The Phantom Liberty DLC has been one of the year’s biggest surprises. Though hopes were high, there was no guarantee that CD Projekt Red would be able to revitalize its ambitious but flawed RPG. After the release of the DLC and Cyberpunk 2077‘s 2.0 update, there’s no more doubt. The DLC brings a huge amount of quality content to the game, helping to transform an already great experience into an unforgettable one. With some major systems changed and others added, it’s worth taking some time to do a few important things before jumping in. Here are 5 things you should do before starting Phantom Liberty, in no particular order.
5. Learn About Dogtown Before Starting Phantom Liberty
Dogtown might be a district of Night City, but the two couldn’t feel much further apart. Dogtown is the base of operations for a rogue NUSA colonel and his private army of Barghest soldiers. Neither the police nor the other gangs have any real power there. It’s a ruin that’s somehow teeming with life, with shanty towns sprouting up amidst its construction sites and half-finished skyscrapers. Dogtown’s density makes it feel like a city all its own, so it’s advisable to take some time exploring when you first enter. There are new vehicles, apartments, and secrets to discover here, so even if you’ve managed to exhaust Night City, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy within.
4. Update Your Arsenal
The 2.0 update rebalanced a number of weapons, but that wasn’t the end of Cyberpunk 2077‘s recent weapon updates. Phantom Liberty adds a variety of new weapons, including some incredibly powerful Iconics that can only be collected by completing missions in the new district. Before jumping into the new content, take stock of what you have in your inventory. Whether your stockpile contains two of everything or a single lousy pistol, familiarize yourself with the game’s rebalanced guns before getting your hands on Dogtown’s weapons. Disassembling weapons is more worthwhile in 2.0, and you earn more for selling gear, so if you don’t like your arsenal, break it down or sell it.
3. Get Some New Threads Before Phantom Liberty
Another major change in Cyberpunk 2077 is the decoupling of clothing and Armor. It used to be that if you wanted the highest possible Armor, you were stuck wearing whatever clothing it came attached to. The new outfit transmog system has decoupled Armor from clothing. This change means you can dress as stylishly as you want without compromising your safety. Combat-rolling off your motorcycle in heels and a cocktail dress might not be the most practical thing in the world, but Phantom Liberty isn’t about to stop you if it makes you feel cool. Dogtown is ripe with photo opportunities, so it’s worth a quick stop at the clothing store to refresh your wardrobe before stepping inside.
2. Rethink Your Perks
Cyberpunk‘s new DLC adds a sixth Perk tree: Relic. The Perks in this tree are devoted to enhancing your cyberware with unique and powerful abilities. Every Perk on the Relic tree is game-changing, so you’ll want to grab them as soon as possible, whether you’re playing a stealthy assassin or brutal shotgun build. Normally, you unlock new Perks with Perk Points that you naturally attain by leveling up. Relic Perks work differently. Unlocking them requires Relic Points, which you retrieve through Militech Data Terminals. Relic Points are well worth the search, so you’re strongly incentivized to get to know your new surroundings. Explore every corner of Dogtown to find all of the Data Terminals and unlock these powerful new Relic Perks.
1. Get Ready to Spy Before Starting Phantom Liberty
Cyberpunk embraced a deep plot centered around complex characters and questionable loyalties. The new DLC doubles down on that, delivering a spy thriller that’s as satisfying as it is surprising. The game will let you jump straight to Level 20 to start experiencing the DLC right away. Still, it’s a good idea to play your way through Cyberpunk up to the Transmission quest first. That will outfit you with gear and experience that will make your journey easier. It will also make the DLC’s unique storytelling stand out that much before. Before starting Phantom Liberty and its tense spy thriller, treat yourself to the main story’s antics. You’ll appreciate the contrast.
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty is available for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
