Is Cyberpunk Worth It On Ps5 In 2023?
In the world of video games, few titles have been as hyped yet divisive as Cyberpunk 2077.
After years of anticipation, its launch in late 2020 was plagued by bugs and performance issues, especially on consoles like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Yes, Cyberpunk 2077 is worth playing on PS5 in 2023 due to major improvements via patches and the next-gen power of the PS5.
In this guide, we’ll cover why Cyberpunk 2077 plays significantly better on PS5 compared to PS4.
We’ll also dive into what gameplay improvements have been made since launch via patches, free DLC, and the 1.6 expansion.
Lastly, we’ll outline if you should play on PS5 or consider other platforms like PC.
Cyberpunk 2077’s Performance Issues on PS4
When Cyberpunk 2077 was released in 2020, it was one of the most highly anticipated games of the decade.
However, the excitement quickly turned into disappointment for many PlayStation 4 owners.
The game’s performance on the PS4 was plagued with several issues that affected the overall gameplay experience.
Long load times
One of the major issues players encountered on the PS4 version of Cyberpunk 2077 was the excessively long load times.
Loading screens seemed to drag on for minutes, which not only disrupted the flow of the game but also tested the patience of players.
This was particularly frustrating when transitioning between different areas or loading saved games.
Frequent crashes and bugs
Another significant problem that players faced on the PS4 version of Cyberpunk 2077 were frequent crashes and bugs.
The game would unexpectedly freeze or crash, forcing players to restart and potentially lose progress.
Additionally, players encountered numerous glitches and graphical errors, which further detracted from the immersive experience the game was supposed to provide.
Poor frame rate and graphical fidelity
The PS4 version of Cyberpunk 2077 also suffered from poor frame rates and lower graphical fidelity compared to its counterparts on more advanced gaming systems.
The game often struggled to maintain a smooth frame rate, resulting in stuttering and choppy gameplay.
Furthermore, the graphics on the PS4 version were noticeably downgraded in order to ensure the game could run on the older hardware.
What Makes Cyberpunk Better on PS5
Significantly faster load times
One of the major advantages of playing Cyberpunk on the PS5 is the significantly faster load times.
With the powerful hardware and solid-state drive (SSD) of the PS5, players can expect a much smoother and seamless gaming experience.
Long gone are the days of waiting for minutes on end for the game to load.
Now, you can jump into Night City in a matter of seconds, allowing you to spend more time immersed in the game world and less time staring at loading screens.
More stable framerate up to 60fps
Another improvement that the PS5 brings to Cyberpunk is a more stable framerate.
The PS5’s powerful CPU and GPU enable the game to run at a smooth 60 frames per second, providing a more fluid and immersive gameplay experience.
This enhanced performance allows for better responsiveness and precision during combat sequences and exploration, making Cyberpunk on the PS5 a joy to play.
Higher resolution and graphical settings
The PS5’s advanced hardware capabilities also allow for higher resolution and graphical settings in Cyberpunk.
With support for 4K resolution and ray tracing technology, the game looks stunningly beautiful on the PS5.
The detailed textures, realistic lighting, and lifelike reflections enhance the overall visual fidelity, bringing Night City to life in ways previously unimaginable.
Playing Cyberpunk on the PS5 truly showcases the game’s breathtaking visuals and immersive atmosphere.
Far fewer bugs/crashes
While Cyberpunk had a rocky launch on previous-generation consoles, the PS5 version benefits from the numerous patches and updates that have been released since then.
As a result, players can expect far fewer bugs and crashes on the PS5, leading to a more stable and enjoyable gaming experience.
CD Projekt Red has worked tirelessly to address the issues that plagued the game’s initial release, and playing on the PS5 ensures that you can fully appreciate the game without frustrating technical hiccups.
Utilizes DualSense controller features
The PS5’s DualSense controller features innovative haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, which can greatly enhance the gameplay experience in Cyberpunk.
The haptic feedback allows players to feel a greater sense of immersion by providing subtle vibrations and tactile sensations that correspond to in-game actions and events.
The adaptive triggers, on the other hand, offer varying levels of resistance, adding a new layer of realism and immersion to actions like pulling back a bowstring or firing a weapon.
These features make playing Cyberpunk on the PS5 a truly next-level experience.
Free next-gen upgrade for PS4 owners
If you already own Cyberpunk on the PS4, you’ll be pleased to know that CD Projekt Red is offering a free next-gen upgrade for PS5.
This means that you can enjoy all the benefits of playing Cyberpunk on the PS5 without having to purchase the game again.
The free upgrade ensures that you can take full advantage of the PS5’s hardware capabilities and enjoy the game in its best possible form, making it a great incentive for PS4 owners to dive back into Night City.
Gameplay Improvements and Content Additions Since Launch
Hundreds of bugs/glitches fixed
When Cyberpunk 2077 was released, it faced criticism for its numerous bugs and glitches that affected the overall gaming experience.
However, since then, the developers have been hard at work addressing these issues.
Through a series of updates and patches, they have fixed hundreds of bugs and glitches, resulting in a much smoother and more enjoyable gameplay experience.
Players can now dive into Night City without worrying about game-breaking issues or frustrating glitches that hindered their progress.
Refined police and driving AI
One of the major complaints players had about Cyberpunk 2077’s launch was the police and driving AI.
Police would often appear out of thin air and pursue players relentlessly, even for minor infractions. Additionally, driving mechanics felt clunky and unnatural.
However, since the game’s release, the developers have made significant improvements to the police and driving AI.
Police response has been fine-tuned to be more realistic and balanced, providing a more immersive experience.
