The Killing Moon Quest Guide

Embark on the climactic main job in Cyberpunk 2077’s Phantom Liberty expansion with The Killing Moon. This mission unfolds after siding with Songbird during the Firestarter quest, thrusting players into a high-stakes escape through the Night City Expressway (NCX) spaceport. Expect tense stealth sections, brutal firefights, and a pivotal decision involving Solomon Reed that shapes your DLC ending. Our guide breaks down every phase, from initial rendezvous to shuttle launch, with tips to maximize success and unlock unique rewards.

Quest Prerequisites and Setup

To trigger The Killing Moon, complete the Firestarter mission by choosing to assist Songbird in her escape. This path locks you out of Reed’s alternate storyline but opens this moon-bound finale. Songbird contacts V with coordinates to an abandoned van, revealing her desperate plan: reach a lunar clinic via shuttle for a Neural Matrix cure, potentially saving both V from the Relic and her from Blackwall corruption.

Prepare your build for a mix of stealth, quickhacks, and combat. High Body and Reflexes attributes shine for carrying Songbird and dodging fire, while Netrunner perks help in defensive hacks. Stock up on ammo before disarming, as you’ll surrender weapons early.

Phase 1: Rendezvous and Drive to NCX

Head to the marked location outside Night City. Songbird waits in a derelict van, frail but determined. Engage in dialogue to grasp her strategy—sneak through the spaceport disguised as civilians. Take control of the vehicle and drive across the lengthy bridge to NCX’s entrance.

• Drive carefully: Avoid crashes to prevent alerting security early.
• Dialogue choices: Probe Songbird for details; options like “What’s the catch?” build rapport without altering outcomes.

Park at the terminal. Security demands you deposit all weapons in a locker—comply to proceed. A contact’s suitcase nearby holds a Corpo suit for blending in; input the code at the terminal to retrieve it.

Phase 2: Infiltrating Tycho Terminal

Don the disguise and navigate the bustling terminal. Stick to civilian paths, avoiding restricted zones. Scan for security cams and guards; quickhacks like Ping or Cyberware Malfunction can distract without raising alarms.

Reach the rooftop elevator via a construction site detour. Climb scaffolding, using double jump or grapple if specced. Meet Johnny Silverhand at the waypoint—he offers cynical commentary but no direct aid.

Phase 3: Rooftop Rescue and Vent Escape

Descend stairs beside Johnny and scan the wall-mounted fire hose. Interact to hoist Songbird up—she’s collapsed below. Escort her through a narrow ventilation shaft, watching for patrols.

Enter an elevator to the main hall. A skirmish erupts—sprint through, prioritizing Songbird’s safety. Call the next elevator to Departures, grab her water from the bar counter after she sits, and press on.

Phase 4: Helicopter Evasion in Tycho Terminal

Re-enter Tycho Terminal’s open expanse. A NUSA chopper unleashes gunfire—never engage it directly; hacks and bullets bounce off.

• Dodge rhythm: Hide behind pillars. The chopper fires bursts, then reloads for 3-5 seconds—dash then.
• Call Songbird: In a marked room with a corpse, jack-in to check her vitals and summon her.

Progress floor-by-floor, using concrete covers against ground operatives. Songbird’s Blackwall pulses clear clusters—position enemies in her line of sight.

Phase 5: Control Tower Defense

Ascend to the control tower. NUSA forces ambush—fortify behind pillars. Release unlimited Blackwall impulses by connecting with Songbird; target clustered foes for wipes.

Hold until the maglev train arrives. Board, secure Songbird in a seat, and depart—temporary safety from pursuers.

The Critical Choice: Songbird vs. Reed

At the shuttle platform, Reed confronts you. Lay Songbird down as prompted. Two paths diverge, impacting Phantom Liberty’s conclusion and base game endings.

Recommendation: Killing Reed commits to Songbird’s arc, yielding emotional depth and exclusive content. Siding with Reed prioritizes pragmatism but forfeits lunar escape.

Post-Choice Aftermath and Returns

If killing Reed, hoist Songbird aboard, prepare takeoff, and observe from afar. Johnny chimes in, reflecting on choices. Return to Night City triggers From Her to Eternity, offering closure and loot.

Expect Phantom Liberty’s ending variations to influence base game finales—saving Songbird alters V’s Relic fate uniquely.

Advanced Strategies and Builds

Netrunner Build: Overheat chopper minions, Contagion for crowds.

Sandevistan Blade Runner: Time slow for pillar dashes, decapitate squads.

Tank: Gorilla Arms carry Songbird effortlessly; Berserk absorbs chopper fire.

• Retrieve weapons post-security via marked locker.
• Save shards pre-choice for dialogue buffs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Should I kill Reed in The Killing Moon?

Killing Reed secures Songbird’s escape and exclusive quests but bars the secret ending. Choose based on loyalty.

How do I avoid the helicopter?

Listen for firing pauses; dash between pillars. No hacks work—pure evasion.

Does The Killing Moon affect base game endings?

Yes, Songbird’s path uniquely resolves the Relic, blending with Tower/King of Wands.

Can I replay choices?

Use Phantom Liberty save imports or New Game+ for branching paths.

Best level for this quest?

Level 40+ recommended for gear scaling.

Tips for Multiple Playthroughs

Replay via save-scumming pre-Reed or NG+. Experiment builds—each enhances replayability in this 45-60 minute epic.