What Happened to Cyberpunk 2077?
Cyberpunk 2077, an ambitious open-world RPG, experienced a highly controversial launch in December 2020 due to widespread bugs and performance issues, particularly on older generation consoles. Following years of dedicated patches, a major overhaul with Update 2.0, and the critically acclaimed Phantom Liberty expansion, the game underwent a significant redemption, transforming into a highly praised title that has sold over 35 million copies by late 2025 and continues to receive technological updates in 2026.
Quick Answer
Cyberpunk 2077 initially launched in a heavily criticized state in December 2020, plagued by numerous bugs and poor performance, especially on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, leading to its temporary removal from the PlayStation Store. Over the subsequent years, developer CD Projekt Red released extensive patches, culminating in the transformative Update 2.0 and the highly praised Phantom Liberty expansion in 2023. This effort successfully redeemed the game's reputation, turning it into a critically acclaimed and commercially successful title. As of March 2026, Cyberpunk 2077 is available on Xbox Game Pass and is slated to receive a dedicated PS5 Pro technological update, demonstrating its continued support and enduring popularity.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline16 events
Cyberpunk 2077 Announced
CD Projekt Red officially announced Cyberpunk 2077, based on Mike Pondsmith's tabletop RPG Cyberpunk 2020, generating early excitement.
Initial Release and Widespread Issues
Cyberpunk 2077 launched for PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Stadia after multiple delays, but was met with severe criticism for its numerous bugs, performance problems, and unfinished state, especially on base last-gen consoles.
Delisted from PlayStation Store
Due to the overwhelming number of complaints and technical issues, Sony removed Cyberpunk 2077 from the PlayStation Store and offered full refunds to players.
Class-Action Lawsuit Filed
A class-action lawsuit was filed against CD Projekt Red, alleging that the company misled investors about the game's performance and state on consoles.
Patch 1.5 and Next-Gen Update Released
CD Projekt Red released Patch 1.5, a major update that included dedicated PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S versions, significant performance improvements, bug fixes, and new content, marking a turning point in the game's stability.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Anime and Patch 1.6
The release of the critically acclaimed Netflix anime series *Cyberpunk: Edgerunners*, alongside Patch 1.6, led to a massive resurgence in Cyberpunk 2077's player count and renewed interest in the game.
Update 2.0 Launched
A free, massive overhaul update (2.0) was released, completely revamping core gameplay systems like the police AI, perk trees, and introducing vehicular combat, significantly improving the overall game experience.
Phantom Liberty Expansion Released
The highly anticipated spy-thriller expansion, *Phantom Liberty*, was released for current-gen consoles and PC, receiving widespread critical acclaim and further solidifying the game's redemption.
Ultimate Edition and Patch 2.1 Released
The Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, bundling the base game and Phantom Liberty, was released alongside Patch 2.1, which added new features like a functional metro system and repeatable car races.
Wins 'Best Ongoing Game' at The Game Awards
Cyberpunk 2077 received the 'Best Ongoing Game' award at The Game Awards 2023, a testament to its significant post-launch improvements and continued support.
Released on Nintendo Switch 2
Cyberpunk 2077, bundled with the Phantom Liberty expansion, was released as a launch title for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Lawsuit Settlement Finalized
CD Projekt Red finalized the settlement of the class-action lawsuit for $1.85 million, concluding the legal proceedings related to the game's troubled launch.
Released on macOS
Cyberpunk 2077, including the Phantom Liberty expansion, became available for macOS with Apple silicon.
Sales Surpass 35 Million Copies
CD Projekt Red announced that Cyberpunk 2077 had sold over 35 million copies worldwide, solidifying its commercial success after its redemption arc.
Added to Xbox Game Pass
Cyberpunk 2077, with all its updates, was made available to Xbox Game Pass Premium and Ultimate subscribers for console and cloud.
PS5 Pro Update Announced
CD Projekt Red announced a free technological update for the PS5 Pro version of Cyberpunk 2077, focused on leveraging the console's expanded hardware capabilities, with no new in-game content.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Cyberpunk 2077, developed by CD Projekt Red, was one of the most anticipated video games of the decade, first announced in May 2012. The hype surrounding its release was immense, fueled by years of development, impressive trailers, and the studio's reputation from The Witcher series. However, its launch on December 10, 2020, was disastrous, particularly for players on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The game was riddled with game-breaking bugs, severe performance issues, and graphical glitches, leading to widespread consumer backlash and a significant drop in CD Projekt Red's stock value. Sony even took the unprecedented step of removing the game from the PlayStation Store and offering full refunds.
In the wake of the catastrophic launch, CD Projekt Red committed to a long-term redemption plan. The studio released numerous patches and hotfixes throughout 2021 and 2022, addressing critical bugs and improving performance across all platforms. Key updates like Patch 1.5 in February 2022 brought significant overhauls, including dedicated next-generation console versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, improving AI, combat, and adding new content. This period saw a gradual improvement in the game's stability and playability, slowly rebuilding trust with its player base.
The turning point for Cyberpunk 2077's public perception largely arrived in 2022 and 2023. The release of the Netflix anime series Cyberpunk: Edgerunners in September 2022 sparked a massive resurgence in player interest, drawing many back to Night City. This momentum was further amplified by the release of Update 2.0 in September 2023, a free overhaul that revamped core gameplay mechanics such as the police system, perk trees, and vehicular combat. Simultaneously, the highly anticipated Phantom Liberty expansion launched, receiving critical acclaim for its narrative, characters, and spy-thriller elements. The combination of these updates and the expansion solidified the game's redemption, with many critics and players praising its transformation into the experience initially promised.
Financially, Cyberpunk 2077 has achieved significant success despite its rocky start. By November 2025, the game had sold over 35 million copies, making it one of the best-selling video games of all time and surpassing The Witcher 3's sales in the same post-release timeframe. The Phantom Liberty expansion alone sold over 10 million copies. In June 2025, CD Projekt Red settled a class-action lawsuit filed by investors regarding the game's launch for $1.85 million, without admitting wrongdoing. Looking ahead, CD Projekt Red announced a sequel, codenamed 'Project Orion,' in October 2022, which is currently in early development with a growing team in Boston.
As of March 2026, Cyberpunk 2077 continues to be actively supported. The game was added to Xbox Game Pass for console and cloud subscribers in March 2026, further expanding its accessibility. Furthermore, CD Projekt Red announced on March 17, 2026, that a free technological update for the PlayStation 5 Pro version of Cyberpunk 2077 is coming in the 'not-too-distant future,' focused on leveraging the enhanced hardware capabilities of the new console. While the studio has stated there are no plans for additional content DLCs beyond Phantom Liberty, these ongoing technical updates and platform expansions underscore the game's enduring legacy and its remarkable journey from controversy to critical and commercial triumph.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Cyberpunk 2077 made different choices?