Players looking to return to Night City have something to look forward to as CD PROJEKT RED details new features for Cyberpunk 2077. The paid expansion, Phantom Liberty, is set to arrive right around the corner on September 26. Aside from adding more content to the game, it will also see an addition of a number of features for both it and the base game (via the free update 2.0). CDPR debuted some of this at Gamescom 2023 where it impressed fans but the demonstration also brought up some questions regarding what changes would be forthcoming that are free vs. those exclusive to the paid DLC so the developers have posted more details on what to expect.
As previously revealed, Phantom Liberty will add a new area in the game called Dogtown. New characters will be introduced (some of which have also previously been revealed), along with new quests, items, vehicle missions, an increased level cap of 60, and more.
Aside from revamped skills, various improvements, changes, and new radio stations, update 2.0 will overhaul the police system. The new system breaks it all down succinctly as “criminal activity is punished, runners are chased and cyberpsychos are flatlined, no questions asked.“
Per CDPR:
“Take a look at one of the new features coming to Cyberpunk 2077 in the free Update 2.0 for the base game, which will be available on current-gen consoles and PCs: a revamped Police system!
We rebuilt the system on clear, simple rules: criminal activity is punished, runners are chased and cyberpsychos are flatlined, no questions asked. All features in the system are designed to support clarity and the simple but expanded prevention loop.
The punishment for those who don’t abide by the law must be severe — we cannot encourage cyberpsychos to run around the city, guns blazing, even in Night City. UI will clearly indicate all states of the prevention system — Heat. For those who reach the maximum Heat (5 stars), we have a surprise Max Tac mini-boss experience including various archetypes of them. For those who decide to run, we prepared engaging car chases and roadblocks to make the escape more difficult.
The new NCPD will have no mercy once they catch you. They will not accept any bribes from you nor your surrender.
As a player, you will know when the police are not after you anymore. NPCs will leave the scene in a way that is natural and intuitive. You can lose them by running away from the crime scene on foot or driving away. Make sure to stay out of their sight!
All the features we have in store are meant to be fun to play with. We don’t want to stop you as a player, punish you too often or break your flow — quite the opposite. We designed and prepared the new systems to create a fun, meaningful experience with a simple rule — don’t do the crime if you can’t take the heat.“
New Feature Overview Video:
As CD PROJEKT RED details the new features for the update and expansion it has also released a new video demonstrating them. The new video titled, “Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty — New Ways to Play” gives a 3-minute peek into what to expect when things roll out for consoles and PCs on September 26.