Treating Symptoms Gig Guide

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In the gritty expanse of Dogtown within Cyberpunk 2077’s Phantom Liberty DLC, the Treating Symptoms gig stands out as a tense infiltration mission blending stealth, combat, and moral dilemmas. Commissioned by fixer Mr. Hands, this side job tasks you with neutralizing a blackmailer named Milko Alexis hiding among the Voodoo Boys. Our comprehensive guide breaks down every phase, from accessing the Luxor High Wellness Spa base to the pivotal decision that shapes future rewards.

Unlocking the Mission in Dogtown

The Treating Symptoms gig activates automatically as you venture near the Luxor High Wellness Spa in Dogtown’s southern sector, close to the stadium. No prerequisite main quests are needed beyond basic Phantom Liberty progression, though it aligns perfectly with the ‘Get it Together’ mission where Mr. Hands assigns three gigs while awaiting Songbird’s call.

  • Approach the spa complex on foot or by vehicle to trigger Mr. Hands’ call.
  • Learn the contract details: Client Indira Barazza seeks Milko Alexis’ elimination due to his extortion threats.
  • Objective: Infiltrate the Voodoo Boys’ fortified base and take out the target.

This gig rewards experience, street cred, and eddies upon completion, with additional perks tied to your choices.

Once pinged, head to the marked entrance south of the Dogtown stadium. The spa serves as a heavily guarded Voodoo Boys outpost, patrolled by gang members, surveillance cameras, and automated turrets. Stealth remains viable for cautious players, but aggressive entry works if your build favors firepower.

Key preparation tips:

  • Equip quickhacks like Short Circuit or Overheat for drones and turrets.
  • Sandwich quickhacks (e.g., Cyberware Malfunction) handle clustered enemies effectively.
  • High Body or Reflexes attributes aid in direct confrontations.

Clear the initial courtyard of Voodoo Boys using silenced weapons or non-lethal takedowns to maintain silence. Ascend to the second floor via the east side stairs, avoiding or disabling cameras en route.

Optional Intel: Consulting the Supplier

Before pushing deeper, detour into the open room on the ground floor’s right side from the main hall. Grab the nearby storage room key to access a side area containing a Voodoo Boys supplier. Engaging him reveals critical intel on the upcoming server room challenge.

Dialogue with the supplier hints at dormant robots guarding Milko, advising caution or preparation for a multi-phase fight.

This interaction eases the robot encounter by setting expectations—stock up on ammo, grenades, or EMPs beforehand. It’s skippable but recommended for first-timers.

Server Room Showdown: Battling the Robot Guardians

Proceed through the closed door at the corridor’s end into the server room. This confined arena locks upon entry, spawning Robot R MK.2 (the boss) and several lesser drones. The central bot activates first, followed by flankers after a delay.

Combat Strategies:

TacticEffectivenessTips
Target ServersHighShoot red-glowing servers when robots cluster nearby for massive AoE damage.
QuickhacksHighContagion or Weapon Glitch spreads to groups; prioritize the boss.
Direct FireMediumAim for weak points like optics and joints; use shotguns for close range.
MovementEssentialCircle the room to avoid encirclement; use covers sparingly due to lockdown.

Victory yields the Ogou Iconic Smart Pistol from Robot R MK.2, a powerful sidearm with homing capabilities ideal for netrunners and solo builds. Loot all bots for components, then descend the stairs eastward.

Confronting Milko Alexis and the NetWatch Twist

Milko Alexis isn’t alone. Upon reaching his position, a NetWatch agent named Alan reveals his ongoing operation against the Voodoo Boys’ netrunning activities. He’s using Milko as bait in a sting, complicating your contract.

Dialogue branches emerge:

  • Agree to let Alan complete his op (neutral outcome).
  • Insist on killing Milko to fulfill the gig (hostile path).
  • Threaten or attack Alan directly (rare escalation).

