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The journey of Cyberpunk 2077 has been transformative since its initial launch back in 2020. Thanks to improvements and the exceptional Phantom Liberty expansion, considered by many to be among CD Projekt Red’s finest creations, now is an ideal moment to revisit Night City, especially if you’ve yet to experience the DLC.
While the game presents the option to dive directly into the Phantom Liberty content, newcomers may find it challenging to determine the most suitable point within the main storyline to integrate the DLC.
Having extensively explored the game across multiple playthroughs, accumulating close to 200 hours, I can offer insights on when you should embark on the Phantom Liberty adventure.
Optimal Time to Begin Phantom Liberty
The Phantom Liberty storyline unlocks after locating Evelyn Parker and completing the quest called Transmission. Although starting the DLC immediately might be tempting, it’s advisable to hold off for a bit.
Phantom Liberty features some of the most challenging encounters found within Cyberpunk 2077, even surpassing Adam Smasher in difficulty. I won’t reveal any specifics about these battles, but understand that a well-developed character build is crucial for survival within Dogtown.
Once you’ve concluded all primary missions in Act 2, Act 3 begins with a single, pivotal mission: “Nocturne Op55N1,” marking the point of no return. Before progressing into Act 3, be sure to finalize Johnny Silverhand’s Tapeworm questline, and then commence the DLC.
Typically, by the time you’ve completed Johnny’s missions, you’ll have exceeded level 30, established a robust character build, and acquired gold-tier weaponry, making this the perfect moment to immerse yourself in Phantom Liberty.
Phantom Liberty DLC: Helpful Hints and Treasures
Following what I believe is one of the most captivating DLC introductions, you’ll find yourself unleashed within Dogtown, an environment even more unpredictable than Night City itself.
Phantom Liberty: Essential Tips
If you’re tackling your playthrough on a more challenging difficulty, here are some suggestions to enhance your experience:
- Equip yourself with gold-rated weaponry that aligns with your character build; superior gear is essential for survival.
- Scavenge all available item drops within Phantom Liberty, frequently visit shops, retain items of value, and liquidate the remainder for credits.
- Don’t hesitate to invest your eddies in acquiring and upgrading gold-rated cyberware to maximize your survivability.
Phantom Liberty: What You’ll Gain
Here’s a rundown of the rewards you’ll unlock throughout the Phantom Liberty DLC:
- Access to the new Relic skill tree. Prioritize unlocking the Vulnerability Analytics ability, as its benefits extend across both the core game and the DLC content.
- Acquire additional Relic upgrade points by activating the Millitech Data Terminals located in Dogtown.
- Upon completing Phantom Liberty, a new ending for the base game may become available, contingent on the conclusion you reached in the DLC. However, be mindful of choices that might preclude access to these alternative endings.
Cyberpunk 2077
- Released
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December 10, 2020
- ESRB
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M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol