After an intense showdown with the towering Chimera mech in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, a crucial choice awaits-will you snag the elusive Chimera Core? This rare and powerful component unlocks the potential to craft one of four devastating Tier 5 Iconic weapon mods, each transforming your arsenal in unique ways. But beware, the core’s location is easy to miss in the chaos, and once claimed, it’s yours to wield or display as a trophy. Ready to harness the Chimera’s power? Here’s how to find and make the most of the Chimera Core on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
Our Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty Chimera core guide will tell you exactly where to find the core in “Lucretia My Reflection” after defeating the Chimera during “Spider and the Fly.”
How to take the Chimera’s core
After defeating the Chimera during the main mission “Spider and the Fly” in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, you have the optional objective to take the Chimera’s core before leaving the arena. The core is not immediately obvious as it lies on the floor a short distance from the Chimera’s remains in the dark boss arena, so use your scanner to locate it. Be sure to pick it up before exiting through the subway tunnels to proceed with the story. The Chimera core is a unique crafting component used to create one of four powerful Tier 5 Iconic weapon mods or can be kept as a decorative item in V’s apartment. Missing it means losing the chance to craft these exclusive mods, so it’s essential to collect it while you have the opportunity.
Phantom Liberty’s “Spider and the Fly” mission has you escorting President Meyers from the crash site to a safe house that Songbird points you to. Toward the end of that mission, you’ll head into Dogtown’s expo center.
Hansen’s goons will start attacking until Songbird reveals her surprise – a Chimera walking tank.
Shortly after that, though, things go sideways. After a lot of running and even more shooting, you’ll defeat the Chimera by ripping out it’s core (and replacing it with a grenade).
The “Lucretia My Reflection” mission starts immediately after that, and it begins with the take the Chimera’s core optional objective.
The core – the one you just ripped out – you’re after doesn’t show up on your HUD and it’s shockingly hard to spot. Even more frustrating, its right under your feet when you start “Lucretia My Reflection.”
What’s the secret to successfully taking the Chimera’s core in Phantom Liberty
The secret to successfully taking the Chimera’s core in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty lies in thoroughly searching the boss arena immediately after defeating the Chimera tank during the mission “Spider and the Fly.” The core is an optional objective that can be easily missed because it lies in a dark, wrecked area near the Chimera’s remains, often requiring scanning the floor to locate it before exiting through the subway tunnels. Players must prioritize picking it up before advancing the story, as the core disappears once you move on.
To ensure you don’t miss it, switch your quest objective to the optional “Take the Chimera Core” to get a mini-map marker guiding you to its location. The core typically appears near the side of the arena by a door that requires scanning to access, so be ready to use your scanner to find it.
Successfully taking the core not only completes the optional objective but also grants you a rare crafting component used to create one of four powerful Tier 5 Iconic weapon mods, making the effort well worth it.
What’s the best strategy to defeat the Chimera and grab its core
The best strategy to defeat the Chimera in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty involves targeting its weak points-marked by yellow-orange glows-while using quickhacks like Cripple Movement or Cyberware Malfunction to temporarily disable its powerful attacks, giving you safe windows to deal damage. Use long-range weapons such as sniper rifles, assault rifles, or light machine guns, and take advantage of the arena’s upper floors for cover, moving frequently as the Chimera destroys walls and cover. When drones appear to repair the Chimera, prioritize eliminating them quickly to prevent the mech from regaining health. Once the Chimera’s health drops to around 2%, jump on top to open a hatch and throw a grenade inside to finish it off.
After defeating the Chimera, to grab its core, make sure to track the optional objective “Take the Chimera’s Core” in your journal to reveal its location on your HUD. The core is found near the Chimera’s remains, often requiring scanning to access a door near President Myers. Don’t leave the area before picking it up, as it will disappear once you move on. This core is essential for crafting powerful Tier 5 Iconic weapon mods, making the effort to secure it worthwhile.
