CD Projekt Red's epic sci-fi RPG Cyberpunk 2077 used to be a cautionary tale for developers, with its beleaguered launch and bug-ridden early life causing a dip in both the studio's fortunes and its reputation with gamers. Luckily, the Cyberpunk 2077 that players can encounter today is vastly different from how it was during its release, thanks to the work that CD Projekt Red has continued to pour into the game in the past few years. Now, it looks like the future of the franchise is looking brighter still after more details have been shared regarding the upcoming Phantom Liberty DLC.
The Game Awards typically feature many exciting announcements and reveals, and this year was no different. With the spotlight on highly-anticipated sequels like Death Stranding 2 and Hades 2, as well as new games like Hellboy Web of Wyrd, fans certainly have lots to look forward to. But another reveal that players had been waiting patiently for was to get a better look at Cyberpunk 2077's Phantom Liberty expansion, which the awards show provided with a brand-new trailer. Not only did this shine more light on the upcoming DLC, but it also introduced a mysterious new character – Idris Elba's FIA Agent Solomon Reed.
Introducing Idris To The World Of Cyberpunk 2077
The announcement that the veteran actor would be joining the world of Cyberpunk 2077 was one of The Game Awards' biggest surprises, and it has sparked a lot of discussion around the Phantom Liberty DLC and what it could entail. Cyberpunk 2077 is no stranger to real-life celebrities lending not only their voice but also their likeness to the in-game world, like with Keanu Reeves' enigmatic Johnny Silverhand. Alongside V and Johnny Silverhand's return in the upcoming expansion, the trailer showed off some intriguing new elements, including Idris Elba's character.
Not much is currently known about Solomon Reed, but he will likely play a key part in the DLC given Idris Elba's popularity as an actor and his prominence in the trailer. Phantom Liberty will be exploring the wider world of Cyberpunk 2077 and how Night City operates as its own autonomous region, which feeds into Solomon Reed's role as a representative of the New United States of America (or NUSA). Solomon looks like he'll be joining forces with V and Johnny, using his determination and no-nonsense approach to help ease tensions and restore peace in the Pacifica region, although his wider intentions and the intricacies of his character remain a mystery.
Everything We Know About Cyberpunk 2077's Phantom Liberty Expansion
Fans already know that Phantom Liberty will be the last update for Cyberpunk 2077 until the release of the sequel, so there's a lot riding on the upcoming DLC. The expansion is already rumored to rival the size of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt's expansions, which has helped to alleviate some player disappointment over the fact that support won't continue for the expansive RPG. The trailer showing off Idris Elba's character was also memorable for its fast-paced action, high-stakes storylines, and elements of a neo-noir detective drama, which all make for an exciting package.
Phantom Liberty will also be showing off a new area of Night City – Dogtown, a dangerous and lawless part of Pacifica. As well as exploring new districts, the DLC will feature proper vehicle combat for the first time in addition to other gameplay improvements and overhauls. Although it may be the last bit of new Cyberpunk 2077 content that players can enjoy for a while, Phantom Liberty has plenty of promise and now another famous face to welcome gamers back to the turbulent world of Night City.
Cyberpunk 2077 is out now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
