The Most Expensive Cyberpunk 2077 DLC: Phantom Liberty
The most expensive DLC for Cyberpunk 2077 is undoubtedly Phantom Liberty. This single, expansive paid expansion for the game comes with a price tag of $29.99 USD, a figure that has sparked discussions among fans considering its value proposition. While Cyberpunk 2077 has received numerous free updates and DLCs, Phantom Liberty stands alone as the premium, paid content offering. Its development and marketing costs significantly outpace other content additions for the game, making it not just the most expensive, but also the most ambitious DLC.
Why is Phantom Liberty So Expensive?
The high cost of Phantom Liberty is attributed to several factors, primarily the sheer scope of its content and the resources invested in its creation. CD Projekt Red, the developer behind Cyberpunk 2077, poured considerable funds into both developing and marketing the expansion.
Development Costs
According to official statements, the development of Phantom Liberty cost over $60 million. This hefty sum covers the creation of a brand-new district within Night City – Dogtown – as well as an entirely new storyline, characters, missions, and gameplay mechanics. The expansion’s production value is evident in its detailed environments, engaging narratives, and enhanced systems.
Marketing Costs
In addition to the development costs, a further $21 million was spent on marketing Phantom Liberty, bringing the combined total to approximately $84.3 million. This extensive marketing campaign aimed to generate significant buzz and ensure the expansion reaches as many players as possible. This level of investment is not typical for DLC content, highlighting the significance of Phantom Liberty within the Cyberpunk 2077 ecosystem.
Comparison to Witcher 3 Expansions
Interestingly, the price of Phantom Liberty is nearly equivalent to the combined price of both of The Witcher 3’s critically acclaimed expansions, “Hearts of Stone” and “Blood and Wine.” This comparison serves to put into perspective the value that CD Projekt Red expects players to receive from Phantom Liberty. The investment in the project is reflective of the amount of content and quality players should expect.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cyberpunk 2077 DLC
Here are some frequently asked questions about Cyberpunk 2077 DLC and related topics, offering more insight into the game’s additional content:
1. Is Phantom Liberty the Only DLC?
Yes, Phantom Liberty is the sole paid DLC expansion for Cyberpunk 2077. CD Projekt Red has confirmed there will be no second or third major DLC expansions for the game. Future content will likely be in the form of free updates or patches.
2. Is There a Free Version of Phantom Liberty?
No, Phantom Liberty is not free. It is a fully featured, large paid expansion that requires purchase. You must also own the base game, Cyberpunk 2077, to play the expansion.
3. What Does Phantom Liberty Add to the Game?
Phantom Liberty introduces numerous additions, including:
- Dogtown, a brand-new and dangerous district in Night City.
- A new storyline and cast of characters.
- New quests, gigs, and boss fights.
- Vehicle missions and airdrops.
- A new Relic skill tree and associated abilities.
- Over 100 new items, such as weapons, vehicles, and clothing.
- Vehicle missile launchers.
- An increased level cap of 60.
4. How Long is the Phantom Liberty Story?
The main storyline of Phantom Liberty typically takes around 15 to 20 hours to complete if you focus solely on the main missions. This makes it a substantial piece of additional content.
5. Is Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.0 Included with Phantom Liberty?
The 2.0 update is a free update for the base game and does not require the purchase of Phantom Liberty. It includes many changes, like improved police AI, vehicle combat, and an overhauled perks system. It is released alongside Phantom Liberty, but is separate. You need the base game updated to enjoy it.
6. Will Phantom Liberty Raise the Level Cap?
Yes, Phantom Liberty increases the level cap from 50 to 60, granting players 10 additional attribute points. This allows for even more powerful character builds.
7. Is Phantom Liberty Worth Buying?
Whether or not Phantom Liberty is “worth it” depends on individual preferences and budgets. However, the consensus among many players and critics is that the expansion offers substantial content and enhances the Cyberpunk 2077 experience. It is often praised for its new storyline, characters, and gameplay additions.
8. Can You Play Phantom Liberty on PS4?
No, Phantom Liberty is only available on PlayStation 5, as well as Xbox Series X/S and PC. PlayStation 4 players cannot access this expansion.
9. Where Does Phantom Liberty Begin in the Game?
The initial mission to start Phantom Liberty will become available early in Act 2 of the main Cyberpunk 2077 storyline, provided you have progressed through the main missions to that point.
10. Does Paying Off Viktor Affect the Game?
Paying off Viktor’s debt in the side mission “Paid in Full” allows you to purchase cyberware from him again. Not paying it off simply locks off buying upgrades at his shop, but does not affect any main story.
11. Are All Ripperdocs the Same in Cyberpunk 2077?
Yes, all ripperdocs now carry the same items, meaning the choice of ripperdoc is purely aesthetic. There is no single “best ripperdoc” with exclusive gear.
12. What is the Most Expensive Vehicle in Cyberpunk 2077?
The Rayfield Aerondight S9 “Guinevere” is the most expensive vehicle, priced at 155,000 eddies. It’s a popular choice for those invested in the Neo-Kitsch lifestyle.
13. What is the Most Expensive Apartment in Cyberpunk 2077?
The 3 Corpo Plaza Apartment is the most expensive, costing 55,000 eddies. This living option provides V with a luxurious living environment.
14. Why Does Cyberpunk 2077 Have Only One Paid Expansion?
CD Projekt Red chose to focus on Phantom Liberty as the sole paid expansion because they are shifting their engine to Epic’s Unreal Engine for future projects, rather than the RED Engine used for Cyberpunk 2077.
15. Does V Get Cured in Phantom Liberty?
One ending provided by Phantom Liberty involves V undergoing surgery, albeit with a severe downside. While the surgery addresses their condition, it places V in a two-year coma, causing them to miss the world and see the loss of Johnny.
Conclusion
In summary, Phantom Liberty is the most expensive DLC for Cyberpunk 2077 due to its extensive content, significant development and marketing costs, and the enhanced gameplay experience it provides. While it does come with a higher price tag than free updates, the depth of its narrative and the numerous gameplay additions make it a worthwhile investment for dedicated fans of Cyberpunk 2077.