Can You Do Phantom Liberty After Story? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you can absolutely play the Phantom Liberty expansion after completing the main story of Cyberpunk 2077. In fact, many players argue that experiencing Phantom Liberty after the main story offers a more enriched and meaningful experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the narrative weight and consequences of both storylines.
Phantom Liberty: A Post-Game Perspective
While Phantom Liberty can be accessed during the main storyline – specifically after completing the “Transmission” quest in Act Two – playing it after finishing the main game provides a unique perspective. You’ve already made significant choices that shape V’s fate, witnessed the major endings, and potentially built relationships with key characters. Entering Dogtown with this context adds layers to the narrative, dialogue, and overall impact of the expansion.
Benefits of Post-Game Playthrough
- Deeper Narrative Resonance: The themes of loyalty, betrayal, and sacrifice in Phantom Liberty resonate more profoundly when juxtaposed against the backdrop of V’s choices in the main game.
- Character Development: Having witnessed V’s journey to its conclusion, you can better understand the motivations and vulnerabilities displayed in Phantom Liberty. Your existing relationship with Johnny Silverhand also carries additional weight.
- Enhanced Gameplay Experience: You’ll likely have a well-developed character build and access to powerful weapons and cyberware, allowing you to tackle Phantom Liberty’s challenges with confidence.
- Alternate Endings: Phantom Liberty itself offers multiple endings, some of which can influence the main game’s ending if you haven’t already completed it. If you have completed the main game, you’ll appreciate the expansion’s endings independently.
- Opportunity for Exploration: With the main story concluded, you’re free to explore Dogtown and its side quests at your own pace, fully immersing yourself in its gritty atmosphere.
Considerations for Starting Phantom Liberty Post-Game
While playing Phantom Liberty after the main story is a fantastic option, consider the following:
- Level and Build: Ensure your character is adequately leveled and equipped for the challenges of Dogtown. Phantom Liberty features tough enemies and demanding encounters. A level of at least 30 is recommended.
- Lore Familiarity: While not strictly necessary, a thorough understanding of Cyberpunk 2077’s lore and characters will enhance your experience. Consider re-familiarizing yourself with key events and relationships.
- Story Impact: Remember that your choices in Phantom Liberty can still impact the original game’s ending (if you haven’t already seen all endings). Be prepared to make difficult decisions and face the consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Phantom Liberty and Post-Game Play
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about accessing and playing Phantom Liberty after completing Cyberpunk 2077’s main story:
1. How do I access Phantom Liberty after finishing the main story?
Simply load your save file after completing the main story. If you haven’t started Phantom Liberty, you’ll receive a call from Songbird initiating the questline. If you’ve started the expansion but haven’t finished it, you can continue where you left off.
2. Will my character level carry over to Phantom Liberty?
Yes, your character level, stats, and inventory will be retained when you start or continue Phantom Liberty after completing the main story.
3. Do I need to create a new character to play Phantom Liberty after finishing the game?
No, creating a new character is not required. You can use your existing character and save file.
4. What’s the recommended level for playing Phantom Liberty?
While you can technically start it earlier, a character level of 30 or higher is recommended for a smoother and more enjoyable experience.
5. Can Phantom Liberty change the original game’s ending if I play it after completing the main story?
If you’ve already seen all the main game endings, Phantom Liberty’s ending will be a separate experience. However, if you haven’t experienced all endings, the choices you make in Phantom Liberty can unlock a brand new ending for the original game.
6. Does Phantom Liberty add new skills or abilities to my character?
Yes, Phantom Liberty introduces a new skill tree called the Relic tree, allowing you to unlock powerful new abilities and enhance existing skills.
7. Will my relationships with characters like Panam or Judy be affected by Phantom Liberty?
While Phantom Liberty primarily focuses on new characters, your existing relationships with characters like Panam, Judy, River, and Kerry may be referenced in dialogue or have minor implications based on your past choices.
8. Are there any new weapons or vehicles in Phantom Liberty?
Yes, Phantom Liberty adds a plethora of new weapons, cyberware, vehicles, and clothing items for you to acquire and customize your character.
9. Does Phantom Liberty add any new locations to Night City outside of Dogtown?
While the primary focus is on Dogtown, some elements and characters from Phantom Liberty may appear in other parts of Night City after completing certain quests.
10. Can I freely travel between Night City and Dogtown?
Yes, once you’ve unlocked Dogtown, you can freely travel between it and the rest of Night City.
11. How long does it take to complete Phantom Liberty?
The main storyline of Phantom Liberty typically takes around 15-20 hours to complete, depending on your playstyle and difficulty level. Completing all side quests and exploring Dogtown thoroughly can add another 10-15 hours.
12. What difficulty setting should I choose for Phantom Liberty?
The difficulty setting is a matter of personal preference. If you’re comfortable with the combat in Cyberpunk 2077, consider playing on a higher difficulty for a greater challenge.
13. Does Phantom Liberty require a high-end PC to run smoothly?
Phantom Liberty is graphically demanding, so a relatively powerful PC is recommended for optimal performance. Ensure your system meets the minimum or recommended specifications.
14. If I don’t like my ending of Phantom Liberty, can I reload a previous save?
Yes, you can reload previous saves to explore different choices and endings within Phantom Liberty, allowing you to experience the story from various perspectives.
15. Does Phantom Liberty add any new achievements or trophies to the game?
Yes, Phantom Liberty introduces a new set of achievements or trophies that can be unlocked by completing various tasks and challenges within the expansion.
Conclusion
Playing Phantom Liberty after the main story of Cyberpunk 2077 is not only possible but often preferred, enriching the narrative experience and allowing for a deeper understanding of V’s journey. By considering your character’s level, build, and familiarity with the lore, you can fully immerse yourself in the gritty world of Dogtown and make choices that resonate with the weight of your past decisions. So, load up your post-game save and prepare to dive into the intrigue, danger, and moral dilemmas that await in Phantom Liberty. You won’t regret it.