Cyberpunk 2077 Guide: What You Need To Know in 2025

Introduction

Cyberpunk 2077 is one of the most ambitious and talked-about role-playing games of the last decade. Developed by CD Projekt Red, it invites players into a sprawling, high-tech, low-life future where technology enhances human capabilities but deepens social divides. Set in the sprawling metropolis of Night City, Cyberpunk 2077 offers players the freedom to shape their own story through choices, upgrades, and exploration.

At launch, the game faced heavy criticism for performance issues and missing features, leading to one of the most publicized controversies in gaming history. However, years of patches, improvements, and new content have transformed Cyberpunk 2077 into the experience it was always meant to be.

In this guide, you will learn what Cyberpunk 2077 is really about, how it has evolved since release, what makes it unique among open-world games, and why now may be the best time to play it. Whether you are considering your first journey into Night City or wondering if it is worth revisiting, this article covers everything you need to know.

Key Takeaways

• Cyberpunk 2077 is a first-person, open-world role-playing game set in a futuristic city driven by technology and corruption.
• The game experienced a troubled launch but has since been heavily improved through major updates and new content.
• Phantom Liberty, a major expansion, adds a new story and gameplay improvements, helping redefine the overall experience.
• Cyberpunk 2077 offers deep character customization, branching storylines, and a rich, atmospheric open world.
• Today, it is widely considered a must-play for fans of science fiction, role-playing games, and open-world exploration.
  

What Is Cyberpunk 2077?

Cyberpunk 2077 is a story-driven, open-world role-playing game developed by CD Projekt Red, the studio behind The Witcher series. Set in the dystopian megacity of Night City, the game takes place in a future where advanced technology coexists with deep inequality, corporate control, and social unrest.

Players take on the role of V, a customizable mercenary looking to make a name in a world where reputation and cybernetic enhancements determine survival.

Early in the story, V becomes linked to a digital construct of Johnny Silverhand, a rebellious rockstar revolutionary played by Keanu Reeves, setting off a chain of events that threaten both their existence and the city itself.

Key Features of the Game:

• First-Person Perspective: Immerses players directly into the world, making exploration and combat feel personal and immediate.
• Character Customization: Extensive options for appearance, background (known as “lifepaths”), cybernetic implants, and skills.
• Branching Storylines: Player choices influence not only immediate outcomes but also the overall narrative and ending.
• Open-World Exploration: Night City is dense, vertical, and alive with activities, side quests, random events, and hidden secrets.
• Multiple Playstyles: Players can choose to engage through stealth, hacking, diplomacy, or direct combat, adapting their approach as they see fit.

At its core, Cyberpunk 2077 offers a mix of narrative depth, player agency, and world-building rarely seen at this scale. Whether navigating gang territories, negotiating with corporations, or upgrading body implants for new abilities, every action shapes how the world responds to you.

Cyberpunk 2077: The Launch and Early Controversy

Cyberpunk 2077’s release in December 2020 was one of the most highly anticipated events in gaming history. Years of trailers, developer promises, and media coverage had built enormous expectations.

However, when the game launched, it quickly became clear that it was not ready — especially on last-generation consoles like PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

Key Problems at Launch:

• Severe Performance Issues: Frame rate drops, crashes, and graphical bugs were common, especially on older hardware.
• Missing Features: Several gameplay elements shown in early marketing were either scaled back or absent.
• Game-Breaking Bugs: Some quests could not be completed due to glitches, forcing players to reload older saves or abandon storylines.
• Community Backlash: Fans and reviewers criticized the game’s condition, leading to refunds being offered and the game being temporarily removed from the PlayStation Store.

The controversy quickly became one of the most publicized failures in the industry. CD Projekt Red, once highly respected for The Witcher 3, faced lawsuits, investigations, and a major loss of trust.

In response, the studio issued formal apologies and committed to a long-term plan to fix the game through patches and updates. They promised to restore the game’s reputation by delivering on the original vision players were promised.

Cyberpunk 2077: The Major Improvements Since Launch

Since its troubled release, Cyberpunk 2077 has undergone one of the most significant transformations in modern gaming. Through a series of patches, hotfixes, and major updates, CD Projekt Red systematically addressed technical flaws, gameplay balance issues, and missing features.

Key Improvements Over Time:

• Patch 1.1 and 1.2: Focused on stability, crash fixes, and performance upgrades, especially on older consoles. These patches made the game playable for a much broader audience.
• Patch 1.5 (Next-Gen Update): Released in early 2022, this update introduced native PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S support, along with major improvements in AI, driving mechanics, crowd behavior, and graphical fidelity.
• Patch 2.0: A near-complete overhaul of core systems, including a redesigned perk tree, new cyberware mechanics, enhanced police system, improved combat AI, and an expanded vehicle combat feature.
• Quality of Life Enhancements: Faster loading times, improved user interface, better inventory management, and smarter enemy tactics during fights.
• Free DLCs and Content Updates: Additional missions, new apartments for V, new weapons, and cosmetic options have been added over time, enriching the base experience.

