Ghost Protocol: A Netrunner's Guide to "Transmission" in Cyberpunk 2077 (No Combat) The "Transmission" quest in Cyberpunk 2077 is a pivotal moment in your relationship with the Voodoo Boys, and a masterclass in stealth netrunning.
The "Transmission" quest in Cyberpunk 2077 is a pivotal moment in your relationship with the Voodoo Boys, and a masterclass in stealth netrunning. This mission tasks you with infiltrating a heavily guarded NetWatch facility to extract critical information. One wrong move, and you'll be facing down a legion of elite agents. But fear not, fellow netrunners! This guide will walk you through "Transmission" step-by-step, focusing on a stealth-oriented approach that avoids direct combat. Whether you're rocking the latest cyberware or just starting your journey as a digital phantom, this walkthrough will help you complete the quest with zero bloodshed. Get ready to dive deep into NetWatch's digital fortress and emerge victorious.
Setting the Stage: "I Walk the Line" and Beyond
"Transmission" is the direct follow-up to the "I Walk the Line" quest. You've successfully navigated the Grand Imperial Mall, dealt with the Animals, and are now ready to delve into the secrets that the Voodoo Boys need. This is where things get tricky. NetWatch is a formidable opponent, and alerting them can have serious consequences. The information you retrieve during "Transmission" will significantly impact the unfolding narrative, including future quests like "Ghost Town," and your alliance with the Voodoo Boys. Stealth and efficiency are key to a successful outcome, both in terms of gameplay and the story itself.
Step-by-Step Stealth Strategy:
Let's break down the "Transmission" quest into manageable steps, focusing on optimal stealth and netrunning tactics.
1. Infiltration: The Service Tunnel Approach
The main entrance to the NetWatch facility is heavily fortified, but thankfully, there's a less conspicuous option: the service tunnel. You'll find it on the side of the building, marked on your map. This route offers a more discreet entry point, allowing you to bypass the initial layers of security.
Essential Quickhack: Advanced Datamine
Before you even think about entering, make sure you have the "Advanced Datamine" quickhack equipped. This is your golden ticket. As you enter the tunnel, you'll immediately encounter cameras and potentially turrets. Using "Advanced Datamine," you can disable these security measures remotely, creating a safe passage.
Alternative: Distraction Tactics
If you don't have the "Advanced Datamine" quickhack (though it's HIGHLY recommended you get it before attempting this), you can still proceed with stealth. Use "Distract Enemies" on nearby objects to draw guards away from camera sightlines. Carefully time your movements to slip past undetected. Remember to hug the walls and use cover whenever possible.
2. Navigating the Server Room: A Digital Labyrinth
The server room is the heart of the NetWatch facility, and it's crawling with guards and surveillance. Here's a breakdown of the layout and how to navigate it:
(Visual Map Description): Imagine the server room as a large, rectangular space. Guards patrol along the main floor, often stopping near server racks. Cameras are positioned in the corners of the room and along the walls, creating overlapping fields of vision. The server rack you need is located on an upper level, accessible via a catwalk.
Key Quickhacks: Distract Enemies and Camera Control
"Distract Enemies" remains your bread and butter. Use it to create openings in guard patrol patterns. "Camera Control" allows you to temporarily disable or redirect cameras, giving you a wider window to move undetected. Remember to manage your RAM effectively!
Reaching the Upper Level:
The server rack with the access point is on the upper level, accessible by a catwalk. Remotely open the door to the catwalk using your quickhacks. This will likely draw the attention of at least one guard, so time your entry carefully. Jump onto the catwalk and proceed to the terminal.
3. Data Retrieval: Initiating the Download
Once you reach the designated server rack, interact with the terminal to initiate the data download. This is where things get tense.
A timer will appear, indicating the duration of the download. During this time, security will be heightened, and guards will be on high alert. This is where your offensive quickhacks come into play.
Defensive Hacking: Overheat and Short Circuit
If guards approach the terminal, use "Overheat" and "Short Circuit" quickhacks to silently eliminate them. These quickhacks provide a non-lethal (but disabling) option, ensuring you maintain your stealth profile. Time your quickhacks carefully to prevent detection.
4. Escape: Vanishing Act
With the data downloaded, it's time to make your escape. The service tunnel remains the safest route.
