Does Phantom Liberty Have a New Ending? Unveiling the Truth Behind Cyberpunk 2077’s Expansion
Yes, Phantom Liberty absolutely introduces new endings to Cyberpunk 2077. The expansion significantly expands the narrative possibilities, offering players a compelling and morally complex choice that can lead to a brand new conclusion for V, separate from the original game’s endings. This ending, focused on V’s potential “cure,” adds a profound layer of depth and offers closure previously unavailable, marking a significant shift in the game’s overall narrative structure.
Exploring the New Ending & Its Implications
Phantom Liberty doesn’t just tack on a minor variation. It weaves its narrative intricately into the core game, providing a pathway to a completely distinct ending. This new finale centers around a potential treatment for V’s condition, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the dystopian despair. However, this hope comes at a cost, requiring players to make difficult choices that impact not only V’s fate but also the lives of key characters in the expansion, particularly Songbird and Solomon Reed.
The beauty of this new ending lies in its ambiguity. It doesn’t offer a simple “happy ever after.” It presents V with a difficult choice that forces players to confront themes of sacrifice, ambition, and the very definition of what it means to be alive in Night City. This ending isn’t simply a new option; it’s a recontextualization of the entire Cyberpunk 2077 narrative, giving players a fresh perspective on V’s journey and their place in the world.
How to Access the Phantom Liberty Ending
Accessing the new ending requires completing specific choices within the Phantom Liberty storyline. Be warned, there are significant spoilers ahead. To unlock the path towards this new ending, players generally need to side with Solomon Reed during the critical decision points in the expansion. This involves handing over Songbird to the NUSA. This choice ultimately leads to an opportunity for V to undergo experimental treatment that can remove the Relic and save their life, albeit with drastic consequences.
Keep in mind that the specific details of the ending will vary based on the player’s choices throughout the expansion. The relationship you forge with Reed, the actions you take regarding Songbird, and even certain dialogue options can influence the precise details of the final cutscene and V’s ultimate fate.
The Significance of Choice
The addition of this new ending underscores the importance of player agency in Cyberpunk 2077. CD Projekt Red has clearly listened to player feedback and delivered an expansion that not only expands the world and introduces new characters but also provides a more meaningful and impactful conclusion to V’s story. This emphasis on choice and consequence reinforces the core themes of the game and elevates Cyberpunk 2077 beyond a simple action RPG, transforming it into a truly immersive and thought-provoking experience. It’s a powerful example of narrative design that deserves recognition, and institutions like the Games Learning Society actively study such innovations in game storytelling and player engagement, as evidenced by their research on the GamesLearningSociety.org website.
Phantom Liberty’s Impact on the Base Game
While the new ending is intrinsically tied to the Phantom Liberty expansion, it doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Completing Phantom Liberty also unlocks new dialogues and world states in the base game, depending on the ending path you chose. These changes subtly alter the player’s perception of Night City and its inhabitants, further blurring the lines between the expansion and the core experience. This integration is a testament to CD Projekt Red’s commitment to creating a cohesive and immersive world where player choices truly matter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Phantom Liberty require a new playthrough of Cyberpunk 2077 to access the new ending?
No, you don’t necessarily need a completely new playthrough. You can start Phantom Liberty with an existing save file, provided you’ve progressed far enough into the main story (roughly after completing the Voodoo Boys questline). However, experiencing the expansion’s full impact and the new ending might be more rewarding with a fresh start, allowing you to make informed decisions from the beginning.
2. Can I still get the original Cyberpunk 2077 endings after completing Phantom Liberty?
Yes, you can still access all the original Cyberpunk 2077 endings even after completing Phantom Liberty. The new ending provided by the expansion acts as an alternative, offering a new path for V’s fate.
3. Is the Phantom Liberty ending considered a “canon” ending?
CD Projekt Red has not officially designated any ending, including the Phantom Liberty one, as the definitive “canon” ending. This leaves the interpretation open to the player, allowing them to decide which ending best fits their personal narrative and headcanon.
4. What level should I be to start Phantom Liberty?
It’s recommended to be around level 20-25 before starting Phantom Liberty. The expansion introduces new enemies and challenges that can be quite difficult for lower-level characters. Having a decent build and some experience with the game’s combat mechanics will significantly improve your experience.
5. What happens if I fail the Phantom Liberty quests? Can I still get the new ending?
Failing certain quests within Phantom Liberty can lock you out of specific paths towards the new ending. The choices you make during key moments, especially regarding Songbird and Solomon Reed, heavily influence your access to the new finale. Therefore, be mindful of your actions and decisions.
6. Does the Phantom Liberty ending affect Cyberpunk 2077’s sequel, Project Orion?
It’s currently unknown how, or even if, the Phantom Liberty ending will affect the upcoming sequel, Project Orion. CD Projekt Red has remained tight-lipped about the sequel’s narrative and its connection to the original game and its expansion.
7. How long does it take to complete Phantom Liberty and unlock the new ending?
Completing Phantom Liberty and unlocking the new ending can take anywhere from 15 to 25 hours, depending on your playstyle, difficulty setting, and how much side content you choose to explore.
8. Are there any new romance options in Phantom Liberty that affect the ending?
Phantom Liberty does not introduce entirely new romance options in the traditional sense. However, your relationships with existing characters, particularly those introduced in the expansion, can significantly impact the narrative and the overall emotional weight of the ending.
9. Does the Phantom Liberty ending “cure” V?
The new ending offers V a potential “cure” by removing the Relic. However, this comes at a significant cost, and the long-term effects on V’s health and abilities are left somewhat ambiguous, leading to a bittersweet conclusion.
10. Is it worth buying Phantom Liberty just for the new ending?
Whether or not Phantom Liberty is worth buying solely for the new ending depends on your personal preferences. If you are deeply invested in Cyberpunk 2077‘s narrative and want a more definitive and potentially hopeful conclusion to V’s story, then the expansion is definitely worth considering. However, the expansion also offers a wealth of new content, including new characters, quests, and locations, making it a worthwhile purchase even beyond the ending itself.
11. Can I get locked out of the new ending if I side with Songbird?
Yes, siding with Songbird typically leads you down a different path that does not unlock the NUSA cure ending. The decision of whether to side with Reed or Songbird is the most significant factor in determining which ending path you’ll experience.
12. Are there any differences in the new ending based on V’s lifepath (Streetkid, Nomad, Corpo)?
While V’s lifepath might influence some dialogue options and background information within Phantom Liberty, it does not drastically alter the core outcome or variations of the new ending itself. The key decisions made within the expansion are the primary drivers of the final result.
13. Does the new ending address Johnny Silverhand’s role in V’s life?
Yes, the new ending does touch upon Johnny Silverhand’s role in V’s life, though to a lesser extent compared to the original endings. His influence is still present, but the focus shifts more towards V’s personal journey and their decision to either embrace or relinquish their connection to the Relic.
14. Does Phantom Liberty add new skills or abilities that are beneficial for getting the new ending?
Phantom Liberty introduces a new Relic skill tree that enhances V’s combat abilities and offers unique gameplay options. While these new skills are not strictly required to obtain the new ending, they can certainly make the expansion’s challenges easier and provide a more diverse gameplay experience.
15. Are there any secrets or easter eggs within the new ending sequence?
Like much of Cyberpunk 2077, Phantom Liberty is packed with secrets and easter eggs. The new ending sequence is no exception. Pay close attention to the environment, dialogue, and character interactions, as you might discover hidden details and references that add further depth to the experience.