Cyberpunk 2077 has recently unveiled its much-anticipated free Update 2.0. This update marks a new era of improvements and enhancements aimed at elevating the gaming experience for players worldwide, and has released ahead of the Phanton Liberty expansion that releases September 26th, 2023.
If you haven’t returned to Cyberpunk 2077 in a while, even if you don’t plan on purchasing the expansion (or you're on the fence and need some guidance), there still is no better time to get back into the game. Of the many updates, version 2.0 brings a comprehensive overhaul to several gameplay mechanics, notably the police system and Perk trees. Gone are the days when the Night City Police Department (NCPD) would magically appear behind you. Now, they will actively chase players who commit crimes, with the intensity and strategy of the chase varying based on the player's wanted level. The streets of Night City will also see more NCPD patrols, making the city feel more alive and dynamic. Additionally, the game's combat system has seen significant enhancements, from vehicle combat additions to AI improvements that promise a more challenging and immersive experience.
But it's not just about combat. The Perk system has been revamped to offer a more meaningful progression. Players will find fewer perks, but each will have a more significant impact on gameplay. This change encourages players to strategize and customize their character builds to better suit their playstyle. Cyberware, the game's system for body modifications, has also seen substantial changes. Armor is now primarily provided by cyberware, shifting the role of clothing to be more cosmetic.
Speaking of cosmetics, the game's UI has been given a fresh coat of paint. The Quest Journal, phone UI, and various menus have been redesigned for better clarity and ease of use. Players can now preview clothing and weapons not just at vendors but also directly from their inventory, adding another layer of immersion.
However, with such extensive changes, the developers recommend starting a new playthrough to truly appreciate the depth and breadth of the modifications. This advice is especially pertinent for those eagerly awaiting the Phantom Liberty expansion, set to release on September 26th. This expansion promises a fresh storyline, and players will have the option to dive right in with a new, adequately leveled character.
But a word of caution for the modding community: the update might disrupt the experience with pre-2.0 mods. It's advised to uninstall these mods until they're updated to be compatible with the new version. And for those concerned about system requirements, while the game might still run on older specs, the developers recommend upgrades for a smoother experience. There has also been another interesting point of contention related to PC specifications, as the new PC specs “require” an SSD to run the game.
Cyberpunk 2077's Update 2.0 isn't just an update; it's a major step forward for the games current iteration. It’s clear that the developers at CD Projekt Red are listening, learning, and committed to delivering the game that fans have been waiting for. As we gear up for the Phantom Liberty expansion, if there was ever a time to get hyped to return to Cyberpunk 2077, it’s now.
