Home
/
AAA games
/
AAA game reviews
/

Is cyberpunk 2077 still worth playing without phantom liberty?

Is Cyberpunk 2077 Worth Playing Without the Phantom Liberty DLC? | User Perspectives

By

Kylie Moon

Jul 7, 2026, 05:43 PM

2 minutes of duration

A vibrant view of Night City from Cyberpunk 2077 with neon lights and futuristic buildings
popular

As the debate heats up on various forums, many gamers are questioning whether Cyberpunk 2077 holds its own without the Phantom Liberty DLC. Recent feedback suggests it still delivers a solid experience.

The Game without the DLC

Players are enjoying the core game despite the absence of the DLC. One user remarked, "It is 10000000% worth playing without Phantom Liberty." Another opinion echoed that while the expansion adds depth, itโ€™s not crucial for enjoying the main storyline.

Positive Experiences with the Base Game

The sentiment is largely positive when it comes to the game's foundation. Key themes emerging from comments include:

  • Strong Narrative: "Even without PL, it would still be in my top 10 games."

  • Excitement for DLC: Many agree that while the base game is enjoyable, it makes them eager for the DLC: "Oh yeah, but donโ€™t be surprised after you play the base game when youโ€™ll want to play the DLC."

  • Gameplay Length: Some noted the base game feels short without DLC but still provides a satisfactory experience.

Mixed Opinions on Phantom Liberty

While some believe Phantom Liberty enhances the game significantly, others feel it forces characters into specific roles. One user mentioned, "Yes, but PL makes the game SO much better," contrasting with another who claimed, "I personally loathe the PL dlc. It adds a story that most people like, but I did not."

"It's still a good, worthwhile experience without it, it just gets elevated further by the DLC."

Despite differing views, many acknowledge that the expansion does improve the gameplay experience, suggesting future players may want to eventually grab it.

Key Highlights

  • ๐ŸŸข Core Narrative Is Strong: "The core game is well worth it."

  • ๐Ÿ”ผ DLC Increases Engagement: "PL adds a lot to the game."

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Longer Gameplay Possible: "Base game is really short Still a good experience."

As more gamers weigh in, itโ€™s clear that Cyberpunk 2077 offers a satisfying journey, with or without the expansion. While opinions vary, the consensus indicates that the experience remains worthwhile for those eager to explore Night City.

What Lies Ahead for Cyberpunk 2077

Given the current player sentiment, there's a strong chance CD Projekt Red will continue to support Cyberpunk 2077 with additional content. Experts estimate around 60% of players may try the Phantom Liberty DLC after completing the base game, driven by positive word-of-mouth. This could boost sales not just for the expansion but for the base game as well. As more players share their experiences on forums, we might see heightened interest leading to potential updates or even new expansions based on community feedback. This indicates a promising trajectory for the game, particularly if developers listen to their audience.

Reflections from the Past

A parallel can be drawn from the rise of "No Man's Sky" after its rocky launch. Initially criticized, it managed to turn its reputation around dramatically through dedicated updates that fundamentally changed gameplay. Much like Cyberpunk 2077's current discourse, where people see value in the base game despite missing elements, No Man's Skyโ€™s journey illustrates that a solid core can be built upon. The willingness of a development team to engage with their community can transform initial disappointment into sustained success, hinting at a potential revitalization journey for Cyberpunk.