Cyberpunk 2077 has had a rocky launch, but with updates and expansions, does it finally deliver the immersive futuristic RPG experience it promised? This review explores its current state, gameplay, and whether it’s worth your time in 2025.

Cyberpunk 2077, a game that once sparked immense excitement and faced considerable criticism, has undergone significant transformations since its initial release. Now, as we approach 2025, it’s time to revisit Night City and evaluate whether the game has truly lived up to its potential. Has CD Projekt Red managed to salvage the experience and make Cyberpunk 2077 the game we all hoped for?

This in-depth review will delve into the various aspects of the game, from its improved gameplay mechanics and enhanced graphics to the captivating storyline and immersive open world. Join us as we explore whether Cyberpunk 2077 is finally worth playing in 2025.

The Evolution of Cyberpunk 2077: A Redemption Story?

Cyberpunk 2077’s launch was plagued with bugs, performance issues, and unfulfilled promises, leaving many players disappointed. However, CD Projekt Red has been diligently working to address these issues through numerous patches and updates. But has all this work managed to redeem its reputation, and make Cyberpunk 2077 the game gamers were dreaming of back when it was announced?

Addressing the Initial Issues

One of the primary concerns at launch was the sheer number of bugs and glitches that hindered the gameplay experience. CD Projekt Red has invested significant effort in fixing these issues, releasing numerous patches that have stabilized the game and improved its overall performance. Now, the game runs much more smoothly, especially on high-end PCs and the latest generation of consoles. The developers didn’t stop there, though.

  • Improved AI: The behavior of NPCs and enemies has been refined, making encounters feel more realistic and challenging.
  • Enhanced Stability: Frequent crashes and game-breaking bugs have been largely eliminated.
  • Better Optimization: Performance has been optimized across various platforms, resulting in smoother frame rates and reduced stuttering.

The initial launch problems are mostly gone; however, it is true that Cyberpunk 2077 still isn’t perfect. There are still some minor improvements being made, but right now, the game boasts way more stability, and the gameplay is a lot better than it was on launch.

A screenshot of V engaging in a futuristic gunfight in a narrow alleyway of Night City. Neon signs cast colorful shadows on the scene, and sparks fly as bullets ricochet off metal surfaces. The UI shows V's health and ammo levels, along with enemy positions.

Gameplay and Mechanics: What’s Changed?

Beyond fixing the bugs, CD Projekt Red has also made significant improvements to the gameplay mechanics of Cyberpunk 2077. These changes enhance the overall experience and make the game more engaging and immersive. The gameplay in this type of game is important, so improvements and changes help.

Revamped Skill Trees and Progression

The skill trees have been reworked to provide more meaningful choices and customization options. Players can now tailor their builds to suit their preferred playstyle, whether it’s a stealthy hacker, a skilled netrunner, or a powerful combatant. The progress of your character goes along with you and adjusts to the way you choose to play and go through the game, thus making the game more immersive and making the story more personal.

Improved Combat System

The combat system has been refined, making gunplay feel more responsive and satisfying. Enemy AI has also been improved, providing a greater challenge and requiring players to use tactics and strategy rather than simply relying on brute force. Cyberpunk 2077 had the option for brute force from the start, but the improvements on the combat system have made it so more strategic thinking is needed in order to face an enemy.
Gameplay and technical improvements have done a lot to make this game shine. Next, we’ll explore the ways that the story is captivating in this game.

The Narrative and World-Building: A Captivating Story?

One of the strongest aspects of Cyberpunk 2077 is its compelling narrative and rich world-building. Night City is a sprawling metropolis filled with diverse characters, intriguing storylines, and endless opportunities for exploration. Is the story captivating and interesting enough to keep you coming back for more?

Compelling Characters and Storylines

The main storyline of Cyberpunk 2077 is filled with memorable characters, each with their own motivations and backstories. V, the protagonist, is a highly customizable character with whom players can forge a deep connection. Side quests and gigs offer additional opportunities to delve into the lives of Night City’s inhabitants and uncover its hidden secrets. The connections you make along the way will captivate and motivate you to keep coming back for more.

A Living, Breathing World

Night City feels like a living, breathing world, with its vibrant districts, bustling marketplaces, and seedy underbelly. The attention to detail is remarkable, and players can easily get lost exploring the city’s many nooks and crannies. It makes the game so much more fun. The city has become so impressive and immersive.
A panoramic view of Night City at sunset, showcasing its towering skyscrapers, neon lights, and flying vehicles. The sky is ablaze with vibrant colors, and the atmosphere is thick with smog and technological decay. The image captures the essence of the cyberpunk genre.
The graphics have also been dramatically improved.

Visuals and Graphics: A Next-Gen Experience?

