Full Breakdown
Cyberpunk 2077 Receives Major PS5 Pro Update on April 8
4/8/2026, 2:28:57 PM
Overview of the Update
On April 8, 2026, CD Projekt Red (CDPR) will release a significant update for *Cyberpunk 2077* tailored for the PlayStation 5 Pro. This update comes after the game's troubled launch in 2020 and aims to enhance the gaming experience by leveraging the console's advanced capabilities. The update will introduce three distinct performance profiles: Ray Tracing Pro, Ray Tracing, and Performance modes.
Technical Enhancements
The Ray Tracing Pro mode will utilize a new 8-way Bounding Volume Hierarchy (BVH8) ray tracing implementation, allowing for more realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections. This mode targets a frame rate of 30-40 fps, bringing the visuals closer to the Ray Tracing Ultra preset available on PC. The Ray Tracing mode will balance performance and quality, aiming for a solid 60 fps, while the Performance mode will prioritize high frame rates, though details on its visual quality remain sparse.
Kuba Knapik, CDPR's VP of Global Art Direction, emphasized that these enhancements are designed to fulfill the studio's original artistic vision for *Cyberpunk 2077*. The update will also enable 4K visuals, further improving the game's graphical fidelity.
Background and Context
Initially, CDPR had stated that it had no plans to utilize the PS5 Pro's additional power for *Cyberpunk 2077*. However, advancements in the PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) upscaling technology prompted a reevaluation of this stance. The update is part of a broader trend of ongoing improvements to *Cyberpunk 2077*, which has seen numerous patches since its release, enhancing gameplay features such as Autodrive and introducing new content.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite the excitement surrounding the update, some players question the value of the PS5 Pro, especially after a recent price increase that raised its cost from $700 to $900. Critics argue that the rising costs of gaming hardware may deter potential buyers, especially given the game's initial reception and the ongoing need for substantial updates.
Official Statements & Responses
CDPR has not provided extensive details on the update's performance until it goes live, but the anticipation is palpable among the gaming community. The studio's commitment to improving *Cyberpunk 2077* is evident, as they continue to refine the game and expand its features.
What's Next
As the update approaches, players are eager to see how well *Cyberpunk 2077* performs on the PS5 Pro. The gaming community will closely monitor the reception of the new graphics modes and overall gameplay experience once the update is implemented.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Kuba Knapik, CDPR's VP global art director, said the studio added BVH8--or 8-way Bounding Volume Hierarchy--to bring more advanced ray-traced lighting, shadows, and reflections to the game.” — Kuba Knapik, VP Global Art Director, CD Projekt Red
- “If CDPR was able to get it looking as good as the PC version, it'll go a long way to proving the power of PSSR 2.” — Jackie Thomas, Hardware and Buying Guides Editor, IGN
