Unveiling Cyberpunk 2077 Update 20: Brace Yourself for Epic Enhancements Beyond Adam Smasher!

CD Projekt Red is gearing up Night City for the release of the Phantom Liberty expansion for Cyberpunk 2077, which is set to launch on September 25. In preparation, the developer has made significant improvements and enhancements to virtually every aspect of the game in Update 2.0. This update, which is free for all players, even those who don't plan on playing Phantom Liberty, greatly improves the base game.

CD Projekt Red has released the patch notes for Update 2.0, detailing the extensive changes in Cyberpunk 2077. The list is quite substantial, with over 2,200 words, but to give you an overview, expect a completely different experience when you start playing. The update includes revamped perks, skill trees, and cyberware. Additionally, if you engage in illicit activities, you can anticipate a deadly response from Night City's law enforcement, depending on the severity of your crimes. Car combat, improvements to combat AI, enhanced vehicle handling, a redesigned health item inventory, and much more are all featured in this update.

"What if the best parts of Cyberpunk 2077 were condensed into a tightly woven political action thriller? Our Website's Michael Higham describes how Phantom Liberty perfectly accomplishes this in his review. This expansion seamlessly integrates with the original game."

Before diving into Phantom Liberty on PC, there are a few important considerations. An SSD is now required to play Cyberpunk 2077, and CDPR recommends checking your cooling systems before delving into the CPU-intensive Phantom Liberty. Additionally, new Nvidia drivers are available, offering a superior visual experience for GeForce RTX and Nvidia RTX users with the added support of DLSS 3.5 for the game's Ray Tracing: Overdrive Mode.

Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.0

Combat

New Police System

The NCPD will chase you when you commit a crime, whether on foot or in a vehicle.

The behavior of pursuit units and their types will vary based on your NCPD Wanted Level. These pursuits may involve a range of NCPD vehicles, roadblocks, and even the intervention of MaxTac with AVs.

The NCPD is now actively patrolling the streets of Night City, with officers also participating in pursuits while attending to crime scenes.

You can now hear NCPD radio chatter through the radio.

It's now possible to quickhack NCPD officers.

Enhanced Vehicle Combat

Introducing an exciting feature, now you can engage in exhilarating combat while operating a vehicle from either a first-person or third-person viewpoint. While maneuvering your vehicle, you have the flexibility to wield pistols, submachine guns, and even utilize health items. Additionally, certain vehicles are equipped with powerful mounted weapons, further intensifying the combat experience. Unleash your skills in close-quarters combat on motorcycles, paving the way for thrilling melee encounters.

Vehicle tires are now susceptible to being shot or slashed.

New Perks have been introduced to provide a range of vehicle-related abilities. These include the ability to quickly hack vehicles, enhance collision damage, reinforce vehicle weaponry, enable the use of Sandevistan and Kerenzikov cyberware, as well as the capability to swiftly and stylishly exit moving vehicles.

Vehicles possess varying levels of durability. Vehicles equipped with CrystalDome technology benefit from enhanced protection.

In a particular district, you may now experience AI-facilitated and spontaneously arranged pursuits among diverse factions.

Combat AI Enhancements

We made numerous improvements to enemy AI, including:

Various enhancements to enemy netrunner AI.

Improved NPC reactions to grenades and their use of grenades.

Improved NPC reaction time when flanked.

Faster detection by enemies when you're walking or sprinting.

Enemies equipped with Sandevistan cyberware will now activate it to counter a player who uses their own.

Enemies who are unable to hear the sound of a silenced weapon but can still detect the impact of a bullet will now adequately investigate the origin of the gunshot.

Various enhancements have been implemented to optimize situations where a faction of NPCs can ally with another faction to engage in combat against the player.

Netrunning Changes

Enhanced Enhancements for enhanced netrunning prowess. As an illustration, the newly introduced Overclock mode empowers you to install quickhacks by utilizing Health in cases when your RAM falls short. Additionally, you will gain the capability to stack multiple quickhacks on a solitary adversary.

