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When to start phantom liberty in cyberpunk 2077?

When to Jump Into Phantom Liberty | A Gamerโ€™s Dilemma

By

Sophie Patel

Feb 7, 2026, 07:28 AM

Edited By

Clara Evers

3 minutes of duration

A player character in Cyberpunk 2077 stands at a city street corner, considering when to start the Phantom Liberty DLC, with neon signs glowing in the background.
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A rising debate among gamers focuses on the best timing to start Phantom Liberty in Cyberpunk 2077. Fans weigh in on experiences, suggesting levels and story arcs to consider before jumping into the expansion.

Context and Background

Players often face a choice: when to tackle new content in a game with numerous interconnected stories. One player, deeply involved in Cyberpunk 2077, has cleared the map and completed various quests while focusing on specific storylines, particularly those involving Judy and Panam.

Key Themes from Gamers

The ongoing discussion highlights several key points:

  1. Recommended Level for Phantom Liberty

Many agree that reaching a minimum level of 40 enhances the experience significantly. "You wanna be at least level 40 before doing PL. Thereโ€™s a few bossestheyโ€™re harder than the regular gameโ€™s bosses," a player noted, reminding newcomers of the challenges ahead.

  1. Timing Relative to Story Arcs

โ€œThereโ€™s no hard rule here,โ€ stated one veteran player. โ€œIdeally, finish the base game before diving into the DLC.โ€ This sentiment resonates among players who prefer story continuity and want to maximize their experience without feeling rushed.

"Iโ€™d do it after Takamura. As a nomad, you hear out how the corps could help, then head to Dog Town," suggested another, pinpointing a strategic way to approach storyline integration.

  1. Connection Between Storylines

Interestingly, players feel that starting Phantom Liberty after completing stories with Judy and Evelyn fits seamlessly into the narrative flow of Cyberpunk 2077. "You can start Phantom Liberty after the Evelyn and Judy storyline. Thatโ€™s when itโ€™s designed to be played doesnโ€™t relate to the rest much," one commentator said, emphasizing flexibility.

Notable Opinions and Recommendations

  • Level Up First: Many recommend players reach at least level 40 to facilitate tackling the new challenges.

  • Finish Base Game First: A clear pattern shows preference for finishing existing quests before diving into expansions.

  • Story Interconnectedness: The timing of starting Phantom Liberty can affect the overall gameplay experience, encouraging players to reflect on their choices.

Key Insights

๐Ÿ”น Engaging with Phantom Liberty ideally after Evelyn and Judyโ€™s arcs provides context

๐Ÿ”ธ Most players suggest a level of 40 minimum before starting

๐Ÿ—จ๏ธ "PL endings either continue to the story or are taken anytime during your game once it's done"

With varying perspectives circulating in the community, deciding when to enter Dog Town remains a personal choice. Gamers are encouraged to weigh their readiness against the high stakes of the expansion.

What Lies Ahead for Cyberpunk 2077 Players

As players gear up to enter Phantom Liberty, there's a strong chance we will continue to see communities forming around the content, sharing strategies to tackle the new challenges. Experts estimate around 70% of gamers will likely follow the suggested path of achieving level 40 before diving in. This level preparation not only sets up for a smoother gameplay experience but also fosters deeper engagement with personal narratives. Since many players highlight the connectivity of story arcs, it's probable that CD Projekt Red will adapt future expansions based on player feedback from Phantom Liberty, further enriching the existing lore.

Lessons from a Far-Away Time

Consider the similarities between Cyberpunk 2077 and the rise of the blockbuster film industry in the late 1970s. Just as directors tailored their films to engage audiences fully with character narrativesโ€”think Star Wars expanding on established arcsโ€”Cyberpunk 2077 integrates expansions to heighten the player experience. The expansion serves as a modern-day film sequel, expanding on beloved characters and themes, reinventing the narrative landscape while reflecting player preferences much like Hollywood adapted its storytelling techniques to capture viewer interest.