The journey of Cyberpunk 2077 has been one of the most dramatic stories in modern gaming. When CD Projekt Red launched the game in December 2020, expectations were sky-high, but technical problems on consoles overshadowed its release. Over the years, however, the developers committed to fixing, expanding, and refining the experience. Each major Cyberpunk 2077 update became not just a patch but a milestone in reshaping the game. Now, with the latest updates, Night City feels more alive and polished than ever.
What Is the Cyberpunk 2077 Update?
A Cyberpunk 2077 update is more than just bug fixes. These patches have introduced sweeping gameplay overhauls, new mechanics, visual upgrades, and fresh content. Past highlights include Update 2.0, which revamped perks and combat systems, and Update 2.1, which brought a working metro system and expanded romance arcs. Each update is a step toward fulfilling the original vision of a deep, immersive cyberpunk RPG.
The latest, Update 2.3, takes that vision even further. It introduces AutoDrive, new vehicles, enhanced Photo Mode features, and technical upgrades for both PC and consoles. It even launches the game officially on Mac for the first time.
AutoDrive and Cinematic Travel
The headline feature of Update 2.3 is AutoDrive. Players can now let their car or motorcycle drive itself, either directly to a marked destination or simply in a freeroam mode. This feature adds convenience, but it also emphasizes immersion. Watching the neon-drenched streets pass by from a cinematic camera transforms travel into a mini movie experience.
The cinematic camera makes a big difference here. It allows players to relax, enjoy the skyline, and absorb the atmosphere of Night City in ways that manual driving sometimes can’t provide. It’s a feature inspired by community feedback and the culture of creating chill, atmospheric videos of in-game worlds.
Delamain Cabs and AI Chauffeurs
Alongside AutoDrive comes the return of Delamain Cabs. After finishing the “Don’t Lose Your Mind” mission, players can summon an AI-driven Delamain taxi. These cabs provide another way to experience automated travel while tying directly into the game’s established lore. They’re not free, but the charm of being chauffeured by an AI character from the story adds role-playing flavor.
New Vehicles and Customization
Vehicle enthusiasts get plenty to be excited about in this update. Four new rides arrive in Night City:
- Yaiba ARV-Q340 Semimaru
- Rayfield Caliburn “Mordred”
- Yaiba ASM-R250 Muramasa
- Chevillon Legatus 450 Aquila
Each of these vehicles is tied to specific side jobs or quests, making them feel earned rather than just handed out. In addition, CrystalCoat™ technology, originally limited to Rayfield, has been expanded to include motorcycles and other models. This allows players to adjust paint jobs and add personality to their garage.
Photo Mode Upgrades
Photo Mode has always been a favorite among Cyberpunk fans, and Update 2.3 supercharges it. Players can now:
- Choose from 27 new NPCs to pose alongside.
- Change outfits for V or NPCs.
- Use improved lighting tools, including moving light sources and spotlight indicators.
- Adjust weather, time of day, depth of field, and even slow down game speed for perfect action shots.
These upgrades make it easier to create professional-level captures of Night City. For a game already celebrated for its visual flair, these tools let players push creativity even further.
Johnny Silverhand’s Passenger Seat
Update 2.2 had introduced Johnny Silverhand riding shotgun in your car, commenting as you drove. But some players found it distracting or immersion-breaking. Responding to feedback, Update 2.3 gives you the choice to dismiss Johnny from the passenger seat. This small change reflects how CDPR continues to listen to its community.
Technical Improvements on PC
For PC players, Update 2.3 delivers a range of graphical and performance enhancements:
- Support for AMD FSR 3.1 Frame Generation
- Integration of Intel XeSS 2.0
- HDR10+ Gaming support for better contrast and color
- Planned support for FSR 4 pending driver updates
These improvements mean smoother framerates, sharper upscaling, and richer visuals for players with modern hardware.
Console Enhancements
Console players aren’t left out. PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S now feature in-game VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) support. This makes gameplay smoother, reducing screen tearing and stutter when paired with compatible TVs. Combined with performance patches, the game runs better on consoles than ever before.
Launch on Mac
Another significant step is the game’s official Mac release. Optimized for Apple Silicon, Cyberpunk 2077 can now run on Macs with at least 16GB of unified memory. Even better, the update supports cross-progression, meaning progress carries between PC, Mac, and consoles. This widens access to the game for a whole new player base.
Benefits of the Update
The benefits of Update 2.3 go beyond just features:
- Immersion: AutoDrive and cinematic travel let players experience Night City as a living backdrop.
- Creative Expression: Expanded Photo Mode tools empower storytelling and artistry.
- Performance: Technical upgrades make the game smoother across platforms.
- Accessibility: Mac support opens Night City to new players.
- Player Agency: Options like dismissing Johnny Silverhand show CDPR values feedback.
Each element strengthens the bond between game and community, keeping Cyberpunk 2077 relevant years after launch.
Cyberpunk 2077’s Evolution
It’s worth remembering how far the game has come. Update 2.0 redefined its core systems, introducing a rebuilt police AI, vehicle combat, and redesigned perks. Update 2.1 added a Metro system and more narrative touches. Update 2.2 gave Johnny a passenger seat cameo. Now, Update 2.3 polishes and expands in ways that continue to surprise players.
The trajectory of these updates tells a story: from a rocky start to a respected RPG that finally fulfills its promise. Cyberpunk 2077 has become a case study in how persistence and community focus can turn a controversial release into a beloved world.
Community Response
Players have reacted positively to Update 2.3. Many highlight the AutoDrive feature as a game-changer, finally letting cars do what the lore always suggested they could. Others love the expanded Photo Mode tools, sharing cinematic screenshots across forums and social media. Even small touches, like dismissing Johnny, earn praise for showing that feedback is heard.
Of course, some fans still hope for more expansions or long-term DLC. But the consensus is that Cyberpunk 2077 is in the best state it’s ever been.
Should You Return to Night City?
If you played at launch and left disappointed, now is the perfect time to come back. If you’re new, there’s no better moment to start. The game runs smoothly, the systems feel balanced, and Night City is overflowing with life. Between AutoDrive, new vehicles, upgraded Photo Mode, and technical improvements, Update 2.3 makes the game more accessible and more enjoyable than ever.
Conclusion
The Cyberpunk 2077 update series has transformed the game into something remarkable. With Update 2.3, Night City gains AutoDrive, new vehicles, cinematic travel, expanded Photo Mode, and technical improvements across all platforms. It even welcomes Mac players for the first time. More importantly, it demonstrates CDPR’s ongoing dedication to listening and improving.
From broken launch to polished masterpiece, Cyberpunk 2077 has proven that redemption is possible. And with every update, Night City becomes a city worth returning to again and again.
FAQs
What is the latest Cyberpunk 2077 update about?
The newest update, 2.3, introduces AutoDrive, new vehicles, expanded Photo Mode, and major performance improvements across PC, consoles, and Mac.
Can I now play Cyberpunk 2077 on Mac?
Yes. Update 2.3 officially launches the game on Apple Silicon Macs with 16GB of unified memory, along with cross-progression support.
What makes AutoDrive special in this update?
AutoDrive allows vehicles to drive themselves to destinations or roam freely, enhanced by a cinematic camera for immersive travel experiences.
Do I have to keep Johnny Silverhand in my car?
No. Update 2.3 gives players the option to dismiss Johnny Silverhand from the passenger seat, offering more player control.
What’s the biggest benefit of returning to Night City now?
The game is smoother, more immersive, and packed with creative tools. Update 2.3 makes it the best time for both new and returning players to experience Cyberpunk 2077.
