Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos: A Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty Mission
The Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos mission is a crucial part of the Phantom Liberty DLC storyline in Cyberpunk 2077. It is only accessible if you side with Reed and betray Songbird in the Firestarter mission.
In this mission, V and Solomon Reed strategize an attack on the MaxTac convoy with the aim of freeing Songbird. With Songbird going cyberpsycho after V’s betrayal and Alex’s death at the hands of Kurt Hansen, tensions are high. Taking on MaxTac adds another obstacle to your mission of helping Songbird, if she’s willing to listen.
Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos Mission Walkthrough
Find a Capable Netrunner or Call Mr. Hands for Assistance
After the Firestarter mission, Reed asks you to find a skilled netrunner to track the MaxTac convoy’s route. The available options depend on your progress in the base game of Cyberpunk 2077.
The netrunners may not all be available, but here are the options:
Nix
Nix can be hired if you helped him at the Afterlife club. He is a friend of Rogue and provides classic Cyberware. Choosing Nix has no issues or consequences.
Carol Emeka
Available if you completed a side quest for the Aldecado’s Nomad group. Carol can’t hack MaxTac, but she will offer you an item as a reward.
Sandra Dorset
Sandra is only available if you saved her from scavs in a side mission. She can hack MaxTac easily but requests that you quick-hack a downed MaxTac agent for her.
Chang-Hoon Nam
Available if you saved Chang-Hoon in a side mission. However, choosing him will fry his brain and force him to leave Night City. It’s advised not to pick him.
Yoko (Mr. Hands’s Netrunner)
If you choose Mr. Hands’s netrunner, be prepared to pay 15,000 eddies. This option costs a lot but provides a skilled netrunner. You can also give Yoko the coordinates of the ambush location.
Once you’ve chosen a netrunner, meet them at the designated location to plan their part in the assault.
Head to the Abandoned Motel
After settling the netrunner situation, go to the abandoned motel to meet Reed. You can optionally speak to Johnny for his perspective on the situation.
Plan the Ambush or Let the Gang Member Do It
Talk to a gang member outside who offers to set up the traps for the ambush. Alternatively, you can plan the ambush yourself. You have options for turrets or mines, smoke grenades, and your position in the battle.
Turrets or Mines
Choose between setting up turrets on the motel terrace or using mines to stop the vehicles. Mines can be placed on the road or stairs to prevent enemy access. Consider picking turrets as the convoy stops regardless, and you’ll need the extra firepower.
Smoke Grenades
Using smoke grenades can confuse in the fight but hinders Reed’s sniping. Consider Reed’s usefulness before opting for smoke grenades.
Your Position
Choose between the terrace, stairs, or sky bridge for your position. Each has its advantages, so decide based on your preferred weapon and playstyle.
Chat with Reed
Talk to Reed and discuss your plan. You can push him to talk about his feelings, revealing his fear for Songbird. Johnny also appears, expressing his thoughts on Reed’s hopefulness. Reed notices your change in behavior and asks if you’re communicating with Songbird.
Text Mr. Hands (Optional)
If you chose Mr. Hands’s netrunner, you can text him the coordinates of the ambush location.
Get into Position and Begin the NCPD Battle
Select your position and wait for the convoy to arrive. Take down the NCPD officers defending the convoy. Go to the main truck and open the back doors.
Fight the MaxTac Operators
When encountering the MaxTac operators, prioritize taking out Jasper Collins to prevent interference with your cybernetics. Coordinate your attacks with Reed’s shots to defeat the operators.
Check on Reed (Optional)
After the battle, check on Reed, who has been injured. He tells you to go after Songbird while he recovers.
Chase Songbird
Follow the map markers or scan the area for tire tracks left by Songbird’s truck. Investigate the area to conclude the mission and start the next part of the Phantom Liberty narrative.
Final Verdict on the Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos Mission in Phantom Liberty
While there aren’t major decisions to make in this mission, the ambush planning allows for strategic thinking. It’s clear that Songbird remains angry, and forgiveness is not likely in the near future.