Remove Virus From Chip Cyberpunk: How to Complete the Quest

Navigating early-game assignments in Night City requires sharp technical skills and careful decision-making. During the quest known as The Pickup, players receive an encrypted Militech datashard loaded with a dangerous malware virus. Learning how to neutralize this threat allows you to secure extra credits or alter your standing with key factions.

Accessing the Militech Encrypted Shard

To begin the decryption process, open your main character menu and navigate directly to the Shards tab located within the Journal. Scroll down to the bottom of the list where the encrypted Militech credchip is stored. Selecting the shard opens the breach protocol interface needed to clear the infected data.

Solving the Breach Protocol Puzzle

Clearing the malware requires matching specific hexadecimal code sequences on the hacking grid. Players must select the correct buffer sequence to execute the Neutralize Malware command safely. Successfully executing this hacking sequence removes the virus while keeping the loaded funds intact.

Story Consequences and Quest Outcomes

Removing the virus alters how the encounter inside the All Foods factory unfolds when meeting with Maelstrom. Handing over a cleansed credit chip prevents an immediate malware explosion and keeps the negotiation peaceful. However, keeping the clean chip for yourself lets you claim the funds after handling the mission through alternative combat routes.

Maximizing Your Rewards

Players who choose to crack the chip can also attempt a dual-sequence hack to extract valuable quickhack daemons. Cleaning the datashard provides the option to walk away with 10,000 Eurodollars if you choose not to use it as payment. Balancing your immediate financial gains against your relationships with Militech and Maelstrom shapes your early progression significantly.