Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty Raises the Stakes for Cyberware

In Cyberpunk 2077, players have the ability to enhance their abilities by augmenting their bodies with cybernetic limbs and devices. However, this comes with a dangerous risk of developing cyberpsychosis, a condition that negatively affects the mind and can cause individuals to become mindless killing machines. The upcoming Phantom Liberty DLC will introduce a new risk/reward system to V's cyberware enhancements, which bears a striking resemblance to cyberpsychosis. Despite cyberpsychosis being a prominent issue in the game's lore, V remains unaffected by the cyberware the player chooses to equip, and can chrome up without any consequences. While some players have added cyberpsychosis through mods, the base game seemingly allows for unlimited cyber upgrades without any drawbacks.

Once Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty is released this September, players can expect several core mechanics to be overhauled in the game. The game's creative director, Pawel Sasko, recently revealed in an interview with VGC that a new risk system will be implemented for cyberware, which is not quite the same as cyberpsychosis. This means that players will only be able to equip a certain amount of cyberware at a time. However, with the new Edgerunners perk, V can surpass this limit, but at the cost of penalties such as health debuffs. According to Sasko, this system aims to strike a balance between risk and reward.

The upcoming Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty expansion promises to offer more than just a new storyline. CD Projekt Red has announced several improvements to the base game, including upgraded enemy AI, fresh skill trees and the addition of vehicular combat. Moreover, players who complete Phantom Liberty will be rewarded with a new ending for the game's protagonists, V and Johnny Silverhand, which is expected to be related to their upcoming adventure with Solomon Reed, played by Idris Elba. While details on the new cyberware risk system are scarce, fans have caught a glimpse of it in the latest Phantom Liberty trailer, where V appears to lose control. This system is expected to give players a taste of what it's like for netrunners who take the risk of equipping too much chrome.

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty launches on September 26, 2023 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.

Source: VCG