Revamped RAM expenses.

Rebalanced damage and upload time. Changed the effects of some quickhacks.

Removed the option to use Breach Protocol on enemies.

Other

The usage of Health Items and grenades is now restricted to a finite number of charges, which gradually recharge over time after being used.

Outside of combat, performing actions such as sprinting, sliding, and jumping no longer depletes Stamina. However, the consumption of Stamina occurs when utilizing ranged weapons or engaging in melee attacks. The amount of Stamina consumed varies according to the specific weapon being used.

Improved the Aim Assist feature.

Rebalanced the base game's main boss fights.

Introduced Armor Penetration for the base game's main bosses.

Removed the one-hit kill protection from civilians.

Perks and Skills

A comprehensive revamp of the Perk tree has been implemented. With a reduced number of perks, the gameplay experience has been significantly enriched.

Advancing through each Perk tree grants access to exclusive abilities, including the powerful Overclock mode for netrunners, the impressive Bolt shots for Tech weapons, the adrenaline-pumping Adrenaline Rush skill for Body-focused character builds, and many more impactful options.

Due to the significant modifications made to the Perk system, any Perk points you had previously used in your playthroughs have been reimbursed. Additionally, you have the option to reset your Attributes once. Please take this opportunity to reallocate both your Perk and Attribute points according to your desired playstyle before proceeding further.

The previous Skills have been consolidated into five new ones: Headhunter, Netrunner, Shinobi, Solo, and Engineer. Unlike before, the levels of these skills are not limited by their corresponding Attribute levels. If you have an existing playthrough, your progress in the old skills has been transferred to their new counterparts. Every 5 levels, these skills unlock new passive buffs and can be leveled up to a maximum of 60.

We have eliminated the option to reset all Perks at once. Instead, you can now refund each Perk individually without any cost.

Introduced are new types of progression shards: Attribute Shards, Carrying Capacity Shards, and Cyberware Capacity Shards.

Cyberware

Regarding armor, its main source now lies in cyberware, rendering clothing primarily cosmetic in nature. Consequently, clothing items no longer possess modification slots, with only select ones granting bonuses.

Your Cyberware Capacity dictates the maximum number of cyberware implants your body can accommodate.

Cyberware implants are now seamlessly synchronized with specific Attributes, resulting in superior stat bonuses as the corresponding Attribute levels increase.

You can now upgrade cyberware on the ripperdoc screen.

Some Cyberware slots can be unlocked by acquiring specific Perks.

Multiple new types of Cyberware have been incorporated.

The immersion of visiting ripperdocs has been enhanced. During the cyberware installation procedure, you will now be seated on an operational chair and be exposed to various animations corresponding to the specific implant.

Weapons

Revamped the new cyberware system for players who load an older save on the 2.0 update with the addition of an exciting side quest.

Weapons

Enhanced the distinct features of certain Iconic weapons by modifying their unique effects.

The "first equip" animation can now be triggered at any time.

PC: Hold B or double tap Alt while the weapon is holstered.

PlayStation: double tap Triangle while the weapon is holstered.

Xbox: double tap Y while the weapon is holstered.

Added smoke grenades.

Added new melee weapon Finishers.

You can now find a Thermal Katana in the game.

Added new weapon mods and reworked some existing ones. Once installed in a weapon, mods are irreplaceable.

All outdated weapon modifications will be eliminated from the game. Instead, your backpack will now contain newly generated weapon modifications that are randomly assigned. The quality of these modifications will vary depending on your level.

Revolver weapons will no longer have the option for a silencer attachment.

Removed the scope slot from Light Machine Guns.

Implemented a new way to craft weapon mods. To craft a mod, you must first have 2 mods of lower quality.

Expanded the stash wall in V's apartment to display all of the Iconic weapons from the base game.

Vehicles

Traffic

NPC vehicles can now switch lanes to avoid obstacles.

