Unveiling Cyberpunk 2077: The Ultimate Gaming Experience – Is it Time for Phantom Liberty DLC?
Is Cyberpunk 2077 Worth Playing Now or Should You Wait for Phantom Liberty DLC? Discover the game's polished state and anticipate the game-changing expansion that goes beyond your expectations
CD Projekt Red has exceeded expectations with the plans for Cyberpunk 2077's first and only expansion. Not only will there be new story content and a new district to explore, but the game's core systems and features are also being extensively improved and reworked. This is a welcome response to the disappointment players experienced with the game's initial launch in 2020. The trailer for the upcoming expansion, Phantom Liberty, was released before the 2023 Xbox Games Showcase, showcasing the impressive updates and renovations being made by CD Projekt Red. It seems that Phantom Liberty is a crucial step in the studio's efforts to rebuild their relationship with their fans.
Cyberpunk 2077 Has Been Polished, But Still Needs That Fresh Coat of Paint
Approaching its third anniversary since its launch, Cyberpunk 2077 continues to attract players with its updates and the recent marketing campaign for Phantom Liberty and the popular Cyberpunk Edgerunners series on Netflix. While the game has improved significantly since its debut, particularly with the release of the next-gen upgrade patch 1.5 which addressed major bugs and introduced quality-of-life features, it still falls short in certain areas.
Despite its enhancements, Cyberpunk 2077 remains a game that showcases a captivating storyline but lacks depth in its RPG elements and fails to bring Night City to life. Core issues persist, such as glitchy police AI and pathing, simplistic pedestrian routines, and a progression system filled with ineffective perks and underdeveloped concepts. The game's graphics are impressive, especially since the DLSS 3 update, but Night City remains visually stunning yet ultimately devoid of substance.
Phantom Liberty Is Way More Than Just an Expansion
If you're considering playing Cyberpunk 2077, whether it's your first time or not, it's best to wait until the release of Phantom Liberty on September 26. While the three life paths offer some replayability, they don't significantly affect the story beyond the game's initial act. However, if you're curious about the extent of the changes Phantom Liberty will bring, playing the game before its release can provide a "before-and-after" perspective. Otherwise, it doesn't make much sense to play an inferior version of the same product.
Although Cyberpunk 2077 had its flaws and didn't fully live up to its pre-release hype, it still offered enjoyable moments for players. The general consensus is that the game would have benefited from more development time, but due to various delays, it was released unfinished. Phantom Liberty seems to be the much-needed final touch that will elevate the game to CD Projekt Red's renowned standards. Whether you're new to the game or looking for a second chance after feeling let down in 2020, mark September 26 as an important date to explore Cyberpunk 2077.
Cyberpunk 2077 is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
