Cyberpunk 2077 is getting a major second wind in 2025. As Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition prepares to launch as a Day 1 title for the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025, the once-polarizing RPG is entering a new chapter—one defined by redemption, innovation, and platform expansion. With hardware upgrades on the Switch 2 allowing for improved visual fidelity and smoother performance, even handheld players will soon experience Night City in its most complete form.
A New Life on Switch 2
What is exciting about the fact that Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition is going to be a launch title for Switch 2 isn’t just being ported over—it’s being fully optimized for the new console. Thanks to the system’s DLSS-powered GPU and faster SSD, players can expect a performance mode targeting 60 FPS and higher visual fidelity than what current-gen consoles offered at launch. This marks a pivotal moment for handheld gaming: an expansive, once-PC-intensive open-world RPG now playable on a portable device without massive compromises.
The Ultimate Edition includes:
- Base Game (fully updated)
- Phantom Liberty expansion
- All free DLC and cosmetic bundles
- Updated skill trees, police AI, vehicle combat, and more from patch 2.0
Phantom Liberty & Update 2.0: The Game-Changer
Following years of updates, Cyberpunk 2077 is now a drastically improved experience compared to its rocky 2020 debut. The release of the Phantom Liberty expansion in late 2023, alongside the transformative 2.0 update, overhauled nearly every major system in the game. CD Projekt Red reimagined character progression, skill trees, and cyberware loadouts—adding depth, balance, and replayability.
One of the most impactful changes: the level cap was raised from 50 to 60. This gave players 10 more attribute points to fine-tune their builds. Whether you’re crafting a stealthy Netrunner who hacks enemies from a distance, a brute-force Solo who storms rooms with chrome and shotguns, or a quick-reflex ninja using monowire and blades—there’s more room than ever to define your playstyle.
Cross-Progression Makes It Easier Than Ever to Play Anywhere
One of the most welcome features confirmed for Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition on the Nintendo Switch 2 is full cross-progression support. This means players can seamlessly transfer their saves between the Switch 2 and other platforms like PlayStation, Xbox, or PC via cloud sync. Whether you’re grinding gigs at home on your PC or hacking in stealth mode during your commute on the Switch 2, your V’s progress will always stay up to date.
For a game as deep and time-consuming as Cyberpunk, this is a huge quality-of-life improvement. It invites returning players to experiment with portable play without starting from scratch and opens the door to more flexible gaming experiences.
Targeted Performance: 1080p Docked, 720p Handheld
While the Switch 2’s hardware marks a big leap over its predecessor, it still won’t match a PS5 or gaming PC. CD Projekt Red has stated they’re actively refining the game’s performance and are currently targeting:
- 1080p resolution when docked
- 720p in handheld mode
- 30–40 FPS, depending on the selected mode (Performance vs. Quality)
This means some visual downgrades are inevitable, particularly in lighting, texture detail, and draw distance. But the fact that a game as expansive and demanding as Cyberpunk 2077 is playable on a hybrid console at all is a testament to the Switch 2’s improved power and efficiency.
No Download Required: 64GB Physical Cartridge
In a rarity for modern console gaming, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition on Switch 2 will ship complete on a single 64GB game card. No additional downloads are needed—everything from the base game to the Phantom Liberty expansion is included on the cartridge. For collectors and players with slow internet or limited storage, this is a massive win.
Cyberpunk on Switch 2: A Sign of Third-Party Confidence
Cyberpunk 2077 joining the Switch 2’s launch lineup is more than a surprise port—it’s a signal. It shows that major developers trust Nintendo’s next-gen hardware to support bigger, more complex games than ever before. CD Projekt Red choosing to launch this as a Day 1 title suggests they see the Switch 2 not as a side-platform but as a viable home for AAA experiences.
The Switch 2 already has a wave of third-party support building, from Final Fantasy VII Remake to Hogwarts Legacy: Enhanced Edition. Cyberpunk 2077 leading the charge sets the tone for what’s possible.
Max Level Before Act 1? Yes, It’s Possible
The game’s flexibility has led to some fascinating player feats. Some highly dedicated users have found grinding routes and quest patterns that allow them to reach level 60 before even completing the prologue heist, which ends with the title screen. While not typical, it speaks volumes about how open Cyberpunk has become in terms of build diversity and exploration. Whether it’s street brawls, netrunning, or open-world discovery, XP is there for the taking.
What’s Next for Cyberpunk?
Although CD Projekt Red has confirmed that major content updates for Cyberpunk 2077 have concluded, they’ve been teasing future projects set in the same universe—including a full sequel, codenamed Project Orion. With the team now working out of their North American studio, development is underway, and early reports suggest it will expand on the themes of transhumanism, rebellion, and player agency.
