When Cyberpunk 2077 launched in December 2020, it was a shadow of the ambitious open-world RPG promised by CD Projekt Red. Bugs, performance issues, and a lack of content left players and critics underwhelmed. Fast forward to 2023, and the base game received a free 2.0 update that overhauled combat, graphics, and gameplay systems. Now, with the release of Phantom Liberty, the expansion that was once seen as a last-ditch effort to salvage the game’s reputation, CD Projekt Red has not only redeemed itself but delivered a masterclass in narrative-driven DLC design.
The expansion introduces Idris Elba as Solomon Reed, a former Night City detective turned fixer, who drags protagonist V into a high-stakes espionage plot involving the Trauma Team and a rogue AI known as the Narwal. The story is tight, engaging, and benefits from Elba’s magnetic performance, breathing new life into Night City’s morally gray underworld. The main questline spans roughly 15-20 hours, but the real value lies in the side content. Phantom Liberty introduces Dogtown, a new district modeled after a war-torn Eastern European city, complete with its own unique factions, missions, and even a new currency system tied to the expansion’s economy.
Gameplay Overhaul: Combat and Customization Reach New Heights
Phantom Liberty isn’t just a story-driven expansion; it’s a gameplay overhaul in disguise. The expansion’s new Perk System overhauls V’s progression, allowing for deeper customization than ever before. Whether you prefer a stealthy netrunner build or a full-frontal assault with a monowire, the tools are there to make your playstyle feel uniquely yours. Combat has also received a significant boost, with improved gunplay, melee mechanics, and the return of Kenji’s Overdrive, a temporary adrenaline rush that turns the tide in firefights.
The expansion also introduces Trauma Team missions, which task players with extracting VIPs from hostile environments. These missions are a welcome change of pace, offering a more tactical approach to combat and exploration. The new Kusanagi-21 “Sandevistan” cyberware adds a layer of depth to gunfights, allowing players to slow down time for precise headshots—a feature that fans of Deus Ex will appreciate. Performance-wise, Phantom Liberty runs smoothly on both PC and consoles, with the base game’s 2.0 update ensuring that even the most demanding players won’t encounter the issues that plagued the game at launch.
Night City’s Newest District: Dogtown Delivers Atmosphere and Depth
Dogtown is more than just a new map; it’s a character in its own right. The district’s war-torn aesthetic, complete with crumbling buildings and makeshift barricades, contrasts sharply with Night City’s neon-lit skyline. The area is home to new factions like the Maelstrom and the Tyger Claws, each with their own agendas and missions. The expansion also introduces new vehicles, including the Quadra Turbo-R V, a high-speed sports car that handles like a dream on Dogtown’s winding roads.
Phantom Liberty’s side content is where the expansion truly shines. From stealth infiltrations to high-octane chases, there’s no shortage of ways to engage with Dogtown’s world. The new Blackwall mechanic, which allows players to hack into enemy networks and manipulate their behavior, adds a layer of strategy that was sorely missing in the base game. And let’s not forget the new weapons, including the Kusanagi CT-3X, a sleek and deadly pistol that feels like a natural evolution of V’s arsenal.
For those looking to dive deeper into Cyberpunk 2077’s world, check out our review of the 2.0 update, which laid the groundwork for Phantom Liberty’s success. If you're curious about how DLCs can elevate a game’s narrative and mechanics, our guide on Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree showcases another stellar example. Whether you’re a returning player or a newcomer, Phantom Liberty is a must-play expansion that proves Cyberpunk 2077 is finally living up to its potential, as PC Gamer reports.