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Unlocking the Secrets of Phantom Liberty: A Comprehensive Guide

Phantom Liberty, the highly anticipated spy-thriller expansion for Cyberpunk 2077, plunges players into a brand new district of Night City and a world of espionage, intrigue, and moral ambiguity. But how exactly do you dive into this thrilling adventure? Here’s your comprehensive guide to unlocking Phantom Liberty and ensuring you’re ready for everything Dogtown throws your way.

The straightforward answer is this: To unlock Phantom Liberty, you must progress through the main storyline of Cyberpunk 2077 until you complete the “Transmission” quest. This quest becomes available after finishing the “Tapeworm” questline and involves contacting the Voodoo Boys. Once “Transmission” is completed, you’ll receive a mysterious call from Songbird that initiates the Phantom Liberty questline and opens up Dogtown for exploration. It’s that simple, but there are a few crucial details and considerations to keep in mind, which we’ll explore below.

Preparing for Phantom Liberty

Before jumping into Dogtown, it’s wise to prepare your V. Phantom Liberty is designed for characters of a certain level, and while it scales to some extent, you’ll have a much more enjoyable experience if you’re adequately equipped.

Level Requirement: While not strictly enforced, it’s highly recommended to be at least level 20 before starting Phantom Liberty. Enemies in Dogtown are tough, and having sufficient skill points and attribute points to allocate will significantly improve your survivability.
Build Considerations: Consider your character build. Phantom Liberty presents opportunities for stealth, hacking, and combat. A well-rounded build is ideal, but specializing in one or two areas can also be highly effective.
Cyberware and Weapons: Invest in high-quality cyberware and weapons. Dogtown is a dangerous place, and having the right tools is essential for survival. Look for weapons with high damage output and cyberware that enhances your chosen playstyle.
Crafting Materials and Eddies: Stock up on crafting materials and eddies. You’ll need both to upgrade your gear and purchase new items throughout your adventure in Dogtown.

Understanding the Point of No Return

While Phantom Liberty doesn’t have a single, clear “point of no return” like some other RPG expansions, understand that certain decisions made within the expansion can significantly impact the ending of both Phantom Liberty and the main Cyberpunk 2077 storyline. Consider saving frequently in different save slots to allow you to revisit key decision points if you’re unhappy with the outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Unlocking Phantom Liberty

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about unlocking and playing Phantom Liberty, providing additional valuable information for your playthrough.

1. Do I need to beat the main Cyberpunk 2077 storyline to play Phantom Liberty?

No, you don’t need to beat the main story. You only need to complete the “Transmission” quest, which occurs around the midpoint of the main storyline. This allows you to access Phantom Liberty without finishing the base game’s ending.

2. Can I start Phantom Liberty from a new game?

While technically possible, it’s not recommended. Starting a new game and rushing to “Transmission” would mean your character is significantly under-leveled and under-equipped for the challenges of Dogtown. It’s better to continue an existing playthrough or start a new one and progress naturally to the required quest.

3. What if I’ve already completed the main Cyberpunk 2077 storyline?

If you’ve already completed the main story, loading a save from before the final mission will allow you to access the “Transmission” quest and, subsequently, Phantom Liberty.

4. Is Phantom Liberty level-scaled?

Yes, Phantom Liberty does have some level scaling, but it’s best experienced with a character around level 20 or higher. Lower-level characters may struggle with the increased difficulty.

5. Will Phantom Liberty affect my existing Cyberpunk 2077 playthrough?

Yes, Phantom Liberty can significantly affect your existing playthrough. Certain choices made in the expansion can impact the ending of both Phantom Liberty and the main Cyberpunk 2077 storyline, adding new options and consequences.

6. How do I access Dogtown after unlocking Phantom Liberty?

Once you’ve received the call from Songbird, you’ll be directed to a specific location in Pacifica, near the stadium. Interacting with the gate will initiate the Phantom Liberty questline and grant you access to Dogtown.

7. What new features does Phantom Liberty add to Cyberpunk 2077?

Phantom Liberty adds a wealth of new content, including:

A brand new district: Dogtown
A new storyline with engaging characters and moral dilemmas
New gigs and side quests
New weapons, cyberware, and vehicles
A revamped skill tree and progression system

8. Does Phantom Liberty require a powerful PC?

Phantom Liberty, like Cyberpunk 2077, can be demanding on PC hardware. Check the official system requirements to ensure your PC meets the minimum or recommended specifications for optimal performance.

9. Can I play Phantom Liberty on previous-generation consoles?

Unfortunately, Phantom Liberty is only available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. It is not available on PlayStation 4 or Xbox One.

10. How long is the Phantom Liberty storyline?

The main Phantom Liberty storyline is estimated to be around 15-20 hours long, depending on your playstyle and difficulty setting. Completing all side content can easily add another 10-15 hours of gameplay.

11. Are there multiple endings to Phantom Liberty?

Yes, Phantom Liberty features multiple endings, depending on the choices you make throughout the story. These choices also impact the main Cyberpunk 2077 ending.

12. Does Phantom Liberty introduce any new romance options?

Yes, Phantom Liberty introduces a new potential romance option in the form of Songbird.

13. What should I do if I encounter bugs or glitches in Phantom Liberty?

CD Projekt Red has released several patches to address bugs and glitches in Phantom Liberty. Ensure your game is up to date. If you encounter issues, report them to CD Projekt Red through their official support channels.

14. Does Phantom Liberty change the base game of Cyberpunk 2077?

Yes, the 2.0 update, released alongside Phantom Liberty, significantly overhauls many aspects of the base game, including the skill tree, cyberware system, and enemy AI. These changes are applied to all players, regardless of whether they own Phantom Liberty.

15. Where can I learn more about the design and development of Cyberpunk 2077 and Phantom Liberty?

To understand the deeper nuances of game design and the educational aspects of gaming, consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society, which delves into the intersection of games and learning. You can visit their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to explore insightful articles and research on the topic. GamesLearningSociety.org provides valuable insights into how games like Cyberpunk 2077 can be used as learning tools.

Final Thoughts

Unlocking Phantom Liberty is a rewarding experience that adds significant depth and complexity to the world of Cyberpunk 2077. By following these steps and preparing your V adequately, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the treacherous streets of Dogtown and uncover the secrets that lie within. Good luck, and remember, in Night City, nothing is as it seems.

How do you unlock Phantom Liberty?