Cyberpunk Somewhat Damaged Reddit

The Somewhat Damaged mission in *Cyberpunk 2077’s Phantom Liberty* expansion triggered strong reactions when it launched. Going into this optional main quest feels more like a stealth-horror detour than the action-packed finale many expected. Unlike the pacing of earlier missions, Somewhat Damaged shifts gears into survival-based stealth gameplay, complete with a relentless Cerberus robot patrol. This unexpected tonal shift led to heated discussions among players, particularly on Reddit and forums, where many voiced frustration over the abrupt change of pace.

Overview of the Somewhat Damaged Quest

This mission begins after the Firestarter sequence if you choose to side with Reed. Players must infiltrate a subterranean Cynosure lab, tracing Songbird’s movement through Blackwall residue. Instead of combat, stealth becomes essential as fighting the Cerberus robot is often fatal. Broken communication and system interference create a tense experience unlike anything else in the game.

Key Objectives

• Follow the trail of Songbird’s Blackwall residue
• Bypass locked gates via Body attribute checks or underwater passages
• Hack multiple terminals to disable facility systems
• Avoid detection by the patrolling Cerberus unit
• Complete the mission with a key choice affecting Songbird’s fate

Why Players Found It Punishing

Fans on Reddit and Steam expressed widespread dissatisfaction, citing the complete tonal departure from typical action gameplay.

Mismatched Expectations

Many went into the mission expecting a climactic boss battle or narrative showdown, only to face a long stealth maze. As one Reddit user commented:

>I choose to trust reed i expected a more bad ass mission as the final mission but now i’m here hiding from a ♥♥♥♥♥♥ janitor robot

This stealth-horror sequence feels out of place compared to *Phantom Liberty’s* earlier high-impact missions.

Length and Repetition

Players also criticized the mission’s length. The shift to stealth-heavy gameplay made the mission drag, leaving some thinking it could have been a shorter, optional side quest.

>Mixing up the game by putting a complete genre in a mission is fine, but i don’t think it would fit in the FINAL mission

Technical Issues and Bugs

Aside from design complaints, there were actual technical issues reported during the quest:

Scanning and Interaction Glitches

Some players found themselves unable to scan cables in the Neural Network room, blocking progress entirely.

>I can’t scan the cables though … I even looked at CET … tried different saves. No matter what i do i can’t scan the wires.

Crash to Desktop Errors

Others reported crashes when progressing through the mission even when autosaves triggered. One workaround mentioned was manually saving during moments when the Cerberus paused its patrol.

>I think the autosave would cause a crash … I then saved manually immediately … it would at least limit the amount of progress that would be lost.

Community and Lore Context

Despite the backlash, some players appreciate the mission for its thematic alignment with Songbird’s psychological breakdown, and even aesthetic nods to Nine Inch Nails (NIN).

>I read what happens though and that’s a very fitting title! referring to *NIN’s* Somewhat Damaged track.

This subtle homage added emotional resonance for fans familiar with the reference.

Walkthrough Highlights

Various guide sources highlight optimal strategies for survival through this mission:

• Swim through flooded passages to bypass locked doors or meet Body stat thresholds
• Hack three key terminals: Alpha, Bravo, and Thermic Control, each requiring stealth and timing
• Evade the Cerberus patrol using cover, hiding spots, and route prediction
• Locate optional blueprints for Erebus SMG or Militech Canto by exploring thoroughly

Balancing Stealth and Rewards

Players who persisted found valuable rewards and narrative payoff:

• Access to Erebus Power SMG or iconic Militech Canto MK.6 blueprints
• A deeper emotional arc involving Songbird and Reed
• Unique stealth gameplay that contrasts with *Cyberpunk 2077’s* usual action orientation

Why the Strong Polarization?

This mission sits at the intersection of design ambition and expectation mismatch. Fans expect *Cyberpunk 2077* to deliver player choice and flashy confrontations not confined stealth experiences. When a key storyline mission diverges dramatically, especially at a narrative climax, it can feel like developer hubris overshadowing player agency.

Lessons from Somewhat Damaged

This quest illustrates important takeaways for developers and players alike:

• Genre shifts within a series must be clearly signposted to avoid jarring tonal shifts
• Technical robustness is critical during stealth segments, where interactivity and scanning are core mechanics
• Autosave triggers can backfire in intensity-based segments manual save control helps
• Easter egg connections (like NIN references) can deepen lore but need supportive gameplay to land effectively

The Somewhat Damaged mission in *Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty* created one of the most memorable flashpoints among fans. By pivoting into stealth horror at the final act, it divided players some praised its psychological depth and bold risks, while others feared the departure from core gameplay was jarring and unjustified. With glitches and scan mechanics also drawing ire, the mission flew in the face of expectations. Still, for those patient enough to work through it, it rewards with blueprints, narrative payoff, and even musical Easter eggs. Whether you love or hate it, Somewhat Damaged guarantees you won’t forget it anytime soon.