Today, Cyberpunk 2077 runs smoothly on modern systems and offers a polished, engaging experience closer to what players originally expected.

The game’s turnaround has been widely praised, with many media outlets and players calling it one of the best comeback stories in gaming history. Once considered a cautionary tale, Cyberpunk 2077 is now viewed as a successful redemption.

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty Expansion

Phantom Liberty is the first and only major expansion for Cyberpunk 2077, released in September 2023. More than just additional content, Phantom Liberty brings major changes that further transform the game’s structure, pacing, and narrative depth.

Key Features of Phantom Liberty:

• New Setting: The expansion introduces Dogtown, a dangerous and heavily militarized district within Night City, controlled by rogue factions and paramilitary forces.
• New Storyline: Players are drawn into an espionage thriller, working as an agent for the New United States of America. The mission revolves around political betrayal, secret deals, and survival against powerful enemies.
• New Character: Idris Elba joins the cast as Solomon Reed, a seasoned sleeper agent who becomes a key figure in the player’s journey.
• Expanded Gameplay: Phantom Liberty adds new weapons, vehicles, cyberware, and abilities that integrate into the main game. It also features new skill trees and further refines the open-world systems.
• Impact on the Base Game: Alongside the expansion, the release of Patch 2.0 modernized many systems across the entire game, meaning even players who stick to the original story benefit from its upgrades.

Phantom Liberty has received critical acclaim for its writing, world-building, and cinematic presentation.

Many players and reviewers have praised it as some of CD Projekt Red’s best work, noting that it elevates Cyberpunk 2077 into a complete and mature experience.

For players returning to the game or approaching it for the first time, Phantom Liberty offers a compelling reason to explore everything Night City has to offer.

Why Cyberpunk 2077 Matters in Gaming History

Cyberpunk 2077’s release and recovery have made it one of the most important case studies in modern gaming. Few games have influenced the industry in as many ways, both positive and negative.

A Cautionary Tale of Hype and Expectations

Before its launch, Cyberpunk 2077 was marketed as a revolutionary open-world RPG. The scale of the promises, combined with years of excitement, created expectations that were almost impossible to meet.

Its troubled launch highlighted how critical it is for developers and publishers to manage player expectations carefully and deliver a stable product.

The backlash also showed how quickly trust can erode, even for studios with strong reputations.

A Model for Redemption

After the initial failure, CD Projekt Red committed to a long-term plan of support, communication, and improvement.

Unlike some companies that abandon troubled projects, they continued to invest resources into patching, improving, and expanding Cyberpunk 2077 until it reached a level of quality that matched the original vision.

Today, the game’s redemption is often compared to other major comebacks in gaming, such as No Man’s Sky and Final Fantasy XIV.

Influence on Future Open-World Games

Cyberpunk 2077 has also contributed to conversations about open-world design, choice-driven storytelling, and immersive simulation. Its vertical cityscape, layered quests, and flexible gameplay approaches have set a new benchmark for how detailed and responsive game worlds can be.

Other studios studying Cyberpunk 2077’s journey are likely to approach development and marketing differently in the future, balancing ambition with achievable execution.

While its launch exposed the risks of over-promising, its recovery demonstrated how commitment to players and product quality can rebuild a game’s legacy. Cyberpunk 2077 stands today not just as a game, but as an important moment in gaming history.

Is Cyberpunk 2077 Worth Playing Today?

After multiple years of updates, improvements, and the release of the Phantom Liberty expansion, Cyberpunk 2077 today offers a stable, polished, and deeply rewarding experience. Many of the issues that once defined its launch have been fully addressed.

For players considering jumping in for the first time or returning after a long break, here are a few key points to consider:

Performance and Stability

On modern platforms such as PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, Cyberpunk 2077 runs smoothly with consistent performance, improved graphics, and minimal bugs. Older consoles like PlayStation 4 and Xbox One can still struggle, although some improvements have been made.

Story and World Depth

The game’s narrative offers branching choices, complex characters, and multiple endings. Combined with the dense, vertical design of Night City, players will find a world that rewards exploration and thoughtful decision-making.

The addition of Phantom Liberty provides even greater narrative depth and adds meaningful content for players seeking a fresh storyline.

Gameplay Variety

Players have the freedom to approach missions in different ways — through direct combat, stealth, hacking, or social manipulation. Cyberware upgrades and skill trees allow for highly personalized builds, ensuring that no two playthroughs feel exactly the same.

Critical Reception

Recent reviews of the updated game and its expansion are overwhelmingly positive. Many major gaming outlets have revised their original scores, praising Cyberpunk 2077 as one of the most immersive and visually impressive RPGs available today.

