Should I Do Phantom Liberty After the Main Story? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, you absolutely can and, in many ways, arguably should do Phantom Liberty after completing Cyberpunk 2077’s main story. While the expansion technically integrates into the existing narrative before the point of no return, experiencing it after allows for a richer appreciation of its themes, characters, and implications, especially concerning V’s fate and the overall impact of their choices.

Why Consider Playing Phantom Liberty Post-Game?

Several compelling reasons support the idea of diving into Dogtown after you’ve seen one or more of Cyberpunk 2077’s endings:

• Emotional Resonance: Knowing the potential outcomes for V, good or bad, amplifies the stakes in Phantom Liberty. The expansion directly addresses themes of survival, legacy, and the search for a cure, all of which resonate more profoundly after grappling with the main game’s existential questions. You’ll approach deals with characters like Songbird and Reed with a more nuanced perspective, understanding the desperation driving both sides.

• Character Perspective: Having witnessed the relationships V builds throughout the core story, their interactions with new characters in Dogtown carry added weight. The expansion invites you to question your loyalties and confront difficult choices that can clash with established relationships. This internal conflict becomes more impactful when viewed through the lens of your prior experiences.

• Mechanical Familiarity: Post-game, you likely possess a finely tuned V build, maximizing your skills and understanding of the game’s mechanics. This translates to a more confident and strategic approach to Phantom Liberty’s challenging combat encounters and intricate questlines. You can experiment with new cyberware and weapons offered by the expansion, seamlessly integrating them into your already optimized playstyle.

• Narrative Closure (or Lack Thereof): Phantom Liberty provides an alternate ending to Cyberpunk 2077, offering a radically different resolution to V’s predicament. Playing it post-main story allows you to consider this new ending in the context of the endings you’ve already achieved, providing a more complete narrative picture. It’s like adding a crucial piece to a complex puzzle, prompting reflection on the overarching themes of the game.

• Enhanced Replayability: Completing Phantom Liberty after the main story encourages a second playthrough (or a revisit to an earlier save). The new Relic skill tree and revised police system incentivizes experimenting with different character builds and approaches to missions, further extending the game’s longevity.

Potential Drawbacks to Post-Game Play

While playing Phantom Liberty post-game is generally recommended, some minor considerations exist:

• Slight Narrative Disconnect: The expansion is designed to weave seamlessly into the main storyline. Starting it after completing the main story can feel slightly disconnected in terms of immediate urgency, as V’s immediate life-or-death situation established in the base game is technically resolved (in whatever ending you achieved).

• Level and Build Concerns: If you rushed through the main story and are significantly under-leveled, Phantom Liberty’s challenges may prove overwhelming initially. However, the game does offer ways to quickly level up and acquire better gear.

Integrating Phantom Liberty Into Your Playthrough

If you do choose to experience Phantom Liberty before the main story’s ending, consider these points:

• Reach the “Point of No Return” First: Complete the quest “Nocturne Op55N1” in the main storyline before embarking on Phantom Liberty. This allows you to understand the gravity of V’s situation before making decisions in Dogtown.
• Save Frequently: The choices you make in Phantom Liberty have significant consequences, including affecting the main game’s ending. Save often to explore different outcomes.

Ultimately, the decision of when to play Phantom Liberty comes down to personal preference. However, for a more emotionally resonant and narratively impactful experience, tackling Dogtown after the main story offers significant advantages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need to start a new game to play Phantom Liberty after completing the main story?

No, you don’t need to start a new game. If you have a save file from before the point of no return (the quest “Nocturne Op55N1”), you can load it and then begin the Phantom Liberty questline.

2. How do I start the Phantom Liberty questline?

The Phantom Liberty questline begins after completing the “Transmission” quest in the main story. You’ll receive a call from Song So Mi (Songbird), triggering the expansion’s storyline. If you’ve already finished the main story, simply load a pre-“Nocturne Op55N1” save, wait for the call, and head to Dogtown.

3. What level should I be to start Phantom Liberty?

While the recommended level is around 20, playing Phantom Liberty after completing the main story allows you to enter Dogtown at a much higher level, giving you a significant advantage in combat. Levels 30+ is comfortable.

4. Does Phantom Liberty affect the main game’s ending?

Yes, Phantom Liberty introduces a completely new ending to Cyberpunk 2077, altering the fate of V. Your choices within the expansion directly influence whether you unlock this ending.

5. Can I still access all of Night City after completing Phantom Liberty?

Yes, you can still freely explore Night City after completing Phantom Liberty. The expansion primarily takes place in Dogtown, a new district, but it doesn’t lock you out of the base game’s areas.

6. Are there new romances in Phantom Liberty?

While there aren’t any new fully-fledged romance options, Phantom Liberty introduces interesting new characters with whom V can develop close relationships. These relationships can be quite compelling and impactful.

7. Does Phantom Liberty add new skills or abilities?

Yes, Phantom Liberty introduces the Relic skill tree, providing new and powerful abilities related to the malfunctioning Relic in V’s head. This skill tree significantly alters combat and gameplay.

8. Is Phantom Liberty difficult?

Phantom Liberty is generally considered more challenging than the base game, especially in Dogtown. Expect tougher enemies and more intricate combat scenarios. A well-optimized build and tactical approach are essential for survival.

9. How long does it take to complete Phantom Liberty?

The main story of Phantom Liberty takes around 15-20 hours to complete, depending on your playstyle and difficulty setting. Side quests and exploration can easily add another 10-15 hours.

10. Does Phantom Liberty fix bugs and improve the base game?

Yes, Phantom Liberty was released alongside a major update (Update 2.0) that addresses numerous bugs and improves many aspects of the base game, including combat, the police system, and the skill tree.

11. Do I need to own Cyberpunk 2077 to play Phantom Liberty?

Yes, Phantom Liberty is an expansion and requires the base game, Cyberpunk 2077, to play.

12. What happens if I fail the Phantom Liberty quests?

Failing certain quests in Phantom Liberty can lead to different narrative outcomes and potentially lock you out of certain endings. Save frequently to avoid unwanted consequences.

13. Can I play Phantom Liberty without completing the main story?

Yes, you can technically play Phantom Liberty without finishing the main story, as long as you’ve completed the “Transmission” quest. However, as mentioned earlier, playing it after the main story is often recommended.

14. Does Phantom Liberty add new weapons and cyberware?

Yes, Phantom Liberty introduces a wealth of new weapons and cyberware, allowing you to further customize V’s build and experiment with different playstyles. Some of these new additions are incredibly powerful and game-changing.

15. Will playing Phantom Liberty affect my existing Cyberpunk 2077 saves?

Yes, playing Phantom Liberty can permanently alter your existing Cyberpunk 2077 saves, particularly concerning the ending you unlock. It’s always a good idea to back up your saves before starting the expansion to preserve your original playthrough.