Cyberpunk 2077’s Unexpected 2.3 Update Delayed Indefinitely
Fans of Cyberpunk 2077 who were anticipating the release of Update 2.3 this week will need to adjust their expectations. CD Projekt Red (CDPR) has officially announced that the patch, originally slated for launch on Thursday, June 26th, has been delayed. The studio has not provided a new release date, stating only that it’s pushed back to an unspecified time.
This news comes as a bit of a surprise to the community, as many had believed the previous Update 2.2, released in December 2024, would be the final significant patch for the game, especially with the sequel (codenamed Project Orion) already confirmed to be in development.
Why the Delay? CDPR Needs More Time
According to CDPR’s announcement, the reason for the delay is straightforward: they need “some more time to make sure we’re happy with it.” This suggests the development team is prioritizing polish and ensuring the update meets their quality standards before releasing it to players. Given Cyberpunk 2077‘s journey since its initial launch, ensuring a smooth release for potentially one of its final patches is crucial for maintaining the game’s positive “redemption arc” reputation.
What to Expect: Scope Similar to Update 2.2
While specific patch notes for Update 2.3 are yet to be revealed, CDPR did offer insight into its size and complexity by stating they are “aiming for a scope similar to Update 2.2.”
This comparison provides a useful benchmark. Update 2.2, which landed on the game’s third anniversary, was described as a substantial update focused primarily on quality-of-life improvements and cosmetic additions rather than major new story content or missions.
Looking Back: What Update 2.2 Brought to Night City
To understand the potential scope of Update 2.3, let’s revisit some key features introduced in Update 2.2:
Enhanced Customization: Added 100 new character customization options.
Improved Photo Mode: Numerous enhancements, including the ability to spawn NPCs for dynamic shots.
Vehicle Upgrades: Introduced a reactive car color system for customizable paint and added several new car models.
Companion Appearances: Included the fun addition of Johnny Silverhand occasionally appearing as a passenger in V’s car.
Secrets & Nods: Featured small secrets for players to discover, including a quest referencing the indie game Balatro.
This scope generally contrasted with the more expansive Update 2.1 (December 2023), which delivered major features like a working Metro system, new car combat missions, and romantic hangouts. Based on the comparison to 2.2, Update 2.3 is likely to focus on similar types of additions – think more options, polish, and potentially hidden surprises, rather than entirely new game systems or questlines on the scale of 2.1. However, some speculation from external reports suggests it could still involve “at least one big system overhaul.”
Context: CDPR’s Shifting Focus and the Switch 2
The release of Update 2.3 comes as CDPR is increasingly focused on future projects. The majority of the studio’s development staff are reportedly now dedicated to The Witcher 4, with early work also underway on Cyberpunk 2. This positions Update 2.3 potentially as one of the last significant patches for the current version of Cyberpunk 2077 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, serving as a final layer of polish.
Interestingly, external reports also indicate that the timing of this patch may coincide with or support Cyberpunk 2077*’s recent and apparently successful launch on the new Nintendo Switch 2 console. While the original article mentioned a standard Switch launch (which isn’t the platform the game is on), the patch seems tied to its availability or optimization on Nintendo’s latest hardware.
Waiting for the Update
While the delay is disappointing for those eager to dive into Night City with new improvements, it underscores CDPR’s commitment to quality control, even years after launch. Players will now need to patiently await further communication from the developers regarding the new release date and the full details of what Update 2.3 will bring. Whether it contains subtle teases for the sequel or simply adds more ways to customize V and explore the city, its scope promises additions akin to the substantial Update 2.2.
