CD Projekt Red's Cyberpunk 2077 DLC: A Look At The Underwhelming Update

James

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Post on Sep 08, 2025

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

Cyberpunk 2077, CD Projekt Red's ambitious but troubled open-world RPG, finally received its highly anticipated expansion, Phantom Liberty. While marketed as a substantial content drop, offering a new storyline, characters, and gameplay mechanics, many players and critics are expressing disappointment, raising questions about the overall value and whether it truly lives up to the hype. This article delves into the mixed reception, analyzing both the positive aspects and the shortcomings of this major update.

High Expectations, Mixed Results:

The release of Phantom Liberty followed years of criticism and patching aimed at fixing the numerous bugs and performance issues that plagued the original Cyberpunk 2077 launch. CD Projekt Red promised a significant expansion that would revitalize the game, introducing a new Dogtown district and a compelling espionage narrative. However, early player feedback paints a more nuanced picture.

While the new storyline featuring Idris Elba as a key character is generally praised for its darker tone and compelling mission design, many feel it falls short of expectations in terms of overall length and impact on the broader Cyberpunk 2077 experience. The new abilities and vehicle-focused gameplay additions, particularly the reliance on the new vehicle, the “Chrysler,” are seen by some as a positive addition. Others, however, feel it's a superficial addition that doesn't fundamentally change the core gameplay loop.

What Phantom Liberty Gets Right:

• Idris Elba's Performance: Elba's portrayal of Solomon Reed is widely considered a highlight, bringing gravitas and depth to the expansion's narrative. His character adds significant weight to the story, improving the overall cinematic experience.
• New Abilities and Cyberware: The introduction of new abilities and cyberware options provides players with some refreshing gameplay mechanics, although some argue their impact is limited and doesn't significantly alter the established meta.
• Dogtown's Atmosphere: The new district, Dogtown, boasts a unique atmosphere and distinct visual style, offering a welcome change of pace from Night City's familiar areas. It successfully captures a gritty, rebellious feel.

Where Phantom Liberty Falls Short:

• Length and Value: A common criticism is the perceived shortness of the expansion. Many players feel the new content doesn't justify the price point, especially considering the amount of time invested in the development and marketing of the DLC.
• Repetitive Gameplay: Some players report that despite the new setting and story, the core gameplay loop remains largely unchanged, leading to a feeling of repetition for those who have already spent significant time in Night City.
• Technical Issues: While improved from the original launch, some players are still encountering bugs and glitches, hindering the overall experience. This points to ongoing challenges with CD Projekt Red's game engine and development processes.

Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity?

Phantom Liberty presents a mixed bag. While it delivers in terms of story, character, and atmosphere in some areas, its relatively short length, repetitive gameplay, and lingering technical issues leave many feeling underwhelmed. For dedicated Cyberpunk 2077 fans, the expansion might offer enough new content to justify the purchase, providing a welcome change of pace and story. However, for those on the fence or expecting a game-changing overhaul, it might fall short of expectations. The expansion is ultimately a case of missed opportunity: a tantalizing taste of something better that could have been. Whether it revitalizes the game's long-term prospects remains to be seen. What are your thoughts? Share your experiences in the comments below!