Ahead of the highly anticipated Phantom Liberty expansion, Cyberpunk 2077 is getting a massive free update, known as Update 2.0. To say that this will be a massive update might even be an understatement, with fans and media expecting 2.0 to make Cyberpunk 2077 feel like an entirely new game.
Update 2.0 is more than just new content, although there is plenty more of that. Several of Cyberpunk 2077’s most prolific and recognizable systems are getting massive overhauls, and for fans on the fence about paying up for Phantom Liberty, much of the new content is coming to the base game for everyone to play.
There’s a lot to look forward to, so let’s jump in and see all that’s coming to Cyberpunk 2077 when 2.0 drops.
Redesigned Cyberware, perks, and skills
The perks and skill tree system is being “completely redesigned” for Update 2.0. The changes will require pretty much every character deep into the game to respec, so it might be worth considering a fresh playthrough from the beginning. The redesigned system will also include some new abilities, with both new and refreshed abilities looking more exciting.
There will even be an additional progression system separate from perks, called Skills. Rather than putting points into Skills like you would with perks, players will upgrade these Skills by using the corresponding playstyle. According to PC Gamer, there are five Skill categories, and players can earn stat increases and extra perk points by leveling them up:
- Headhunter
- Netrunner
- Shinobi
- Solo
- Engineer
Cyberware is getting an overhaul as well; players won’t be limited by a maximum amount of slots per area, but they will have a maximum total capacity.
AI combat overhaul, vehicle combat, and revamped police
With so many new abilities and playstyles to test out, combat is going to feel much more different, but that will also be attributed to a number of changes coming to the game’s combat systems. Here are some highlighted changes to enemy AI during combat:
- Enemies may not react to the sound of silenced weapons, but will become alarmed and will start investigating more thoroughly if they find a bullet. They will respond more accordingly to your playstyle, whether that be stealth or full frontal, and will be more proactive with their own abilities.
- Enemy netrunners will no longer try to only damage you but will try to cause cyberware malfunctions and use more of the hacks that players have access to in situations that make sense.
- Enemies that fall under the “elite” archetype will appear more clearly,
Vehicle combat is coming, in which players will be able to hack and shoot while putting their pedal to the metal. If you plan on committing vehicular crimes, you will be chased by police in the revamped wanted system. Fans of GTA will be very familiar with the new system as the police will chase you relentlessly and throw more and more at you as your wanted level goes up, before eventually deploying the ruthless MaxTac.
New improvements and radio stations
A handful of smaller changes are also coming to the base game via Update 2.0. There will be some new user interface improvements, plus various changes to loot, items, and crafting. New radio stations are also being added.
While players will have plenty of new things to try out, there’s a whole lot more available for players who purchase the Phantom Liberty expansion, including the new story, new district in Dogtown, new quests, an all-new Relic skill tree, new items, and more. But if you’re still on the fence, trying out Update 2.0 should be an excellent deciding factor for you.
All the new items and new ways to play officially arrive in Cyberpunk 2077 when Update 2.0 launches on Sept. 21.
