Pros, Cons & Final Verdict for Phantom Liberty Which Ending Is Best?

As V, a fixer, mercenary, and ticking time bomb, you've faced down corpo stooges, gang leaders, and even your own mortality countless times. But nothing in Night City, or the treacherous district of Dogtown, quite prepares you for the impossible choices at the heart of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. This expansion doesn't just add new missions; it fundamentally twists V's desperate quest for a cure into a high-stakes espionage thriller, forcing you to make deeply personal, often gut-wrenching decisions. The pros, cons, and final verdict for Phantom Liberty aren't just about the DLC itself; they're about which ending you chase, who you betray, and what kind of V you truly are. Which ending is best? That's a question only you can answer, but we're here to lay out every agonizing detail.

At a Glance: Your Quick Guide to Night City's Toughest Choices

Four Distinct DLC Endings: Your core choice—siding with Songbird or Reed—branches into four unique narrative conclusions for the Phantom Liberty storyline.
One New Base Game Ending: Two of the DLC paths unlock "The Tower," a new final chapter for V in the main Cyberpunk 2077 game.
No "Perfect" Ending: Every path involves significant sacrifice, moral compromises, and often, profound regret.
Character Deep Dive: Experiencing multiple endings offers a richer, more complete understanding of Songbird, Reed, and even President Rosalind Myers.
Varied Gameplay: Depending on your path, you'll encounter distinct gameplay experiences, from stealth-horror to intense combat gauntlets.
Meaningful Rewards: Iconic weapons, unique quickhacks, and the ultimate prize (or curse) of V's potential cure await.

The Heart of the Matter: Songbird, Reed, and Your Impossible Choices

Phantom Liberty thrusts V into a tangled web of NUSA politics, Blackwall technology, and the personal drama of two broken agents: Songbird, a brilliant netrunner with a terrifying secret, and Solomon Reed, a grizzled NUSA sleeper agent clinging to a faded sense of duty. Your choices primarily revolve around who you trust, who you protect, and whose life (or freedom) you prioritize over V's own.
At its core, Phantom Liberty offers a brutal binary choice: Side with Songbird or Side with Reed. Each of these primary decisions then fragments further, leading to the four distinct Phantom Liberty conclusions. The promise of a neural matrix cure from NUSA is dangled like a carrot, but accessing it comes at a steep price, often paid by others. This isn't a story where everyone wins; it's a desperate gamble where someone always loses.
Let's break down each path, its journey, its rewards, and its ultimate cost.

Path 1: Siding with NUSA – Betraying Songbird

Choosing to betray Songbird aligns you with Solomon Reed and the New United States of America. This path often feels like the "official" route, promising V the cure they've so desperately sought. However, it comes at the cost of Songbird's freedom, and potentially her life, forcing V into morally murky waters.

King of Pentacles: The "V Lives, Songbird Suffers" Path

This is arguably the most complex and narratively rich of the Reed-aligned endings, demanding a difficult choice at Songbird's most vulnerable.

Trigger Steps: In the climactic "Firestarter" mission, you must side with Reed. This means choosing "BETRAY SONGBIRD | One more second…" when prompted. Later, deep within the Cynosure Facility, Songbird will plead for V to end her life to prevent her re-capture and NUSA's experimentation. To achieve the King of Pentacles ending, you must refuse her plea. Specifically, choose "That’s not a solution!" and then "Spare So Mi | Won’t do it." You will then deliver a weakened Songbird directly to President Myers.
The Narrative: What Happens: V, with Reed's help, navigates the terrifying, Blackwall-corrupted Cynosure Facility to rescue Songbird. The true horror of her condition, a neural matrix on the verge of total collapse, becomes chillingly apparent. Songbird, lucid for a moment, begs V to grant her the ultimate freedom: death. V, clinging to the NUSA's promise of a cure and perhaps a lingering hope for Songbird, refuses. You then deliver Songbird directly to President Myers, who assures V that Songbird will survive, albeit likely imprisoned and experimented upon for the rest of her life. Myers reiterates the NUSA's commitment to V's cure.
Pros for V, Cons for Others:
Pro for V: This path directly unlocks "The Tower" ending, meaning V will receive the neural matrix cure, albeit with significant consequences (more on that later). It also means V avoids becoming an NUSA enemy.
Con for Songbird: She survives, but at the cost of all freedom, likely facing a lifetime as a NUSA prisoner and guinea pig. Her humanity is stripped away for the sake of national security.
Con for Johnny: He's understandably furious with V for betraying Songbird and delivering her into the hands of the very powers she fought against. He sees it as V selling out.
Con for Reed: While Reed's mission is technically accomplished, his character arc is left somewhat unfulfilled, as Songbird's fate isn't one of true recovery or redemption, but rather institutionalization.
The Gameplay Gauntlet: This path offers some of the most unique gameplay in Phantom Liberty. You'll face a challenging boss fight against Kurt Hansen in the Black Sapphire. Then, the escape from Cynosure becomes a tense, horror-like stealth sequence, where V is stripped of weapons and HUD, forced to evade the terrifying Cerberus bot while navigating tight, dark corridors. Finally, you'll hijack Songbird's transport, leading to a frantic section with multiple mini-bosses. It’s a test of wits and nerves.
Rewards & The Road to "The Tower":
Unlocks "The Tower" ending, V's chance at a cure.
Three iconic weapons from Hansen: the Bald Eagle revolver, the Erebus SMG, and the Order assault rifle.
A medal from President Myers.
The powerful Blackwall Gateway Quickhack (craftable E).