Best Platform to Play

For the best experience, playing on PC or next-generation consoles is recommended. These platforms support higher frame rates, faster load times, better visual effects, and more stable overall performance.

Who Will Enjoy It Most

• Players who enjoy open-world exploration with strong narrative choices.
• Fans of science fiction and dystopian settings.
• Gamers looking for a deep role-playing system with real character customization.

In its current state, Cyberpunk 2077 offers a rich, complete experience that rewards time and exploration. For players willing to immerse themselves in Night City’s world, it stands as one of the most memorable RPGs of recent years.

Cyberpunk 2077: Tips for New Players

Starting Cyberpunk 2077 can feel overwhelming due to the number of choices and systems available. These tips will help new players build a strong foundation and get the most out of their experience.

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Choose Your Lifepath Carefully

At the beginning of the game, you will choose between three lifepaths: Nomad, Streetkid, or Corpo. 

While this choice mostly affects the opening and dialogue options throughout the game, it also shapes how certain characters interact with you.

Pick the lifepath that best fits the role you want to play:

• Nomad: Outsider turned city mercenary, often with a strong sense of loyalty.
• Streetkid: Familiar with gangs, streets, and underground connections.
• Corpo: Insider from the corporate world with an understanding of power and betrayal.

Focus Your Attribute Points

Rather than spreading attribute points thinly across all categories, focus on two or three core areas that match your preferred playstyle.
For example:

• Reflexes and Body for strong gunplay and melee combat.
• Intelligence and Cool for hacking and stealth-focused builds.
• Technical Ability for crafting and using high-end cyberware.

Specializing early helps make your character more effective and unlocks important abilities faster.

Prioritize Cyberware Upgrades

Cyberware implants can significantly boost your combat, mobility, and hacking skills. Upgrades like the Sandevistan (slow down time) or Mantis Blades (close-range combat) can dramatically change how you approach fights.

Visit Ripperdocs around Night City to install and upgrade cyberware regularly as you earn money.

Manage Your Money Wisely

Early in the game, money can feel scarce. Focus spending on meaningful upgrades rather than constantly buying new weapons or vehicles. Completing gigs and side jobs is an efficient way to earn extra currency while building street credibility.

Save Often

Cyberpunk 2077 offers a dynamic world where choices and random events can lead to unpredictable outcomes. Save your progress frequently, especially before major missions or confrontations. Using multiple save slots can also help if you want to revisit key decisions later.

Explore Beyond the Main Story

Side quests and character-driven missions often offer some of the best storytelling and rewards. Building relationships with key characters can unlock new paths, endings, and opportunities you might otherwise miss by focusing only on the main storyline.

By starting with a clear focus, upgrading intelligently, and exploring the world beyond the main path, new players can experience the full depth of what Cyberpunk 2077 has to offer without unnecessary frustration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to finish Cyberpunk 2077?

The main story of Cyberpunk 2077 typically takes between 20 to 30 hours to complete, depending on your playstyle and choices. However, completing major side quests, gigs, and exploring Night City can easily extend playtime to 60 hours or more.

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Do you need to play Phantom Liberty to enjoy Cyberpunk 2077?

No, Phantom Liberty is optional. The base game offers a complete experience on its own. However, Phantom Liberty adds new storylines, areas, and gameplay systems that significantly enhance the world and are recommended if you want a fuller experience.

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Is Cyberpunk 2077 better on PC or console?

Cyberpunk 2077 performs best on a high-end PC or next-generation consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. While it is playable on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One after patches, performance and visuals are noticeably better on newer hardware.

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Can you play after finishing the main story?

Yes, after completing the main storyline, Cyberpunk 2077 allows players to continue exploring Night City, completing unfinished side missions, gigs, and discovering additional content. However, you will be placed just before the final mission to keep the open-world available.

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Will there be a Cyberpunk 2?

Yes, CD Projekt Red has officially announced that a sequel, currently codenamed Project Orion, is in early development. Details are limited, but it is planned to continue expanding the Cyberpunk universe in the future.

Conclusion

Cyberpunk 2077 is no longer the game it was at launch. Through consistent updates, performance improvements, and the release of the Phantom Liberty expansion, it has evolved into a polished, immersive, and rewarding experience.

Set in the vibrant, chaotic world of Night City, Cyberpunk 2077 offers players the freedom to shape their story, build their character, and explore a dense urban landscape filled with opportunity and danger.

Its commitment to deep role-playing systems, narrative choice, and visual world-building places it among the most ambitious open-world games available today.

For new players and returning fans alike, now is the ideal time to experience what Cyberpunk 2077 truly offers. With the right preparation and a clear focus, Night City becomes not just a setting, but a living world worth exploring.

If you are ready for a science fiction journey defined by choice, consequence, and transformation, Cyberpunk 2077 stands ready to deliver.