CD Projekt Red finally offers a closer look at the upcoming Cyberpunk 2077 DLC with a new character included in the story, portrayed by none other than Idris Elba. Originally, the Phantom Liberty DLC was to be one of several post-launch plans for Cyberpunk 2077. However, much of the studio's plans have since been scrapped following its release back in 2020.Cyberpunk 2077 was one of the most disastrous game launches in recent history. However, the game saw a resurgence following months of bug fixes and updates. But its real breath of life came about after the hit Netflix Cyberpunk 2077: Edgerunners anime, where player count managed to jump by 300%. The game even reached 90% positive user reviews on Steam. With renewed interest in Cyberpunk 2077, the Phantom Liberty DLC is set to be CDPR's next ambitious release in the IP. Now, a new trailer sheds more light on what fans can expect.Premiering at the Game Awards, the second trailer showcases the return of V and Keanu Reeves' Johnny Silverhand enlisting the help of brand-new character called Solomon Reed. Played by the illustrious Idris Elba, Solomon Reed comes as a mysterious FIA agent who New United States of America (NUSA). The trailer also revealed a previously unseen area of Cyberpunk 2077 dubbed "Dogtown" where V and Silverhand will team up with Reed for an espionage and survival themed mission. The game is scheduled for a 2023 release and will come to PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Leading up to the trailer reveal, CDPR's global PR director Radek Grabowski shared that the studio is positioning Phantom Liberty as a premium expansion, in similar vein to The Witcher 3's Blood and Wine DLC. This would mean that the Cyberpunk 2077 DLC's pricing may be closer to $19.99, though CDPR is yet to announce the exact details. Additionally, the 2020 title will be getting a complete edition which packs in all of its post-launch content, including Phantom Liberty. This would mean that the Game of The Year edition of Cyberpunk 2077 will likely hit stores at some point next year.
Although Phantom Liberty is the only planned DLC for the game in the foreseeable future, Cyberpunk 2077 will also get a follow-up from CDPR. Titled Project Orion, the company claims it's planning to speed up development following Phantom Liberty and that the Cyberpunk 2077's sequel might not reach pre-production until 2024. In any case, it will be interesting to see how CDPR will look to rebuild and capitalize on renewed interest for the growing franchise.
Cyberpunk 2077 is out now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.