Phantom Liberty's Edgerunners Perks Bring Anime Legends to Night City

In the neon-drenched streets of Night City, a mercenary named V fought for survival, for glory, and for a chance to become a legend. But in the Phantom Liberty expansion for Cyberpunk 2077, V could achieve something even more literal: becoming a true edgerunner. When the DLC launched in 2023, it thrust players into a spy-thriller story full of deception, political power, and ulterior motives. Yet hidden within its revamped skill trees was a delightful surprise for fans of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners — the hit anime set in the same dystopian world. As of 2026, that connection still resonates, and it remains one of the most exciting ways for players to embody their favorite characters.

The expansion's story threw V head-first into a web of intrigue, forcing players to decide who to trust. They worked alongside NUSA President Rosalind Myers and Dogtown tyrant Kurt Hansen, all while navigating a narrative that felt like a classic spy novel. But as thrilling as that was, it didn't diminish the appeal of becoming a famous solo like David Martinez, working Night City's streets. In fact, Phantom Liberty made that dream more achievable than ever.

Edgerunners-Themed Perks Revealed

A small detail hidden in early gameplay footage revealed an exciting connection between the game and the anime. The Cyberpunk 2077 YouTube channel offered a sneak peek at Phantom Liberty's new perks and reworked skill trees. As a Reddit user named Mr--reaper noticed, one perk's icon showed Rebecca wielding her iconic shotgun. Another depicted Lucy with her monowire. It was hard to tell exactly what these abilities entailed at first, but there was no denying they were Edgerunners*-related. They gave players the chance to embody the show's beloved characters like never before.

Here's a quick breakdown of the iconic characters and their signature tools that appeared in the perks:

Character	Signature Weapon/Gear	Perk Icon Appearance
Rebecca	Shotgun	Yes — a perk icon
Lucy	Monowire	Yes — a perk icon
David	Sandevistan (implied)	Referenced via lore
Falco	Driving skills	Contactable in-game

These perks blurred the lines between game and anime even further. They weren't just cosmetic nods; they were functional abilities that let players fight like the edgerunners they admired. 🔫🕸️

More Than Just Perks

With these perks bridging the gap between mediums, it wasn't out of the question that Phantom Liberty could bring about more Edgerunners content in-game. After all, even before the DLC, players could contact Falco and get David's jacket in Cyberpunk 2077. But some fans had been eager for more lore and closure. The expansion, though it spun its own tale in Night City's web, was a perfect opportunity for CD Projekt Red to sneak in cheeky new references and Easter eggs. And they did not disappoint.

Whether the anime's characters received extra mentions or attention, players could show their love for their favorite mercs in a more exciting, personal way. The revamped perks looked promising on their own, but with Rebecca and Lucy making appearances in the new skill trees, it only sweetened the deal for Edgerunners fans. It was a love letter wrapped in a spy thriller.

A Personal Connection for Fans

For many players, the ability to wield Lucy's monowire or blast enemies with Rebecca's shotgun was more than just a gameplay mechanic. It was a chance to step into the shoes of characters who had made them laugh, cry, and cheer. The anime had ended on a bittersweet note, leaving fans craving more time in that world. Phantom Liberty offered a small but meaningful way to return.

As of 2026, the Cyberpunk 2077 community still celebrates these perks. New players discover them for the first time, while veterans fondly remember the moment they realized they could fight like an edgerunner. The DLC may have been a spy story at heart, but its soul was pure Night City — and that includes its anime legends.

In the end, V's journey through Phantom Liberty was never just about politics or survival. It was about becoming something greater. A legend, yes. But also an edgerunner in the truest sense. And for fans of the anime, that was a deal worth taking. 🎮✨