In the meantime, Cyberpunk 2077 continues to thrive, both as a single-player sandbox and a cautionary tale turned redemption story. With the Switch 2 release on the horizon, it’s clear that the game still has new audiences to captivate. Whether you’re returning to Night City or stepping in for the first time, 2025 is the perfect time to jack back in.
The Witcher 3 Deserves a Switch 2 Revival
If Cyberpunk 2077 can make it to the Switch 2 in a complete and (mostly) uncompromised state, then the natural next move for CD Projekt Red would be to revisit The Witcher 3. The original Switch port from 2019 made huge sacrifices to run on the old hardware—reducing textures, lighting, and even entire effects.
Now, with the upgraded specs of the Switch 2—including a DLSS-powered GPU, more RAM, and a faster CPU—a true next-gen portable version of The Witcher 3 could finally become reality. Fans would love to explore Novigrad or Skellige with enhanced visuals and smoother performance, especially given how beloved the game remains globally.
A Glimpse at the Future: Could Project Orion Come to Switch 2?
While Cyberpunk 2077 is finally getting its due on consoles, fans are already eyeing the future—namely, CDPR’s sequel project, codenamed Project Orion. It’s still early in development, but given the Switch 2’s growing reputation, there’s growing speculation that future CDPR titles might include a port or cloud-based release for Nintendo’s hardware.
If Orion is built on Unreal Engine 5, as rumored, the door might open for a cloud streaming option or a downgraded local version in the same spirit as Cyberpunk on Switch 2.
Key Takeaways
- Cyberpunk 2077 is expected to be a launch title when the Nintendo Switch 2 comes out on June 5, 2025
- The Ultimate Edition includes the Base Game (fully updated), Phantom Liberty expansion, and All free DLC and cosmetic bundles
- The game also has updated skill trees, police AI, vehicle combat, and more from patch 2.0
Gameplay and Progression Updates
Cyberpunk 2077 has undergone significant changes to its progression systems through various updates. These changes affect how players level up, distribute skill points, and experience the game’s difficulty curve.
Max Level Cap and Experience Points
The maximum level cap in Cyberpunk 2077 varies depending on whether players own the Phantom Liberty DLC. For base game players, the max level remains at 50. However, those who purchased the Phantom Liberty expansion can reach level 60, providing additional progression opportunities.
Leveling up grants attribute points that can be spent on various character stats. The experience point (XP) requirements increase with each level, making higher levels progressively more challenging to achieve.
Players looking to reach max level quickly can focus on completing main story missions and side jobs, which provide substantial XP rewards. Combat encounters, especially against higher-level enemies, also contribute significantly to level progression.
Street Cred, a separate progression system, influences available quests, items, and cyberware options throughout Night City.
Skills and Customization Options
Update 2.0 completely redesigned the perks and skills systems. The new system offers more meaningful choices and specialization options for different playstyles.
Skills are now organized into specific trees:
- Technical – crafting and engineering
- Intelligence – hacking and netrunning
- Cool – stealth and cold blood
- Reflexes – combat and movement
- Body – strength and resilience
Each skill tree contains various perks that unlock new abilities or enhance existing ones. Players earn skill points through leveling up and can distribute them according to their preferred playstyle.
Cyberware customization has also been expanded, with new implants and modifications available from ripperdocs throughout Night City. These upgrades can significantly alter gameplay, from enhanced combat abilities to improved stealth options.
Update 2.0 Overhaul and Impact on Gameplay
Update 2.0 fundamentally changed how Cyberpunk 2077’s progression feels. The update introduced enemy level scaling, which adjusts enemy difficulty based on player level. This change has received mixed reactions from players.
Some appreciate that content remains challenging throughout the game, while others feel it diminishes the sense of progression. Level 50 characters and level 15 characters might experience similar enemy difficulty due to this scaling system.
The update also revamped the vehicle combat system and added new police AI behaviors. These changes create a more dynamic open world where player actions have more consistent consequences.
Combat mechanics were refined to provide more tactical options. Players can now utilize a wider range of approaches to encounters, from stealthy hacking to aggressive gunplay or melee combat.
The perk system overhaul encourages more specialized character builds rather than the jack-of-all-trades approach possible in earlier versions.
Expansion and New Content Details
Cyberpunk 2077’s evolution continues with substantial new content and expanded gameplay options. The game has grown significantly since its initial release, offering players more ways to experience Night City.
Phantom Liberty Expansion Overview
Phantom Liberty is the major expansion for Cyberpunk 2077 that arrived alongside the 2.0 update. This paid DLC introduces players to Dogtown, a new district within Night City with its own unique atmosphere and challenges.