King of Cups: The "Mercy Killing" Path

This ending also begins with betraying Songbird, but it offers a darker, more merciful conclusion for her, at a significant cost to V.

Trigger Steps: Again, start by choosing "BETRAY SONGBIRD | One more second…" in "Firestarter." However, at the Cynosure Facility core, when Songbird asks you to end her life, you agree. Choose "End So Mi | OK. I’ll do it."
The Narrative: What Happens: Just like King of Pentacles, V and Reed battle through Cynosure. Songbird, at her lowest, implores V for euthanasia. This time, V obliges, granting her the release she desires. You and Reed then deliver Songbird's lifeless body to President Myers. Neither Reed nor Myers are pleased with this outcome, viewing it as a failure to secure NUSA's valuable asset. The promise of V's cure evaporates, as Myers is no longer indebted to you for a living Songbird.
Pros (for Songbird's wish), Cons (for V, others):
Pro for Songbird: She achieves her desired freedom in death, escaping a fate worse than death in NUSA captivity. This path often feels like the kinder, though more tragic, option for her.
Pro for V's conscience: Some players find granting Songbird's wish to be the morally "correct" choice, easing V's burden of guilt.
Con for V: You do not get the cure. Myers, feeling cheated, withdraws her support. V is left to face the Relic's inevitable takeover. This path does not unlock "The Tower" ending.
Con for Reed & Myers: They are both explicitly displeased. Reed's sense of duty feels compromised, and Myers loses her valuable asset, making V an inconvenient loose end.
Con for Johnny: He still blames V for betraying Songbird, even if V granted her wish. He wanted her free, not dead.
The Gameplay Gauntlet: The gameplay experience is identical to the King of Pentacles path: the Kurt Hansen boss fight, the stealth-horror section in Cynosure, and the multi-boss transport hijack. The difference lies solely in your final decision regarding Songbird's fate.
Rewards & The Road Not Taken (No Cure):
Three iconic weapons from Hansen: Bald Eagle, Erebus, and Order.
A measly $5,000 from Myers (a pittance compared to the promised cure).
The Blackwall Gateway Quickhack (craftable E).
Crucially, this path does not unlock "The Tower" ending.

Path 2: Siding with Songbird – Betraying Reed

Choosing to side with Songbird pits V against Reed and the full might of the NUSA. This path focuses on freeing Songbird, often at great personal risk, and usually results in V being branded an enemy of the state.

King of Wands: The "Songbird Free, V Dies" Path

This is the path of ultimate loyalty to Songbird, where V sacrifices everything for her freedom, even their own chance at life.

Trigger Steps: In "Firestarter," choose "Betray Reed | I’m with you." This sets you on the course to help Songbird escape the stadium. Later, at the NCX Spaceport, Songbird will confess her deception: there's only one neural matrix dose, and she intends to use it for herself. To achieve King of Wands, you must stick with sending Songbird to space despite this betrayal. When confronting Reed, choose "Draw weapon | Enough o’ this." and kill him.
The Narrative: What Happens: V and Songbird escape the stadium in a blaze of glory. Songbird's condition deteriorates rapidly, but she avoids cyberpsychosis. At the NCX Spaceport, poised for her escape, Songbird drops a devastating truth: she lied about the cure. There's only one dose, and she's taking it. Despite this crushing betrayal, V chooses to honor their commitment, fighting through NUSA forces to put Songbird on the shuttle to the stars. V confronts Reed, who tries to intercept Songbird, and ultimately kills him. Songbird escapes, cured and free, leaving V to face their own impending death and the wrath of the NUSA.
Pros (for Songbird), Cons (for V, NUSA enemy):
Pro for Songbird: She is cured and achieves her ultimate freedom, finally escaping the clutches of both Kurt Hansen and the NUSA. This is the only path where she truly gets a happy (for her) ending.
Pro for Johnny: Johnny is ecstatic. This is the ending he always advocated for – freedom over corporate servitude. He feels V made the right choice.
Pro for Alex: She survives this path, her fate not directly tied to the outcome of the spaceport conflict.
Con for V: You are now a declared enemy of the NUSA. The promised cure is gone forever, and V's time is running out. This path does not unlock "The Tower" ending.
Con for Reed: V kills Reed, ending his story tragically, a man who just wanted to do his duty.
Con for V's trust: Songbird's final confession is a brutal blow, revealing her manipulation.
The Gameplay Gauntlet: This path is a more straightforward Cyberpunk combat experience, but no less intense. You'll clear swarms of NUSA enemies, robots, and drones at the NCX Spaceport. There are no major boss fights against Kurt Hansen or the Cerberus bot here; instead, it's a series of escalating shootouts. You can also utilize Songbird's devastating Blackwall quickhack during the train ride.
Rewards & Johnny's Approval:
Reed’s iconic pistol, "Pariah," after you kill him.
A quantum tuner cyberware and a metal pin (sent via message from Songbird later).
A video easter egg from Songbird (if you wait long enough).
This path does not unlock "The Tower" ending.

