Navigating the morally gray underbelly of Night City in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty often forces players to make incredibly difficult choices. The side quest titled Shot by Both Sides embodies this perfectly, presenting V with a tense standoff involving corporate espionage, journalism, and personal survival. Deciding which side to support requires a careful look at the motivations of both characters involved in the conflict.
The Standoff Between Bree and Dante
The core of the mission revolves around Bree Whitney, an independent journalist who claims she is being hunted by Militech for uncovering dangerous corporate data. As you help her explore a hidden underground facility, you are suddenly confronted by Dante Caruso, a veteran agent who tells a completely different version of the story. Dante claims that Bree is not an innocent reporter, but rather a corporate operative planning to sell the volatile data to the highest bidder.
This sudden revelation forces players to make an immediate, high-stakes decision on who to trust. Both characters present compelling arguments, making the immediate choice highly stressful for players experiencing the narrative for the first time.
Consequences of Siding With Bree
If you choose to protect Bree, you will be forced to eliminate Dante in a fast-paced shootout. Following his defeat, Bree will thank you for your assistance, promise to expose the corporate corruption, and leave Night City shortly after. Later on, Mr. Hands will reward you generously for fulfilling the contract exactly as requested, and Bree will leave you a powerful iconic weapon as a token of gratitude.
However, players who choose this route might eventually feel a bit manipulated by the narrative outcome. Later updates from Mr. Hands reveal that Bree did indeed sell the information to a rival corporation rather than publishing a public exposé.
Consequences of Supporting Dante
Choosing to stand down and let Dante confront Bree reveals the darker truth behind her journalistic intentions. Dante will interrogate her, confirming his suspicions about her plans to profit off the corporate weapons research. Once the dust settles, Dante will provide you with a fair financial compensation for your cooperation and hand over the relevant data files.
This outcome provides a deeply cynical conclusion that fits perfectly within the broader themes of the cyberpunk genre. It proves that almost no one in Dogtown is truly innocent, and everyone has a hidden agenda for survival.
Determining the Best Choice for Your V
From a purely mechanical standpoint, siding with Bree yields superior gameplay loot due to the unique weapon rewards she provides. However, players focusing heavily on the roleplaying aspects of the game often find Dante's path to be much more narrative-driven and honest. The optimal decision ultimately depends on whether you prioritize high-tier gear or concrete moral closure in Night City.
Many experienced players recommend exploring both paths across different playthroughs to fully appreciate the excellent writing. This side quest serves as a prime example of the phenomenal world-building present throughout the entire Phantom Liberty expansion.
