Cyberpunk 2077 gets major ps5 pro boost: ray tracing overdrive?

CD Projekt Red has finally delivered on the promise of a substantial upgrade for Cyberpunk 2077 on PlayStation 5 Pro, arriving tomorrow, April 8th. The update, initially hinted at with the announcement of PSSR 2 just last month, aims to bridge the significant performance gap that has long separated the console and PC versions of this ambitious, and initially troubled, RPG.

Closing the gap: pc-level visuals arrive on ps5 pro

The launch of Cyberpunk 2077 in 2020 was, to put it mildly, a debacle. While the PC version flourished, console players were left grappling with a severely compromised experience. Despite numerous patches, the disparity persisted – until now. The PS5 Pro, since its 2024 debut, has presented a tantalizing opportunity for CDPR to bring Night City closer to its PC glory, and this update is the first significant step.

Players will now have access to three distinct performance profiles: Ray Tracing Pro, Ray Tracing, and Performance. The “Ray Tracing Pro” mode is where the real magic happens. It targets a frame rate of 30-40 fps and introduces a new “BVH8” ray tracing implementation. This, essentially, allows the game to track up to eight rays of light simultaneously, resulting in dramatically improved reflections, shadows, and global illumination. It's not quite the “Ray Tracing Overdrive” mode found on high-end PCs, but it's a considerable leap towards the Ray Tracing Ultra preset.

But what about those seeking sheer speed? The “Performance” mode prioritizes high frame rates, though CDPR has remained conspicuously tight-lipped about image quality. Given the behavior of similar performance modes on the standard PS5, it’s likely to offer a visual experience largely indistinguishable from the base console, albeit at a significantly faster pace. Sandwiched between these two extremes is the standard “Ray Tracing” mode, aiming for a steady 60 fps.

While screenshots released by CDPR do appear promising, the true test will come when the update goes live. If CDPR manages to deliver an experience that rivals the PC version, it will serve as a compelling demonstration of the PS5 Pro’s capabilities and a potent vindication of PSSR 2’s potential.

A redemption arc for night city?

The road to redemption for Cyberpunk 2077 has been long and winding. This update isn’t just about better graphics; it's about fulfilling the promise of the game’s initial vision, and delivering an experience worthy of the hype it once generated. The initial response from the community has been cautiously optimistic, but the real judgment will come when players get their hands on the update and can truly assess the improvements. The question remains: can Night City finally live up to its potential?