which Route Gives the New Tower Ending?
The Firestarter decision alone does not determine access to The Tower. What matters is eventually returning Songbird to Reed alive. That outcome is possible from either initial branch under the correct later choices.
If you betray Reed first, you can later hand Songbird over during The Killing Moon. This produces the King of Swords outcome and keeps the cure route available. If you side with Reed initially, sparing Songbird later produces King of Pentacles and also preserves Tower access.
Killing Songbird during Reed’s route instead produces the King of Cups. Sending her to the Moon after remaining loyal produces King of Wands. Neither of those outcomes unlocks the NUSA cure route.
Can You Change Your Mind After Betraying Reed?
Yes. This is one reason the Songbird branch provides unusual flexibility. During The Killing Moon, V can contact Reed or hand Songbird over at the final confrontation.
Doing so changes the ending from King of Wands to King of Swords. Reed survives, Songbird returns to FIA custody, and V can later pursue The Tower. You therefore do not need to betray Songbird during Firestarter to obtain the cure ending.
The Reed branch does not offer the same opportunity to return to The Killing Moon. Once you activate the ICEbreaker, its exclusive mission chain begins. Reload your earlier save if you want Songbird’s finale instead.
Best Choice for Different Players
Choose betray Reed if you want Alex alive, prefer action missions, or want maximum flexibility before the final decision. It also suits players who value Songbird’s fight for freedom over FIA loyalty. Community discussions frequently frame this route around V and Songbird’s shared desire to survive.
Choose betray Songbird if you prioritize unique missions, Blackwall lore, or Cynosure’s horror sequence. This route gives Reed and Songbird more backstory and makes Hansen a direct boss encounter. It also offers several memorable route-specific rewards.
Completionists should avoid treating either option as permanent on their first visit. Make a manual save immediately before the Neural Matrix choice. Then complete both branches and decide which outcome belongs in your preferred save.
Verdict: Should You Betray Reed or Songbird?
For a first playthrough, betraying Reed is the stronger all-around choice. Alex survives, The Killing Moon is a major set piece, and another decision still awaits you. You retain the option to help Songbird completely or surrender her later.
Betraying Songbird may be the better second playthrough. Somewhat Damaged is one of Phantom Liberty’s most distinctive missions. The route also gives more context about Cynosure, the Blackwall, and Songbird’s history.
No route delivers every desirable outcome. Phantom Liberty deliberately makes the choice costly. Save before Firestarter, then pick the route that fits your V.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I betray Reed or Songbird in Phantom Liberty?
Betray Reed if you want Alex to survive and prefer Songbird’s escape route. Betray Songbird if you want Cynosure, Somewhat Damaged, and deeper Blackwall material. Both choices open different finales.
What happens if I betray Reed?
V helps Songbird escape during Firestarter and later receives The Killing Moon. Alex survives, while Hansen is killed by her. You can still side with Reed later.
What happens if I betray Songbird?
V activates Reed’s ICEbreaker and follows the Reed storyline. Alex dies, Hansen becomes a boss fight, and later missions include Somewhat Damaged. The route explores Cynosure and Songbird’s past.
Can I get The Tower after betraying Reed?
Yes. Hand Songbird over to Reed during The Killing Moon. That route keeps Reed and Songbird alive and can open the NUSA cure ending.
Which choice gives better rewards?
The Reed route offers several highly distinctive route-specific weapons and schematics. The Songbird route has its own rewards, including items tied to later outcomes. The better reward set depends on your build and collection goals.
Can I play both routes without restarting Phantom Liberty?
Yes. Create a manual save before the Firestarter Neural Matrix decision. Reload that save after finishing one branch to experience the other.
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