Cyberpunk 2077’s Patch 2.3 is Here and It’s Another Excellent Overhaul

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The new update for Cyberpunk 2077 is now available on Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC platforms today (Nintendo Switch users will have to wait a bit longer). If you find yourself perplexed by this, don’t worry. CD Projekt RED had previously announced that they would no longer provide support for the game. The expansion called Phantom Liberty was launched together with the 2.0 overhaul in 2023; Patch 2.1 introduced the metro system and numerous improvements to the overall experience; and it appeared as though the redemption arc had come full circle, approximately three years after the initial release.

Instead, the team chose not to stop there and collaborated with Virtuos for Patch 2.2. This update was launched unexpectedly in December, introducing the exciting new feature of customizing your vehicle colors using Rayfield CrystalCoat. The Photo Mode underwent a significant revamp, offering features like full collision, camera locking, and adding light sources. The character creator saw a significant expansion with the addition of fresh eye colors, face scars, and new face cyberware options. To top it off, once you’ve advanced far enough in the storyline, Johnny Silverhand can accompany you during your drives.

In essence, what’s new with Patch 2.3? It appears to be quite alike to Patch 2.2, but there’s a catch: it offers even more ways to enhance the gaming experience for both seasoned and novice players, making exploration more immersive than ever.

Among the notable additions to the game, one feature that I find surprising it didn’t have before now stands out: AutoDrive. Now, you can input a destination or choose a task, and V’s vehicle will navigate there autonomously (following traffic regulations, ideally). In case of an attack, you’ll need to stop, but otherwise, this feature allows for effortless transition between tasks like responding to an NCPD call, accepting a new gig, or spotting a cyberpsycho – all while traveling smoothly.

In addition, you can hail a Delamain taxi and let it take you to your chosen location. You can ride either by yourself or with Johnny. This extra feature caters to fans who might have desired to reconnect with Delamain after his assignment’s conclusion. While AutoDrive is available, having this option adds a touch of charm. It’s as if the world in Cyberpunk 2077 continues to develop in its unique manner.

Irrespective of whether you choose to drive yourself (AutoDrive) or hail a cab, there’s a captivating camera system that offers various viewpoints as you smoothly traverse Night City. Consider it an option to constantly gazing from first or third-person perspectives, allowing for a more detailed exploration of your surroundings. However, if you wish to continuously scrutinize the city while in motion, AutoDrive allows for just that too.

If you’re in need of some fresh rides to explore with, we’ve got four new additions for you: the Yaiba ARV-Q340 Semimaru from the comic Cyberpunk 2077, known as Kickdown; the Rayfield Caliburn “Mordred”; the Yaiba ASM-R250 Muramasa motorcycle; and the Chevillon Legatus 450 Aquila truck. You can unlock new side missions for three of these vehicles by finishing existing tasks or activities, or in the case of the Muramasa, owning a Yaiba vehicle, completing a Reported Crime, and purchasing three other vehicles from Autofixer. Unlike the Muramasa, you can directly buy the Aquila from Autofixer without completing any associated gig. Though it’s not a massive amount of new storyline content, I’d still prefer to have them over nothing at all.

As a dedicated fan, I’m thrilled to share that my beloved CrystalCoat has received some fantastic upgrades! Now, I can personalize an even broader range of vehicles, including motorcycles, which was long overdue. Interestingly, they’ve found a way for ‘entry-level’ vehicles to utilize a slightly flawed version, featuring a glitchy screen. It would have been sufficient to incorporate this as a feature, but I admire the additional thought put into giving it a lore-based explanation.

In simpler terms, users of the Photo Mode feature are reaping significant benefits from the latest updates. These additions include 27 new characters (ranging from Rita Wheeler of The Mox to assorted fixers and the Cassel twins), whose wardrobes can be customized; settings for altering time and weather conditions (perhaps even adding a touch of acid rain for extra flair); and Game Speed, which allows for natural gameplay speed or fast-forwarding for stunning time-lapse effects. Although I’m not an avid Photo Mode fan myself, I appreciate the creativity shown by fans in their shots, and providing them with more tools to experiment is a wonderful thing.

Regarding graphical features, AMD FSR 4 compatibility has been introduced, though its full implementation will require a future release of the relevant AMD driver. On the positive note, AMD FSR Frame Generation 3.1 is accessible now and can be utilized alongside any upscaler. Moreover, Intel GPU users can benefit from XeSS 2.0 and XeSS Frame Generation along with HDR10+ Gaming support immediately. Players on PS5, Xbox Series X/S will appreciate the addition of Variable Refresh Rate support too.

Upon contemplating the overall picture, one might question the significance of these aspects because, as of now, there’s no planned PS5 Pro support from CD Projekt RED. Furthermore, New Game Plus remains unavailable, and certain fans seem to desire a third-person camera option. However, the most noteworthy point is that there are no new quests or stories to explore, which I can understand given the anticipation for fresh content.

It’s truly impressive that CD Projekt RED is still dedicating resources to support the game, especially considering they started working on Project Orion, its sequel, two years ago. What makes it even more laudable is their commitment to implementing long-desired features by the community. For instance, AutoDrive might seem insignificant to some, but for players like me who’ve restarted the game multiple times across various platforms (and I can’t stress enough that I don’t recommend this!), having AutoDrive available while completing Regina’s gigs in Watson would have been a game-changer. Additionally, new vehicles and the upscaling/console VRR options are always welcome additions, as they cater to players who want to experience the game optimally according to their individual preferences.

Without a doubt, enhancements such as these significantly enrich the atmosphere of Night City, simultaneously resolving any remaining issues and bugs, thus providing an exceptional experience for novice gamers. Even though I’ve had my fill of Night City, embarking on another playthrough promises even greater reward, considering all the additional choices and features now available.

Just as with any other game developer, it would be wonderful if CD Projekt RED and Virtuos were to introduce a feature akin to New Game Plus. However, this should not just be about transferring all items and increasing numbers; rather, it could involve more intricate changes. The key inquiry is: Where will the game progress from here? Could we anticipate further updates or patches from the development team? Might I even dream of some fresh content that correlates with Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2?

Despite anything else, updates similar to version 2.3 are like a delightful dessert following the main course. They aren’t essential to fully appreciate the amazing storyline, combat, construction, world-building, and quests. It’s the dedication to enhancing the game, even through bug fixes and additional features like Photo Mode, that’s truly valued. Even as CD Projekt RED progresses into a possible new era with Orion, the fact that it hasn’t neglected what initially propelled it forward – and continues to do so – is a promising sign for the future.

Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, GamingBolt as an organization.

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2025-07-17 21:41