As Cyberpunk 2077 continues to attract new players in 2026, one of the most common questions around CD Projekt Red\u2019s spy-thriller expansion Phantom Liberty is how to actually begin the new content. The studio has made the entry point flexible, meaning no player is forced into a single route. Whether someone wants to continue an existing save or jump directly into Dogtown with a fresh character, the DLC can be accessed from both the main menu and inside an ongoing playthrough. But what exactly unlocks the expansion, and which method best suits different playstyles?
Unlocking Phantom Liberty from an Existing Save
For those who already have a story-in-progress, Phantom Liberty does not unlock right away. Players must progress partway through Chapter 2 and complete the Voodoo Boys main story mission \u2018Transmission,\u2019 which involves dealing with Maman Brigitte in Pacifica. Only after finishing that mission does Songbird contact V, offering to take care of the Relic once and for all. That is the in-game trigger that opens the gates to Dogtown and lets players start the expansion in earnest.
This design choice makes sense from a narrative perspective: Phantom Liberty assumes V is already established in Night City and has encountered the major players. But should a player rush the Voodoo Boys missions just to reach Dogtown? That depends on the desired experience. Completing the earlier story beats first provides more context, but some players may simply want to try the expansion without replaying large portions of the base game.
Starting Directly from the Main Menu
Fortunately, CD Projekt Red also included a faster path. If a player does not wish to start a new base-game run or does not have an existing character, Phantom Liberty can be started straight from the main menu. Selecting this option launches character creation and spawns an all-new V at level 15 with a pool of skill points available to use. Upon entering the game, V is not far from Dogtown\u2019s entrance; it is only a short motorcycle ride down the block before reaching the gates.
This route is ideal for those who want to experience the expansion\u2019s story, weapons, and side content without committing to a full campaign. It also gives players a ready-made build that is strong enough to survive Dogtown\u2019s tougher combat encounters. The trade-off, of course, is that the new V will lack the personal history and relationships that a longer playthrough would provide.
Canonical Placement and Recommended Approach
Canonically, Phantom Liberty takes place before the final mission of the base game, Nocturne Op55N1, just before the point of no return in Cyberpunk 2077\u2019s main story. That positioning is significant: the expansion is woven into the late-game narrative rather than serving as a completely separate side story. That is why many veterans recommend starting a new game, progressing through the main story, and then completing Phantom Liberty once it unlocks naturally.
Is that extra time worth it? For players who want a cohesive narrative and the full emotional weight of V\u2019s choices, the answer is often yes. For those with limited time or a singular focus on Dogtown, the main menu shortcut works perfectly well.
At a glance, the two access methods compare as follows:
| Method | Requirements | Starting State | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-game unlock | Complete \u2018Transmission\u2019 in Chapter 2 | Existing V with current level and gear | Story-focused players who want narrative continuity |
| Main menu shortcut | Own Phantom Liberty | New V at level 15 with skill points | Players who want quick access to Dogtown |
Final Thoughts
CD Projekt RED clearly considered different types of players when designing Phantom Liberty\u2019s entry options. The expansion remains one of the most praised parts of Cyberpunk 2077 even in 2026, and the ability to start it either conventionally or with a pre-leveled character lowers the barrier to entry. Whether someone chooses the natural in-game route or the instant main menu option, the important thing is that Night City\u2019s most dangerous district is never more than a few steps away.
Data referenced from Steam helps contextualize why Phantom Liberty’s flexible entry points matter for different player types: the platform’s official store listing and user-facing game information make it easy to confirm ownership, install status, and how the expansion is positioned alongside the base game—useful when deciding whether to unlock Dogtown naturally after “Transmission” or to use the main-menu start for quicker access to DLC content.