Should I Finish Cyberpunk Before Phantom Liberty?

When It Makes Sense

• Good fit: You have a full schedule to invest in a long single‑player experience and want to enjoy the original story uninterrupted before adding the new content.
• Good fit: You are new to Cyberpunk 2077 and value the character development, side quests, and world‑building that set up the events of Phantom Liberty.

When You Should Avoid It

• Warning sign: You have limited gaming time and risk the base game feeling like a mandatory grind before you can access the expansion you’re most interested in.
• Warning sign: You already own extensive knowledge of the base story (e.g., from guides or streams) and feel the main campaign offers little new experience for you.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Experiencing the original narrative first gives context for new characters and plot twists introduced in Phantom Liberty.
• Finishing the base game unlocks all abilities, gear, and side‑quest outcomes, allowing you to tackle the expansion at full power.

Cons

• It adds many additional hours before you can enjoy the fresh content, which may feel like a barrier if you’re eager for new gameplay.
• The base game’s early bugs and performance issues (still present on some platforms) could dampen enthusiasm for the DLC.

Decision Checklist

• Do I have enough time to complete the full Cyberpunk 2077 story before starting the expansion?
• Am I interested in the narrative continuity and character arcs that bridge the base game to Phantom Liberty?
• Will I benefit from the unlocked abilities and gear that come from finishing the original campaign?

Alternatives to Consider

If you’re eager for new content but don’t want to replay the entire base game, consider starting Phantom Liberty directly and using a “New Game Plus” approach: load a saved character from the main story (if you’ve already progressed far enough) or begin with a fresh build focused on the DLC’s mechanics. Another option is to play through a curated “Story Summary” mod or watch a concise recap video to catch up on essential plot points before jumping in.

Final Recommendation

For most players, finishing Cyberpunk 2077 first provides the richest narrative experience and ensures you have all the tools needed for Phantom Liberty. However, if you’re pressed for time, already familiar with the base story, or primarily interested in the new content, starting the expansion directly is a viable path—just be prepared for a steeper learning curve without the full context. As always, weigh your schedule, interest in story continuity, and desire for gameplay depth before making a decision.