Dazed and Confused Quest Guide

In the gritty underbelly of Dogtown within Cyberpunk 2077‘s Phantom Liberty expansion, the Dazed and Confused side quest stands out for its blend of humor, choice-driven narratives, and rewarding payoffs. This mission thrusts players into a bizarre scenario involving a braindance addict mistaking himself for celebrity actress Lina Malina, fixer Mr. Hands’ urgent call, and opportunities for iconic gear. Whether you’re aiming for quick completion or the best loot, this guide covers every step, branching paths, and secrets.

Quest Prerequisites and Activation

Before diving into the chaos, ensure you’ve progressed far enough in Phantom Liberty. The quest activates after completing the main story mission ‘You Know My Name,’ which introduces you to key Dogtown figures like Mr. Hands. This typically follows interactions with President Myers and unlocks broader access to the district.

Once eligible, roam central Dogtown, and your agent will receive a direct call from Mr. Hands. He tasks you with extracting Lina Malina, a famous braindance (BD) star, from the Brainporium store—a seedy BD parlor. The marker appears on your map in the shopping complex’s upper levels. Head there immediately to begin.

• Pro Tip: Check the laptop at the counter upon entry for lore on Lina and hints about the basement drama.
• Level Recommendation: Street Cred 40+ for smoother dialogues; Body 15 or Technical Ability 15 helps with later locks.

Storming the Brainporium Basement

Descend to the basement of Brainporium to find Shank, a shady operator, and Tool—a techie fried by excessive BD use. Tool’s psyche is shattered; he believes he’s Lina Malina herself, barricaded in a booth. Your goal: ‘rescue’ this faux-Lina.

Approach Shank for dialogue. You have options:

• Insist on freeing ‘Lina’ forcefully—bypasses most checks but leads to aggressive play.
• Play along with the delusion for subtler paths.

To open Tool’s booth quickly, persuade Shank your orders from Mr. Hands supersede his. If you have high enough attributes, hack or bash it open. Once inside, Tool (as Lina) may demand a kiss—choose based on roleplay, as it doesn’t affect core outcomes but adds flavor. Contact Mr. Hands afterward; he’ll advise verifying the real Lina’s whereabouts.

Tracking Down the Real Lina Malina

With Tool in tow (or extracted), your next objective shifts to Lina’s residence. Fight or sneak past bandits guarding the entrance—a standard Dogtown skirmish with scavs wielding pistols and bats.

At her apartment door, multiple entry methods await:

Inside, the apartment is empty. Search for clues: a datapad reveals Lina’s on a deckchair outside. Wait there (use the skip time feature) until she arrives the next day. Exhaust her dialogue to learn Tool stole her identity via a deep BD immersion. She refuses a direct fix but can be convinced for a session.

Convincing Lina for the BD Session

Persuade Lina (requires Cool or Empathy checks around 15-20) to join a braindance shoot with Tool. Options include appealing to her ego, offering eddies, or threatening exposure. Success sends her to Shank’s setup; failure requires bribes ($10,000 eddies) or aggression.

Return to Shank. Tool’s ready in the booth. Provide a sentimental item—a letter from Tool’s past—found earlier in the Brainporium (check booths or Shank’s desk). Play it during the BD to trigger recall.

All Four Endings Explained

Dazed and Confused shines with branching conclusions during the BD shoot. Take control by selecting ‘I’m taking over.’ Then choose your reveal line for Tool.

1. Ha! Got You! (Ending 1): Classic prank reveal. Tool snaps back; minimal rewards but high humor. Street Cred +1000.
2. Joke? This is Art (Ending 2): Artistic twist. Tool embraces the role briefly; unlocks unique BD lore. XP boost.
3. Clone Created by FIA (Ending 3): Sci-fi conspiracy. High Intelligence check (20+); Tool regains self fully. Grants iconic weapon.
4. You’re My Sister (Ending 4): Absurd family play. Empathy path; quickest close but lowest rewards unless followed by therapy.

For the best reward, pursue the full therapy route post-BD: use Tool’s letter in a shock session. He reverts to normal, rewarding max XP/Street Cred and access to Lina’s bike—the Malina-Mobile, a speedy icon parked outside her pad.

Rewards and Loot Breakdown

Complete the quest for:

• 2000-3000 XP
• 2000-4000 Street Cred
• Iconic Malina-Mobile Bike (speed-focused, Dogtown exclusive)
• Potential Iconic Weapon (FIA Clone ending)

Secret: Steal Lina’s bike pre-ending by hotwiring (Technical 20); park it in your garage.

Tips, Tricks, and Common Pitfalls

• Attribute Builds: Netrunner? Quickhack the booth. Solo? Body-smash everything.
• Bug Fixes: If Lina doesn’t spawn, reload and wait exactly 24 in-game hours.
• Roleplay Choices: Kissing Tool alters V’s journal flavor text.
• Replay Value: Four endings encourage NG+ runs.

Integration with Phantom Liberty Story

This gig ties into Dogtown’s BD addiction theme, echoing main quests like ‘The Damned’ with Voodoo Boys. Completing it boosts Mr. Hands’ trust, unlocking gigs like ‘Shot by Both Sides.’ It’s available post-‘You Know My Name,’ aligning with mid-DLC progression.

FAQ

Q: When does Dazed and Confused unlock?
A: After ‘You Know My Name’ in Phantom Liberty; auto-triggers in Dogtown.

Q: How do I get Lina Malina’s bike?
A: Finish with Tool’s therapy; it’s outside her residence.

Q: What’s the best ending?
A: FIA Clone for weapon, therapy for bike and max rewards.

Q: Can I fail the quest?
A: Killing Tool or Lina voids it; reload saves.

Q: Requirements for all paths?
A: 15-20 in Body/Tech/Cool/Int/Empathy covers everything.

Why Play Dazed and Confused?

Beyond loot, it showcases CD Projekt Red’s narrative depth—player agency turns a simple rescue into identity exploration. Perfect for completionists in Night City’s expanded lore.