During a February 15 livestream, Developer CD Projekt Red presented new footage of Cyberpunk 2077’s long-awaited next-gen upgrade, which seems more or less to act as a soft relaunch of the game, bringing it closer to being in line with what many expect on release. Cyberpunk 2077 suffered from a disastrous launch 16 months ago back in December 2020, with patches throughout 2021 addressing loads of bug fixes via updates. The biggest of these is the 1.5 patch, which has coincided with the release of the next-gen update. With a substantial list of changes, fixes, and additions, it feels like the game is essentially getting a soft relaunch as its best self.
There are dozens of new features in Cyberpunk's update, along with new improvements coming that were demonstrated during the livestream, along with the game’s familiar hacking and gunplay combat. The open-world game will run with a smoother framerate and allow for ray tracing features. 4K resolution with dynamic scaling on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 will be implemented, along with faster loading times and a variety of other visual and technical improvements. On PlayStation 5, the game will additionally utilize the DualSense controller’s adaptive triggers and haptic functionalities.
Whether the copy is digital or physical, Cyberpunk 2077 players can update starting today. The update is free of charge and anyone who buys the game will be able to experience the new and updated version. This update was originally supposed to be launched in late 2021, but then officially was delayed until Q1 2022. There have been extensive gameplay and aesthetic changes along with the usual fixes made to the game, and several systems have gotten complete overhauls.
Cyberpunk 2077's Update Includes An Additional Free Trial
As an extra surprise for any who might be on the fence about whether to finally pick up a copy of Cyberpunk 2077, there is a free trial DLC version available on PS5 and Xbox Series S/X that allows up to five hours of playtime, showing that CD Projerk Red is putting its best foot forward in inviting the public back to the game. Players can carry over progress from the free trial over to the full game after purchase. There are lots of small updates that Cyberpunk 2077 players have fixed with mods in the past, including decreased despawn of NPCs, updates to traffic and vehicle behavior, and a way to reject holocalls included in the patch and trial. Additionally, update comes with new weapons in Wilson’s shop, the ability to change the player character's appearance mid-game using the mirror, new appearance customization options, new options for apartment customization, and four new apartments to buy in different locations in Night City.
This next-gen update for Cyberpunk 2077 serves as a revival for the game, something that (hopefully) will be more of the joyful celebration the original launch wasn't, giving Cyberpunk 2077 a new chance for success in 2022. The original release saw the game removed from the PlayStation Store and fans asking for refunds, which is a shame, since if it had a smoother launch, Cyberpunk 2077 could have been 2021's GOTY. After the livestream, it's clear that CD Projekt Red is still ing the game and has further plans for it. Cyberpunk 2077 has the chance to finally deliver on the vision set out by the developers and to rebuild trust among fans.
