CD Projekt Red Announces Release Dates for Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.0 and Phantom Liberty Expansion
CD Projekt Red has announced that the highly anticipated Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.0 will be released on September 21. The update will be available for free on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC platforms. Alongside the update, CD Projekt Red also revealed exciting details about the upcoming expansion, Phantom Liberty, which will be released on September 26. Here is a summary of everything you need to know from the recent Night City Wire event.
Cinematic Trailer Introduces Solomon Reed
The Night City Wire event kicked off with a stunning cinematic trailer for the new expansion, Phantom Liberty. The trailer showcases the high-quality visuals that players have come to expect from Cyberpunk 2077. It follows the story of Solomon Reed, a retired spy portrayed by Idris Elba. Reed boards a train out of Night City and encounters Song So Mi, a Netrunner that players will encounter during Phantom Liberty. However, Reed’s departure is compromised, leading to a fight with guards and a dramatic turn of events that sets the stage for players’ Phantom Liberty journey.
Idris Elba Discusses His Character and the New District
Idris Elba provided some insights into his character, Solomon Reed, during the Night City Wire event. Reed is a complex spy whose trustworthiness remains uncertain throughout the story. Elba emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the events unfolding in Phantom Liberty, as not everything is as it seems. He describes Reed as a dedicated and passionate individual who loves his job.
Elba also revealed details about the new district in Night City called Dogtown. This district is known for its dangerous reputation, controlled by both militias and criminals. Elba expresses that it offers an impressive scale for players to explore.
New Music and Radio Stations in Phantom Liberty
CD Projekt Red has created a new score for Phantom Liberty and introduced additional radio stations to the game. Composer Jack Paciorkowski describes the score as more “cyberpunk” with spy themes. Senior composer P.T. Adamczyk explains that the music reflects the dynamic between V, Reed, and Songbird in Phantom Liberty. The original Phantom Liberty score is now available on all streaming services.
Three new radio stations, Dark Star Radio, Impulse, and Growl FM, will be introduced in the game. Dark Star Radio features moody and dark tracks from around the world and includes two tracks produced by Idris Elba, who also raps on each track. Impulse Radio showcases Elba’s DJ set, composed of unreleased tracks. Growl FM is a player-created radio station featuring curated tracks from the community.
Showcasing Gameplay and Builds in Update 2.0
The Night City Wire event also provided a glimpse of the gameplay and builds available in Update 2.0. Game director Gabriel Amatangelo explains that players can choose to be stealthy netrunners or more combat-focused, with the new Relic skill tree playing a significant role in the Phantom Liberty narrative.
One of the showcased builds is the “bullet time ninja,” allowing players to utilize dashes and air dashes to quickly approach enemies without taking damage. This build also features a ninja sword for deflection and close-quarter combat attacks.
Another highlighted build is the “hack-and-slash netrunner,” which takes advantage of the game’s hacking mechanics. Players can stack up to four quick hacks on a single enemy, with new hacks that enable taking control of vehicles or causing them to explode remotely.
The “savage slugger solo” build emphasizes brute force, utilizing heavy weaponry such as hammers and shotguns. Players can also use their arms to pick up and throw enemies, as well as supercharge their gorilla arms for devastating attacks.
The Night City Wire event concluded with a glimpse of the Maxtech security forces players will encounter in Cyberpunk 2077 after the release of Update 2.0.
Release Dates and Availability
Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.0 will be released on September 21 for free on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The Phantom Liberty expansion will launch on September 26. Players who already own the game on the mentioned platforms will have access to the update and expansion at no additional cost.
While eagerly awaiting the release of Update 2.0, be sure to check out our interview with the Phantom Liberty team, where we discussed lessons learned from Cyberpunk 2077’s initial launch. Additionally, read our breakdown of the 2.0 overhaul from earlier this summer, and our hands-on impressions of Phantom Liberty from June.
Are you excited for Update 2.0 and Phantom Liberty? Let us know in the comments below!