Do You Play as V in Phantom Liberty? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you absolutely play as V in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. The expansion doesn’t introduce a new protagonist; instead, it plunges you back into the shoes of your existing character, V, continuing their tumultuous journey through Night City. However, this isn’t just a simple continuation. Phantom Liberty introduces new dynamics, challenges, and consequences that fundamentally alter V’s trajectory, adding significant depth to their already complex story. This means you’ll still be experiencing the world through V’s unique perspective, navigating the perilous streets, and facing tough choices that shape their destiny.
V’s Role in Phantom Liberty: More Than Just a Return
While you remain as V, Phantom Liberty offers a drastically different narrative experience. You’re not just revisiting familiar territories or tackling similar missions. You’re stepping into Dogtown, a lawless district within Night City, at the behest of the enigmatic netrunner Songbird. This collaboration with Songbird shifts the power dynamics, adding a layer of intrigue and complexity. V is no longer simply the mercenary they once were; they are now involved in high-stakes political intrigue, dealing directly with the President of the New United States of America. This elevation in scope impacts everything from the missions you undertake to the ending V ultimately achieves.
Furthermore, the story is crafted to feel integral to V’s personal struggle. The decisions made in Phantom Liberty don’t exist in a vacuum. They intertwine with V’s ongoing health crisis stemming from the Relic and the looming threat of losing control to Johnny Silverhand. The expansion even introduces the possibility of a cure, albeit one with a heavy price. Thus, while V is at the center of the story, their journey is far more personal and consequential in Phantom Liberty.
The Evolving Nature of V in Phantom Liberty
The expansion introduces elements that visibly and narratively alter V. One prominent example is the significant change in appearance associated with one of the possible endings; a version of V is shown as a shadow of their former self, with a shaved head and removed cyberware. This signifies the impact of the events of Phantom Liberty. It emphasizes that V’s journey is not just about completing missions; it’s about enduring personal transformation and sacrifices.
This emphasizes the core narrative principle within Phantom Liberty: consequence. The decisions V makes have real weight, impacting not only their own life but also those around them. The expansion also explores V’s vulnerabilities, bringing them face-to-face with the fact that they can’t save everyone and that every choice comes with significant trade-offs. This nuanced exploration makes playing as V in Phantom Liberty a truly engaging experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about V in Phantom Liberty
1. Is V the same as in the base game?
Yes, it’s the same V, with all the history and struggles you’ve carried from the base game. Phantom Liberty is an expansion, not a sequel, meaning it builds upon V’s established narrative.
2. Does V get a cure in Phantom Liberty?
Yes, there is a possibility for V to be cured in Phantom Liberty, but this cure is not guaranteed and comes with a major trade-off. The cure is typically at the expense of another character, adding to the morally grey nature of the choices.
3. Can V die in Phantom Liberty?
While V’s fate is always in the player’s hands, the events of Phantom Liberty can dramatically alter their prospects. One ending shows V fading into the crowd, a shell of their former self. This emphasizes that while V might survive physically, their experience can result in a heavy cost.
4. Can V’s relationship with Johnny Silverhand change?
Yes, V’s relationship with Johnny evolves further in Phantom Liberty. The expansion introduces new complexities and potential conflicts, influenced by the choices you make during the main story and this expansion.
5. Does Phantom Liberty provide a new ending for V?
Absolutely. One of the primary draws of Phantom Liberty is the new ending added to the base game related to V. This ending is tied to a specific major choice in the expansion’s narrative and shifts what the player would otherwise be familiar with.
6. Will the choices I made in the base game affect Phantom Liberty?
While the base game choices do not directly affect the start of Phantom Liberty, they will influence aspects of your gameplay and relationships with other characters. However, most of Phantom Liberty’s narrative and impact is contained within its own story.
7. Is Phantom Liberty a separate game?
No, Phantom Liberty is not a standalone game. It’s an expansion that is integrated directly into the existing Cyberpunk 2077 game. You access it through new missions and content added within the base game.
8. Can I skip to Phantom Liberty content if I start a new game?
Yes, you have the option to skip directly to the Phantom Liberty content when starting a new game. However, it’s highly recommended that you play through some of the base game first.
9. Do I need to finish the base game before starting Phantom Liberty?
No, you do not need to finish the base game. Phantom Liberty is designed to be played at various points in your main Cyberpunk 2077 story progress. However, it is recommended you play the base game first to fully understand V’s situation.
10. What is the level cap in Phantom Liberty?
The level cap is increased to level 60 in Phantom Liberty and the 2.0 update, giving you the chance to further refine your character build.
11. Does the Phantom Liberty ending overwrite existing game endings?
No, the new ending in Phantom Liberty doesn’t replace the existing endings of the base game. It adds another potential fate for V after making a key decision in the expansion.
12. Can Johnny take over V’s body in Phantom Liberty?
While Johnny taking over V’s body is not a new outcome introduced in Phantom Liberty, it is still an option that remains from the base game and can be achieved if the player makes the respective choice during its questline.
13. Does V’s appearance change in Phantom Liberty?
Yes, V’s appearance can change dramatically depending on your choices and the ending you achieve in Phantom Liberty. This is especially true in the ending where they are depicted as a ghost of their former self.
14. Can V get Johnny’s arm in Phantom Liberty?
Johnny’s arm is not acquired through Phantom Liberty. This feature, already present in the base game, can still be obtained in Cyberpunk 2077 by completing the relevant side quests, which haven’t changed with the DLC.
15. Who should I side with in Phantom Liberty?
The choice of who to side with in Phantom Liberty is a significant one, and it will directly influence the ending V will see. Both options have pros and cons, making the decision a matter of personal preference rather than a clear “best” choice. The narrative is designed to be morally ambiguous.
In conclusion, while Phantom Liberty introduces significant changes, V remains the central character. Their story becomes more nuanced, layered, and ultimately more impactful due to the new challenges and possibilities within the expansion. This ensures that playing as V in Phantom Liberty is not just a continuation, but an evolution of their turbulent story.