If you’ve been following the Cyberpunk 2077 saga from its tumultuous launch until now, you may be aware of the recent buzz surrounding the supposed renaissance of the game. This redemption arc is anticipated to culminate with the release of the upcoming Phantom Liberty expansion, promising a comprehensive overhaul of the RPG’s systems.
As a player who has devoted countless hours to the original game and had a taste of the expansion, I aim to offer insights that can help you make an informed decision about whether to embark on your Night City adventure now or wait until the release of Phantom Liberty on September 26.
The Transformative Changes of Phantom Liberty
According to CD Projekt Red, Phantom Liberty will bring significant changes to several aspects of the base game. These alterations will be so profound that some elements will feel completely different, not only from the game’s initial launch but also from its current state, after numerous patches and updates over the past three years.
These changes encompass new skill trees, equipment, quest types, enemy types, vehicle combat, and adjustments to the police’s response to criminal activities. CD Projekt Red aims to revitalize the gameplay experience by rebuilding and replacing existing features.
Consequently, your existing character build may require a respec, and the expanded skill trees will offer new options and playstyles. Ultimately, your approach to Cyberpunk 2077 will be significantly transformed once Phantom Liberty is released.
Playing Cyberpunk 2077 Before the Changes
Currently, playing Cyberpunk 2077 means experiencing an improved version of the game that launched in 2020. While there have been numerous patches and updates, some argue that the fundamental flaws of the game cannot be fully rectified.
They contend that improved stability does not address the lackluster combat encounters, the game’s problematic political undertones, or the unfulfilled potential of Night City as a vibrant and immersive world. However, the changes introduced in Phantom Liberty aim to fulfill the mechanical potential that the game promised from the beginning.
Personally, the changes to the skill trees alone made a significant impact on my gameplay experience. It felt like playing an entirely different game, with a build resembling a character akin to Genji from Overwatch. I had access to dashes, the ability to deflect bullets with arm blades, and brutal finishing moves that encouraged close-quarters combat.
These features were not as extensive in the base version of the game. Although the success of these larger ideas remains to be seen, I find myself captivated by the game that CD Projekt Red is presenting with Phantom Liberty, more so than the current iteration of the game. This sentiment is coming from someone who surprisingly enjoys the base game as it stands today.
Additionally, the system changes that come with Phantom Liberty will be part of the main game and provided free of charge. Therefore, the upfront investment required to experience the improved version is relatively small compared to purchasing the $30 expansion before trying out the new changes.
Reasons to Play Cyberpunk 2077 Now
If you have not yet played Cyberpunk 2077, the knowledge that an overhauled version of the game will be available in a few months should give you pause before making a purchase. However, witnessing the game’s evolution from an absolute disaster to a mostly average RPG with underlying potential has been fascinating.
Observing the changes promised in Phantom Liberty, while having the context of the original release, allows for critical examination of the progress made. The narrative surrounding Cyberpunk 2077 as a gem in need of polishing has been one of the most captivating aspects of the game. Assessing the validity of the internet’s perception can be as entertaining as playing the game itself when it successfully executes its strengths.
However, if you do not engage with games in this way, it is difficult to find a compelling reason to play Cyberpunk 2077 now when its core mechanics will undergo significant changes in just a few months.
If you have waited nearly three years to venture into Night City, waiting another three months will not harm your experience. If Phantom Liberty delivers on its promise of a revitalized game, the bliss of experiencing it without prior knowledge of its past can be rewarding.
The ever-evolving nature of the gaming industry often leads to substantial transformations in games over time, and Cyberpunk 2077’s narrative as a product is as enthralling as anything Night City has to offer.
However, if you decide to disregard this advice and dive into Cyberpunk 2077 anyway, be sure to check out Kotaku’s guides on notable quests, finding love in Night City, and general tips from experienced players who have journeyed through the game multiple times.
