In the complex and richly detailed world of Cyberpunk 2077, players are constantly on the lookout for new challenges, side quests, and hidden loot. One such intriguing side mission is ‘Somewhat Damaged,’ a quest that unfolds in the Phantom Liberty expansion. This quest not only offers a gripping narrative, but also a deeper look into the game’s dark themes of AI, control, and consequence. Unlocking and completing ‘Somewhat Damaged’ can be a bit confusing for players not following the main expansion path closely. To help you experience this intense mission, this guide will break down each step, ensuring you don’t miss out on one of Cyberpunk’s most emotionally charged experiences.
Understanding the Context of Somewhat Damaged
What Is Somewhat Damaged?
‘Somewhat Damaged’ is a mid-to-late game quest in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. It serves as a major turning point in the DLC, focusing on Songbird, a central character in the expansion. This quest is filled with heavy narrative choices, hidden lore, and environmental storytelling. It also marks the moment when players truly begin to understand the stakes of their decisions and the depth of Songbird’s situation.
Why It’s Important
The quest isn’t just another fetch mission or combat sequence it’s an emotionally charged story beat that tests your moral compass and loyalty. Additionally, it offers some of the best atmosphere in the game, thanks to its haunting setting inside a derelict facility, populated by rogue AIs and damaged robots. Missing it would mean skipping a major piece of Cyberpunk’s narrative puzzle.
How to Unlock Somewhat Damaged
Progressing Through the Phantom Liberty Storyline
To gain access to Somewhat Damaged, you need to reach a specific point in the Phantom Liberty storyline. Make sure you’ve accepted the mission chain tied to Songbird and the NUSA. You must progress through the following main quests:
- ‘Dog Eat Dog’ The opening quest that introduces you to Dogtown and the new characters.
- ‘Hole in the Sky’ A pivotal mission where the main plot starts to branch depending on your choices.
- ‘Lucretia My Reflection’ This leads directly into Somewhat Damaged.
Once you begin Lucretia My Reflection and make the choice to follow Songbird into the Black Sapphire building, Somewhat Damaged will automatically trigger.
No Optional Path Must Follow Songbird
It’s important to note that you must choose to follow Songbird. If you make other choices that align with siding more with Reed or ignoring Songbird’s actions, you may miss this quest entirely. Pay attention to dialogue cues and always save before making big decisions in Phantom Liberty.
Completing the Somewhat Damaged Mission
Entering the Facility
The quest takes place in an abandoned facility beneath Dogtown. It has a horror-like vibe with malfunctioning electronics, corrupted security systems, and eerie lighting. As you enter, Songbird begins to lose control due to her neurological degradation. This sets the tone for a highly emotional and unsettling experience.
Exploration and Environmental Puzzles
The facility is not linear. Expect to encounter locked doors, flickering lights, and hostile turrets. Use your scanner frequently to find alternative paths, hackable terminals, and weak walls. Key mechanics in this quest include:
- Using Quickhacks to disable enemy systems
- Locating audio logs to piece together backstory
- Solving simple electrical puzzles to proceed
Encounters With Rogue Units
Throughout the mission, you’ll face off against a variety of malfunctioning mechs and turrets. These aren’t standard enemies some of them have erratic behavior patterns. Be prepared to use a stealth approach or bring heavy firepower. EMP grenades and hacking abilities are especially effective here.
Key Moments and Decision Points
Songbird’s Condition
As you progress, Songbird becomes increasingly unstable. You’ll witness her pain and desperation firsthand. These moments are voiced and animated to evoke strong emotions. Listen carefully to her dialogue, as it will influence the choices you make later.
The Core Decision
Toward the end of the mission, you’ll reach a climactic point where you must decide whether to continue helping Songbird escape or report her condition. Your decision has major consequences for how the rest of Phantom Liberty unfolds. Choose wisely, as it can lock you into a specific ending path and alter who lives or dies.
Tips to Survive the Mission
Prepare Before Entering
Somewhat Damaged is a long, unbroken quest sequence. Make sure to stock up on healing items, ammo, and grenades before entering the Black Sapphire. Upgrade your hacking tree or tech-based abilities for easier navigation.
Use the Environment
Turrets and mechs can often be avoided if you trigger distractions or find alternative paths. The facility is layered with hidden routes that reward careful observation. Look for loose panels, destructible vents, or marked ventilation shafts.
Don’t Rush Through
This quest is packed with hidden lore items notes, recordings, and damaged terminals that explain what happened in the facility. They also shed light on Songbird’s transformation and her ties to the rogue AI systems.
What You Gain From Somewhat Damaged
Story Impact
Completing this quest determines Songbird’s fate and deeply affects your relationship with Reed. It can also influence which ending you get in Phantom Liberty. If you value narrative consequences, this is a mission you cannot skip.
Loot and Rewards
While the emotional payoff is the real prize, there are also practical benefits. During your exploration, you’ll find high-tier cyberware components, rare mods, and exclusive weapons tucked in hidden crates. Make sure to explore every corner of the facility.
Achievements and Trophies
Finishing Somewhat Damaged contributes to 100% completion of the Phantom Liberty DLC and may unlock an achievement or trophy, depending on your platform. Some of these are tied to the choices you make, encouraging multiple playthroughs.
Unlocking and completing Somewhat Damaged in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty is a memorable and impactful experience. It offers a haunting atmosphere, emotionally driven storytelling, and meaningful player choice. From unlocking it by progressing the main storyline to surviving the horrors inside the facility, each step adds to the depth and weight of the narrative. If you want to fully immerse yourself in the expansion’s themes of loyalty, consequence, and identity, Somewhat Damaged is a mission you won’t want to miss. Just remember to prepare, stay alert, and think carefully before making your final decision it will shape the rest of your journey in Night City.