When Cyberpunk 2077 launched back in December 2020, the gaming world was ready to be blown away. Instead, what we got—especially those of us on older consoles—was a buggy, frustrating mess that became one of the most infamous releases in gaming history. Fast forward to 2025, after several major patches, next-gen updates, and the stellar Phantom Liberty expansion, the question many gamers are asking is: has Cyberpunk 2077 finally redeemed itself?
As someone who played the game at launch, abandoned it in disappointment, and then came back after the major updates, I can confidently say that this game has undergone one of the greatest redemption arcs in modern gaming. Here’s my deep dive into the current state of Night City.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Smooth, Polished, and Immersive
The difference between launch-day Cyberpunk and the current version is night and day. The clunky AI, random crashes, and disappearing NPCs are mostly gone. Movement feels smoother, gunplay is more responsive, and driving has been overhauled to make vehicles feel heavier and more realistic.
Combat now feels like a proper hybrid between an RPG and an action shooter. The skill trees have been completely reworked, offering more meaningful choices and synergy between builds. Whether you want to play as a stealthy netrunner, a katana-wielding cyber-samurai, or a pure guns-blazing merc, the game now supports multiple viable playstyles.
Improved Police and AI Systems
Remember how the police would magically spawn behind you out of thin air? That’s history. The revamped wanted system makes escaping the law more challenging and realistic, and NPC behavior feels less robotic. This update alone makes Night City feel like a living, breathing place.
Graphics and Sound
A Visual Powerhouse
Cyberpunk 2077 was always a gorgeous game in terms of artistic direction, but the updates have pushed its visuals to a whole new level, especially on next-gen consoles and high-end PCs. Ray tracing, better textures, and improved performance make Night City a true visual masterpiece. Driving through the city at night, with neon lights reflecting off the rain-slick streets, is an experience few games can match.
Immersive Audio
The sound design remains one of the game’s strongest features. From the hum of a crowded market in Japantown to the pulsating beats of Afterlife, Night City feels alive through its audio landscape. And let’s not forget the soundtrack — a mix of synthwave, punk, and industrial tracks that perfectly match the game’s tone.
Storyline
A Narrative Worth Experiencing
Even at launch, the story of Cyberpunk 2077 was its saving grace. Playing as V, a mercenary fighting for survival in a city that chews people up and spits them out, is an emotional journey filled with twists, betrayals, and moments of genuine humanity.
With the updates and the Phantom Liberty expansion, the narrative depth has only grown. The new expansion adds a gripping spy-thriller storyline featuring Idris Elba’s character, Solomon Reed, that ties seamlessly into the core game while offering new endings that make your choices feel more impactful.
Memorable Characters
Characters like Johnny Silverhand (brought to life brilliantly by Keanu Reeves), Panam, Judy, and Takemura remain some of the best-written NPCs in any RPG. Their stories stick with you long after you’ve logged off.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Polished Performance: Smooth, stable gameplay on all platforms.
- Deep Customization: Skill trees and cyberware offer incredible build diversity.
- Immersive World: Night City feels alive and reactive.
- Compelling Storylines: Both the main campaign and side missions are rich and emotional.
- Visual and Audio Excellence: Stunning graphics and a killer soundtrack.
Cons
- Still Some Bugs: While vastly improved, you might still encounter occasional glitches.
- Shallow Open World Activities: Outside of missions, Night City can still feel a bit empty in terms of meaningful side content.
- Steep Learning Curve: New players might find the systems overwhelming at first.
Replayability or Long-Term Value
Multiple Playthroughs Feel Rewarding
The game now supports true replayability thanks to its revamped systems and the different paths you can take. Want to try a full stealth run? Go for it. Prefer a more aggressive netrunner build? That’s just as viable. Add in multiple endings and the fresh content from Phantom Liberty, and you have a game that feels worth revisiting multiple times.
Modding Community
On PC, the thriving modding community has also added a new layer of replayability, with everything from visual tweaks to full gameplay overhauls.
Tips or Recommendations
- Focus on Side Missions: Some of the best storytelling in the game isn’t in the main quest but in side gigs, especially the arcs with Panam and Judy.
- Invest in Cyberware: Don’t underestimate the power of good implants — they can completely change how you approach combat.
- Take Your Time: Night City rewards exploration. There are countless secrets, Easter eggs, and hidden events to discover.
- Upgrade Your Ride: With improved driving mechanics, investing in a better vehicle makes the game way more fun.
Final Verdict
Cyberpunk 2077 today is almost unrecognizable compared to its disastrous launch. CD Projekt Red didn’t just patch the game; they rebuilt it in many ways, addressing fan feedback and adding meaningful content that enriches the experience.
If you skipped the game at launch or abandoned it early, now is the time to give it another shot. Night City is finally the immersive, chaotic, and unforgettable playground it was always meant to be.
Final Rating: 9/10
The journey from broken promise to polished masterpiece has been a long one, but Cyberpunk 2077 now stands tall as one of the best open-world RPGs of this generation.