Since its troubled launch in 2020, Cyberpunk 2077 has significantly evolved. With the release of the highly-praised Phantom Liberty DLC, CD Projekt Red (CDPR) has made substantial improvements to the game. Now is an excellent time to revisit Cyberpunk 2077, especially for those who have yet to experience the new content.
Although players can dive directly into the DLC, newcomers or those starting from scratch may find themselves uncertain about when in the main storyline to engage with Phantom Liberty. Drawing from my extensive playtime—nearly 200 hours across three playthroughs—let’s explore the optimal timing for starting the DLC.
Optimal Timing for Phantom Liberty
The Phantom Liberty DLC becomes accessible after you locate Evelyn Parker and successfully complete the Transmission quest. While it might be enticing to jump in immediately, patience is advisable.
This DLC features some of the most challenging boss encounters in Cyberpunk 2077, surpassing even the notorious Adam Smasher. You don’t want to spoil the experience, but it’s essential to have a well-optimized character build if you plan to navigate the dangers of Dog Town successfully.
As you progress through the game, once you complete all of Act 2, you will enter Act 3. This act is primarily defined by a single mission, Nocturne Op55N1, marking the point of no return. To maximize your chance of success, it’s wise to complete Johnny Silverhand’s Tapeworm side quest before embarking on the DLC.
By the time you finish the Tapeworm quest, you should be above level 30 with a robust character build and well-equipped with gold-rated weapons, making this an ideal juncture to start Phantom Liberty.
Tips and Rewards for Phantom Liberty DLC
Following what I believe to be one of the most captivating introductions to any DLC, players are set free in Dog Town, a locale even more chaotic than Night City.
Essential Tips for Phantom Liberty
If you’re tackling your playthrough on a higher difficulty, consider these strategies to enhance your experience:
- Ensure you equip gold-rated weapons that align with your character build. Top-tier gear is crucial for survival in this challenging environment.
- Be diligent in looting item drops throughout Phantom Liberty. Regularly visit shops to keep the items you prefer and sell the surplus for additional credits.
- Don’t hesitate to invest your eddies. Use them wisely to upgrade to premium cyberware that boosts your chances of survival.
Rewards from the Phantom Liberty DLC
Upon completion of Phantom Liberty, you will receive several valuable rewards:
- Access to a new Relic skill tree. I highly recommend unlocking the Vulnerability Analytics ability, as it proves advantageous in both the main game and the DLC.
- Successfully finishing the DLC may also present a new ending for the main game, contingent on your choices in the DLC. However, be cautious: certain decisions could result in no new endings for the base game.
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