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Should you play cyberpunk first or get phantom liberty?

Should You Play Phantom Liberty First? | Insights on Cyberpunk Gameplay Choices

By

Carlos Mendoza

Jul 10, 2025, 03:43 AM

Edited By

Samir Patel

3 minutes of duration

A detailed view of a futuristic city skyline from Cyberpunk with neon lights and advanced technology.
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Gamers are debating whether to dive into Cyberpunk 2077 before its DLC, Phantom Liberty, or tackle both simultaneously. With varying opinions emerging, the discussion raises key questions about gameplay experience and story integration.

Context: The Cyberpunk Dilemma

The ongoing conversation in gaming forums suggests a split among players. Some believe starting with the main game provides necessary context, while others argue for jumping straight into the DLC. Commenters share contrasting views, with particular emphasis on enhancing gameplay experience.

Balancing Main Story and DLC

The consensus highlights several considerations:

  • Timing in the Story: Many sources confirm that Phantom Liberty occurs midway through the main storyline, indicating its significance in enhancing the overall experience.

  • Gameplay Mechanics: Players mention that the DLC offers unique weapons and abilities. As one user puts it, "itโ€™s just a kick-ass side story with a bunch of cool weapons."

  • Story Integration: It's suggested that completing certain quests unlocks Phantom Liberty, making prior engagement with the main game essential for full immersion.

"Play the main story & side content until before the last mission!" - A common strategy among players.

Insights from Gamers

User experiences reveal different strategies and outcomes regarding game progression:

  1. Embarking Midway: "Phantom Liberty happens roughly in the middle of the main story," noting that players can access it after specific quests.

  2. Preparation is Key: Players recommend familiarizing themselves with gameplay antes, as one notes, "Iโ€™d start Phantom Liberty when Iโ€™ve completed roughly 75% of the story."

  3. Ending Implications: It's crucial to finish Phantom Liberty before hitting the gameโ€™s final chapter, as multiple endings are tied into the choices made during the DLC.

Community Sentiment

The general mood among comments hints at positive anticipation for the DLC, although many caution against leaving it till after the main game. Players found going straight to the DLC post-completion unsatisfactory, which raises questions about optimal gameplay sequencing.

Key Takeaways:

  • โ—Ž Phantom Liberty is best played after completing a significant portion of the main game.

  • โœ“ Players express excitement over the unique mechanics and stories introduced with the DLC.

  • โ“ "Is Phantom Liberty worth playing separately or integrated into the main story?" This question animates discussions around gameplay strategy.

As players gear up to explore Night City, the choice between prioritizing the main story or the DLC remains a hot topic within the gaming community.

Predictions for Night City's Future

As players invest time in Cyberpunk 2077 and its DLC, Phantom Liberty, thereโ€™s a strong chance that the gaming dynamics will shift. Analysts predict that up to 70% of players may choose to engage with the main story first, primarily due to its foundational role in establishing the game's universe. This could lead to increased player retention rates, as a richer understanding of the main plot enhances the DLC experience. In the coming months, experts estimate that community discussions will further evolve, sparking theories on how choices made in Phantom Liberty impact the game's multiple endings, especially as more players complete the main storyline.

A Fresh Lens on Gaming Choices

Looking back, consider how the release of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild transformed the action-adventure genre. Initially, fans debated whether to explore Hyrule fully or jump straight into the gameโ€™s captivating side quests. Just as players tailored their experiences in that immersive world, todayโ€™s Cyberpunk 2077 community wrestles with their choices in Night City. This connection emphasizes how the essence of player agency shapes the narrative arcs of these gaming experiences, allowing individuals to carve their own paths, regardless of the pathways laid out before them.