Can You Keep the Militech Money? The Definitive Guide

Ah, the siren song of corporate espionage and ill-gotten gains. The question of whether you can actually keep that Militech money in Cyberpunk 2077 is more nuanced than a simple “yes” or “no.” Ultimately, the answer is: it depends entirely on your choices within the “The Pickup” mission and how you navigate the treacherous landscape of Night City. But before you start counting eddies, let’s dissect this scenario like a Ripperdoc examining a faulty cybernetic arm.

The Crossroads of “The Pickup”

The famed Militech shard, brimming with fat stacks of corporate cash, is your ticket to getting the Flathead bot from Maelstrom. But acquiring it is a tightrope walk over a pit of hungry scavengers. The quest branch you choose dictates whether you’ll even have a chance to keep the money, and even then, keeping it isn’t guaranteed.

Option 1: Trusting Meredith Stout (The Corp Route)

Working with Militech’s Meredith Stout sets the stage for keeping the cash, albeit with some significant risks. Stout gives you a corrupted shard laden with a virus designed to decimate Maelstrom’s systems and, crucially, frame you. If you choose to insert the shard into the Maelstrom network without cleaning it, you’re playing directly into her hands. You get the Flathead, but Maelstrom turns on you immediately after. You escape, but the money is gone. It’s a scorched-earth strategy.

However, if you’re savvy enough to cleanse the shard of the virus before the deal, you can essentially double-cross Stout. She’ll be furious, to say the least, but you’ll walk away with both the Flathead and the Militech money. This requires a high level of Technical Ability to successfully crack the shard.

Option 2: Going Rogue (or With Jackie)

If you decide to bypass Stout and either steal the Flathead directly or ally yourself with Maelstrom (risky!), then the Militech money is off the table. The shard doesn’t come into play, and your focus shifts entirely to acquiring the Flathead through other means – typically with a hefty dose of combat and negotiation.

So, Can You Keep It? The Bottom Line

Yes, you can keep the Militech money, but only if you choose to work with Meredith Stout and successfully clean the virus from the datashard before using it in the Maelstrom transaction. This involves a challenging hacking minigame, and failure means you are forced to choose whether or not to use the virus. If you don’t work with Stout at all, or you inject the virus into Maelstrom’s network, the opportunity disappears faster than a netrunner’s trace.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Militech Money

1. How much money is actually on the Militech shard?

The shard contains 10,000 eddies. Not exactly a life-changing sum in the grand scheme of Night City, but a significant boost early in the game. Think of it as a down payment on your first cybernetic upgrade or a decent arsenal of weapons.

2. What happens if I fail to clean the virus from the shard?

If you fail to clean the virus, you have a choice: use the corrupted shard or refuse to use it. Using the shard triggers an immediate firefight with Maelstrom and paints a target on your back. You get the Flathead, but the money is essentially wasted as Maelstrom turns hostile. Refusing to use the corrupted shard will force you to find a way to get the Flathead without it.

3. What skill level is required to clean the virus from the Militech shard?

You’ll need a relatively high Technical Ability stat to successfully crack the shard. The exact level is somewhat debated, but aiming for at least 7 Technical Ability is a safe bet. It depends on your luck with Quickhacks available to you during the hacking minigame.

4. Is it worth investing in Technical Ability early just to get the Militech money?

That depends on your play style. Technical Ability is valuable for crafting, disarming traps, and accessing restricted areas. If you plan on playing a netrunner or a crafting-focused character, then absolutely. However, if you’re going for a pure combat build, focusing on other skills might be more beneficial. Consider whether the 10,000 eddies outweigh the delayed progression of your primary combat skills.

5. Does Meredith Stout ever find out if I cleaned the shard?

Yes, she absolutely does. When you return to meet with her, she is furious when she realizes you played her. You have the chance to explain your actions and even fight her, but she knows what you did.

6. Does cleaning the shard affect my relationship with Militech later in the game?

In the immediate short term, Meredith Stout certainly doesn’t like you. But after that first mission, you’ll likely not see her for the rest of the game.

7. Is there any alternative way to make money early in the game?

Absolutely! Night City is overflowing with opportunities. Side gigs, NCPD scanner hustles, and crafting/selling items are all viable options. Focusing on these alternatives might actually yield more eddies in the long run than stressing over the Militech money.

8. What happens if I use the Militech shard and kill Royce?

If you insert the shard and then kill Royce (the Maelstrom leader), chaos ensues. Maelstrom is furious, you’re caught in a brutal firefight, and you have no choice but to fight your way out. You’re essentially maximizing the hostility of the situation, but you do get the Flathead, albeit at a significant cost. And again, you do not keep the money.

9. Does Jackie have any input on whether or not to take the money?

Jackie doesn’t explicitly comment on the money itself, but he is a key advisor on the Maelstrom’s overall strategy. He’s generally cautious and values survival, so he may subtly influence your decision to use the virus or seek a more diplomatic solution. Listen to his gut!

10. Can I sell the Flathead later in the game?

No, the Flathead is a quest item and can’t be sold. Its value lies in its unique abilities and its role in the main storyline.

11. Does the difficulty level affect my ability to clean the virus from the shard?

No, the difficulty level doesn’t directly impact the hacking minigame. Your success depends primarily on your Technical Ability stat, Quickhack abilities and your skill as a hacker.

12. Is there a “best” outcome for “The Pickup” mission?

The “best” outcome is subjective and depends on your priorities. Cleaning the shard and keeping the Militech money while avoiding a massive firefight is arguably the most optimal from a financial perspective, but it requires a significant investment in Technical Ability. Alternatively, navigating the situation through diplomacy or cunning might be more satisfying from a role-playing perspective, even if it means sacrificing the cash. Choose the path that best aligns with your V’s personality and your overall game plan. Ultimately, the streets of Night City are all about making choices, and living with the consequences. So, choom, choose wisely.