In a remarkable turnaround, Cyberpunk 2077 is set to address its rocky launch with an upcoming expansion called Phantom Liberty. This highly anticipated release aims to delve deeper into the concept of cyberpsychosis, a mental deterioration caused by extensive cybernetic augmentation, which was prominently explored in the accompanying anime series, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners which is now available on Netflix.
When Cyberpunk 2077 first launched in December 2020, it was met with a barrage of bugs and performance issues The game’s troubled state even prompted Sony to remove it from the PlayStation Network (PSN) Store. However, subsequent patches gradually improved the game, especially with the new-gen update in February 2022, which saw significant enhancements on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles.
While the anime series Cyberpunk: Edgerunners offered an in-depth exploration of cyberware and cyberpsychosis, the portrayal of this concept within the game itself was relatively limited. However, the upcoming Phantom Liberty expansion plans to change that by introducing new cyberware enhancements that come at a cost to the protagonist’s well-being.
Pawel Sasko, CD Projekt Red’s quest director, explained that Phantom Liberty will introduce a delicate balance between risk and reward. Certain cyberware abilities will enhance the protagonist’s combat skills but will have negative consequences for their overall health, such as reducing their health bar. This mechanic aims to mirror the ongoing struggle faced by individuals who augment themselves in the dystopian world of Cyberpunk 2077.
Phantom Liberty is scheduled for release on September 26, 2023, and will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Alongside the expansion, a free update will be provided to all players, ensuring that everyone can benefit from the improvements made to the game, irrespective of whether they purchase the expansion or not.
As the game and its expansion continue to evolve, fans speculate whether future iterations or sequels of Cyberpunk 2077 might explore more extensive manifestations of cyberpsychosis. While details remain scarce, the integration of elements from the anime series into the game shows a willingness to expand and offer players deeper insight into the consequences of embracing cybernetic changes.
With the release of Phantom Liberty on the horizon, players eagerly anticipate the opportunity to further explore the dark and captivating world of Cyberpunk 2077, where the line between human and machine becomes increasingly blurred.