Cyberpunk 2077's Phantom Liberty DLC: Could V Join Mortal Kombat 1 as a DLC Fighter?

Anticipation is building for the upcoming Phantom Liberty DLC for Cyberpunk 2077, slated for release on September 26. As the game's sole major expansion, Phantom Liberty brings with it an extensive overhaul of many core gameplay elements, including combat abilities and available weaponry.

Notably, Cyberpunk 2077's Phantom Liberty DLC is set to greatly enhance V's proficiency in melee combat, introducing a plethora of new melee finishing moves and cybernetic implants for the protagonist to utilize. While players could already improve V's melee skills in the base game, the changes accompanying Phantom Liberty will transform the mercenary into a truly formidable and deadly close-quarters combatant. Interestingly, the sheer brutality of Phantom Liberty's melee gameplay positions V as a prime candidate for inclusion as a DLC fighter in the recently released Mortal Kombat 1, which already has ambitious plans for crossover DLCs with other intellectual properties.

The reception of Phantom Liberty carries significant weight, as many fans are hoping for the smooth launch they had yearned for in 2020, following the controversial release of the base game. It's evident why CD Projekt Red has integrated numerous ambitious gameplay enhancements into Phantom Liberty to set it apart from the base game.

To establish its unique identity apart from the base game, Phantom Liberty introduces an array of new weapons, vehicles, and perks while also fine-tuning existing gameplay mechanics. Melee combat reaps substantial benefits from these changes, granting players even more flexibility in creating their ideal melee builds. Projekt Red has already showcased these features in videos, featuring V deflecting gunfire with a katana, pulverizing enemies with Gorilla Arms enhancements, and slicing foes into fiery ribbons with Mantis Arms modifications.

The level of gore and brutality present in these new melee finishers is reminiscent of the fatalities seen in the Mortal Kombat franchise, which recently launched its ambitious reboot, Mortal Kombat 1. Intriguingly, the impressive arsenal of melee weapons and V's enhanced power, thanks to cybernetic upgrades, place the character on a similar power scale to many Mortal Kombat 1 fighters.

Therefore, it appears fitting for V to become a DLC fighter in Mortal Kombat 1 in the near future, given the synchronized release windows of both the game and Phantom Liberty, making it a mutually beneficial crossover. This notion aligns with news of several other DLC crossover characters in MK1, including heroes such as Homelander and Omni-Man, who have already been confirmed as playable fighters to be added soon.

The possibilities for crossover fighters in Mortal Kombat 1 are boundless, with recent datamining hinting at the eventual inclusion of characters like Ghostface and He-Man. Many of these selections for DLC fighters are based on their formidable power and inclination for visceral brutality, and Cyberpunk 2077's V now fits this description more than ever. With players able to select from a range of cybernetic combat styles and ample inspiration for potential V fatalities, the 2077 protagonist appears to be an ideal fit for a future Mortal Kombat 1 DLC crossover.