The State of Cyberpunk 2077
The launch of Cyberpunk 2077 in 2020 was a disaster. It was buggy, broken on consoles, and missing promised features. Sony even pulled it from the PlayStation store. But CD Projekt Red didn't give up. Five years and dozens of patches later, the game is a completely different beast. Is it finally the RPG we were promised?
Phantom Liberty and Update 2.0
The release of the Phantom Liberty expansion and the free Update 2.0 completely overhauled the game. The skill trees were redesigned to offer meaningful playstyle choices. Police AI was fixed, so cops actually chase you now. Vehicle combat was added. The expansion itself adds a spy-thriller story starring Idris Elba that rivals the best writing in gaming.
Night City is Alive
Visually, the game is the benchmark for modern graphics. With Path Tracing enabled, Night City is a neon-soaked dreamscape that feels lived-in and oppressive. The environmental storytelling is unmatched. You can walk down an alleyway and find a story told purely through graffiti and discarded items.
The Edgerunners Effect
We cannot talk about the game's revival without mentioning the anime Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. The show was a massive hit and brought millions of players back to the game. It recontextualized the world, making it feel more tragic and emotional. CDPR even added content from the show into the game, cementing the connection.
Verdict: A Must-Play
Cyberpunk 2077 is no longer a cautionary tale; it is a redemption story. It is one of the most immersive, best-written, and visually stunning RPGs ever made. If you waited, your patience has been rewarded. Wake the f*** up, Samurai. We have a city to burn.