Cyberpunk 2077 is a visually stunning game, particularly on high-end PCs and the latest generation of consoles. The level of detail in the environments and character models is remarkable, creating a truly immersive experience. But the game is more than just visuals. The graphics are worth the investment of time and energy.

Ray Tracing and Advanced Technologies

The game supports ray tracing and other advanced graphics technologies, providing realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections. These features enhance the visual fidelity and create a more lifelike world. It is as close to the real thing as you can get. The effects make the gameplay smooth, exciting, and aesthetically pleasing as well.

Artistic Design and Atmosphere

Beyond the technical aspects, Cyberpunk 2077 boasts a unique artistic design that captures the essence of the cyberpunk genre. The neon-lit streets, gritty environments, and futuristic architecture create a distinct atmosphere that is both captivating and unsettling. This genre is one worth pursuing, and CD Projekt Red has done an excellent job immersing the player into this world.
The expansion packs for the game also do a lot to add to the story, and improve it as well.

Expansion Packs and Post-Launch Content

CD Projekt Red has released several expansion packs and content updates for Cyberpunk 2077, adding new storylines, characters, and gameplay features. These additions further enrich the game and provide players with even more reasons to return to Night City. The expansion packs have made this game a better experience for the player.

Phantom Liberty

The Phantom Liberty expansion adds a new district to Night City, along with a thrilling storyline that involves espionage, political intrigue, and high-stakes missions. New, fun storylines, characters, and gameplay features are being added to the game to make it even better for the player.

Additional Content and Updates

In addition to expansion packs, CD Projekt Red has also released numerous free content updates that add new weapons, vehicles, clothing, and customization options. These additions provide players with more ways to personalize their experience and keep the game feeling fresh. These additional pieces of content help Cyberpunk 2077 be something unique, something people appreciate and like.
Are all these updates enough to say the game is worth it?

Final Verdict: Is Cyberpunk 2077 Worth It in 2025?

Given the improvements and additions made since its initial release, Cyberpunk 2077 is now a much more polished and enjoyable experience. While it may not be perfect, the game offers a compelling narrative, immersive world, and engaging gameplay. Here’s what to consider about Cyberpunk 2077.

Pros

  • Compelling narrative and characters
  • Immersive open world with endless opportunities for exploration
  • Improved gameplay mechanics and combat system

Cons

  • Occasional bugs and glitches may still occur
  • Performance may vary depending on the platform

Overall, Cyberpunk 2077 is worth playing in 2025, especially for those who enjoy futuristic RPGs with rich storylines and immersive worlds. Even with the cons, there are going to be bugs and glitches with some games. So don’t let that deter you from playing this game. There is a lot to enjoy about Cyberpunk 2077.

Key Point Brief Description
🎮 Improved Gameplay Skill trees, combat systems, and enemy A.I. have been polished.
🌆 Captivating Story The plot is immersive, the characters exciting, and the world is vast.
✨ Improved Graphics Graphics are sleek and exciting, giving the game a real-world feel.
📜 Expansion Packs Expansion packs improve gameplay and graphics, and make it worth the investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Cyberpunk 2077 improved since its initial launch?

Yes, CD Projekt Red has released numerous patches and updates that have addressed many of the initial issues, improving performance, stability, and gameplay.

What are the major changes in gameplay mechanics?

The skill trees have been reworked, the combat system has been refined, and enemy AI has been improved, providing a more engaging and challenging experience.

Are the visuals and graphics up to par in Cyberpunk 2077?

Yes, Cyberpunk 2077 boasts stunning visuals, particularly on high-end PCs and the latest consoles, with ray tracing and advanced graphics technologies.

What do the expansion packs add to the game?

Expansion packs like Phantom Liberty add new storylines, characters, and gameplay features, further enriching the game and providing more content to explore.

Is Cyberpunk 2077 worth playing in 2025?

Yes, given the improvements and additions, Cyberpunk 2077 is now a worthwhile experience, especially for those who enjoy futuristic RPGs with rich stories and immersive worlds.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cyberpunk 2077 has come a long way since its troubled launch. With significant improvements to stability, gameplay, and graphics, as well as the addition of engaging expansion packs, the game is now a much more enjoyable and immersive experience.

If you’re a fan of futuristic RPGs and are looking for a compelling narrative and a rich open world, Cyberpunk 2077 is definitely worth considering in 2025. While it may not be perfect, the game offers a unique and captivating experience that is sure to keep you engaged.

Maria Eduarda

A journalism student and passionate about communication, she has been working as a content intern for 1 year and 3 months, producing creative and informative texts about decoration and construction. With an eye for detail and a focus on the reader, she writes with ease and clarity to help the public make more informed decisions in their daily lives.