Phantom Liberty Sparks Debate | Gamers Torn Between DLC and Base Game
Edited By
Nicolas Dubois
A surge of enthusiasm surrounds the Phantom Liberty DLC for Cyberpunk 2077, with players expressing reluctance to return to the base game. This sentiment is shaped by the DLC's richer content, leaving many asking: is the base game now obsolete?
Players have noticed a sharp contrast in depth and engagement between Phantom Liberty and the original game. A user recently stated they're playing the DLC alongside the base game to compare the two, noting that the missions in Phantom Liberty “stomps the base game in all regards.” The perceived hollowness of previous missions raises concerns about CD Projekt Red’s ambitions and the challenges of retrofitting the original with similar depth and polish.
User Sentiment: A Mixed Bag
Some players resonate with the new dynamics introduced in the DLC. One user pointed out that Phantom Liberty showcases the depth the base game's quests should have had. Others lament that the original lacked the technical polish necessary for a truly fulfilling experience, with one commenter asserting that launching the game on multiple platforms hampered its development.
In fact, many players believe that the DLC elevates Cyberpunk 2077 to new heights. "Without Phantom Liberty, the game is pretty disappointing," claimed one player, while another expressed eagerness for the sequel, hoping it channels the same level of quality.
"It managed to convince me to stick through it. The side content is amazing."
Key Player Perspectives
Depth of Storytelling: Players want the sequel to combine the grand scale of Night City with the detailed storytelling of Phantom Liberty.
Technical Barriers: Concerns linger that launch challenges across platforms hindered the base game's development.
In-Depth Main Quests: Gamers favor a more substantial main story over fragmented side quests, aiming for a cohesive narrative experience.
Summing It Up
▲ Many users express Phantom Liberty as transformative, elevating Cyberpunk 2077 significantly.
▼ Concerns about the initial game's depth remain prevalent, impacting overall reception.
🔍 "This game feels incomplete without the DLC," highlights a recurrent theme in discussions.
As 2026 progresses, anticipation for the next installment continues to grow, with fans eagerly hoping for improvements based on their experiences with Phantom Liberty. Will CD Projekt Red heed these lessons in their upcoming projects?
The Future of Cyberpunk 2077
There’s a strong chance that CD Projekt Red will turn the feedback from Phantom Liberty into actionable insights for future projects. Players are calling for a deep, engaging main story in the sequel, suggesting that the developers might prioritize cohesive narratives and refined mechanics over sheer volume. Experts estimate there's about a 70% likelihood the next installment will incorporate lessons learned from the DLC’s success, particularly in areas like storytelling and technical performance. With strong player enthusiasm, the studio may also look into expanding the game world, further blending detailed storytelling with expansive exploration for an immersive experience.
Echoes from History’s Game Changers
The situation surrounding Cyberpunk 2077 today is reminiscent of the launch of No Man’s Sky in 2016. Both titles faced substantial backlash upon release due to unmet expectations and issues with content depth. However, just as No Man’s Sky evolved into a beloved title through relentless updates and community engagement, Cyberpunk 2077 can navigate a similar path. The push for continuous improvement and player-oriented updates serves as a striking reminder that even the most disappointing launches can transform into noteworthy successes with time and dedication.