About a year and a half after the PS5 Pro’s release, the appropriate version of Cyberpunk 2077 is finally here.
Even six years after the original release ofCyberpunk 2077, the developers at CD Projekt are still working on their sci-fi game.
The official update for the PlayStation 5 Pro is set to be released later today. It leverages the new console’s more powerful hardware to significantly boost the graphics quality and performance of Cyberpunk 2077. The patch introduces three new graphics modes as well as the integration of Sony’s new AI upscaling technology, PSSR2.
The team at Digital Foundry (DF) got an early look at the new version. But are they satisfied?
What’s in the update
Digital Foundry reports on three new graphics modes that replace the old ones. Here’s what they offer:
- Raytracing Pro modefor the most extensive ray tracing effects. It targets 30 FPS at a 60 Hz output, but also offers a 40 FPS mode at a 120 Hz output. The internal resolution is approximately 1440p and is upscaled to 4K via PSSR2.
- Ray Tracing Mode:This mode represents a compromise, offering more ray tracing details than the standard PS5’s original RT mode while aiming for a target frame rate of60 FPS
- Performance Mode:
Here, the focus is on maximum frame rate and image sharpness without ray tracing. The internal resolution is significantly higher and often reaches near-native 4K. With VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) enabled, frame rates ofup to 120 FPSare possible, according to DF, though the game typically targets a rate of 90 FPS.
Ray Tracing Improvements and Limitations
The patch significantly expands the console’s ray tracing capabilities, but reportedly does not quite reach the level of the PC’s “Overdrive” settings. According to DF, the most important new features include:
- RT Shadows:Both sun shadows and local light sources are calculated more precisely, resulting in a better image, especially at a distance.
- Emissive Lighting & RTAO:Neon signs and screens now correctly contribute to the ambient lighting. Ray Traced Ambient Occlusion (RTAO) also provides better ambient lighting. However, according to DF, this is only really noticeable outside the city.
- Limited Reflections:One point of criticism remains the implementation of RT reflections. These are primarily applied tocar windowsand very shiny vehicle paint jobs. Other surfaces continue to use conventional Screen Space Reflections (SSR).
PSSR and technical details
An important component of the patch is the use of PSSR 2 (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution).
Compared to the previous FSR 2.1 or PSSR1, PSSR2 reportedly delivers a significantly sharper and more stable image with fewer artifacts on fine textures or animated billboards. Although the game offers an option to manually switch back to FSR, the experts at DF recommend leaving PSSR2 enabled, as it is visually superior.
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Despite the technical leaps, some familiar issues remain: The well-known pop-ins—assets that suddenly appear—are still noticeable on the PS5 Pro. Additionally, the frame rate in hardware-intensive areas like Dogtown can occasionally drop below the target even in 60-FPS mode.
All in all, according to DF, the PS5 Pro patch makes Cyberpunk 2077 look rock-solid on consoles. While Performance Mode offers the smoothest experience, RT Pro Mode delivers a look that comes close to high PC settings (RT Ultra). Players with compatible displays also benefit greatly from the new VRR and 120 Hz options.
