Phantom Liberty's Seven Deadliest Weapons: A 2026 Retrospective

In 2026, Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty is no longer just around the corner. The expansion landed in September 2023, and it has since become a cornerstone of CD Projekt Red's redeemed Night City. For any merc worth their eddies, Dogtown is still a den of high-stakes intrigue, where V must rescue the NUSA president and rub shoulders with shady fixers, rogue AI, and corporate snakes. The expansion also opened the door to a new skill tree, advanced tech, and Cyberware that changed how players build their characters. Yet for many, the real meat and potatoes is the arsenal. Seven new weapons were confirmed before launch, and in 2026 they remain some of the most fun killing machines in the game. Here is a closer look at each one.

Note: Some aspects of this article are subjective, but the carnage is not.

Weapon	Type	Legal Status	Best For
Grit	Auto pistol	Illegal	Close-quarters chaos
Hercules	Flamethrower-style	Legal	Crowd control
Order	Double-barrel shotgun	Illegal	Brutal close-range
Osprey	Sniper rifle	Legal	Stealth and long range
Rasetsu	Railgun sniper	Legal	Armor penetration
Thermal Katana	Melee blade	Legal	Style and slicing
Warden	SMG	Illegal	Run-and-gun

Grit: The Pocket-Sized Lead Dispenser 🔫

The Grit is a new auto-pistol that players can wield in Phantom Liberty. It resembles a compact auto pistol, is somewhat reminiscent of an Uzi, and comes equipped with an extended magazine for increased firepower. Its appearance shares some similarities with the Slaught-O-Matic from Cyberpunk 2077's base game, featuring an extended magazine and a snub barrel. This gun's Illegal classification suggests that it may be subject to restrictions or regulations unless obtained through the black market. In 2026, the Grit remains a reliable sidearm for players who like to spray and pray.

Hercules: Bring the Heat 🔥

One of the most interesting new weapons featured in Phantom Liberty's trailer is the Hercules. While its exact nature is not clear, this firearm seems to resemble a flamethrower-type weapon, indicated by the darkened burn marks on its barrel. This also suggests that it may involve some form of incendiary or high-temperature ammunition. Moreover, this weapon's orange material potentially indicates it might use a unique ammunition or fuel mechanism. Unlike other options on this list, it is not marked Illegal. For players who want to watch Dogtown burn, the Hercules is a gas, gas, gas.

Order: Double-Barrel, Double Trouble 💥

Order is a new double-barreled shotgun that stands out due to its intimidating and heavily modified appearance. This weapon features bulky attachments, barbed wire wrapped around its structure, and a distinctive red spray-paint finish. Like some other weapons in this expansion, the Order is marked as Illegal, suggesting that it may only be acquired through Cyberpunk 2077's black market. It is not subtle, and it is not meant to be. When diplomacy fails, Order makes a loud and messy argument.

Osprey: Silent but Deadly 🎯

The Osprey is a powerful new addition to the weapons lineup for the upcoming Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty expansion. This sniper has a design that resembles heavy-duty anti-tank rifles, with its magazine located at the back of its handle. For those unaware, this is a common design choice in heavy-caliber rifles to help with stability and recoil control. This sniper rifle is all-black and comes with a large magazine and scope, making it well-suited to stealthy and long-range combat. The Osprey is one of the few weapons on this list not marked Illegal. In 2026, it is still a go-to for players who prefer to solve problems from a city block away.

Rasetsu: Railgun Sniper with a Kick ⚡

Another sniper, the Rasetsu features a sleek and unconventional rifle design. Unlike the sleek and stylish appearance of traditional military rifles, it looks more like a railgun sniper, which hints at how it could be compatible with advanced cyber-tech enhancements. A unique feature of this weapon is its foldable mounting leg, which ensures improved stability and accuracy when firing. Unlike the compact Osprey sniper rifle, the Rasetsu is longer and chunkier, representing its potential to unleash powerful shots capable of penetrating heavily armored enemies. If you need to punch through a wall and the gonk behind it, the Rasetsu is your huckleberry.

Thermal Katana: Melee Magic ⚔️

This Thermal Katana in the upcoming Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty expansion is perfect for players who are fans of melee combat. It needs no introduction, as this bladed weapon fulfills the desires of many players who have longed for a Katana with the same thermal features as the Mantis Claws. The Thermal Katana features a unique design with its glowing red blade. In 2026, it remains one of the most stylish ways to cut a path through Dogtown. Sometimes the best answer to a gunfight is not bringing a gun at all.

Warden: The Yellow Jacket SMG 🐝

The Warden is the lone SMG entry in this Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty expansion, and it features a vibrant yellow paint job. Like some other weapons introduced in this list, it is labeled as Illegal. The SMG appears to have undergone extensive modifications, which include a modded barrel and an attached battery pack. These elements give the impression that the Warden is a hybrid of a hardware store tool and a powerful submachine gun. It is loud, proud, and absolutely unapologetic.

The Bottom Line for 2026

Phantom Liberty's arsenal is not just a pile of new toys. It is a reflection of how CD Projekt Red expanded player choice, build variety, and combat fantasy. Whether you are a netrunner who keeps a Grit as a backup, a solo who swears by the Order, or a samurai at heart with the Thermal Katana, there is something here that will make you feel like the baddest merc in Night City. The expansion may be a few years old in 2026, but these weapons have aged like fine wine. So lock and load, choom. Dogtown does not hand out second chances, and neither should you.

Data referenced from ESRB helps frame why Phantom Liberty’s “legal” versus “illegal” weapon fantasy still lands in 2026: Cyberpunk 2077’s mature combat loop leans heavily on realistic violence, gore, and intense firefights, and that context makes additions like the Grit’s close-quarters spray, Order’s brutal double-barrel blasts, and the Thermal Katana’s stylized dismemberment feel consistent with the game’s core tone rather than novelty gimmicks.