Summary
When it comes to DLCs,Cyberpunk 2077’sPhantom Libertyis a fantastic demonstration of how the landscape of extra content is changing. As one of the most highly anticipated releases of 2023,Cyberpunk 2077’sPhantom LibertyDLC is selling amazingly, proving that the team at CD Projekt Red has finally gotten the once controversial game back on its feet. The initial release of the game was one of the biggest gaming stories of 2020 due to many players being unhappy with the state the game launched in. However, after a series of updates and the release ofPhantom Liberty,Cyberpunk 2077is now the game so many fans were waiting for.
Obviously, the best part about a DLC is getting to experience new content within a game, andPhantom Libertyis filled with hoursof new adventures and story. The DLC was released just a few days after the long-awaitedCyberpunk 20772.0 update back in September, and the two combined have given the game a fresh start. However, when it comes to DLCs,Phantom Libertyis a crash course in what the future of DLC development should look like.
Phantom Liberty is Now a DLC Blueprint
It’s no secret that a DLC can greatly enhance a game, butPhantom Libertyis something different. Instead of just feeling like some extra content,Phantom Libertyfeels like a game within a game. The addition ofNight City’s lawless subdistrict of Dogtownis exciting enough, but the story that unfolds around its setting is where the DLC shines. The narratives wrapped within the DLC are incredibly compelling additions that ultimately give players an even deeper insight into Night City and the New United States of America (NUSA).
All-New Characters Breathe Life Into Phantom Liberty
When it comes to crafting a DLC forCyberpunk 2077,Phantom Libertycould have easily just added Dogtown in order to introduce additional missions, but CD Projekt Red takes the DLC even further by introducing new characters who have their own beautifully crafted stories. There are a total of seven new characters added to the game, but the most important ones inPhantom Liberty’s story are found in FIA agents Solomon Reed and Songbird, NUSA President Rosalind Myers, and the overlord of Dogtown, Kurt Hansen.
The initial announcement ofPhantom Libertydrew a lot of excitement from fans due to the reveal ofIdris Elba taking the role of Solomon Reed, a sleeper agent for the FIA who currently resides in Dogtown. The story that unfolds around Solomon and his one-time partner Songbird is one of the most interesting narratives players can experience inCyberpunk 2077. Additionally, the wayPhantom LibertybuildsCyberpunk 2077’s lore with the introduction of President Myers and Kurt Hansen adds a layered chapter to an already filled game.
Future DLCs Should Take Note
The entirety of 2023 saw an impressive year for gaming, andPhantom Libertyis proof that DLCs can be just as important of a release as a base game. However, CD Projekt Red isn’t the only studio changing how DLCs are approached. Santa Monica Studio has also showcased what the future of DLCs should look like with the surprise release ofGod of War Ragnarok’sValhallaDLC, butPhantom Libertyis the ultimate showcase of what can be accomplished with downloadable content.
It’s amazing to seehow farCyberpunk 2077has comesince those rough first days of its launch back in 2020, andPhantom Libertygives the game an extra layer of lore that fleshes out more of its world in a fantastic way.Phantom Libertyand the 2.0 update have givenCyberpunk 2077a great story of redemption, and it will be exciting to see how other development studios follow suit with future DLCs.
