There will be new characters, weapons, customizations, a fresh ending, and much more in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty.
Over the course of the previous week, we have gained valuable insights into the future of Cyberpunk 2077, specifically with regard to the forthcoming expansion of Phantom Liberty.
Our findings have revealed that Phantom Liberty will transport players to Dogtown, an uncharted district within Night City that is widely recognized as the most impoverished and dangerous neighborhood in the area.
Dogtown is under the rule of former US Colonel Kurt Hansen, a notorious and treacherous figure who commands the Barghest militia.
At the outset of the game, Space Force One, carrying the President of the newly-formed United States of America, a new character named Songbird, and several others, is shot down by Vargas forces and crashes in the midst of the Dogtown battleground. V is subsequently tasked with rescuing the President, a mission that will take them through the treacherous terrain of Dogtown.
Phantom Liberty introduces several new characters, including Idris Elba’s Nusa sleeper agent Solomon Reed, who, along with newcomers Songbird and Alex, assists V in their quest to save the President. Songbird’s promise to aid V with their relic dilemma serves as a reward for their efforts. Additionally, our research indicates that Dogtown is home to a thriving underground black market, particularly for weapons. Several new shops will offer a variety of weapons, including cyber war that has yet to be seen in the game.
Phantom Liberty is set to revolutionize the core gameplay mechanics of Cyberpunk 2077, with a particular focus on equipment and cyberware usage. In this new iteration, cyberwar will replace clothing as the primary means of boosting stats. However, players must exercise caution when modifying their V character with cyberware, as excessive modifications will result in a corresponding decrease in stats. Additionally, rumors surrounding the potential for cyberware to induce cyber psychosis have been addressed by Paweł Sasko, Quest Director for Cyberpunk 2077 and Phantom Liberty. Sasko emphasized that the game’s design is centered on balancing risks and rewards, and that cyber psychosis is not a feature that will be introduced with this goal in mind.
Furthermore, the game’s character models have been updated to incorporate a skill-based leveling system, which will allow players to access new attacks and abilities as they progress through the game. Notably, the Gorilla arms cyberwar has been significantly enhanced, enabling players to punch NPCs into the air and hurl human bodies at their enemies.
Additionally, a new one-touch finishing maneuver has been added for the Mantis blades. These changes represent a significant departure from the previous stat-based leveling system and promise to deliver a more immersive and engaging gameplay experience.
Law enforcement is actively pursuing individuals involved in criminal activities, including gang members, utilizing a state-of-the-art system. In this new system, dropships will deploy highly skilled adversaries with specific target levels to engage and confront you. The introduction of an anime dodge feature enhances the fluidity of melee combat, surpassing the limited capabilities of the original game. Additionally, bladed weapons can now be utilized to actively block gunfire, providing a heightened level of defense.
During battles, adversaries adapt and reposition themselves, creating a more strategic and captivating experience. Furthermore, an exciting vehicle combat system has been developed, although details are limited at this time. However, glimpses of this system have been shared through screenshots, showcasing vehicles equipped with their own weaponry, which undoubtedly adds an exhilarating element to the gameplay.
The Game Director, Gabe Amatangelo, and Paweł, in an interview with IGN, mentioned that their inspiration for Phantom Liberty draws from iconic spy films such as James Bond.
In line with this inspiration, Paweł reveals that certain vehicles will be equipped with missile capabilities, reminiscent of James Bond’s thrilling adventures. The introduction of new automobiles and motorcycles will no longer be communicated through static text messages but will instead be accessible through an in-game website.
Gabe further explains that a new mechanic in Dogtown will allow for the installation of firearms and other accessories in your vehicles, expanding the customization options available to players.
The firearms in Cyberpunk 2077 offer a range of models with varying statistics, ensuring a diverse selection for players. Each gun is unique, eliminating the possibility of finding duplicates. However, CD Projekt RED has yet to officially confirm this feature. The highly anticipated Relic system, which holds significant importance, remains unseen.
Gabe Amatangelo suggests that the utilization of Phantom Liberty can enhance cyberwar capabilities, allowing players to manipulate and hack non-player characters.
While details about the Relic system are limited, Pablo Sasco provided an example of its potential by showcasing the ability to unleash a barrage of missiles with the missile launcher implant. This presents an exciting opportunity to greatly enhance cyber abilities in the short term.
The impact of Phantom Liberty on the overall game is a subject of intrigue. Players who have already made difficult decisions in the main game are eager to witness the consequences of their choices.
The specific role of Phantom Liberty in Cyberpunk 2077’s main story is still uncertain, but leaked information suggests that it may alter one of the existing endings. If these rumors hold true, the events of Phantom Liberty could lead to a completely different conclusion.
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty is scheduled for release on September 26th for PlayStation 5, Xbox One S, and PC.