Cyberpunk 2077’s DLC, Phantom Liberty, continues CD Projekt RED’s tradition of incorporating numerous hidden Easter eggs in its releases. Concealed intricacies, subtle references, and Easter Eggs serve as a brilliant means for developers to clandestinely connect with the audience, rewarding them for venturing beyond the well-trodden paths of main quests, side quests, and miscellaneous tasks. Whether they are self-referential or alluding to other forms of media, hunting for Easter eggs remains one of the most enjoyable ways to explore and engage with any game, even if it typically doesn’t offer tangible rewards to players.
1、The Witcher 3 Theme
Although Cyberpunk 2077 and its DLC, Phantom Liberty, have achieved remarkable success and, despite initial challenges, received positive reviews, CD Projekt RED’s most critically and commercially acclaimed franchise is arguably still The Witcher. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that subtle references to the fantasy action role-playing game (ARPG) classic can be found throughout Night City and Dogtown. These references encompass posters, collectible items, and even an arcade game (Roach Race). However, the most notable Easter egg related to The Witcher franchise in Phantom Liberty is the opportunity to hear a rendition of the game’s main theme by dialing (574) 555-2377 at any phone booth.
2、The Wire
The fixer El Capitan plays a pivotal role in the engaging side quest ‘Push it to the Limit’ in Cyberpunk 2077. However, his influence extends beyond quests, as he is also intricately woven into an intriguing and discreet Easter egg that pays homage to the immensely popular HBO series from the 2000s – The Wire. This Easter egg specifically references the show’s second season. Players can come across an email exchange between El Capitan and a character named Mike Sobotka, a nod to the character Frank Sobotka portrayed by Chris Bauer. While its inclusion might seem somewhat random, it adds a captivating dimension to the game.
3、CD Projekt RED Milestones
Arguably, the quintessential self-referential Easter egg in Phantom Liberty revolves around CD Projekt RED, highlighting their pivotal milestones as a company. Situated in Dogtown, players can chance upon CD Projekt Red’s co-founders, Marcin Iwiński and Michał Kiciński. They are engaged in the sale of Braindances, each representing a significant milestone in the company’s history. Moreover, these Braindances are priced to correspond with the respective years of these milestones. Players can purchase Braindances mimicking The Witcher, Thronebreaker, Cyberpunk 2077, and others, with each priced according to its release date. Furthermore, each Braindance is accompanied by an intriguing description.
4、DJ:007%
An intriguing Easter egg featured in the Phantom Liberty advertisement is the stock market sign seen behind Solomon Reed, a character portrayed by actor Idris Elba. At a certain point, the sign displayed ‘DJ:007%.’ While this might seem to signify a relatively stable stock, it is actually a subtle nod to two facets of Idris’ career – ‘DJ’ referencing his early career as a DJ and ‘007’ alluding to the persistent, albeit debunked, rumor that Idris Elba might assume the role of James Bond, as ‘007’ is famously James Bond’s MI6 codename.
5、For Mr. Wick
While the addition of actor Idris Elba to the Phantom Liberty cast is notable, the standout star in the game is unquestionably Keanu Reeves. Despite Keanu’s illustrious career with numerous blockbuster movies, his portrayal of the titular reluctant assassin in the John Wick series stands out as a recent cinematic triumph. One of the standout Easter eggs in Phantom Liberty pays tribute to Keanu’s role through a reference to the assassin found in the EBM Petrochem Stadium’s weapon shop – a gun case adorned with a nameplate that reads ‘For Mr. Wick.
6、Star Wars References
Phantom Liberty includes a subtle Easter egg that nods to the popular culture phenomenon of the Star Wars franchise. In the mission titled ‘The Spider and the Fly,’ players can come across an email exchange between two characters, Biggs and Wedge. Although this may seem inconsequential to non-Star Wars enthusiasts, for those acquainted with Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, the names and dialogue parallel those of two X-wing Starfighter aces — Biggs Darklighter and Wedge Antilles. While easily overlooked, this homage to these relatively obscure Star Wars characters constitutes an appealing Easter egg.
7、The Matrix Allusion
Keanu Reeves’ portrayal of John Wick rejuvenated his standing in the action genre; however, his initial legacy in this domain was established as Neo in The Matrix franchise. Consequently, it is not surprising that CD Projekt RED incorporated a subtle allusion to this science fiction and action classic. While the base game contains several references to The Matrix, Phantom Liberty’s homage to the franchise is more understated. Across from the pyramid, players discover what initially seems like an unassuming room; yet, this room is an almost exact replica of the space where Morpheus offers Neo the choice between the red and blue pill.
8、Edgerunners’ Commemorations
While Phantom Liberty boasts numerous exciting and captivating Easter eggs, there are also several poignant references that evoke a more somber tone. Particularly notable is the memorial dedicated to the fallen Edgerunners. Situated in North Oak, Westbrook, these heartfelt tributes honor individuals like Kiwi, David Martinez, Gloria Martinez, Rebecca, Pilar, Dorio, and Maine. They serve as a poignant reminder of the cherished NPCs who significantly influenced the player’s journey through Night City during the Cyberpunk 2077 base game.