Cyberpunk 2077: How To Play Phantom Liberty Using Existing Character

In Cyberpunk 2077, you can start the Phantom Liberty DLC both with an existing character or with a new one. The patch 2.0 has overhauled the main game a lot and the DLC has more things to add to the main story. But having to start all over might not be the option that everyone wants. Thankfully though the game gives you an option to directly skip to it. So here is how you can use an existing save to play Phantom Liberty.

How to Start Phantom Liberty with an Existing Character in Cyberpunk 2077

To start Phantom Liberty on an existing save you need a Point of no return save file. The only other prerequisite is that your game needs to be updated to Patch 2.0 and above. Aside from that, the steps are fairly easy here, is what you do:

1. Load your save game.
2. Depending on where your save is, progress the missions until you get the call from Songbird.
   • Complete the Transmission quest if you didn’t get a call from Songbird.
3. Here, you will get the “Dog Eat Dog” quest.
4. Progress this quest to reach the rooftop of Dogtown.
5. Now you will see the plane crash and “Phantom Liberty” will show up on your screen indicating the start of the DLC.

You can also use the save file that you used for completing the game to start Phantom Liberty.

Can You Directly Start the Phantom Liberty DLC?

Yes, the game does give you an option to skip directly to the DLC. This option is very useful if you have already completed the game before and have lost your save. Or if you are just looking to see what the Phantom Liberty DLC has to offer. Here is how you can do that:

1. Start a New Game.
2. Now the game will ask you if you wish to do a Regular Start or Skip Ahead to Phantom Liberty.
3. Choose the second option to skip to it.
4. You will now get the Dog Eat Dog quest and can progress it to start the DLC.

What Happens When You Skip Ahead?

There are both pros and cons to skipping the story to the DLC. The Cons include some spoilers and mentions of some of the choices you make during the Main Quest.

• Pros:
  • Your character already starts at level 15 with 20K cash. So you don’t have to worry about leveling up or having to earn money from scratch.
  • You still get to decide how your character looks and what their life path is.
  • The game automatically assigns your character Attribute and Perk points.
  • It gives you a good selection of weapons and equipment to use.
• Cons:
  • It starts after the Transmission quest, so choices like siding with Militech or Maelstrom and Netwatch or the Voodoo Boys are selected by the game for you.
  • You will have to reset the Attribute and Perk points to fit your playstyle.
  • The weapons you get may or may not exactly work for you.

Should You Use an Old Save or Start Phantom Liberty with an Existing Character?

There is no definite answer to this question and comes down to how you wish to experience the game. If you have already completed the main story and are short on time then skipping to it definitely works. But if you don’t mind replaying the story, which isn’t a bad idea considering the massive improvements they did to the game. Then starting a new game for the DLC is also a fine choice.

With that, you now know how to start Phantom Liberty with an existing character in Cyberpunk 2077. Since you are interested in this DLC also check out how to use Build Planner.