While the game’s 2021 launch was underwhelming, CD Projekt Red decided to not just move on to their next game and instead have spent the last few years building up to a state more akin to where it should have been. September 2023 is the merging points for a number of initiatives implemented by the development team – through community engagement, updates and expansions. Scroll down to read all the latest updates:
New Radio Station Feat. Community Made Songs
Alongside all the other updates being made to Cyberpunk 2077, developer CD Projekt RED has been working with the game’s community to create a new radio station in Night City – titled 89.7 Growl FM. 89.7 Growl FM, presented by DJ Ash (voiced by Sasha Grey), is one of three new stations introduced into the game’s Version 2.0 update, and will feature 14 music tracks whittled down from nearly 8000 entries submitted by the Cyberpunk 2077 community.
To coincide with it being made available, a 45-minute behind-the-scenes documentary dubbed ‘The Making of 89.7 Growl FM’ has been released (above). This video shows footage surrounding the creation of the station, includes talks with the representatives from CD PROJEKT RED who were in charge of the Growl FM competition as well as those responsible for choosing the winners, including composers P.T. Adamczyk (Cyberpunk 2077, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners) and Marcin Przybyłowicz (The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Cyberpunk 2077). The documentary is in English with subtitles available in a variety of languages
Cyberpunk 2077 Version 2.0 Now Live
While it has been much longer than expected for a Version 2.0 of Cyberpunk 2077 to go live given its initial roadmaps, those playing the PC, PlaStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S versions of Cyberpunk 2077 can now download the free update and explore the new improvements and updates to Night City. According to CD Projekt Red, the key features of the update include:
Among the most significant gameplay overhauls featured in Updated 2.0 are skill trees and perks, which have been completely reworked. Many entirely new skills are now available in the game, adding exciting abilities that open up new ways to play. The new trees have been designed to bring even more freedom to players, allowing them to easily and intuitively build unique and effective playstyles.
Another vital addition to the game is the revamped cyberware system — with cyberware now responsible for armor. However, that’s not all — a system of cyberware limit tied to the character’s level has also been introduced in Update 2.0. Thanks to those changes, each visit to the ripperdoc now requires a more strategic approach, which brings even more variety to the gameplay.
A brand new addition to the game is vehicle combat — enabling the use of weapons and quickhacks while controlling a vehicle. Players can now fire guns freely while driving, use katanas on motorcycles, take remote control of enemy cars and detonate them, and participate in dynamic chases all over Night City.
Going hand in hand with vehicle combat is a new police system, which now features improved AI and operates under a new threat escalation system. NCPD forces now react appropriately to the player’s behavior on the streets and, depending on the heat level, will show more determination and use new means of fighting the threat, such as barricades. At the highest heat level, a real challenge awaits players — MaxTac. Each clash with this elite NCPD unit is a dynamic and highly demanding boss battle.
New Live Action Trailer for Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
After 2 years, gamers are finally getting some new meaty content to sink their teeth into via Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. This is primed to be a spy-thriller expansion to the original base game, boasting features such as a new adventure set around V being a cyber-enhanced mercenary, a new area dubbed ‘Dogtown” and more.
Coinciding with the game’s imminent release, CD Projekt RED shared this new live action trailer titled All In, featuring Idris Elba who portrays the character Solomon Reed in the expansion. In the trailer, Idris Elba tells the audience how to survive Night City — a megalopolis where you are stacked against dangerous criminals, corrupted politicians, and powerful arms dealers. The trailer consists of live-action footage and gameplay clips, and seeks to capture “the high-octane gameplay of Phantom Liberty“.
