Is It Worth Starting Cyberpunk 2077 Again? A Deep Dive into the 2.0 Update and Phantom Liberty
The question of whether to dive back into the neon-soaked streets of Night City is a pertinent one for many gamers. With the release of Cyberpunk 2077’s 2.0 update and the Phantom Liberty DLC, the game has undergone a significant transformation. So, is it worth starting Cyberpunk 2077 again? The short answer is a resounding yes, absolutely. However, let’s unpack why this is the case and what you can expect from a fresh playthrough.
Why You Should Consider a Fresh Start
A new playthrough of Cyberpunk 2077 isn’t just about experiencing the same content again; it’s about engaging with a fundamentally improved and enhanced game. The 2.0 update has completely overhauled several core systems, making it feel like a whole new experience. This isn’t simply a matter of minor tweaks; it’s a deep-dive renovation.
Redesigned Perk System and Attributes
One of the most significant changes is the revamped attribute and perk tree system. The old system was often criticized for being somewhat convoluted and offering minimal impactful choices. The new system allows for far more diverse and specialized character builds. This means you can craft a unique V that aligns perfectly with your playstyle, whether you prefer hacking, stealth, or all-out combat.
Starting fresh allows you to fully capitalize on these changes from the ground up. You’re no longer locked into old choices, and you can experiment freely with different builds as you progress. This adds a substantial layer of replayability and allows you to explore parts of the game that were previously less appealing with the older system.
The Phantom Liberty DLC: A Definitive Experience
The Phantom Liberty DLC is not just an add-on; it’s a significant expansion of the core game. It introduces a new area, Dogtown, with its unique characters, missions, and challenges. This DLC is designed to be played with the updated 2.0 mechanics in mind, making a fresh start optimal for enjoying all it has to offer.
The developers themselves have recommended starting a new save file to fully appreciate the changes, and for good reason. The DLC feels much more integrated with a new character, as you learn the updated mechanics alongside V, creating a more immersive and satisfying experience. Phantom Liberty has been praised as providing the definitive Cyberpunk experience that many players hoped for initially.
A Clean Slate: A More Engaging Journey
Starting over also means a clean slate in terms of the story. If you played the game before and reached the “Meet Hanako at Embers” point, a fresh start will allow you to experience the entire narrative again, this time with a refined combat system and an optimized character build. This significantly impacts the player experience by making it feel more engaging and intuitive from the get-go.
Plus, if you have any old saves that are cluttered with half-finished quests and suboptimal builds, restarting provides a perfect opportunity to do things right the first time, exploring Night City on your own terms.
What to Expect from a New Playthrough
Here are some key elements to anticipate when restarting Cyberpunk 2077:
- A More Polished Experience: Numerous bugs that plagued the original release have been addressed, resulting in a significantly more stable and enjoyable gameplay experience.
- Updated Enemy AI: The enemies are now more intelligent and challenging, creating more dynamic combat situations that make full use of the overhauled gameplay mechanics.
- Enhanced Character Customization: The changes to attributes and perks allow for far more detailed character creation, offering a unique and varied journey for each playthrough.
- Fresh Narrative Perspective: The option to explore different life paths (Nomad, Street Kid, Corpo) from a clean slate provides a new layer of depth to the story.
- A Chance to Revisit Old Favorites: Familiar characters and locations are now experienced with updated mechanics, providing a fresh lens on classic Cyberpunk content.
Performance and Bugs
It’s worth noting that, as with any large update or DLC, there have been some reports of bugs, particularly on consoles. However, CD Projekt Red has continued to patch and refine the game since launch and is committed to ensuring a smooth experience. While some users may encounter minor issues, the overall stability is much improved compared to the game’s initial release.
When to Start Phantom Liberty
It is generally recommended not to jump into Phantom Liberty straight away. Instead, play through the main game until you unlock the Act 3 mission “Nocturne Op55N1”. This will provide a good baseline for V, allowing them to adapt to the updated systems and character build before entering the more challenging Dogtown region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further assist you in your decision:
1. Should I start a new Cyberpunk playthrough for Phantom Liberty?
Yes, it is highly recommended. Both CD Projekt Red and many players suggest starting a new save for a comprehensive experience of the DLC and updated systems.
2. Is The Phantom Liberty worth it?
Absolutely. Phantom Liberty adds substantial new content, with a refined story, and further enhances the Cyberpunk experience, making it a must-play.
3. Is Phantom Liberty buggy?
While there were reports of some initial bugs, CD Projekt Red has continued to work on patches and improvements. The performance is significantly better now, though some minor issues might still be present, particularly on console.
4. When should you play Phantom Liberty?
It is advised to play through the main game and wait until you unlock the Act 3 mission “Nocturne Op55N1” before diving into Phantom Liberty.
5. Does V get cured in Phantom Liberty?
Yes, but with a significant twist. A new ending option offers a potential cure for V’s condition, but it comes with heavy personal sacrifices. V does not get the perfect outcome but instead pays a high price for their survival.
6. Will V survive Cyberpunk Phantom Liberty?
V survives in one of the Phantom Liberty endings, but they are alone, having lost everyone they knew and are cured of the relic but at a great cost.
7. Does Phantom Liberty expand the map?
Yes, Phantom Liberty introduces a new area, Dogtown, which, while not as large as Night City, still offers a wealth of content to explore.
8. Is Nomad, Street Kid, or Corpo better?
For beginners, Nomad is considered the most user-friendly. Street Kid is excellent for role-playing purposes, while Corpo offers a unique experience for those familiar with the game.
9. Is there romance in Phantom Liberty?
Unfortunately, the Phantom Liberty DLC did not add new romance options. However, existing romanceable characters do have new dialogue and cutscene content.
10. Why is Cyberpunk 2077 popular again?
The resurgence in popularity is largely due to the 2.0 update, and the Edgerunners anime, which has reintroduced the game to players. This update significantly fixed and improved the game.
11. Is Cyberpunk playable after the ending?
Yes, after completing the main story, you can freely explore Night City and complete any side quests, gigs, or other activities you might have missed.
12. How long to beat Cyberpunk 2077?
The main story typically takes around 25 to 30 hours to complete. However, with the DLC and side content, you can easily spend over 50 hours in Night City.
13. Who should I side with in Phantom Liberty?
There is no “best” choice, as each path in Phantom Liberty has upsides and downsides. The decision often comes down to personal preference and your preferred narrative outcome for V.
14. Is Judy in Phantom Liberty?
While there are no new romantic options with the release of Phantom Liberty, Judy, along with other main characters, has additional dialogues and scenes in the DLC if previously romanced.
15. Does Phantom Liberty change base game?
No. The 2.0 update is what largely changes the base game. Phantom Liberty does not have much of an impact beyond offering a new ending.
Conclusion
Starting Cyberpunk 2077 again is not just a trip back to familiar territory; it’s an opportunity to experience a vastly improved and enhanced game. The combination of the 2.0 update and Phantom Liberty DLC provides ample reason to dive back into Night City for a fresh adventure. Whether you are a returning player or new to the world of Cyberpunk, this is the perfect time to experience the game as it was always meant to be. The improved mechanics, new character builds, and a gripping new storyline make it an experience well worth your time. Don’t hesitate to start your engine, choomba, and explore Night City once again.