The expansion features a spy-thriller narrative starring Idris Elba as Solomon Reed, a FIA agent. Players work alongside both Reed and returning character Johnny Silverhand in a high-stakes mission.
Phantom Liberty requires the base game and is designed for characters who have progressed beyond certain story points. While the 2.0 update is free for all players, the expansion content requires purchase to access.
Players who own Phantom Liberty can level up to 60, compared to the level 50 cap for those with just the base game.
Night City and Open World Exploration
The 2.0 update significantly changes how players explore Night City. The redesigned police system now responds more realistically to player crimes, with varying levels of response based on actions.
Vehicle combat has been enhanced, allowing players to shoot while driving and engage in high-speed pursuits. Car chases feel more dynamic and integrated into the open world experience.
New points of interest have been added throughout the city, giving players more reasons to explore off the beaten path. Many previously inaccessible areas are now open for exploration.
The metro system allows for fast travel between stations, helping players navigate the sprawling cityscape more efficiently.
New Quests and NPCs
Phantom Liberty introduces numerous new characters with complex motivations and personalities. These NPCs offer unique questlines that expand the lore of Night City.
The expansion adds over 30 hours of new content through main and side quests. These missions often provide meaningful choices with significant consequences to the narrative.
New fixers offer specialized gigs that showcase different aspects of Night City’s underworld. These jobs range from corporate espionage to street-level gang conflicts.
The expansion includes new romance options and relationship developments with existing characters. These personal connections add emotional depth to the overall experience.
Players can expect to encounter unique boss fights and challenging combat scenarios throughout the new content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Players reaching Cyberpunk 2077’s max level have several questions about how to optimize their experience. With update 2.0, the level cap increased to 60, offering new opportunities for character development.
How can players maximize their character’s potential upon reaching the max level in Cyberpunk 2077?
After reaching the max level in Cyberpunk 2077, players should focus on acquiring legendary cyberware. With the 2.0 update, cyberware availability is tied to level, with legendary options becoming accessible at higher levels.
Players should also complete all side quests and gigs to unlock special rewards and gear. Investing in the best weapons and upgrading them to their maximum potential will ensure combat effectiveness.
Balancing attribute distributions based on preferred playstyle remains important even at max level. The right combination of Body, Reflexes, Technical Ability, Intelligence, and Cool attributes can significantly enhance gameplay.
What are the ways to increase attribute points after achieving the maximum level in Cyberpunk 2077?
Once players reach the max level, they can no longer earn additional attribute points through leveling. However, certain consumables and cyberware can temporarily boost specific attributes.
Clothing mods and cyberware can provide stat bonuses that effectively enhance attributes. Players should seek out these items from vendors across Night City.
Some quests offer permanent attribute bonuses as rewards, making them valuable even for max-level characters. These are limited but can help fine-tune a character build.
Is there a level cap increase with the Phantom Liberty DLC in Cyberpunk 2077?
With the 2.0 update that accompanied Phantom Liberty, the max level increased from 50 to 60. This gives players an additional 10 levels to develop their character.
Each new level provides 10 extra attribute points, allowing for greater build flexibility. Players who previously reached level 50 can continue progressing when they install the update.
The increased level cap applies to all players who have the 2.0 update, regardless of whether they purchased the Phantom Liberty DLC.
How does reaching the maximum street cred affect gameplay in Cyberpunk 2077?
Maximum street cred unlocks all vendors and their top-tier inventory across Night City. This includes access to legendary cyberware, weapons, and vehicle purchases.
Fixers will offer their most challenging and rewarding gigs to players with max street cred. These missions often provide the best loot and most interesting storylines.
Street cred continues to benefit players even after reaching the cap by maintaining these advantages. Unlike level progression, street cred is more about opening doors than increasing power.
Are there any mods or methods to remove the level cap in Cyberpunk 2077?
For PC players, several mods exist that can remove or increase the level cap beyond 60. These mods typically require third-party tools like Cyber Engine Tweaks.
Console players currently have no legitimate way to exceed the level cap. They are limited to the official maximum level implemented by CD Projekt Red.
Players should be cautious when using mods as they may cause game instability or conflicts with other modifications. Backing up save files before experimenting is recommended.
What strategies exist for leveling up quickly in Cyberpunk 2077?
Completing NCPD scanner hustles and gigs provides substantial XP with relatively little time investment. Players can systematically clear these activities district by district.
Combat-focused players should target high-level enemy strongholds, as defeating higher-level opponents yields more experience. Using stealth takedowns on groups of enemies is particularly efficient.
Crafting and disassembling items grants technical ability XP, which contributes to overall leveling. Players with high technical ability can exploit this by mass crafting and breaking down items.