Minimizing Detection: Ping and Reboot Optics
As you retrace your steps, use "Ping" to reveal enemy locations through walls. This will help you anticipate patrol patterns and avoid encounters. "Reboot Optics" can temporarily blind guards, giving you a crucial advantage if you're spotted.
Alternate Routes (If Alerted):
If, despite your best efforts, you trigger an alarm, don't panic. Use cover strategically, exploit enemy blind spots, and prioritize quickhacks like "Reboot Optics" and "Cyberware Malfunction" to disable enemies. Remember, even in a firefight, a Netrunner can control the battlefield.
5. Optional Boss Encounter: Dealing with the NetWatch Agent
If you blow your cover, you'll likely face a NetWatch agent. This can be a tough fight, but as a skilled netrunner, you have the tools to take them down quickly.
Quickhack Domination: Cyberware Malfunction and Synapse Burnout
Focus on crippling the agent with "Cyberware Malfunction," which disables their cybernetic enhancements. Follow up with "Synapse Burnout" for massive damage.
Strategic Positioning:
Use the server racks as cover and maintain your distance. The agent will likely try to close the gap, so be prepared to reposition. Keep an eye on your RAM and health, and don't hesitate to use consumables if needed.
Netrunner Tips and Tricks for "Transmission":
Let's delve into some advanced tips to maximize your stealth netrunning capabilities:
Quickhack Prioritization: RAM is Your Lifeline
RAM management is crucial. Prioritize quickhacks based on their utility and cost. For "Transmission," focus on:
- Reboot Optics: Blinds enemies, providing a crucial window for escape.
- Distract Enemies: Creates diversions and manipulates patrol patterns.
- Camera Control: Disables or redirects cameras, opening up new pathways.
- Overheat: Silently eliminates threats.
- Short Circuit: Another silent takedown option.
Equip Cyberware that boosts RAM recovery and reduces quickhack cost. This will allow you to chain quickhacks more effectively.
Stealth Cyberware: Become a Ghost
The "Optical Camo" cyberware mod is a game-changer for stealth builds.
It renders you partially invisible, making it significantly easier to evade detection. You can find it at various Ripperdocs throughout Night City, particularly in Watson. Use it strategically in conjunction with cover and distraction techniques. Activate it when moving between cover or when a guard is about to spot you.
Understanding Enemy Awareness: Watch the Meter
Pay close attention to the enemy awareness meter.
This meter indicates how close an enemy is to detecting you. Adjust your behavior accordingly. If the meter starts to fill, immediately break line of sight or use a quickhack like "Reboot Optics" to reset their awareness. Remember that enemies react to both visual and audio cues. Avoid running or making loud noises near guards.
PC-Specific Optimization:
For PC players, here are some tips to optimize your Cyberpunk 2077 experience:
Ray Tracing and DLSS: Balancing Fidelity and Performance
If you have an NVIDIA RTX card, experiment with DLSS settings (Quality vs. Performance) to find the right balance between visual fidelity and framerate.
On lower-end cards, consider disabling ray-traced reflections and ambient occlusion to improve performance.
CPU Optimization: Prioritize Your Game
Set the game's priority to "High" in Task Manager to allocate more CPU resources. Warning: Do NOT set it to "Realtime" as this can cause system instability.
Mod Recommendations: Enhance Your Netrunning
Consider these mods to enhance your stealth and netrunning experience:
Better Stealth: Enhances the stealth AI, making enemies more realistic and responsive to player actions. Better Stealth on NexusMods
Enhanced Quickhacks: Adds new quickhacks or improves the functionality of existing ones, expanding netrunning options. Enhanced Quickhacks on NexusMods
Cyberpunk 2077 HD Reworked Project: If your system can handle it, this improves graphics quality for a more immersive experience. Cyberpunk 2077 HD Reworked Project on NexusMods
Control Mapping: Customize Your Controls
You can remap keybindings, including quickhacking controls, to improve comfort and efficiency. Optimize your control scheme to suit your playstyle.
Conclusion: Rewards and Consequences
By successfully completing "Transmission," you'll receive a substantial reward in eddies (money) and experience points. More importantly, you'll advance the Voodoo Boys questline, unlocking future opportunities and challenges in "Ghost Town." However, remember that your actions during "Transmission" have consequences. Alerting NetWatch can have repercussions later in the game, potentially impacting your relationship with other factions. Therefore, prioritizing stealth and following this guide will ensure the best possible outcome.
Now go forth, fellow netrunners, and conquer the digital fortress of NetWatch!