Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty - Tips and Tricks for Beginners

Welcome to the neon-drenched streets of Night City! Whether you're a hardened vet looking to delve into the new content of Cyberpunk 2077's Phantom Liberty expansion or a fresh-faced mercenary just starting a journey, this guide will provide you with a wealth of tips and tricks to get the most out of your experience in this immersive cyber world. So, jack in, and let's explore the urban sprawl teeming with corporate intrigue, street-level politics, and tech-enhanced adversaries!

Understanding Cyberpunk 2077's Core Mechanics

Before you dive into the Phantom Liberty content, it's crucial to have a strong grasp of the game's foundational systems. Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world RPG that prides itself on player agency, which means your decisions, playstyle, and interactions can significantly alter your journey and the world around you. Here are a few key aspects to keep in mind as you start:

• Character Customization: Invest time in creating your V (the protagonist). Choose a background that intrigues you, as it will influence dialogue options and some storyline aspects.
• Attribute Distribution: Carefully consider where to allocate your attribute points. Whether you favor strength, reflexes, technical ability, intelligence, or cool will greatly affect your approach to missions and combat.
• Understanding Cyberware: Cybernetic enhancements, or cyberware, can give you an edge in various situations. Familiarize yourself with the different types available to tailor V to your preferred playstyle.

Embracing the Netrunner Playstyle

If hacking and digital sabotage are your calling, then the Netrunner route is for you. Mastering the use of quick hacks will allow you to control the battlefield from the shadows and turn the tide of an encounter without firing a single shot. Consider these tips:

• Quickhack Arsenal: Build a diverse set of quickhacks to be prepared for every scenario. Some quick hacks disable cameras, while others can incapacitate or disorient enemies.
• Access Points: Keep an eye out for access points that allow you to breach the network and gain valuable resources for crafting and purchasing quick hacks.
• Stealth and Strategy: Use your environment to your advantage. Hide behind the cover and use distractions to position yourself favorably.

Mastering the Art of Combat

For those who prefer a more direct approach, understanding combat mechanics will serve you well. Phantom Liberty brings new challenges, so honing your skills is paramount. Here are some combat tips:

• Weapon Familiarity: Experiment with different weapon types to find what suits you. Pay attention to a weapon's stats and modifications to optimize its effectiveness.
• Cover Mechanics: Use cover effectively to minimize damage during firefights. Flanking your adversaries can provide a tactical edge.
• Healing Items: Always keep a stock of healing items on hand. In the heat of battle, having quick access to health boosts can make the difference between success and failure.

Exploring Night City and Beyond

Night City is vast and filled with opportunities and dangers. Phantom Liberty expands the playable area, offering new locales to discover. Keep these exploration tips in mind:

• Talk to NPCs: Engage with as many NPCs as possible. They often provide side quests, valuable information, or even opportunities for unique items and encounters.
• Exploration Rewards: Investigate every corner of the map. Hidden caches and rare items are often placed in out-of-the-way places, rewarding attentive explorers.
• Fast Travel: While exploring on foot or by vehicle is immersive, don't neglect fast travel points for when you need to get somewhere quickly.

Utilizing the Crafting System

Crafting can significantly bolster your capabilities by allowing you to create weapons, armor, consumables, and quick hacks that cater to your playstyle. To make the most out of crafting:

• Resource Gathering: Collect components from looting, disassembling unwanted items, and buying from vendors to have a robust stockpile for crafting.
• Blueprint Acquisition: Obtain blueprints through quests, vendors, and exploration to expand your crafting repertoire.
• Perks and Attributes: Invest in technical attribute points and crafting perks to unlock advanced crafting options and improve efficiency.

Managing Resources and Currency

Operating in Night City often boils down to how effectively you can manage your resources. Money, ammo, and components are the lifeblood of any successful merc. Here's how to stay on top of your resources:

• Eddies Management: The in-game currency, referred to as Eddies, is essential for buying equipment, information, and services. Balance your expenditures with your needs and save up for crucial purchases.
• Looting Wisely: While it's tempting to pick up everything you come across, inventory management is key. Loot items that align with your current goals or have a high value-to-weight ratio.
• Selling and Disassembling: Regularly visit vendors to sell excess loot or disassemble it for crafting materials. This will keep your inventory clean and resources plentiful.

Building Relationships

Phantom Liberty, like its base game, Cyberpunk 2077, requires you to interact and build relationships with a variety of characters to unlock different pathways through the story. Here's how to navigate these interactions:

• Dialogue Choices Matter: Think carefully about your dialogue options, as they can impact future interactions, quest availability, and overall storyline progression.
• Companion Quests: Engage in companion quests to deepen your relationships and unlock unique rewards. These quests often provide a richer understanding of the game's lore and characters.
• Reputation: Actions have consequences, and building a reputation in Night City can open up or close down opportunities. Keep in mind how you want to be perceived as you make your decisions.

Advanced Tips for Phantom Liberty

Now that you've got a solid grip on the basics let's focus on some advanced tips geared toward the Phantom Liberty expansion:

• New Gear and Cyberware: Phantom Liberty introduces new items and cyberware. Experiment with these to find powerful new combinations and strategies.
• Expanded Storylines: Take the time to delve into the additional story content.