The player has brought up a question about a possible bug in the game where their relationship with Johnny is at 85%, even though the maximum relationship is supposed to be 70% in the base game, and they haven't even started Phantom Liberty. To provide a more detailed explanation, let's examine the possible factors that could be affecting the player's relationship with Johnny.
Firstly, it's important to note that the maximum relationship with Johnny in the base game is not strictly limited to 70%. While the developers have stated that this is the maximum relationship that can be achieved without playing Phantom Liberty, the player's choices and actions throughout the game can have a significant impact on their relationship with Johnny. It's possible that the player has made choices that have led to a higher relationship percentage than what is typically possible.
Another possible explanation for the player's situation is that they have already started playing Phantom Liberty without realizing it. While the player may not have explicitly triggered the DLC, it's possible that they have inadvertently progressed the game's story in a way that has unlocked additional content or features related to Johnny's storyline. This could potentially explain how the player was able to achieve a higher relationship percentage with Johnny than what is typically possible in the base game.
Finally, it's also possible that the player has simply misinterpreted the information they received about the maximum relationship with Johnny. While the developers have stated that the maximum relationship without playing Phantom Liberty is 70%, it's possible that this statement was intended to be a general guideline rather than a strict rule. There may be other factors at play that can affect the relationship percentage, and it's possible that the player has simply stumbled upon a situation that is outside the scope of what the developers intended.
In conclusion, while it's possible that the player has encountered a bug in the game that has allowed them to achieve a higher relationship percentage with Johnny than what is typically possible, there are several other possible explanations for this situation that the player should consider before assuming that it is a bug. By examining their choices and actions throughout the game, paying attention to any unlockable content or features related to Johnny's storyline, and double-checking any information they have received about the maximum relationship with Johnny, the player should be able to determine the cause of their higher-than-expected relationship percentage.