King of Swords: The "V Lives, Songbird Imprisoned" Path

This ending presents a last-minute betrayal by V, flipping sides from Songbird to Reed, and securing V's cure at the expense of Songbird's freedom.

Trigger Steps: In "Firestarter," again choose "Betray Reed | I’m with you." Proceed to help Songbird escape. On the train during "The Killing Moon," after Songbird confesses about the single dose and passes out, you have a critical decision: choose "Call Reed | Reed’ll take care of you. And then Deal." Alternatively, you can holster your weapon when Reed confronts you later and strike a deal.
The Narrative: What Happens: V and Songbird fight their way to the NCX Spaceport. On the train, Songbird, at her weakest, reveals her ultimate deception: there's only one cure, and she planned to take it. Feeling the bitter sting of betrayal and desperate for their own life, V makes a last-minute call to Reed. After Songbird passes out, V strikes a deal, agreeing to hand her over to the NUSA. Reed ensures Songbird is secured and honors his promise to V, securing the cure. This leads to a shootout with NUSA forces if you resist, or a more diplomatic transfer if you strike a deal beforehand.
Pros (for V, NUSA), Cons (for Songbird, Johnny):
Pro for V: This path permanently cures V and is the other route that unlocks "The Tower" ending. V secures their life, even if it's a bitter pill to swallow given the circumstances.
Pro for Everyone (survive): V, Reed, Songbird, and Alex all survive the events of Phantom Liberty. This can feel like the "happier" ending for many characters, though "happy" is subjective.
Pro for NUSA: They secure Songbird, allowing them to study her Blackwall connection.
Con for Songbird: She loses her freedom and faces the same lifetime imprisonment and experimentation as in the King of Pentacles ending.
Con for Johnny: While he grudgingly accepts V's choice for self-preservation, he's deeply disappointed. In "The Tower" ending specifically, he is completely erased, which is a major con for his character.
Con for V's conscience: V betrays Songbird not once, but twice (first by agreeing to help her, then by handing her over). The weight of this choice can be heavy.
The Gameplay Gauntlet: The gameplay for King of Swords is largely identical to King of Wands: a series of intense, combat-heavy encounters against NUSA forces at the NCX Spaceport. The key difference is your objective at the very end—deliver Songbird to NUSA, rather than send her to space.
Rewards & The Shortcut to "The Tower":
Unlocks "The Tower" ending and permanently cures V.
Specific iconic weapon rewards depend on whether you fought Reed or struck a deal. If you engage in combat against Reed's forces (without killing Reed directly), you'll fight against an iconic NUSA agent, potentially rewarding their weapon.

Beyond Dogtown: "The Tower" Ending Explained

Two of the Phantom Liberty endings – King of Pentacles (betray Songbird, spare her, give her to Myers) and King of Swords (betray Reed, help Songbird, then betray Songbird to Reed for cure) – unlock a new final ending for the base game called "The Tower." This isn't just a Phantom Liberty conclusion; it's V's ultimate fate, superseding the original Cyberpunk 2077 endings.

What it is: "The Tower" sees V undergoing the NUSA-backed neural matrix treatment to remove the Relic. It's the "cure" V has been chasing all game.
The Cost: The cure comes at an astronomical cost. The neural matrix treatment works, but it causes V to fall into a two-year coma. When V wakes up, the world has moved on. Their friends have scattered or grown distant. Critically, V's body has rejected all cyberware, rendering them unable to use chrome or implants. In Night City, a merc without chrome is effectively powerless.
The Eradication of Johnny: The most painful part for many players is the permanent removal of Johnny Silverhand. The treatment purges the Relic entirely, and with it, Johnny's engram. He is gone forever, a silent farewell to a turbulent partnership.
The Aftermath: V finds themselves adrift, a relic of a bygone era, unable to reclaim their life as a merc. It's an ending that's bittersweet at best, and profoundly depressing for many. It offers life, but strips away V's identity and connections. Explore Phantom Libertys worth for its impact on the overall narrative.

