Cyberpunk 2077's 8 Biggest Changes Since Its Disastrous Launch

For those who’ve heard unfavorable comments about Cyberpunk 2077 since its release, it’s important to understand that the game has been rectified. By now, the numerous updates over the past four years have restored Cyberpunk 2077 to its original vision by CD Projekt RED. As of 2025, there is no doubt that Cyberpunk 2077 lives up to every expectation it set out to meet.

If you’re a fan looking back at the major transformations since the initial release of Cyberpunk 2077 (version 1.0), or if you’re curious about how this game has progressed over time and want to experience it yourself, taking a look at the journey from version 1.0 to the present day is definitely worth your while. This will help you understand what features were missing upon release, and what additions and improvements have been made in the five years that followed.

8. Purchasable Apartments

4 New Apartments With Distinct Styles

Added in: Patch 1.5
Date Added: February 15, 2022

With Update 1.5, the option to buy new apartments was introduced. Previously confined to his apartment in Megabuilding H10, Little China, Watson, V gained the liberty to invest their accumulated Eurodollars into some impressive new penthouses and apartments scattered throughout Night City. The addition of four new apartments didn’t come without a cost, but they boasted a unique visual aesthetic for each.

Although the newly built apartments lacked V’s pets and personal items, they offered distinct perks such as the Roach Race arcade game. Noteworthy apartments, like the Corpo Plaza Apartment in the city center, provided an excellent opportunity to showcase the eddies earned by V and enjoy stunning vistas and modern living spaces.

7. The Complete Overhaul of the Night City Police Department

Police Chases, Battles with MaxTac, and Active Patrols

Added in: Patch 2.0
Date Added: September 14, 2023

In Patch 2.0, gamers can now immerse themselves in an authentic wanted-by-the-police system from the NCPD, a feature long anticipated by players. Previously, in version 1.0 of Cyberpunk 2077, the police were scarcely noticeable, raising questions about Night City’s lawlessness or poor implementation. However, with Patch 2.0, players can find themselves in some tense encounters with the authorities.

Police may engage in car pursuits with a character referred to as V, and the severity of the situation for V can escalate based on the police’s chosen level, with more serious consequences occurring at higher levels. To increase the excitement, tension, and enjoyment, a 5-star wanted level would bring in MaxTac, transforming the chase into a sort of boss battle where players could determine their ability to challenge the law and emerge victorious.

6. An Array of New Vehicles

Alter Vehicle Colors with CrystalCoat and Enjoy New Vehicles

Added in: Patch 2.2
Date Added: December 10, 2024

In the game “Cyberpunk 2077”, the 2.2 Patch stands out as its most impressive vehicle-related update so far. This patch not only added a host of new cars to the game, expanding V’s garage even more, but it also allowed players to customize their vehicles with an extensive range of paint jobs from a diverse color palette, one of the broadest available in the market.

A multitude of drivers took advantage of the fresh CrystalCoat option, enabling a vast number of cars belonging to V to transform their hues, making V’s vehicle more noticeable in Night City. With numerous upgrades such as version 2.2 at hand, V now possessed a wide selection of vehicles to acquire from Autofixer, ensuring no two rides for V would ever be the same.

5. Hang Out With Romance Partners

Invite Romances on Apartment Dates

Added in: Patch 2.1
Date Added: December 5, 2023

In Night City’s vibrant landscape, the multiple romantic entanglements V can weave within Cyberpunk 2077 significantly enhance the game’s thrill and immersive experience. Regardless of a player’s preferred romantic interest, V could share an intimate moment with them, only to possibly never cross paths again – until Patch 2.1. Now, players have the option to bring their romantic partners home for some quality time at their apartments (with the exception of Dogtown).

As a gamer, no matter if I picked Kerry, Judy, River, or Panam, I got the chance to savor some special, one-on-one time with the character that tugged at my heartstrings the most. The romantic options might not have let us dance the night away in Night City, but they certainly opened up opportunities for us to cozy up in their apartments, sharing tender moments and intimate connections.

4. Reworked RPG-Like Cyberware

New and Improved Cyberware Systems for An RPG Experience

Added in: Patch 2.0
Date Added: September 14, 2023

In the initial release (Version 1.0) of Cyberpunk 2077, the importance of Cyberware in shaping powerful character versions of V was evident. This demonstrated how Ripperdocs could assist in building a chrome-enhanced monster that offered V increased damage and passive bonuses and stats. However, Patch 2.0 took this integration a step further by refining the Cyberware system to seamlessly merge it with role-playing game (RPG) crafting elements for an even more immersive experience.

In the updated version of Cyberware, armor became the main feature for players, rendering clothing unnecessary, allowing them to wear any aesthetic items they preferred. This change meant that players could now prioritize appearance over just using items with the best stats. Players can now use Cyberware to customize their V into an impeccable mercenary, while being mindful of their Cyberware Capacity to avoid exceeding it and transforming into a cyberpsycho.

3. Riding the Night City Metro System

The NCART Was a Beloved Cut Feature, That Returned For Immersion

Added in: Patch 2.1
Date Added: December 5, 2023

In earlier versions of Night City, observing the numerous train lines carried a sense of emptiness, as it was once expanded content that seemed to serve as a persistent reminder of what might have been. Yet, with Patch 2.1, the NCART system was added to Cyberpunk 2077, allowing players to hop on the Night City Area Rapid Transit and experience both the thrills and tribulations of public transportation for themselves.

Each NCART station offers a distinct ambiance, and every train car offers its own set of intriguing characters, including a rather gloomy Johnny. This allows players to delve deeper into the everyday life of Night City. Although this change didn’t completely overhaul the game, it demonstrates CD Projekt RED’s commitment to keeping their promises to fans by providing an enhanced gaming experience.

2. Entirely Revamped Perk System

New Abilities Created Amazingly Detailed Builds for V

Added in: Patch 2.0
Date Added: September 14, 2023

With Update 2.0, the Character Traits and Skills system underwent a significant overhaul, offering a greater depth of detail and incorporating more role-playing game mechanics for crafting an optimized character, V. Players now have numerous skill branches to explore using their Attribute Points, and with this update, these Skills were completely redesigned and refined to unlock immense potential.

In Patch 2.0, every build has the chance to become extraordinary, allowing players to craft exceptional and distinctive ones that can be displayed among other gamers. The upgraded Perks in Cyberpunk 2077 significantly set it apart as a remarkable open-world RPG.

1. The Phantom Liberty Expansion

An Expansion That Told Further Incredible Stories in Dogtown and Night City

Added in: Patch 2.0
Date Added: September 26, 2023

After the initial launch of Cyberpunk 2077 version 1.0, Phantom Liberty was a much-needed breath of fresh air by CD Projekt RED. It served as the Cyberpunk 2077 equivalent of The Witcher 3: Blood & Wine, and it undeniably lived up to expectations. Phantom Liberty offered a captivating new experience within Cyberpunk 2077 that flawlessly integrated itself into the story. It subtly merged with the original narrative, adding espionage missions and intriguing characters of its own.

Players will find fresh tasks, jobs, assignments, and a whole new district of Night City to discover called Dogtown, within the expanded world of Phantom Liberty. The level of detail in Phantom Liberty’s design is astounding, making it an exciting experience for those playing on PC, Xbox Series X|S, or PS5 versions of Cyberpunk 2077. This additional content is highly recommended for anyone who owns the game, as it deepens the storylines involving V and Johnny Silverhand, as well as their ethical dilemmas in working for NUSA and Idris Elba’s character, Solomon Reed.

2025-01-20 19:37

Cyberpunk 2077’s 8 Biggest Changes Since Its Disastrous Launch