Should You Finish Cyberpunk 2077 Before Phantom Liberty? My 2026 Take

Hey choom. If you are staring at Night City in 2026 and wondering whether to roll credits on the base game before jumping into Phantom Liberty, I have a strong opinion: don't. Or at least, don't rush to finish. The expansion is not a sequel that demands a completed save. It slots into Act 2, adds a new ending, and works best when V's story still has room to breathe. I learned that the hard way, and I want you to avoid my mistake.

The Short Answer: No, You Do Not Need to Finish First

Players do not need to finish Cyberpunk 2077 in order to play Phantom Liberty. That is the good news. The better news is that it is actually better if you avoid completing the main story before the DLC. Phantom Liberty adds a new ending to the game, and it likely takes place sometime during Act 2. Just like the rest of the base game's endings, V's actions and choices from that point onward directly influence which endings become available. If you already know how the story plays out, that knowledge can consciously or subconsciously influence your choices. Going in blind makes for a more meaningful roleplaying experience. It is the difference between discovering Night City and merely revisiting it.

Why Finishing First Can Hurt the Story

I get it. You want closure. You want to know what happens to V, Johnny, and the whole messy crew before you start a new adventure. But Cyberpunk 2077 is not a linear game where the credits are a finish line. It is a web of choices, and Phantom Liberty weaves new threads into that web. If you have already seen the base game's endings, you may find yourself optimizing rather than roleplaying. You might pick the option that leads to the ending you liked, or avoid a path because you know it ends badly. That is not the best way to experience a story about desperate people making desperate choices.

Phantom Liberty Is More Than Just a DLC

Phantom Liberty brings a slew of changes and lots of new content to Night City. There is Solomon Reed, played by Idris Elba, a dangerous and anarchic new district called Dogtown, and themes of political power, action, and espionage. For veteran players, that is exciting. For new players, it is also exciting. But here is the thing: Phantom Liberty is basically a Cyberpunk 2077 overhaul, too. Many of the base game's features are improved significantly with the update, including a reworked skill tree, more complex cyberware, vehicle combat, better police systems, a more navigable UI, and more. While Cyberpunk 2077 is great as it is, those who wait to take advantage of the massive reworks will have an even better first experience.

The Gameplay Argument for Waiting

In 2026, Night City is more stable and more feature-complete than it was at launch. The 2.x updates and Phantom Liberty together turn the game into something closer to the definitive version. If you are a newer player, you have a chance to dive into Night City in its best and fullest state so far. That is something many day-one players never got. So why rush to the credits? You can play the base game until Act 2, then start Phantom Liberty, then return to the main story. That order gives you the new content at a natural point, and it keeps the narrative momentum alive.

Your Situation	My Recommendation
You have never finished Cyberpunk 2077	Play through Act 2, then start Phantom Liberty before finishing the main story
You finished the base game years ago	Start a fresh save if you want the best roleplaying experience
You only care about gameplay	Phantom Liberty's reworks are still worth experiencing, but the story order matters
You want one complete run	Do not save Phantom Liberty for after the credits; weave it into Act 2

But What If You Already Finished It?

If you already finished Cyberpunk 2077 before Phantom Liberty, do not panic. You can still play the expansion and have a great time. The new ending and Dogtown storyline are worth seeing. But if you want the most immersive, meaningful, and magical experience possible, a new save is the way to go. You do not have to replay every side gig. Just make different choices, take your time, and let the story surprise you again. In 2026, with all the patches and the Ultimate Edition, a fresh run is less of a chore and more of a victory lap.

My Final Take

Thanks to its unique and gripping story, it can be difficult to put Cyberpunk 2077 down. But those who remain patient get more enjoyment out of Phantom Liberty. Without spoilers and with improved gameplay, newer players have the chance to dive into Night City in its best and fullest state so far. For the most immersive, meaningful, and magical experience possible, avoid finishing Cyberpunk 2077 before playing Phantom Liberty. That is my advice in 2026, and I stand by it. See you in Dogtown, choom. 🦾