The Rise, Fall, and Rise Again of Cyberpunk 2077

The Redemption Arc

Let’s be honest—few games in history have staged a comeback quite like this. The Edgerunners anime, developed by Studio Trigger and released on Netflix, reignited interest in the Cyberpunk universe in 2022. Then came the 2.0 update and Phantom Liberty, both of which fundamentally reshaped the gameplay.

Gone is the clunky perk system. Gone are the lifeless cops and braindead NPCs. In their place? A slick new progression tree, smarter AI, car combat (finally!), and a complete police overhaul. It now feels like a living, breathing world. You can hack, shoot, sneak, and drive your way through missions in truly dynamic ways.

Phantom Liberty: The Real Deal

Phantom Liberty is essentially a game inside a game rather than merely a DLC. In contrast to the base game, Dogtown feels more grounded and narratively focused, introducing a lawless military zone with espionage-fueled missions. The story's stakes are on par with V's original mission, and Idris Elba's portrayal of Solomon Reed is outstanding.

Even better, this time, your decisions actually do matter. There are several potential outcomes at the end of the expansion that significantly alter the main campaign. Finally delivering on their RPG heritage is CD Projekt Red.

Is It Worth Playing in 2025?

Absolutely. If you skipped Cyberpunk 2077 at launch—or gave up in frustration—it’s worth diving back in. With its next-gen polish, rebalanced mechanics, and a gripping spy-thriller expansion, this is the definitive Cyberpunk experience. Whether you want to explore the neon back alleys of Japantown, pull off high-tech heists, or just lose yourself in a world where chrome is king and morality is gray, Night City is now ready for you.

Final Thoughts

Cyberpunk 2077’s story isn’t just about a merc named V—it’s about the gaming industry itself. About the dangers of overhype, the pitfalls of crunch culture, and the power of second chances. It’s still not perfect, but it’s more than just a game now—it's a comeback legend.

So jack in, choom. Night City awaits.