Cyberpunk 2077: Unleashing V's Wildest Desires - Game-changing Phantom Liberty Relic Upgrades

Highlights

The 2.0 update and new Relic upgrade system in Cyberpunk 2077 have significantly improved the game, but the inclusion of Relic upgrades contradicts the main story's message.

The Relic within V's mind is gradually asserting control over their physical being, hence it's peculiar that the game motivates players to enhance its potency via the novel perk system. Despite the thrilling appeal of the newfound abilities and progressive mechanism, it deviates from the perilous essence of the Relic as depicted in the original game's narrative.

Thanks to the Phantom Liberty update, Cyberpunk 2077 now feels like a completely transformed game. The extensive 2.0 update has expanded and revamped numerous systems, bringing it closer to the promised RPG experience of 2020. However, amidst the improvements, one addition stands out as contradictory. While the game has become stronger overall, the introduction of Relic upgrades seems to deviate from the main game's intended narrative.

The 2.0 update not only revamped Cyberpunk 2077's leveling system but also introduced the new Relic upgrade system through Phantom Liberty. This system rewards players who are willing to explore Dogtown and locate Data Terminals with new abilities to enhance their gameplay. These abilities significantly enhance combat functionality and should prove highly advantageous for players. However, their inclusion may disrupt the immersive experience that V, the game's protagonist, would ideally seek, potentially disappointing some players.

Powering Up Cyberpunk 2077's Relic Feels Wrong

In Cyberpunk 2077, players should be well aware of the significance of the Relic inside V's head, as it serves as the central focus of the main storyline. After a failed heist leaves V for dead in a landfill, the Relic brings them back to life. Shortly thereafter, they encounter Johnny Silverhand, who becomes a constant companion throughout the rest of the game. The primary objective of the story is to remove the Relic from V's head while navigating various challenges.

While the Relic in Cyberpunk 2077 grants players their own version of Keanu Reeves, it poses a threat to V's life. Slowly but surely, Johnny Silverhand's personality begins to take control of V's body. If not cautious, V may be completely replaced by Silverhand. Interestingly, Phantom Liberty suggests that the Relic can be beneficial through the acquisition of Relic perk points. Rather than disposing of it, the game encourages players to enhance its capabilities, which may appear peculiar.

While the enhanced Relic perk system offers players a plethora of additional tools, its lack of coherence from a narrative standpoint is evident. The Relic can be likened to a deadly growth, making it illogical to amplify its presence. Though it is slowly extinguishing V's life, instead of struggling to eradicate it, V has made the perplexing decision to augment its power. This choice may not accelerate Johnny Silverhand's assimilation of V, but it undoubtedly feels as though it should.

The act of boosting the Relic's potency is akin to upgrading the brain parasite in Baldur's Gate 3. Within the game, players can consume other parasites to enhance their own. However, this augmentation simultaneously poses a threat to the protagonist. Ultimately, these parasites could transform them into a Mind Flayer, making it illogical to further empower them. Despite this contradiction, it serves as a significant aspect of the game's progression.

In a broader sense, the introduction of these new abilities and an upgraded system provides players with a multitude of engaging opportunities. Not only does it encourage thorough exploration of Dogtown, but these newfound powers also add excitement to combat encounters. However, this concept contradicts the foundational narrative of the base game, where players were led to believe that the Relic in question was too risky to retain. Although this discrepancy doesn't detract from the overall experience, some players may initially find it somewhat jarring when they first dive into the game.

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty can be accessed on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.