"Cyberpunk 2077" is finally getting its long-awaited system update! CD Projekt Red teases a "current-gen" patch that features ray-tracing improvements. Note that this update also offers a five-hour free trial to new gamers. Now players can see for themselves if they want to play "Cyberpunk 2077" or not.
In an attempt to redeem itself from its controversial backstory, "Cyberpunk 2077" just announced big system changes on Patch 1.5. Developers promised that this patch would address all the previously reported issues alongside a few new upgrades.
'Cyberpunk 2077' Next Gen Update
Developers tweeted the official details for their Patch 1.5. In their post titled "Next-Gen Update - Consoles Performance Overview," both PS5 and Xbox Series X are offered two graphic modes called "performance" and "ray-tracing." Be warned that Xbox Series S will be limited to performance mode only.
And check out the #Cyberpunk2077 performance overview on the Next-Gen consoles: pic.twitter.com/HiJs9eoI8j
— Cyberpunk 2077 (@CyberpunkGame) February 15, 2022
When performance mode is active, players can expect 60 fps with small to rare fps drops. Players can enjoy 4K resolution paired up with medium/halfres SSR quality.
On the flip side, if ray-tracing is active, players can joy 30 fps gameplay. This game mode will still be limited to 4K resolution but with improved shadow renders. Its SSR quality will also shoot up to high/halfres.
Aside from the system changes, "Cyberpunk 2077" also teased a game trailer for its story update.
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'Cyberpunk' Update: PS5 and Xbox Series X Gameplay
Sources from Arstechnica tested this new version of "Cyberpunk 2077." They quickly noted the update takes advantage of current-gen consoles' system "full capabilities with more of a performance payoff."
However, the testers emphasize that "Cyberpunk 2077" raytracing only "applies exclusively to shadows and ambient occlusion." This means the game improved with its visualizations, but not necessarily on its gameplay.
Testers said that "Cyberpunk 2077" at 30 fps delivers "realistic and dynamic shadows." This gives objects some depth by rendering softer light and diffusing the shadows. On the flip side, the game running on 60 fps performance mode suffers from flat and unrealistic renders. At times, some objects completely lose their shadows, which gives an illusion it is "floating" in the 3D space.
Setting aside its visualization issues, "Cyberpunk 2077" also improved its loading time by utilizing current-gen PCI-e 4.0 storage speeds. After the update, it reportedly loads the game within a 3-5 second count, which is significantly lower than the 12-15 second count from previous versions and the 45-60 second count on last-gen consoles.
How To Download 'Cyberpunk 2077' Free 5-Hour Trial
According to IGN, the new "Cyberpunk 2077" should be available at the time of writing. Players using Xbox Series X/S should find the update when they load the game, while PlayStation 5 users have to manually download it from their account library.
Be warned that the update is a huge 50 GB file, so prepare the internet connection ahead of time!
The "Cyberpunk 2077" 5-hour free trial should also be available starting Tuesday, Feb 15. Players can download the free trial from the PS Store or Xbox Store.
