Even as we cruise through 2026, Night City still holds secrets for both returning edgerunners and first-time mercs. When Cyberpunk 2077 dropped its massive 2.0 update alongside the Phantom Liberty expansion back in September 2023, it breathed new life into the game, overhauling perks, police systems, and combat. But it also introduced a sprawling spy-thriller storyline set in the gritty new district of Dogtown. While Phantom Liberty is packed with unforgettable moments, mind-bending choices, and multiple possible endings, there’s one unassuming dialogue option early on that can slam the door on the entire expansion’s narrative—permanently. Yep, you can accidentally opt out of the DLC’s main quest without even realizing it.
A Quick Refresher on Phantom Liberty’s Opening Act
The whole reason V even gets tangled up in Dogtown’s chaos is a desperate hope for a cure. Early in the expansion, a mysterious netrunner known as Songbird contacts V with an offer: rescue the President of the New United States, Rosalind Myers, from a crash landing in the heavily fortified combat zone, and in return, Songbird will help V deal with the ticking time bomb in their head. Seems simple enough, right? Spoiler: It’s never simple.
After fighting through waves of Barghest soldiers and navigating the militarized hellscape ruled by Kurt Hansen, V finally links up with Solomon Reed, a brooding secret agent portrayed by Idris Elba. Reed is a legend in the NUSA intelligence world, but years of isolation and betrayal have made him cautious. His introduction changes the tone of the whole adventure, pulling V deeper into a web of political intrigue and personal vendettas.
The Make-or-Break Moment Arrives in “Lucretia My Reflection”
The fourth main quest, titled “Lucretia My Reflection,” wraps up the expansion’s introductory chapters. At this point, players have already tasted the new combat set-pieces, survived the crash site, and successfully recruited Reed to President Myers’ cause. The mission ends in a safehouse, where V, Myers, and Reed have a tense heart-to-heart. That’s when Reed drops a classic line that feels ripped straight from a noir film: “I don’t know how much they’re paying, but you better ask yourself—is it worth it?”
The game then presents a few dialogue choices. Most of them keep you locked into the main storyline. But one option stands out like a neon warning sign: “You’re right, I’m out.” Selecting this tells Myers and Reed that you’re done, that whatever promised cure or eddies aren’t worth the heat. After a brief confirmation prompt where you can still backpedal, choosing “Made my decision” seals your fate. And just like that, Phantom Liberty’s central story vanishes. No big explosion. No dramatic fade-out. Just a quiet, permanent goodbye to the spy game.
What Happens When You Walk Away
For players who choose to bail, Dogtown doesn’t lock you out entirely. You can still roam the streets, browse the black market, and admire the dilapidated luxury of the district. However, walking away from the main questline has cascading consequences that aren’t immediately obvious:
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No more main missions: The entire remaining story arc—which includes the hunt for Songbird, the deep dive into Hansen’s operations, and the expansion’s multiple endings—becomes inaccessible on that save file.
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Locked side content: Many of Dogtown’s most fascinating side jobs and gigs are woven into the main narrative’s progression. If you exit early, those missions never trigger. You miss out on unique weapons, vehicles, and character moments tied to Reed, Songbird, and even Mr. Hands.
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A cold final message: A few in-game days after your refusal, V receives a terse text from Reed confirming that Myers got out of Dogtown safely. After that, radio silence. No more Idris Elba gravelly voice lines, no more morally gray decisions, no more closure.
Some players might see this as a weirdly liberating role-playing option—committing V to pure self-preservation—but it definitely shortchanges the experience. The decision cannot be undone without reloading an earlier save, so if you’re many hours past that point, you’re stuck.
Why Would CD Projekt Red Include This Option?
It seems counterintuitive for an expansion to let players voluntarily skip its main content. But in a game all about consequence and player agency, this choice fits right in. It echoes classic RPG moments where saying “no” truly means no. Realistically, not every merc would agree to wade through a warzone for a president they don’t trust, especially when the promised cure already feels like a distant mirage.
Still, for anyone playing through Phantom Liberty for the first time—even in 2026, when the expansion has been out for years—this choice is best left avoided. Why pay for a spy thriller only to slam the book shut after the first chapter?
The Verdict for First-Time Players
If you’re diving into Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty today, treat that dialogue wheel with care. The “I’m out” option might seem tempting if you’re role-playing a skeptical V, but resist the urge. You’ll want to see the electrifying twists, the emotional gut punches, and the brand-new ending paths that can reshape V’s fate in the base game. The expansion’s later missions unlock some of the best storytelling CD Projekt Red has ever delivered, and you can always experiment with the early exit on a second playthrough.
So when Solomon Reed asks if it’s worth it, just nod, grit your teeth, and say yes. Night City’s darkest corner has a lot more to show you—don’t walk away before the real heist begins.