Alan provides context: Neutralizing Milko prematurely sabotages his broader anti-Voodoo Boys effort. Your choice dictates immediate rewards and follow-ups.

Choice Consequences: Kill Milko or Stand Down?

The decision shapes short-term hostility and long-term bonuses. Here’s a breakdown:

OptionImmediate ResultLong-Term Rewards
Let Alan FinishGig completes peacefully; exit via unlocked door.Triggers ‘Corpo of the Month’ side job: Return to sewer grate for Netrunner skill shard, items, and €8,000 bonus from Alan post-op.
Kill MilkoAlan allows exit if non-confrontational; loot his keycard if hostile.Standard gig payout (€8,000); protects client Indira but no extras.

Sparing Milko aligns with NetWatch’s goals, unlocking narrative depth without major story impacts. Killing him prioritizes the contract’s morality. Neither alters Phantom Liberty’s main storyline significantly.

Exiting the Base and Collecting Rewards

Post-choice, the rear door unlocks, leading to a sewer tunnel. Break the grate to surface, finalizing the gig. Mr. Hands pays out, and your journal updates.

  • Total rewards: XP, Street Cred, €8,000 base eddies.
  • Iconic weapon: Ogou Smart Pistol.
  • Bonus: Corpo of the Month (if Alan path taken).

Explore the area for additional loot like shards detailing Voodoo Boys lore.

Build Recommendations for Success

Tailor your V to the gig’s demands:

  • Netrunner: Breach Protocol, Overheat—hack everything.
  • Solo/Blades: High Reflexes, shotguns for robots.
  • Stealth: Ninjutsu perks, silenced pistols.

Phantom Liberty’s Update 2.0 enhancements make quickhacks more potent against machines.

Common Pitfalls and Pro Tips

Avoid these errors:

  • Rushing the server room without supplier intel leads to wipes.
  • Ignoring servers prolongs the boss fight unnecessarily.
  • Missing the Corpo grate misses free loot.

Pro tips: Save before the choice; replay for both outcomes. Quickhack turrets early to clear paths.

FAQs

Does Treating Symptoms affect the main story?

No, it’s a standalone gig with no Phantom Liberty plot ramifications.

What’s the best choice for rewards?

Letting Alan finish unlocks Corpo of the Month and extra €8,000.

Can I stealth the entire gig?

Yes, but the server room forces combat.

Where is the Ogou Pistol?

Looted from Robot R MK.2 post-fight.

Is there a keycard in this gig?

Yes, storage room key and potentially Alan’s office keycard.

Why Treating Symptoms Matters in Phantom Liberty

This gig exemplifies Dogtown’s chaotic fixer economy, pitting corporate interests (NetWatch) against street gangs. It rewards exploration and decision-making, enhancing replayability. With Phantom Liberty’s rich DLC content, mastering gigs like this unlocks Dogtown’s hidden layers.

References

  1. Cyberpunk 2077: Treating Symptoms Gig Walkthrough — GameRant. 2023-10-01. https://gamerant.com/cyberpunk-2077-gig-treating-symptoms-choice-consequence-neutralize-milko-alexis-netwatch-agent-alan-op-phantom-liberty/
  2. Cyberpunk 2077 Treating Symptoms Guide — Vulkk.com. 2023-10-01. https://vulkk.com/2023/10/01/cyberpunk-2077-treating-symptoms-guide-what-to-do-with-milko/
  3. Should you kill or spare Milko in Cyberpunk 2077 Treating Symptoms? — GamesRadar. 2023-09-28. https://www.gamesradar.com/cyberpunk-2077-phantom-liberty-treating-symptoms-kill-milko/
  4. Cyberpunk 2077 Treating Symptoms Gig Walkthrough — PowerPyx. 2023-09-28. https://www.powerpyx.com/cyberpunk-2077-treating-symptoms-gig-walkthrough/
  5. Phantom Liberty – Treating Symptoms GIG Walkthrough [Update 2.0] — YouTube (Video). 2023-09-28.
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