Pedestrians will now try to avoid running into moving vehicles.

NPC drivers are now better at avoiding you when you are on foot.

Improved braking, acceleration and suspension of cars in traffic.

Some NPCs now might react aggressively when you hijack their vehicle.

Various improvements to traffic density depending on time of day and night, resulting in more realistic traffic behavior.

Driving with a quest-related NPC in your vehicle no longer disables traffic in the occupied lane, resulting in the feeling of a busier city.

Other

Fixers will no longer send text messages regarding vehicles available for sale. Instead, you can now conveniently purchase vehicles through the AUTOFIXER netpage on V's computer or by using terminals found in gas stations and repair shops all over Night City. To locate these terminals, simply activate the new Autofixer filter on the world map. The vehicles on offer are neatly categorized by their respective manufacturers, and for your convenience, images of vehicles equipped with built-in weaponry are identified by a special icon. Additionally, as your Street Cred increases, you will gain access to a wider selection of vehicles to choose from.

Furthermore, we have introduced new user settings to enhance your vehicle experience. You now have the ability to configure the vehicle camera and controls according to your preferences. Additionally, while driving a vehicle, you have the option to select from three different third-person camera distances, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.

Added a new "Driving" category and Driving Manual to the Database.

We implemented various changes and tweaks to vehicle performance and handling:

New speed-sensitive steering now applies to the majority of vehicles, offering improved adaptability in terms of maximum turn speed and radius across different vehicle speeds.

Moreover, all engines now feature torque curves that accurately reflect the unique characteristics of each engine, including any modifications such as superchargers, turbochargers, hybrids, and more. Additionally, certain adjustments and refinements have been implemented to enhance vehicle acceleration and maximize top speeds.

Content Revision:

Undertook a comprehensive review of braking force adjustments. Significantly enhanced braking force for slower vehicles, while ensuring the measurement and adjustment of stopping distances, as required.

All vehicles now exhibit improved responsiveness to rough terrain and encounters with curbs, medians, etc. The vehicles now possess a discernible "heavier" feel, owing to our enhanced utilization of gravity during suspension movements.

Many vehicles were fully retuned or their tuning was heavily revised.

Multiple other small improvements.

Balance and Economy

NPCs

All NPCs now scale to your level. Enemy difficulty is no longer dependent on what area of Night City you're in.

Enemies will have different tiers depending on the faction they belong to.

Some NPC archetypes will feature Low, Medium or High armor.

All resistances for regular NPCs have been removed.

Rebalanced game difficulty to increase the challenge at higher difficulties.

Weapons

Weapons now scale damage based on their Tier.

The damage for Smart weapons has been lowered, but they now benefit from dedicated Perks.

Loot

Loot now scales to your level.

Removed excessive findable loot in the game, such as loot that distracts from scenes and quest locations.

NPCs no longer drop clothing.

Crafting & Upgrading

Crafting and upgrading now require only one type of component instead of multiple types.

Replaced old rarity levels (Common, Uncommon, Rare, Epic, Legendary) with Tiers (from Tier 1 to 5++).

Apart from cyberware, now only Iconic weapons can be upgraded. They gain a higher Tier with each upgrade.

Vendors

You can now access the Wardrobe feature through clothing vendors.

Vendor stocks scale with your level, expanding as you reach a new Tier.

Updated vendor stocks so that each has a more distinctive theme and specialization.

Vendors no longer sell quickhack and crafting components.

Adjusted the prices of weapons, cyberware, apartments, clothing and more.

Audio

New Radio Stations

89.7 Growl FM features songs created by our community. The DJ, Ash, is voiced by Sasha Grey.

Impulse 99.9 features a completely new set of songs remixed by Idris Elba.

User Interface

Introducing the revamped Quest Journal! Immerse yourself in a new, sleek interface that allows for easy navigation. Discover jobs categorized in separate tabs based on their types. What's more, you can now conveniently view the distance to each quest marker directly in the Journal.