Deciding Your Destiny: Which Phantom Liberty Ending Is "Best" for You?

The consistent truth of Cyberpunk 2077 is that there's no single "best" ending. Every path is drenched in sacrifice, regret, and moral ambiguity. Phantom Liberty doubles down on this philosophy. The "best" ending for you hinges entirely on your personal values, your relationship with the characters, and what you prioritize for V.
Here are some criteria to help you navigate this moral minefield:

Consider Your Moral Compass: Who Do You Save? Who Do You Betray?

V's Life Above All Else: If your primary goal is to ensure V's survival and cure, even at a great moral cost, then the King of Pentacles (betray Songbird, spare her) or King of Swords (betray Songbird to Reed) are your paths. Both unlock "The Tower" ending.
Songbird's Freedom/Mercy: If you believe Songbird deserves freedom, or at least a peaceful death, then the King of Wands (send Songbird to space, V dies) or King of Cups (mercy kill Songbird) might appeal more. These prioritize her agency over V's cure.
Loyalty to a Fault: Do you stick to your word, even if Songbird betrays you? The King of Wands is the ultimate expression of this, seeing V honor a promise even when it's broken.
Pragmatism and Self-Preservation: Are you willing to double-cross for the greater good (V's life)? King of Swords is the epitome of this.

Prioritize Gameplay Experience: Stealth-Horror or Combat Gauntlet?

Tense, Unarmed Stealth & Boss Fights: If you relish a challenge that pushes you out of your comfort zone, featuring a unique horror-like stealth sequence and multiple boss encounters, then the Reed-aligned paths (King of Pentacles, King of Cups) are for you.
Straight-Up Cyberpunk Combat: If you prefer consistent, high-octane gunplay against waves of enemies and robots, letting your cyberware shine, then the Songbird-aligned paths (King of Wands, King of Swords) will satisfy your combat cravings.

Value Specific Rewards: Iconic Weapons, Quickhacks, or the Cure?

The Cure is Paramount: Only King of Pentacles and King of Swords lead to "The Tower" ending and V's potential cure.
Specific Iconic Weapons: The iconic weapons from Hansen (Bald Eagle, Erebus, Order) are found on the Reed-aligned paths. Reed's iconic "Pariah" pistol is obtained if you kill him on the King of Wands path.
Blackwall Quickhack: All four Phantom Liberty endings provide the Blackwall Gateway Quickhack, a powerful tool.

Character Loyalty: Who Do You Trust More?

"Duty Above All": If you sympathize with Reed's commitment to country and his mission, even if it's flawed, you might lean towards helping him.
"Freedom at Any Cost": If Songbird's desperate plight resonates more, and you believe she deserves to escape the clutches of NUSA, you'll likely side with her.
Johnny's Approval: If keeping Johnny happy is important to you, he generally favors the King of Wands path (Songbird's freedom) and detests the King of Pentacles (Songbird's imprisonment). His fate in "The Tower" is also a major consideration.

The Quest for Knowledge: Replayability to See All Angles

Ultimately, the best way to truly understand the intricate narrative and character arcs of Phantom Liberty is to play through multiple endings.

Betraying Reed (leading to King of Wands or King of Swords) reveals more about Reed's character, his unwavering loyalty, and his personal struggles.
Betraying Songbird (leading to King of Pentacles or King of Cups) strips away her layers, showcasing her desperation, her manipulation, and the tragic circumstances that led her to that point.
Each path offers unique dialogues, perspectives, and emotional beats that enrich the overall story.

Final Verdict: A Kaleidoscope of Consequences

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty masterfully delivers on its promise of a grim, morally ambiguous spy thriller. It's a testament to its writing that every single ending leaves you with a profound sense of "what if" and a lingering unease about the choices you've made. There are no heroes, only survivors, and even survival comes with an exorbitant price.
If you're seeking a definitive "happy ending" where everyone wins, Phantom Liberty will disappoint you. Instead, it offers a deeply human experience, forcing V (and by extension, you) to confront the harsh realities of sacrifice, the fragility of trust, and the crushing weight of consequences.
So, which ending is "best"? It's the one that aligns with your V's journey. Is it the V who desperately clings to life, no matter the cost to others? Or the V who values a friend's freedom, even if it means their own demise? Perhaps it's the V who seeks balance, even if that balance is found through a final, heartbreaking betrayal.
Regardless of your choice, Phantom Liberty's endings are impactful, unforgettable, and guarantee hours of post-game reflection. They solidify its place as a phenomenal piece of storytelling, proving that in Night City, even a cure can be a curse.