CD Projekt Red Delivers Less-Than-Expected Cyberpunk 2077 DLC Update

James

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Post on Sep 08, 2025

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CD Projekt Red's Cyberpunk 2077 DLC Update: A Disappointing Phantom Liberty?

Cyberpunk 2077 fans were eagerly awaiting the latest DLC update, Phantom Liberty, promising a significant expansion to the Night City experience. However, initial reactions suggest the update may have fallen short of the considerable hype, leaving many players feeling less than thrilled. This article delves into the reasons behind the mixed reception, exploring both the positive aspects and the shortcomings of the latest DLC.

Initial Glitches and Performance Issues:

One of the most significant criticisms leveled at Phantom Liberty is the presence of numerous bugs and glitches. Reports of performance issues, including frame rate drops and crashes, particularly on older hardware, have flooded online forums. This is especially disappointing given the extensive time CD Projekt Red had to develop and test the expansion. Many players expected a more polished launch, especially considering the troubled history of the base game. This echoes similar criticisms surrounding the game's initial release in 2020, raising concerns about the studio's quality control processes.

Content Concerns: A Shorter, More Linear Experience?

While the new storyline and characters in Phantom Liberty are generally praised for their compelling narrative, some players feel the expansion is too short and lacks the open-world freedom that defined the base game. The more linear structure, while potentially beneficial for narrative cohesion, has disappointed those hoping for a vast, explorable new area akin to the initial Night City map. This perceived reduction in gameplay scope has contributed to the feeling of the DLC not being worth the price tag for some.

Positive Aspects: A Refined Story and New Mechanics

It's not all doom and gloom. Many players appreciate the improved storytelling in Phantom Liberty. The narrative is considered a significant upgrade, offering a gripping espionage thriller that delves deeper into the political machinations of Night City. The addition of new weapons, vehicles, and gameplay mechanics, such as the new dog companion, have also received positive feedback. These additions provide a refreshing change of pace and offer exciting new gameplay possibilities. The improved driving mechanics, in particular, have been highlighted as a noteworthy improvement.

Community Response and CD Projekt Red's Reaction:

The mixed reception has generated a significant amount of discussion on social media and gaming forums. CD Projekt Red has acknowledged the issues and promised to address them through future patches. However, the extent to which these patches will alleviate player concerns remains to be seen. The company's reputation is undeniably impacted by these ongoing issues, and their response to player feedback will be crucial in shaping future perceptions of the studio.

The Future of Cyberpunk 2077:

The success or failure of Phantom Liberty will significantly influence the future of Cyberpunk 2077. While the DLC boasts improvements in certain areas, the lingering performance issues and concerns about content quantity cast a shadow over the overall experience. CD Projekt Red needs to demonstrate a commitment to resolving these issues and delivering on the promise of a truly exceptional expansion to solidify player trust and maintain the game's long-term viability. Only time will tell if they can achieve this.

Keywords: Cyberpunk 2077, Phantom Liberty, DLC, CD Projekt Red, game update, bugs, glitches, performance issues, gaming news, video game review, gameplay, storyline, expansion, Night City.