Diving Headfirst into Dogtown: Can You Jump Straight into Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty?

Yes, you absolutely can jump straight into Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty! CD Projekt Red has cleverly designed the expansion to be accessible to both seasoned Night City veterans and newcomers alike. This means you can bypass the main game’s opening act and dive directly into the intrigue and danger of Dogtown. However, before you make that leap, let’s explore the pros, cons, and considerations that come with this decision.

Choosing Your Path: Regular Start vs. Phantom Liberty Start

When you start a new game after installing the Phantom Liberty DLC, you’ll be presented with two distinct options:

• Regular Start: This option takes you through the familiar opening of Cyberpunk 2077, allowing you to experience V’s initial rise in Night City. You’ll need to progress through the main storyline, specifically until after the “Transmission” quest, before the Phantom Liberty content becomes available.

• Skip Ahead to Phantom Liberty: This option throws you directly into the expansion’s content. You’ll be given a pre-built character around level 20 with a distribution of attribute points and a selection of starting gear, ready to tackle the dangers of Dogtown.

The Allure of Immediate Action: Why Skip Ahead?

The primary appeal of skipping ahead is obvious: instant gratification. If you’re eager to experience the new storyline, characters (like the enigmatic Solomon Reed, played by Idris Elba), and the revamped gameplay mechanics, this option allows you to do so without delay.

This is especially appealing if:

• You’ve already played through Cyberpunk 2077: If you’re a returning player and familiar with the main storyline, skipping the opening hours might be a welcome change.
• You’re primarily interested in the Phantom Liberty content: If the allure of Dogtown and the espionage-focused narrative is your main draw, skipping ahead allows you to focus solely on that.
• You want to experience the revamped 2.0 gameplay immediately: The 2.0 update significantly overhauls many of the game’s core mechanics, and skipping ahead lets you experience them in the context of the Phantom Liberty storyline right away.

The Cost of Haste: What Do You Miss?

While jumping straight into Phantom Liberty is tempting, there are some significant downsides to consider:

• Missing the Main Campaign’s Opening: This is the most obvious drawback. You’ll bypass V’s origins, their relationship with Jackie Welles, and the events that lead to the biochip containing Johnny Silverhand being implanted in their head. This early story provides crucial context for V’s motivations and the overall narrative.
• Reduced Character Development: While the game provides a pre-built character, you’ll miss out on the opportunity to fully customize V’s attributes, skills, and background from the very beginning. The process of organically building your character contributes significantly to the role-playing experience.
• Lost Familiarity with Core Mechanics: Even with the 2.0 update, the early hours of Cyberpunk 2077 serve as a valuable tutorial for the game’s core mechanics, including combat, hacking, and crafting. Skipping this period might leave you feeling slightly overwhelmed in the more demanding environment of Dogtown.
• Contextual Disconnect: While Phantom Liberty can stand alone, it’s deeply intertwined with the themes and lore of the main game. Jumping straight in might result in a lack of understanding of certain characters, factions, and events referenced throughout the expansion.

Integrating Phantom Liberty into an Existing Playthrough

Perhaps the most organic way to experience Phantom Liberty is by integrating it into an existing playthrough of Cyberpunk 2077. The expansion becomes available after completing the “Transmission” quest in Pacifica, which is roughly halfway through the main storyline. This allows you to:

• Develop Your Character Organically: You’ll have full control over V’s build and choices, creating a character that feels truly unique and personalized.
• Gain a Deep Understanding of the Lore: You’ll be fully immersed in the world of Cyberpunk 2077, understanding the nuances of its factions, technologies, and characters.
• Experience a Seamless Narrative Flow: The Phantom Liberty storyline will feel like a natural extension of V’s existing journey, enhancing the overall narrative impact.

Conclusion: A Matter of Personal Preference

Ultimately, the decision of whether to jump straight into Phantom Liberty depends on your individual preferences and priorities. If you’re seeking immediate action and are already familiar with Cyberpunk 2077, skipping ahead might be a viable option. However, if you’re looking for a complete and immersive experience, integrating the expansion into a full playthrough is generally recommended.

Consider your playstyle, your familiarity with the world of Night City, and your tolerance for potential narrative gaps. No matter which path you choose, Phantom Liberty promises a thrilling and unforgettable adventure. And if you’re interested in learning more about the educational applications of games, be sure to visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify your options regarding accessing Phantom Liberty:

Can I start Phantom Liberty on an existing save?

Yes! To start Phantom Liberty on an existing save, simply load a save file from before the ‘point of no return’ (the “Nocturne Op55N1” quest, which triggers the game’s ending) but after the “Transmission” main story quest.

How far into Cyberpunk is Phantom Liberty accessible if I choose a regular start?

If you’re starting a new game with a regular start, it will take approximately 20 hours to reach the point where Phantom Liberty becomes accessible. This is roughly after you complete Act 2 and finish the “Transmission” quest.

Can you romance Panam if you skip to Phantom Liberty?

Yes, romance options, including Panam, are still available even if you skip straight to Phantom Liberty. The game ensures that you still have the opportunity to meet key characters and initiate those storylines.

Do I need to finish Cyberpunk 2077 before playing Phantom Liberty DLC?

No, you don’t need to finish Cyberpunk 2077 before playing Phantom Liberty. It is a separate expansion that is designed to be interwoven with the main game or played independently.

Can you do Phantom Liberty after the main story?

Yes, you can absolutely finish the main story of Cyberpunk 2077 and then embark on Phantom Liberty using a save created before the final mission.

Will V survive Cyberpunk Phantom Liberty?

The outcome of V’s survival in Cyberpunk 2077, especially considering the potential endings in Phantom Liberty, is ultimately determined by the choices you make throughout the game and the expansion. V can survive, but the cost might be high.

Does Phantom Liberty change the ending of the main game?

Yes! Phantom Liberty has its own distinct endings, and one of them allows you to obtain a new ending for the main game that was previously unavailable. Your choices in Phantom Liberty have significant ramifications.

Should I finish Phantom Liberty or the main story first?

It’s generally recommended to avoid completing the main story before playing Phantom Liberty. Experiencing Phantom Liberty beforehand can enrich your understanding of the world and characters, potentially influencing your choices in the main game’s ending.

How many endings does Phantom Liberty have?

Phantom Liberty features four unique endings, each with different consequences for V, Songbird, and other major characters.

What is considered the best ending in Phantom Liberty?

The “best” ending is subjective and depends on your personal values and how you interpret V’s journey. However, one popular choice involves helping Songbird escape and killing Reed, as it aligns with V and Johnny Silverhand‘s anti-establishment philosophies.

How long to beat Phantom Liberty?

When focusing on the main objectives, Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty is approximately 13.5 hours long. Completionists aiming for 100% will likely spend around 30.5 hours.

Does Phantom Liberty lock you out of other quests?

Yes, certain choices in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty can lock you out of certain branches of the main questline. Be mindful of the decisions you make, as they can have far-reaching consequences.

Is Johnny Silverhand in Cyberpunk Phantom Liberty?

Yes, Johnny Silverhand (played by Keanu Reeves) is present in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty and continues to provide his unique (and often cynical) commentary throughout V’s adventure.

Does Phantom Liberty add more romance options?

Unfortunately, the Phantom Liberty DLC does not introduce any new romance options for players beyond what is available in the base game.

Can you use an old save for Phantom Liberty?

Yes, you can use an old save for Phantom Liberty. Just make sure the save is before the ‘point of no return’ but after the ‘Transmission’ main story quest.