It has been two years since Cyberpunk 2077 released, and reviews are still mixed. Although CD Projekt Red has worked to rectify the glitches that players encountered during its December 2020 launch, some are still not satisfied with the game. While Cyberpunk 2077's update patch 1.61 delivered some enjoyable additions to its customization interface, weapon options, and graphical performance, there's a lot more to address with Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty being its last major batch of new content.
Given Cyberpunk 2077's reputation, it's difficult not to compare it with CD Projekt's beloved The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, which was an almost immediate commercial success upon release in May 2015 and received Game of the Year at The Game Awards that December. Cyberpunk 2077 is receiving its first major DLC two years in, which hopefully points to it being an extensive package pulling from the best aspects of The Witcher 3's DLC.
Self-Sustaining Storytelling In Hearts of Stone
The dilemma-filled Hearts of Stone was The Witcher 3's first DLC pack, telling a story that is separate from the main game's events. The DLC features new locations and gear, augmenting the existing gameplay experience. In Hearts of Stone, Geralt of Rivia must help save the soul of a nobleman named Olgierd von Everec, who has made a "deal with the Devil" in exchange for an unfeeling "heart of stone."
Hearts of Stone offers a dynamic story that does not rest on the laurels of the main game. While core gameplay does not change dramatically, the story shines through as an adaptation of popular Polish folklore with exclusive, challenging quests. The DLC also features a cast of compelling characters who bring color to the game's world. Hopefully, Cyberpunk 2077's world-expanding Phantom Liberty DLC follows the same logic, incorporating an irresistible story and a cast of dynamic characters that can stand apart from the other inhabitants of Night City.
Player Choice is King in Blood and Wine
While it is confirmed that Cyberpunk 2077 will only receive one DLC pack, many fans hope this experience will echo the acclaimed Witcher 3: Blood and Wine DLC. The contents were high-stakes, seeking to bring closure to Geralt's monster-fighting storyline. It puts Geralt on a collision course with a league of powerful vampires, leading the hero on a journey full of intrigue as he tangles with the twisted motivations of multiple influential nobles and monsters.
Blood and Wine is a strong example of DLC that provides a wealth of new gameplay, elevating the storyline present in the base game. Not only does the DLC include multiple endings - allowing for player choice - it also frequently places Geralt in situations that have major ramifications for Toussaint. Although vampires feature in countless DLC packs, from Skyrim's Dawnguard DLC to The Sims 4, The Witcher's vampire characters are nuanced and unique. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty should deliver the same wealth of gameplay packed with choices and consequences for players.
A New Night City In Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
Players will almost certainly compare the upcoming Cyberpunk 2077 DLC to previous packs created by CD Projekt Red, and the game might face more backlash if it doesn't measure up. Similar to Blood and Wine, Phantom Liberty is rumored to end V and Johnny Silverhand's storyline by incorporating multiple endings. While adding new gameplay elements could be a risk, focusing on story-centric elements would make every new character, location, and item added absolutely crucial to the overall experience.
According to the announcement trailer, players will examine V's allegiance to the "New United States of America," a storyline that might fall flat if underdeveloped. Cyberpunk 2077 is packed with lore, to the point where the main storyline can at times be difficult to track. Based on rumors, Phantom Liberty's V might have to make some difficult decisions, but how much player choice will be offered is unknown. While CD Projekt Red might be closing the doors on Cyberpunk 2077 to make way for a sequel, Phantom Liberty should still give fans the closure they deserve.
Looking at Hearts of Stone, Phantom Liberty has to deliver a level of intrigue and nuanced characters. While the infamous Night City merc Johnny Silverhand is a fan-favorite character, the DLC could instead explore hinted-at major players on the Night City Council and new mayor Jefferson Peralez. Meanwhile, looking at Blood and Wine, the upcoming DLC needs to put player choice at the forefront.
Hopefully, Phantom Liberty allows players to make more choices around V's terminal illness, perhaps unlocking a new layer of character interactions and romance options. It could also be great to see how V's established relationships are affected by their new connection to the government. If CD Projekt Red can raise the bar by delivering on the aspects that made The Witcher 3's DLC so successful, it has the potential to make Cyberpunk 2077's last big offering a smash hit.
Cyberpunk 2077 is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. The Phantom Liberty DLC is in development for 2023.
