In the near future, the neon-lit streets of Night City will once again come alive for players as CD Projekt Red unveils its one and only premium expansion to Cyberpunk 2077, Phantom Liberty.
The allure of the upcoming release, however, isn’t just the expansion itself, but a series of events and surprises that the developers have in store for their fans.
Foremost among these events is the return of the Night City Wire series. On Thursday, September 14, CD Projekt RED is bringing back this livestream event at 8 AM PT (or 11 AM ET/4 PM GMT/5 PM CEST). This grand presentation, which us fans can catch on platforms like Twitch and YouTube, promises details not only about the Phantom Liberty expansion but also about the free update, Cyberpunk 2.0.
Night City Wire is back — with a special #PhantomLiberty episode! We’ll talk about new radios, learn more about Reed from Idris Elba himself, discuss gameplay & new abilities… and throw in a surprise or two. Don’t miss it!
🔴 https://t.co/kO37JBwhST
🔴 https://t.co/cBU8yS6pfc pic.twitter.com/yDg7KKDoXj— Cyberpunk 2077 (@CyberpunkGame) September 12, 2023
Ever since the official announcement of the upcoming showcase, fans have been barely able to contain their excitement, not least because of the confirmation of an appearance by the acclaimed actor Idris Elba.
After pulling in Keanu Reeves to star in the base game (he’s returning for Phantom Liberty, by the way), CDPR has signed Idris Elba to breathe new life into a new character for the expansion, Solomon Reed. The actor’s involvement has only added another layer of intrigue to the expansion. While the exact depth of Reed’s role remains a mystery, fans are eager to hear from Elba himself during the Night City Wire event.
As for the expansion, Phantom Liberty is slated for release on September 26, with a surprisingly low price tag of $30 or £25. As the only planned expansion for Cyberpunk 2077, Phantom Liberty isn’t just any other addition but an overhaul of how the game is perceived and played. Key figures from CD Projekt Red such as the creative director Pawel Sasko and gameplay designer Yulia Pryimak, have hinted at monumental changes. Everything, from the core systems of the game to new features like vehicle combat, has been reimagined or significantly updated. Furthermore, many of these features from Phantom Liberty will find their way into the base game through the free Cyberpunk 2.0 update, which will be made available for the current-gen consoles and PC.
Interestingly, Phantom Liberty’s uniqueness isn’t solely in its gameplay mechanics. The expansion introduces players to new zones within Night City, like Dog Town, and delves into novel abilities, including the intriguing Relic skill tree. The game world is also set to become richer in ambiance with the inclusion of new radio stations, one of which, Growl FM, will feature community-curated tracks.
Yet, the expansion and its myriad of features are just one side of the coin. A significant chunk of player anticipation is centered around the free Cyberpunk 2.0 update. While CD Projekt Red has been teasing its fans with potential surprises regarding the release date of this update, many hope for a dramatic revelation during the Night City Wire event – possibly a simultaneous release announcement.
This strategic move to release only a single expansion might surprise some, but CD Projekt Red’s rationale behind it is grounded in technology. The company’s recent transition to the Unreal Engine for development, after its close ties to the proprietary REDengine, has shaped this decision. Additionally, the company’s announcement last year about a new 15-year partnership with Epic Games only solidifies their commitment to Unreal Engine projects, which spans beyond individual game titles to overarching engine development.
As the expansion size looms at 32GB, encompassing everything from new story missions to redefined systems, players are encouraged to mark their calendars not only for the game but for the Night City Wire event itself. While some wait eagerly or the expansion and update, others are looking forward to the surprises, the details about Solomon Reed, and the further enrichment of the lore that CD Projekt Red promises.
Amidst this wave of excitement, CDPR sends a word of caution. With all its grandeur, this new and improved Cyberpunk 2077 might push PCs to their limits.
We’ll find out soon enough if Cyberpunk 2077 can finally live up to the expectations or if it’s dead set for yet another malfunction.
Cyberpunk 2077’s Night City Wire series is just one of three events planned for September 14. A Nintendo Direct and PlayStation State of Play are also scheduled on the same day.