Added the option to untrack a quest in the Journal.

Overhauled the phone UI to be more intuitive.

Revamped Perk and Cyberware menus.

Simplified item tooltips. The most important stats are now represented by bars to make comparison easier.

The minimap will now adjust its zoom level based on your speed.

Enhanced the functionality of the minimap to provide a more comprehensive representation of your surroundings. Vision cones will only become visible if an NPC responds to your actions or is involved in combat.

Improved D-pad navigation in menus.

You can now change the HUD safe zone. This option is available in Settings → Interface.

Multiple UI fixes for widescreens.

You can now preview clothing and weapons not only at vendors, but also in your inventory.

Quest fixes

Now, your HUD will display the indicators that indicate the current status of your active cyberware.

Quest fixes

Beat on the Brat: The Glen - The problem preventing the ability to draw fists at the start of the fight has been resolved.

Blistering Love - Addressed a problem where the parked vehicle disappeared after speaking to Rogue outside the Afterlife.

Cyberpsycho Sighting: Bloody Ritual - Resolved an issue where Zaria's corpse could become trapped underground following her defeat.

Fragment The forces guarding the construction site gate now effectively engage in combat with V.

Gig: Serious Side Effects - Resolved an issue preventing the beta acid from being deposited at the Drop Point.

I resolved an issue in "I Fought The Law" where players could become trapped in the Red Queen's Race after finishing the quest.

In "Queen of the Highway," I addressed an issue on older saved files where players couldn't complete the objective of "Talk to Panam."

Spellbound - It is now feasible to extract data from R3n0's computer without requiring a cyberdeck.

We Gotta Live Together - Addressed a bug where an imperceptible obstacle hindered the players' ability to backtrack to the camp on the Basilisk.

Stability and performance

Multiple fixes and improvements related to stability and optimization.

Miscellaneous

Added Trauma Drama, an arcade mini-game that offers a chance to win special rewards.

Added more secrets to be discovered in Night City.

Added some small scenes to the game, including some conversations with Johnny Silverhand when visiting V's apartment in Megabuilding H10.

You can now change tattoos at ripperdocs.

You can now choose between three Control Schemes for controllers: Classic, Dynamic and Alternative.

Apartments will now give smaller buffs.

Updated the Characters tab in the Database to include more side characters.

Added new niches to the Columbarium.

Added Ukrainian text localization.

PC-specific

Updated PC system requirements now mandate the use of an SSD to play the game. Further details can be found in the provided link.

Additionally, we have incorporated support for NVIDIA DLSS 3.5, which introduces DLSS Ray Reconstruction. This exciting feature enhances the quality of Ray Traced effects, but it requires a GeForce RTX graphics card. You can access this option in the NVIDIA DLSS section under Settings → Graphics. Please note that DLSS 3.5 is exclusively available when Path Tracing is enabled. To ensure the proper functioning of DLSS Ray Reconstruction on your PC, please update your NVIDIA Game Ready Driver to version 537.42 or newer.

[AMD SMT] A new switch for AMD Simultaneous Multithreading (SMT) has been introduced in the Settings → Gameplay → Performance section. This switch allows users to choose between Off (only physical cores), On (all logical cores), or Auto (optimizing performance across different game situations and locations). This change was the result of collaboration with AMD and was based on tests conducted by both parties.

The Crowd Density setting has been relocated from the Gameplay tab to the Graphics tab. In addition, Crowd Density is now linked to Graphics Quick Presets, meaning it will automatically adjust based on the selected preset. However, users still have the option to customize Crowd Density independently if desired.

As PC system requirements have been updated, running the game on an SSD is now a requirement on Steam Deck.

Updated Steam Deck graphics profile for improved frame rate stability.

Console-specific

Changed the target upscaling resolution on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 in Performance Mode from dynamic 4k to dynamic 1800p for improved performance and image quality.