Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty: Ultimate Beginner’s Guide

The Phantom Liberty expansion and the Cyberpunk 2077 2.0 update bring major changes, including revamped skill trees, cyberware enhancements, and new storylines. This guide compiles everything you need to know to optimize your playthrough and make the most of Dogtown.

1. How to Start Phantom Liberty

There are two ways to begin Phantom Liberty:

Start from the base game: Progress naturally through Cyberpunk 2077 until you complete the Transmissionquest, which unlocks Phantom Liberty.
Skip ahead: Use the Skip to Phantom Liberty option when creating a new game, allowing you to jump straight into Dogtown with a level 15 character.

Both options allow full access to the expansion and base game.

2. Understanding the New Cyberware System

Cyberware now has a capacity limit, which increases as you level up, find cyberware shards, or unlock the Edgerunner perk.

Each cyberware piece has a cost, preventing you from equipping top-tier gear in every slot early on.
Prioritize cyberware that fits your build (e.g., RAM boosts for netrunners, blood pumps for tanks, or Mantis Blades for melee builds).

Pro Tip: Plan your tier 5 gear upgrades wisely to balance power and cyberware capacity.

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3. The Relic Skill Tree

The Relic Tree introduces new cyberware perks, but some require specific cyberware to function.

Example: The Active Camo perk only works if you have Active Camouflage cyberware equipped.
Focus on perks that enhance your current loadout (e.g., melee perks for Mantis Blades, quick hacks for Monowire).
Relic points are obtained through story missions and hidden Militech crates scattered across Dogtown.

Start with Weak Point Perks unless you’re fully committed to melee combat.

4. Vehicle Combat & Upgrades

Cyberpunk 2.0 adds vehicle combat, making high-speed chases and shootouts more dynamic.

Dedicated perks in skill trees improve vehicle-based combat abilities.
If you want to quick hack vehicles, a specific perk is required.
Vehicles are now purchased directly from vendors instead of fixers.

Tip: Some vehicles come pre-equipped with built-in weapons, shown by an icon on their vendor page.

5. Airdrops & Dynamic Events

New random world events in Phantom Liberty include:

Airdrops

Marked by red smoke and beeping sounds, these contain high-value loot but are often guarded.

Event Types:
- Retake – Clear a small enemy squad.
- Shootout – Battle a large group of enemies.
- Ambush – Enemies spawn after looting.
- Grab – A free drop with no enemies.

Courier Missions

These require stealing and delivering vehicles to designated locations.

Variations include chased deliveries, timed deliveries, and hacking-based thefts.
Expect aggressive pursuit from enemies in high-value carjackings.

6. Revamped Skill Trees & Combat Mechanics

Skill trees are completely overhauled, meaning old saves require reassigning perks.

Perks now define specific playstyles, making each tree impactful.
Example: The Body tree boosts the Blood Pump cyberware, granting adrenaline-based overhealing for damage boosts and immunity effects.

New Grenade & Healing Mechanics

Grenades and heals are now cooldown-based, not consumable-based.
Crafting/buying Tier 5 grenades early ensures permanent high-quality gear.

7. Story Choices & New Endings

Phantom Liberty introduces an entirely new Cyberpunk ending, influenced by major branching choices.

A critical decision at a certain point splits the story into two vastly different routes.
Both paths feature unique missions, locations, and outcomes.
Replayability is high—save often if you want to experience both narratives without restarting.

Tip: You can finish Phantom Liberty’s ending before completing Cyberpunk 2077’s main story.

8. Essential Cyberware & Gear

Maximize your build with cyberware that fits your combat style:

Mantis Blades – For high-speed melee assassinations.
Monowire – Uploads quick hacks on hit (best for Netrunners).
Gorilla Arms – Extreme melee power.
Projectile Launch System – A miniature rocket launcher.

After unlocking Relic Tree perks, visit a Ripperdoc to install the best cyberware for your playstyle.

9. Get the Right Jump Cyberware

Dogtown’s vertical layout makes mobility essential. Equip either:

Reinforced Tendons (Double Jump) – More versatile, allowing mid-air course corrections.
Fortified Ankles (Charge Jump) – Grants higher jumps, but requires charging.

Pro Tip: If you skipped to Phantom Liberty, you start with Reinforced Tendons equipped.

10. Buying Food for Permanent Buffs

Food vendors now sell permanent stat-boosting items:

Marked like iconic weapons in shops.
Buffs cost 10K+ eddies but provide significant advantages.
Auto-applied upon purchase—no need to store them.

11. New Outfits & Fashion System

With the 2.0 update, clothing is purely cosmetic.

Dogtown features tons of new clothing options.
New items are auto-added to your wardrobe.
Duplicate clothing can be shredded for crafting materials.

One shop even offers a headset for previewing your outfit in AR!

Final Thoughts

Phantom Liberty expands Cyberpunk 2077 with deep RPG mechanics, combat improvements, and gripping narrative choices. Whether you’re engaging in high-speed chases, raiding enemy strongholds, or making game-defining decisions, Dogtown is full of opportunities.

Follow these essential tips to optimize your playthrough, craft the perfect cybernetic warrior, and experience everything Phantom Liberty has to offer.