How to Remove the Chip Virus in Cyberpunk 2077: Complete Guide to Fixing It

Early in Cyberpunk 2077, players face a critical choice during The Pickup mission. A compromised data shard holds both credits and dangerous malware. Decrypting it properly unlocks unique rewards and story paths.

This decision impacts faction relationships throughout the game. Successfully neutralizing the threat can lead to peaceful resolutions or explosive confrontations. The outcome affects interactions with Maelstrom, Militech, and key characters like Meredith Stout.

Players who master the hacking mini-game gain access to 10,000 eurodollars and special quickhacks. Different lifepaths offer unique dialogue options that influence the mission’s progression. Understanding these mechanics early helps shape Night City’s dangerous corporate politics.

Multiple approaches exist, from brute-force combat to stealthy negotiations. Each choice carries consequences that ripple through later missions. The virus removal process serves as an important introduction to the game’s branching narrative system.

How Do I Remove the Virus from the Chip in Cyberpunk?

Night City’s dangerous tech requires careful handling of compromised data. The Militech shard presents both a lucrative payday and significant risk if mishandled. Successfully cleansing it grants access to 10,000 eurodollars and prevents future complications.

Accessing the Security Protocols

Open your inventory and navigate to the Journal tab. Select Shards, then locate the Militech Datashard entry. This brings up the encrypted interface where the breach protocol begins.

Console players use directional inputs while PC users click through menus. The security system requires specific code sequences to bypass its defenses.

Cracking the Encryption

The datashard’s protection uses a two-part hexadecimal sequence. First input BD BD FF 55, followed by 1C E9. Combined, these create the complete 6-digit solution.

Timing matters during the buffer sequence. Enter codes quickly before the timer expires for maximum reward potential.

Mastering the Mini-Game

Successful completion immediately removes the optional objective marker. Players who copy the code during the process gain the Synapse Burnout quickhack.

“Always check shard contents before decryption – corporate malware hits harder than any bullet.”

Failure to cleanse the datashard triggers aggressive responses from Royce later. The hacking challenge serves as an early test of netrunning skills with lasting consequences.

Consequences of Not Removing the Virus

Ignoring the datashard’s corruption alters mission outcomes significantly. Night City punishes oversight with harder boss fights, locked content, and reduced rewards. The malware’s ripple effects extend beyond The Pickup mission.

Forced Boss Fight with Royce

Royce becomes an unavoidable Level 15 enemy if the shard remains corrupted. His mech suit has a critical weak point: the rear power box. Destroy it first, then land headshots for quicker takedowns.

Defeating him grants only €3,000—€7,000 less than the cleansed shard’s reward. His combat patterns include:

• Charged laser attacks (dodge left/right)
• Grenade throws (seek cover)
• Melee slams (double-jump evade)

Missed Opportunities for Peaceful Resolution

Failing to decrypt the militech datashard locks these options:

Opportunity	Impact
Dum Dum’s Black Lace inhaler	Permanent stat boost lost
Maelstrom weapon vendor	No access to rare firearms
Venus in Furs side quest	Storyline and rewards skipped

“A single unchecked virus can collapse alliances faster than a max-tier quickhack.”

Streetkid lifepath players lose unique dialogue with Brick. Later missions like Second Conflict escalate violently without prior negotiations. The Chaos pistol and other loot become unobtainable.

Alternative Paths in The Pickup Mission

Four distinct pathways shape Night City’s dangerous corporate politics. Each approach unlocks unique rewards and alters faction relationships permanently. Your decision here impacts later quest chains and character interactions.

The Instant Death route triggers when attacking Royce immediately. This skips negotiations but forfeits the 10,000 eurodollars. Maelstrom becomes permanently hostile in this case.

Choosing the Peaceful Transaction requires paying Royce with clean eddies. This maintains access to All Foods Plant but blocks Brick’s rescue. Technical Ability 11 unlocks alternative options here.

Nomad lifepath players gain exclusive dialogue about the mole subplot. Corpo characters can warn Royce about Militech’s trap. These mission variants showcase the game’s narrative depth.

“Pathways aren’t just about credits—they’re about controlling Night City’s power balance.”

The Militech Alliance path uses the infected shard deliberately. This triggers Royce’s death sequence automatically. Meredith Stout rewards this way with unique gear later.

Saving Brick requires either:

• Technical Ability 11 to disable mines
• Finding the detonator in the factory

Post-mission ambushes by Maelstrom were added in Patch 2.1. These random combat encounters occur throughout Watson district. Winning them drops rare crafting components.

The All Foods Plant locks permanently after completing this quest. Missed loot includes the Chaos pistol and evidence about the mole. Choose your fight strategy carefully.

Conclusion

Mastering the Cyberpunk 2077 hacking mechanics unlocks deeper storytelling and rewards. A clean chip ensures financial gains and smoother faction interactions, while failure forces tougher game challenges.

First-time players should manually save before critical decisions. Experiment with negotiation, stealth, or combat—each approach reshapes Night City’s power dynamics.

The Phantom Liberty expansion reacts to these early choices. Your actions here influence later romances, cyberware upgrades, and faction conflicts.

This mission highlights the gaming experience’s flexibility. Whether you decrypt or fight, consequences ripple across the entire playthrough.

FAQ

Where do I find the Militech datashard with the virus?

The infected Militech datashard is located in your inventory under the Shards tab after obtaining it during The Pickup mission.

What happens if I don’t remove the virus before meeting Royce?

Skipping the virus removal triggers a forced boss fight with Royce and locks out peaceful negotiation options with Maelstrom.

How do I solve the hacking mini-game to remove the virus?

Access the datashard, select the crack security option, then complete the sequence by matching code fragments within the time limit.

Can I avoid combat in The Pickup mission entirely?

Yes. Removing the virus allows negotiation, while paying with your own money or finding alternative solutions can also prevent conflict.

Is removing the virus an optional objective?

While optional, fixing the infected chip unlocks additional dialogue paths and avoids unnecessary combat later in the mission.