How Much Does The Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty Expansion Cost?

Cyberpunk 2077 enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the much-anticipated Phantom Liberty expansion, set to release on 26 September 2023. As the first and only DLC from the Cyberpunk universe, fans are excitedly speculating about what this "spy-thriller" expansion will bring to Night City. However, the price tag of $29.99 USD has sparked discussions and comparisons to other expansions and DLCs. In this article, we delve into the details of the expansion and explore the reasons behind its price point.

Cyberpunk 2077’s Phantom Liberty Expansion Raised some Eyebrows with its Pricing

Priced at $29.99 USD, Phantom Liberty is not a free update but a paid expansion pack. This price point has raised eyebrows, particularly when compared to the cost of previous expansions in CD Projekt Red's repertoire. Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, the major expansions for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, were priced at $9.99 USD and $19.99 USD, respectively, resulting in a combined cost of $29.98 USD. Players are left wondering why Phantom Liberty, an expansion for Cyberpunk 2077, costs almost the same as both The Witcher 3 expansions combined.

Quest director Pawel Sasko and quest designer Despoina Anetaki shed some light on the matter in an interview with Kotaku during the Xbox Summer Games Fest. They explain that the pricing decisions are not entirely within their control. They recommend the pricing to the board based on the content offered to players, but the final decision ultimately lies with the board.

Anetaki pointed out the key differences between the two games' settings, which may explain the price disparity. The medieval world of The Witcher 3 is more flat and wide, whereas Cyberpunk 2077's Night City is dense and sprawling, with significant verticality. Expanding on Night City, therefore, required a more intricate and detailed approach, resulting in a more substantial development effort.

The expansion's content is not limited to its main story; it also includes minor quests, street stories, and other infinitely repeatable activities, increasing the potential playtime for players. The addition of major systemic reworks, such as revamped skill trees and updated cop tactics during car chases, further enhances the gameplay experience.

In the end, the value of Phantom Liberty, like any other entertainment product, is subjective and depends on individual preferences and playstyles. CD Projekt Red aims to strike a balance by offering enough content to make players feel that their money is well spent.