Cyberpunk Shot By Both Sides Quest Guide
Navigating the dangerous streets of Dogtown in the Phantom Liberty expansion introduces players to complex moral dilemmas that challenge your perception of justice. The side gig titled Shot by Both Sides stands out as an exceptional narrative experience, forcing V to mediate a tense standoff between two conflicting parties. Successfully completing this mission requires a careful balance of investigation, combat preparation, and critical decision-making.
Starting the Investigation
This assignment officially begins when Mr. Hands contacts you regarding an independent journalist named Bree Whitney who needs protection. You must head to an apartment complex located within the heart of the district to meet your client. Upon arriving, you will notice signs of forced entry, signaling that corporate agents are already tracking her whereabouts.
Searching the immediate area reveals hidden compartments and data pads detailing a massive corporate cover-up involving unauthorized cybernetic experiments. Bree explains that she has uncovered sensitive Militech files that could destabilize local political factions if they reach the public. Your initial objective is to escort her safely to a decommissioned underground facility where the remaining data is stored.
Navigating the Underground Facility
The journey beneath the city streets shifts the gameplay loop toward careful environmental exploration and puzzle-solving. The ancient facility is locked down by pre-war defense systems, requiring V to disable automated turrets and active security grids. Maintaining open communication with Bree is essential during these segments, as she can hack specific terminals to clear your path.
As you descend deeper into the bunker, the atmosphere grows increasingly tense with corporate remnants scattered throughout the hallways. You will need to scan old computer mainframes and recover access cards to power up the main laboratory terminal. Once the data retrieval process begins, the true nature of the mission unfolds as unexpected reinforcements block your escape route.
The Final Confrontation
The narrative reaches its peak when a skilled mercenary named Dante Caruso interrupts the data download and confronts your party at gunpoint. Dante claims that Bree is not an innocent reporter, but rather a corporate operative selling highly dangerous bioweapons to rival organizations. This intense standoff forces you to evaluate the credibility of both individuals before taking definitive action.
Players are presented with a difficult choice that significantly alters the conclusion of the gig and the rewards you receive. You can choose to trust Bree and eliminate Dante in a fast-paced shootout, or you can step aside and allow Dante to execute his target. Each path offers unique character insights and impacts your overall standing with Mr. Hands.
Rewards and Narrative Outcomes
Siding with the journalist yields a substantial monetary payout from Mr. Hands, alongside access to an iconic corporate weapon left behind in the laboratory. However, choosing to support the mercenary reveals deeper corporate lore that highlights the cynical reality of the district. Regardless of your choice, the mission serves as a stark reminder that clear-cut heroes are rare in the dark world of Night City.