Summary
- Players don't need to finish Cyberpunk 2077 before playing Phantom Liberty DLC. Going in blind will make for a more meaningful roleplaying experience.
- Phantom Liberty will enhance the gameplay experience with improved features like a reworked skill tree and better police systems.
- Newer players have the chance to dive into Night City in its best and fullest state with improved gameplay and should avoid finishing the base game before playing Phantom Liberty.
Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty will bring a slew of changes and lots of new content to Night City, which may leave some players wondering if they should finish the base game before playing the DLC. Although almost three years have ed since the game's release in 2020, it's no surprise that some fans are still making their way through the story; Cyberpunk 2077's infamously rocky launch deterred many from progressing, let alone reaching the finish line. But with plenty of patches and the hit anime Cyberpunk: Edgerunners revitalizing ions for the RPG, some newer players may find themselves conflicted.
After all, the contents of Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty aren't only appealing to veteran players. Even for those who haven't seen V's story to the end, the prospect of Phantom Liberty sounds exciting at face value, with new characters like Solomon Reed (who's played by Idris Elba), a dangerous and anarchic new district named Dogtown, and general themes of political power, action, and espionage. New players may find themselves just as eager to hop in as experienced players, but they may also find themselves wondering if they should finish the main story before participating in the expansion.
Players Should Avoid Finishing Cyberpunk 2077 Before Phantom Liberty
The good news is that players don't need to finish Cyberpunk 2077 in order to play Phantom Liberty - in fact, it's better if they avoid completing the main story before the DLC. Since Phantom Liberty will add a new ending to the game, fans can likely expect to see it take place sometime during Act 2. Just like the rest of the base game's endings, V's actions and choices from that point onward will directly influence their available endings; being familiar with how the story plays out may consciously or subconsciously influence players' choices. If it's an option, going in blind will make for a more meaningful roleplaying experience.
Cyberpunk 2077 Will Improve With Phantom Liberty
Players shouldn't finish Cyberpunk 2077 before playing Phantom Liberty for mainly narrative reasons, but holding off until the DLC releases will also enhance the gameplay experience. Alongside the new characters, district, storyline, and mysterious ending, Phantom Liberty is basically a Cyberpunk 2077 overhaul, too. Many of the base game's features will be improved significantly with the update, including a reworked skill tree, more complex cyberware, vehicle combat, better police systems, more navigable UI, and more. While Cyberpunk 2077 is great as is, those who wait to take advantage of the massive reworks will have an even better first experience.
Thanks to its unique and gripping story, it can be difficult to put Cyberpunk 2077 down, but those who remain patient will get more enjoyment out of Phantom Liberty. Without spoilers and with improved gameplay, newer players have the chance to dive into Night City in its best and fullest state so far (unlike many day-one players). For the most immersive, meaningful, and magical experience possible, players should avoid finishing Cyberpunk 2077 before playing Phantom Liberty.
Source: Cyberpunk 2077/YouTube
