Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.21 and the Future of Night City
In a surprising turn of events, Cyberpunk 2077 has not only survived the storm of its tumultuous launch but is now thriving with the release of its latest update, Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.21. This patch, released on January 23, 2025, brings significant technical enhancements and signals CD Projekt Red’s continued commitment to the game, even as they shift focus to new projects like The Witcher 4. Here’s a deep dive into what this update means for players and the future of this expansive cyberpunk universe.
Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.21: A Technical Renaissance
Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.21 introduces cutting-edge support for DLSS 4 on PC, enhancing visual fidelity while improving performance. This update specifically targets RTX users, offering Ray Reconstruction enhancements that reduce visual artifacts and improve image quality. Players with GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs can now enjoy Multi Frame Generation, which boosts FPS by up to three times per traditionally rendered frame. Additionally, the new Transformer model for DLSS improves stability, lighting, and motion detail.
For console players, the patch includes fixes for SmartFrames on Xbox and improvements to Photo Mode across all platforms. Photo Mode now allows for more creative freedom, with fixes for character presets, camera movement, and background settings. These updates underscore CD Projekt Red’s dedication to polishing Night City, even years after its initial release, ensuring players can enjoy the game at its best.
Sales and Community Response
Despite its rocky start, Cyberpunk 2077 has seen an astonishing recovery, selling over 30 million copies worldwide. Its expansion, Phantom Liberty, has also been a massive success, selling over 8 million copies. The game’s player base remains vibrant, with impressive concurrent player counts and ongoing community engagement.
The resurgence of Cyberpunk 2077 can be attributed to its narrative depth, gameplay improvements, and the loyalty of its community. Updates like Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.21 keep the game fresh and relevant, ensuring players continue to explore the neon-lit streets of Night City.
What’s New in Update 2.21?
Here are some of the most notable changes introduced in Update 2.21:
Photo Mode Enhancements
- Characters like Nibbles and Adam Smasher can now be spawned while V is in the air or water.
- Fixed issues with character presets, facial expressions, and camera settings.
- Improved functionality for saving and loading presets, ensuring a smoother experience.
Vehicle Customization
- Fixed texture and color inconsistencies for vehicles with CrystalCoat applied.
- Resolved UI issues in the CrystalCoat and TwinTone menus.
Character Creation
- Randomizer settings are now preserved after advancing to the Customize Attributes step.
- Fixed issues with appearance options, visual clipping, and inconsistent UI behavior.
Miscellaneous Fixes
- Resolved issues with NPC and vehicle behavior in various events.
- Fixed bugs related to Johnny Silverhand’s appearances during quests.
- Improved voiceovers for TV news channels and fixed vendor interaction issues.
What’s Next for Cyberpunk 2077?
While Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.21 might be one of the last significant updates for the game, CD Projekt Red is already pivoting to new projects. The studio has confirmed work on “Orion,” the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, as well as other new IPs.
This suggests that while the current chapter of Night City might be closing, the story of this cyberpunk universe is far from over. However, the absence of new content beyond technical updates raises questions about whether this truly marks the end of active development or if CD Projekt Red has more surprises in store for fans.
Last word
Cyberpunk 2077 has transformed from a cautionary tale of game launches to a testament of redemption and player loyalty. With Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.21, CD Projekt Red has not only addressed technical issues but has also reaffirmed their commitment to their player base.
As the studio looks to the future with new games on the horizon, Cyberpunk 2077 remains a beacon of what perseverance and passion can achieve in the gaming world. Whether this update marks the end or the beginning of another chapter in Night City’s saga, one thing is clear—the journey of V and the exploration of Night City’s neon-lit streets continue to captivate players around the globe.
Test Your Knowledge!
Think you know everything about Cyberpunk 2077 and its latest updates? Take this Cyberpunk 2077 Trivia Quiz and prove you’re the ultimate choom! From the game’s rocky launch to its triumphant comeback, see how much you really know about Night City and its secrets.
Will you ace it, or will you need a quick trip to the Ripperdoc for a memory upgrade?