Cyberpunk 2077: What The 2.0 Update Changes And Adds

Cyberpunk 2077 was one of, if not, the most anticipated games we’ve seen in the last decade. An action-adventure RPG that promises a massive bustling futuristic city which allows users to roam free and explore a world where people can enhance their bodies. Close to the release of the game, 2077 had several delays which spurred on discussion if the game is ready to ship. And when the final release date rolled around, fans got their answers. Even CD Project Red created an incredibly advanced city, with adult themes and a storyline which took place across ‘Night City’, the problems were too much of a distraction.

Bugs, glitches and technical problems were undeniable, especially for old-gen console users. Although some users said they didn’t experience many bugs, the majority of people did experience them at some level. And so, the Cyberpunk 2077 launch was stated as a buggy mess instead of a game which has a bright future ahead of it.

Three years later, the 2.0 update was released. It promised a game overhaul of many mechanics that were lacklustre or underwhelming. Couple this with major bug fixes and a whole new DLC story alongside it, it’s safe to say that hardcore fans were excited. There has been a significant jump in player numbers since the update; stagnating at a higher number than it has been for a long time. Here is everything update 2.0 brings to the table!

DLC – Phantom Liberty

Phantom Liberty is the first new piece of story content since the release of the game and sees V explore a new area of Night City: Dog Town. The DLC is marketed as a Spy-thriller adventure making it feel like you’re playing a whole new game when you sink your teeth into the story. V’s goal is to take on a mission by an experienced Netrunner to save the NUSA president. Phantom Liberty is said to bring a new twist to Cyberpunk pulling in aspects of espionage and intrigue.

As you play through this new Spy story, you’ll meet various new allies, however, what makes this story different to the main content is the choice the player has to make. Some allies have different agendas, and V will have to pick his allies carefully to both save the President and make sure he sees the mission through to have a chance of being saved.

Perk Tree

The skill system has had a whole new overhaul containing fewer perks. However, these perks will feel more impactful through gameplay, something the earlier build did not effectively provide. News perks have been introduced, especially ones that relate to the Edgeurnners – the Cyberpunk-inspired anime. You will be able to upgrade attributes, such as Body and Cool attributes, however, you will only be able to reset these once. The skills and perks you spend with points you get from levelling can be refunded at any time allowing you to customise to your everchanging builds and playstyle.

Police System and Car Chases

The Police in Night City was one of the mechanics that was complained about the most. The 2.0 update has completely changed how the NCPD reacts and behaves to the user’s actions. There is now a GTA-like wanted level, in which the quantity and strength of the NCPD change with each new level. After a player reaches wanted level 5, MaxTac will arrive and prove a massive challenge for the player to survive.

If you compare this to how the police acted in the original build, this is a huge and needed overhaul for immersion in Night City.

A lot of the time, Police will chase the player in police cars, so the new police system has been paired with upgraded vehicle combat. The player will now be able to commence vehicle shootouts and chases, where vehicles have durabilities and tires can be shot or slashed. Perks in the skill tree can also enhance combat in your vehicles such as; quickhacking vehicles, ejecting from vehicles, increased damage in vehicles and the use of sandevistan to slow down time whilst being chased.

Cyberware

The Cyberware mechanic has been enhanced as well providing new cyberware options and the benefits you get from equipping them. Armour is directly provided by equipping Cyberware and the user can only equip a limited amount of Cyberware dependent on their Cyberware Capacity. This is essential for key story details on the topic of Cyber psychos. If you go over the capacity you might be at risk of getting Cyber Psychosis. A late-game perk allows the player to go over this capacity, a perk directly linked to the character David in “Edgerunners”.

Going to a Ripperdoc has become more immersive as well. The player will be asked to sit in the chair and different animations performed on them depending on what kind of cyberware they bought.

Finally, the 2.0 Update has also introduced new weapons, Vehicles and Netrunning abilities, and so it’s best to start a new game to experience the update in its entirety.

How about you? Have you played the new Update? Do you like Phantom Liberty? We’d love to hear from you.

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