The climax of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty forces players into one of the most emotionally heavy decisions in the entire game. Navigating the final moments of the espionage thriller requires you to choose the ultimate fate of the talented netrunner, Song So-Mi. This decision heavily reshapes the narrative conclusion of your journey through Dogtown and dictates your remaining character rewards.
The Weight of Granting So Mi Request
Choosing to fulfill So-Mi's final wish results in a tragic yet narrative-focused conclusion for her painful storyline. When she begs V to end her life, she is attempting to escape a lifetime of corporate slavery and painful corruption by the Blackwall. Granting her request acts as a massive act of mercy that prevents the New United States government from using her as a living cyber-weapon.
This path closes off access to the new base-game ending path because Solomon Reed cannot deliver the promised cure without a living asset. Instead, Reed faces severe professional ruin while V returns to the harsh reality of Night City with alternative survival methods. Players can still secure unique crafting components and high-tier iconic gear by choosing to respect her autonomy during this emotional sequence.
The Consequences of Refusing the Mercy Kill
Choosing to keep So-Mi alive means handing her back over to President Rosalind Myers and the oppressive NUSA intelligence apparatus. Solomon Reed will secure her unconscious body, prioritizing his rigid loyalty to the state over his personal affection for his former student. While this choice feels cold and transactional, it represents the most direct route to securing a cure for V's terminal condition.
This specific resolution unlocks the brand-new narrative path for the base game, offering a completely distinct conclusion to V's legend. However, the emotional toll is remarkably high, as So-Mi faces a bleak future of continuous cybernetic exploitation behind closed laboratory doors. Your choice here establishes whether you prioritize personal survival over the absolute freedom of a fellow mercenary.
Which Path Should You Choose for Your Story
Deciding which option is best depends entirely on your personal roleplaying goals and how you view V's ultimate moral legacy. If your primary objective is exploring new gameplay content and viewing the exclusive cinematic endings, keeping her alive provides the highest utility. Players seeking a deeply emotional conclusion that respects the bond formed during the campaign often favor the mercy option.
Both narrative avenues offer incredibly well-written dialogue sequences and unique items that reward different playstyles. Reviewing how your choice influences the remaining characters helps ensure your final hours in the expansion feel completely satisfying.