Can You Miss Phantom Liberty in Cyberpunk 2077? A Deep Dive into the DLC’s Accessibility
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The short answer is yes, you can technically “miss” out on the Phantom Liberty DLC in Cyberpunk 2077, but it’s not as straightforward as accidentally skipping a side quest. There are a few distinct ways this can happen, primarily through player choice and the new “skip ahead” feature. The consequences of missing it range from missing out on the core narrative to even failing the introduction! So, let’s dissect exactly how you can miss Phantom Liberty, and what the implications are for your Cyberpunk 2077 experience.
Understanding the “Skip Ahead” Feature
One of the key ways you can “miss” Phantom Liberty is by actively choosing to skip the main campaign and jump straight into the DLC content. When starting a new game, you’re now presented with two options: a “Regular Start” where you play through the original story until the DLC becomes available, or a “Skip Ahead to Phantom Liberty” option.
Choosing to skip ahead places you at a point in the game where you’ve already completed the quest “Transmission” and are therefore ready to start the Phantom Liberty storyline. It’s positioned as a convenient option for returning players who may not want to replay the entire base game.
However, for new players, this comes with a significant risk. Skipping the main story means missing the context, character development, and foundational knowledge of Night City, its factions, and V’s motivations. It can make the Phantom Liberty storyline feel disconnected and less impactful.
Even worse, as reported, it is possible to fail the intro and lose access to the DLC’s main questline if you make certain choices and let Myers die. This will cause Johnny Silverhand to have special dialogue and you will miss the rest of the DLC.
Failing the Introduction
As mentioned, it’s possible to outright fail the introductory segment of Phantom Liberty. A Twitter user pointed out that by failing to protect Myers and letting her die at the beginning, you lock yourself out of the main quest.
Missing Out on Phantom Liberty’s Multiple Endings
Phantom Liberty boasts four distinct endings. Choosing to side with different characters and making specific decisions along the way dramatically alters the conclusion of the DLC’s narrative. If you never start the DLC, you obviously won’t get to experience any of these endings. Furthermore, some of these endings unlock an alternative ending to the base Cyberpunk 2077 game, called “The Tower,” which you’d miss entirely.
The Regular Start and Ensuring Access
The most reliable way to ensure you don’t miss Phantom Liberty is to choose the “Regular Start” when beginning a new game. This allows you to play through the main campaign as intended, building your character, exploring Night City, and eventually unlocking the “Transmission” quest. After completing “Transmission” (the mission where you finish up with the Voodoo Boys), you’ll receive a phone call that kicks off the Phantom Liberty DLC.
Playing Phantom Liberty After the Main Story
Even if you’ve already completed the main story of Cyberpunk 2077, you can still access Phantom Liberty. Just load a save file from before the point of no return in the main game but after the “Transmission” quest. This allows you to seamlessly transition into the DLC content without having to replay the entire game.
The Importance of Context
Cyberpunk 2077 is a deeply narrative-driven experience, and Phantom Liberty is no exception. Skipping the main story means missing out on V’s journey, the relationships they forge, and the understanding of Night City that makes the DLC so engaging. While the “skip ahead” feature is convenient, it’s crucial to consider the impact on your overall experience. As proponents of games as a means of education, organizations like the Games Learning Society, at GamesLearningSociety.org, understand how narrative and context enhance engagement and understanding in gaming. Don’t sacrifice that for the sake of speed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Phantom Liberty Accessibility
1. If I skip to Phantom Liberty, what exactly do I miss from the base game?
You miss the entire opening section of the main campaign, including the lifepath prologues (Corpo, Streetkid, Nomad), character introductions like Jackie Welles, and the initial narrative setup of V’s story and relationship with Johnny Silverhand.
2. Can I fail Phantom Liberty’s introduction and be locked out of the DLC?
Yes, you can straight up fail Cyberpunk Phantom Liberty’s introduction and lose access to the entire DLC’s main quest if you choose to ignore the objective and let Myers die with a special cutscene and line delivery from Johnny if you do so.
3. How far into the main Cyberpunk 2077 story do I need to be to access Phantom Liberty?
You need to complete the “Transmission” quest, which occurs late in Act 2 of the main story. It typically takes around 20 hours to reach this point via the “Regular Start.”
4. Can I play Phantom Liberty after finishing the main Cyberpunk 2077 story?
Yes, you can. Load a save file from before the “point of no return” but after the “Transmission” quest.
5. What if I don’t have a save file that meets the requirements to start Phantom Liberty?
If you don’t have a suitable save, you’ll need to either start a new game with the “Regular Start” option or find a save file online that meets the requirements.
6. How many different endings are there in Phantom Liberty?
There are four distinct endings in Phantom Liberty, each requiring different choices throughout the DLC’s narrative.
7. Does Phantom Liberty add any new romance options to Cyberpunk 2077?
No, Phantom Liberty does not add any new romance options, but previously romanceable characters have new dialogue and cutscene content.
8. Can I still romance Panam if I skip to Phantom Liberty?
Yes, you can still romance Panam, as the necessary steps to meet her are included in the content you play through when starting Phantom Liberty, even when skipping ahead.
9. Is there a “best” ending in Phantom Liberty?
The “best” ending is subjective and depends on your preferences. However, many consider the “King of Wands” ending (killing Reed) to be the most fitting for V and Johnny’s philosophies.
10. Will completing Phantom Liberty end my Cyberpunk 2077 game?
Completing Phantom Liberty will award you an achievement and officially end the expansion, but your actions within the DLC may unlock an optional alternative ending to the base game, called “The Tower.”
11. Does Phantom Liberty expand the map of Night City?
Yes, Phantom Liberty adds a new area called Dogtown, a combat zone with a distinct aesthetic and black market.
12. How long does it take to complete Phantom Liberty?
The main objectives of Phantom Liberty take around 13.5 hours to complete. Completionists can expect to spend around 30.5 hours to see everything.
13. What’s the best lifepath to choose in Cyberpunk 2077 for the Phantom Liberty experience?
The Corpo lifepath is considered the most influential, offering a unique perspective on the corporate world that ties into the themes explored in Phantom Liberty. However, all lifepaths are viable.
14. Is it better to side with Songbird or Reed in Phantom Liberty?
The “best” choice depends on your values. Siding with Songbird allows her to potentially escape, while siding with Reed aims to secure a cure for V. Siding with either has consequences.
15. Does V survive in any of the Phantom Liberty endings?
V does survive, but their fate varies depending on your choices. One common factor is that V only has six months to live in many endings, but the base game also has endings where V only has six months to live.
Conclusion
While the “skip ahead” feature offers a tempting shortcut, understanding the potential consequences is crucial. New players should almost certainly start with the “Regular Start” to fully experience Cyberpunk 2077 and appreciate the context of Phantom Liberty. Returning players, who are familiar with the game, might find the “skip ahead” feature more appealing, but should still be aware of the narrative implications. And remember, don’t fail the introduction or you’ll miss out!