When to play the "Phantom Liberty" DLC?

[dashavingo]

I've done one play-through with this game. I'm loving it in its latest ultra-patched version. But I'm curious, what would y'all suggest is the best time to initiate/pursue the DLC? (Phantom...). I'm level 11, but it appears you can start this DLC quest line at any time.

All input appreciated!

Thanks,

d.

[Swanky]

You can start it as early as you finish the mission "Transmission" in Pacifica.
I did start it around level 30 and would say that most encounters are designed around it being played much closer to the endgame, although it's still finishable of course. Didn't need to grind levels in between but had to retry several boss battles because my build wasn't specced out yet and I was missing crucial perks and gear.
I think there's several cross references in between DLC and vanilla. I got Lizzy's sidequest after finishing the DLC and one scene in there got referenced in that vanilla sidequest which means they did go back to it and added that in, which I think is a really neat touch. Suspect there's several other small chances here and there depending on when you actually played the DLC.
Storywise, there is a new final ending that is dependant on your choices in the DLC and is not dependant on any other game choices, you can finish the game "earlier" than usual, and also skipping the other final quests. On other outcomes, it plays into the game by giving you some closure on events, and new gear.

[dashavingo]

Thanks Swanky, exactly what I needed to hear. Very useful.

Cheers mate-

d.

[Ladioz]

Dashavingo, Ive just bought the DLC/Expansion, I recommend you to play it exactly before the final mission of Cyberpunk ''Nocturne OP55N1'' Meet Hanako at Embers...
Do all the gigs and side missions until that mission. and then start the DLC... it will work perfect :D

[★REM★]

as soon it unlock. AKA after pacifica

[centralohioguy]

Somehow I got sucked into the DLC storyline by accident. The last thing I remember was trying to finish the Tarot quest, now I'm over an hour into the DLC, fighting a 'chimera' or something, that's extremely difficult to kill. It's really frustrating that it was this easy to veer off the main story like this.

[Xengre]

Originally posted by centralohioguy:

Somehow I got sucked into the DLC storyline by accident. The last thing I remember was trying to finish the Tarot quest, now I'm over an hour into the DLC, fighting a 'chimera' or something, that's extremely difficult to kill. It's really frustrating that it was this easy to veer off the main story like this.

You basically just went over where that quest was when she calls you after the above Transmission finished I'm guessing. Yes, it does force you in if you do go.

The intro is lengthy but you are almost done. After the Chimera you will keep traveling underground until you end up in an apartment room. The next morning you are free to roam and fast travel again. Then you can focus on the base game or the DLC as you wish.

The chimera fight is pretty poorly designed unless you are built for certain builds. The biggest issue is the turrets on the roof aren't super visible if you are running around trying not to die but check the roof near the upper floor area you run around. There are like 4 or so you can hack and they will help chew through the Chimera boss.

[mistahbungle]

Get through the Voodoo Boys gigs & level up a bit more before tackling the DLC

[dashavingo]

Originally posted by Ladioz:

Dashavingo, Ive just bought the DLC/Expansion, I recommend you to play it exactly before the final mission of Cyberpunk ''Nocturne OP55N1'' Meet Hanako at Embers...
Do all the gigs and side missions until that mission. and then start the DLC... it will work perfect :D

Based on others experience, this seems like the right advice!

Appreciated!

d.

[kripcision]

Originally posted by dashavingo:

Originally posted by Ladioz:

Dashavingo, Ive just bought the DLC/Expansion, I recommend you to play it exactly before the final mission of Cyberpunk ''Nocturne OP55N1'' Meet Hanako at Embers...
Do all the gigs and side missions until that mission. and then start the DLC... it will work perfect :D

Based on others experience, this seems like the right advice!

Appreciated!

d.

i recommend doing the DLC as soon as its availble, which is when you get to act 2 after you deal with the voodoo boys in pacifica. having the all the exclusive items for the rest of the game and extra dialogue from that occurs in the base game after you do the expansion is worth it alone.

[Tokenn]

I'd do a lot of the main game before getting into Dogtown. IMO, you should be pretty well levelled up before you attempt it...in fact, I'd say this about the main story quests as well.

It's true that there are some neat things you get in the expansion, so you have to find a balance. it also depends on whether you go for the main game endings or the Phantom Liberty endings. The relationships you form in the main game have a bearing on how you experience the various endings, so you don't want to skip out on the romances and friendships on the main game. (No details because spoilers).

[dashavingo]

Thanks all- very helfpul!

d.