The driving mechanics have also been refined, resulting in smoother controls and a more enjoyable driving experience throughout Night City.
These improvements have been well-received by the player community, who have praised the developers for listening to their feedback and actively working to enhance the game’s mechanics.
Better crafting and abilities balance
In addition to addressing technical issues, the developers of Cyberpunk 2077 have also focused on balancing the game’s crafting and abilities systems.
At launch, players found some crafting recipes to be overpowered, while certain abilities were underwhelming or ineffective.
Through updates and patches, the developers have made adjustments to ensure a more balanced gameplay experience.
Crafting recipes have been tweaked to provide a fair challenge, while also rewarding players for their efforts.
Abilities have been reworked and balanced to offer viable options for different playstyles, allowing players to fully customize their character’s skills and abilities.
These changes have brought more depth and variety to the gameplay, enabling players to approach challenges in different ways and enhance their overall gaming experience.
Quality of life UI/UX changes
Another area that has seen significant improvements in Cyberpunk 2077 since its launch is the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX).
The initial UI was criticized for being cluttered and unintuitive, making it challenging for players to navigate and access important information.
However, the developers have made several quality of life changes to enhance the UI/UX. These include improved menu layouts, clearer indicators, and easier access to key features and information.
The result is a more streamlined and user-friendly interface that allows players to navigate Night City with ease.
Players have appreciated these changes, as they have made the game more accessible and enjoyable, eliminating frustration and enhancing immersion.
Free DLC expansions add new missions
As a testament to their commitment to improving the game, the developers of Cyberpunk 2077 have released free DLC expansions that introduce new missions and content.
These expansions provide players with additional gameplay experiences and further opportunities to explore Night City.
Players can expect to embark on new quests, encounter unique characters, and delve deeper into the rich lore of Cyberpunk 2077.
These free DLC expansions have been well-received by the community, as they offer exciting new content at no additional cost.
Patch 1.6 ‘Edgerunners’ update
One of the major updates for Cyberpunk 2077 is the highly anticipated Patch 1.6, also known as the ‘Edgerunners’ update.
This update brings a plethora of new features, improvements, and bug fixes to the game.
Players can expect enhanced visuals, optimized performance, and additional gameplay enhancements.
The ‘Edgerunners’ update is a significant step towards refining and improving the overall Cyberpunk 2077 experience, addressing player concerns, and further establishing the game as a must-play title on the PS5.
Next-gen only expansion in 2023
In an exciting announcement, the developers of Cyberpunk 2077 have revealed plans for a next-gen only expansion set to release in 2023.
This expansion will take full advantage of the capabilities of the PS5, offering enhanced visuals, improved performance, and new gameplay features.
While specific details about the expansion are yet to be revealed, players can look forward to an even more immersive and thrilling experience in Night City.
This expansion serves as a testament to the ongoing dedication of the developers to provide a top-notch gaming experience for Cyberpunk 2077 players.
Should You Play on PS5 or Consider Other Platforms?
With the release of Cyberpunk 2077, gamers around the world have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to dive into the futuristic world of Night City.
However, with the game’s troubled launch on older consoles like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, many players are wondering if it’s worth playing on the next-gen consoles like the PS5.
PS5 offers the best console experience
If you’re a console gamer and own a PS5, you’re in luck. The PS5 version of Cyberpunk 2077 has seen significant improvements over its last-gen counterpart.
With faster load times, improved graphics, and smoother gameplay, the PS5 provides the most immersive and enjoyable experience for Cyberpunk fans.
The game takes full advantage of the PS5’s powerful hardware, delivering stunning visuals and a more stable framerate.
PC has the potential for higher performance
While the PS5 provides an excellent console experience, PC gamers have the advantage of customization and potentially higher performance.
With a high-end gaming rig, you can push the graphical settings to the max and enjoy Cyberpunk 2077 in all its glory.
Additionally, PC players have access to mods and community-created content, expanding the game’s longevity and replayability.
Xbox Series X/S also improved over last-gen
For Xbox players, the next-gen consoles, Xbox Series X and S, also offer a significant improvement over their predecessors.
With faster load times, improved visuals, and better performance, playing Cyberpunk 2077 on Xbox Series X or S will provide a smoother and more enjoyable experience compared to the last-gen Xbox One.
While not as powerful as the PS5, Xbox Series X/S still offer a great way to experience the game.
Upcoming PS5/Xbox expansion not on PC (yet)
One advantage of playing Cyberpunk 2077 on consoles is the upcoming expansion that will be exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
While it’s not available on PC yet, this expansion promises to add new content and features to the game, giving console players even more reasons to choose the PS5 or Xbox Series X/S as their platform of choice.
Console or PC – Cyberpunk plays best on newer hardware
Ultimately, whether you choose to play Cyberpunk 2077 on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, or PC, the game will play best on newer hardware.
The next-gen consoles and high-end gaming PCs are designed to handle the demanding graphics and gameplay of Cyberpunk 2077, providing a smoother and more immersive experience.
So, if you have the option, it’s recommended to play on the latest hardware available.
Conclusion
While the launch of Cyberpunk 2077 was one of the most controversial in gaming history, the game has dramatically improved over time through patches, upgrades, and additions of new content across all platforms.
On PS5 specifically, the experience is elevated to where the game properly achieves its true next-gen potential.
For PlayStation fans, Cyberpunk 2077 absolutely delivers an immersive, satisfying open-world RPG on par with top PS5 titles when played on new hardware.
It stands tall among the best cyberpunk and sci-fi games available today.
