Feature · 6 min read
Cyberpunk 2077 in 2026: Is It Finally the Game We Were Promised
Years after its rocky launch, Cyberpunk has changed dramatically. Here is how the game stands today.
By Divik · Published
Cyberpunk 2077's launch was a disaster. Performance issues, bugs, and missing features made headlines. Sony pulled it from the PlayStation Store. CD Projekt Red's reputation took a hit.
Years later, the situation has changed. Multiple major updates and the Phantom Liberty expansion have transformed the game. Is it now what players expected at launch?
The Fixes
Update after update addressed problems:
Performance - The game runs reasonably on current hardware. Last-gen consoles are still rough, but PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X offer stable experiences.
Bugs - Most game-breaking issues are gone. You might still encounter weirdness, but nothing like launch. Playing through the story is now reliable.
AI Improvements - Police no longer spawn behind you instantly. NPCs behave more believably. Driving AI is better. These were major complaints that took time to address.
Quality of Life - New features like an improved transmog system, apartment customization, and vehicle combat make the moment-to-moment experience better.
Phantom Liberty
The expansion added substantial content. A new district, new storyline with Idris Elba, and significant gameplay changes came together as a separate experience rivaling the quality of The Witcher 3's expansions.
If you buy Cyberpunk now, you get years of improvements plus an expansion that represents CD Projekt at their best. The total package is significantly more complete than what launched.
What Works
Night City remains the star. The city design is exceptional. Exploring streets and alleys reveals detail and atmosphere unmatched in open-world games.
Story and characters hold up. The main narrative, particularly the relationship with Johnny Silverhand, lands emotionally. Side quests often surprise with depth and consequences.
Combat has more variety now. Builds feel distinct. Stealth, hacking, and gunplay all work as primary playstyles. The RPG systems that seemed shallow have more impact.
What Still Falls Short
Cyberpunk is not a life simulator. Features like meaningful gang relationships, apartment variety, and dynamic world events remain limited compared to what was marketed.
The open world can feel static. Beyond scripted content, emergent gameplay is limited. Once you finish quests, the city becomes a backdrop rather than a living place.
Multiplayer never happened. CDPR abandoned those plans entirely. If you wanted an online Night City experience, it is not coming.
Should You Play Now
If you wanted Cyberpunk at launch and held off, the answer is probably yes. The game available now is dramatically better. Combine it with Phantom Liberty for the best experience.
If you played at launch and bounced, returning is worthwhile. Changes are significant enough to warrant a fresh start.
If you want a GTA-style sandbox with deep systemic gameplay, adjust expectations. Cyberpunk is more of a narrative-driven RPG in an open world than a true sandbox.
Looking Forward
CD Projekt is working on a sequel. They have also announced new Witcher projects. Cyberpunk 2077 received its final major update. What exists now is the finished version.
The redemption arc worked. Cyberpunk 2077 is now remembered as a good game with a terrible launch, rather than a failure. That is a significant achievement.
Our Take
Cyberpunk 2077 in 2026 delivers on much of its original promise. Night City is worth exploring. The story is worth experiencing. Just understand it is an improved version of a flawed game, not a reinvention.
If you have Game Pass or find it on sale, absolutely try it. At this point, it is easy to recommend with appropriate caveats.
