Gab Hernandez 
Cyberpunk 2077’s first and potentially only paid DLC expansion, Phantom Liberty, just got a lot of new details revealed.
Despite Cyberpunk 2077’s overwhelmingly negative reception on release due to game-breaking bugs and performance issues, CD Projekt Red’s dystopian action game is regarded fairly well in 2023. There have been dozens of patches since its release back in December 2020 that have remedied many of the issues that plagued the game at launch. There have also been a number of free content updates to the game that gave players new weapons, outfits, and more.
However, a major expansion wasn’t confirmed until September 2022, when the studio announced Phantom Liberty. Game director Gabe Amatangelo discussed the upcoming expansion and what it will add to the game beyond just the new story. Here’s what will be in the game and what the Cyberpunk 2077 DLC will offer.
What’s in the Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty DLC?
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty includes overhauled combat mechanics, more diverse factions, improved AI, and more dynamic world elements.
Phantom Liberty is the biggest expansion Cyberpunk 2077 is releasing and with that comes a lot of big changes. Most notable are the overhauls to the game’s combat systems and tweaks to make for a more dynamic in-game world.
Phantom Liberty will revamp skill trees to enable more specialized ways to play. Whether the player wants to be a cyber ninja or walking tank, the new skill trees aim to make those playstyles feel even more rewarding and viable than before.
There are also references added from the Netflix anime series Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, such as a fury state that massively enhances combat potential at the cost of health. Cars were also given a lot more to do in combat. The Cyberpunk 2077 DLC will add new vehicle elements including mounted guns, and drifting.
The world has also been made more alive through improved AI and new NPC designs specific to each part of the city. For example, Dogtown and Barghest will have their own unique sets of uniformed police officers. Factions will also fight each other more often, making the world feel significantly more dynamic.
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty release date
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty will be released on September 26, 2023 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. The Xbox One and PS4 will not be receiving the DLC.
While it’s sad for players on Xbox One and PS4, it was likely not a priority to adjust to last-gen players. The brutal performance issues the game had on the almost 10-year-old consoles may have CD Projekt Red uncertain whether Cybperunk 2077 can still perform at a playable level if more content is added.
This focus on the future does bode well for Cyberpunk 2077’s longevity, however. No Man’s Sky has garnered a devoted fan base despite its similarly problematic debut.
