Cyberpunk 2077 – should I start a new character for Update 2.0 and Phantom Liberty?

As the release of the RPG’s expansion grows closer, players are wondering should I start a new character for Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.0 and Phantom Liberty?

Given the Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.0 release date and the Phantom Liberty start time are so close now, many of those who’ve owned the game since it originally launched may be pretty attached to their characters by now, or they’ve been rolling a new one in preparation for the overhaul and expansions release. But with Update 2.0 expected to be a huge overhaul for the game, will it be easier to just start a new character or what? We’re here to answer that question for you now.

Here’s our advice on whether you should create a new character for both the Cyberpunk 2077 update and the forthcoming expansion.

Should I start a new character for Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.0?

Yes, you should create a brand new character now that the Update 2.0 for Cyberpunk 2077 has launched. Since a number of significant changes have arrived with the patch, the best way to experience all of these improvements would be to start from scratch.

Even the developers themselves, CD Projekt Red, have recommended this course of action on their official Twitter account, saying: “Hey, chooms! While you’ll be able to continue the game with your current character on an existing save, we recommend starting a new game after
Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.0. Due to the number of changes, starting fresh will enhance your overall gameplay experience!”

There’s a number of major reasons for this – as the developers mentioned above. CD Projekt Red’s update has brought some major changes to how the game works, including a complete redesign of the perks and skill trees. While you won’t have to create a new character, players will have to completely redistribute their attribute points once they’ve installed the update, so it may be easier to start a new character from the off if you played a character in a specific way and you’re unable to recreate that in the new system.

However, it’s important to note that it’s not mandatory to create a new character for Update 2.0. You’re free to carry on using your existing characters. But as mentioned, you’ll need to prepare to rebuild their attributes from the ground up and some specific builds may now no longer be possible. If it’s also been a while since you played, it may be easier to just start a new character from scratch.

Should I start a new character for Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty?

Similarly to the above, it all depends – if you’re diving right into Phantom Liberty and haven’t experienced Patch 2.0 yet, then yes – you very likely will want to start a new character. While it’s possible to play with an existing character, you will have to get used to the new systems of Update 2.0, and you’ll also have to rebuild your attributes from the ground up.

If, however, you’ve already been playing the 2.0 update – you can carry on with the same character. But note that you’re unable to start the DLC until after the point in the story where you’ve spoken to Takemura in the diner following the Relic Heist mission, so if you’ve not gotten past this (admittedly early) point in the story yet, it may be easier to just start again as it’s one of the first missions.

Hopefully that should give you all the information you need on whether you should start a new character for the Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.0 and Phantom Liberty expansion. For more on the game, check out Is Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty a sequel? or see our picks for the You’re going to want the best PC for Cyberpunk 2077’s Phantom Liberty expansion.