In the sprawling, neon-drenched streets of Night City, a remarkable tale of redemption has unfolded. When CD Projekt Red's highly anticipated RPG, Cyberpunk 2077, first launched in late 2020, it was met with widespread criticism and disappointment. The game was plagued by a broken state, riddled with bugs, glitches, and incomplete content that left players and critics alike feeling betrayed. For years, the title served as a cautionary tale about hype and premature release. Yet, as of 2026, the narrative has completely transformed. Through relentless dedication and a series of comprehensive post-launch updates, the developer has not only fixed the game's numerous issues but has fundamentally rebuilt its core gameplay mechanics, leading to one of the most impressive comebacks in modern gaming history.
The turning point was undeniable. In a stunning reversal of fortune, Cyberpunk 2077 now boasts the coveted "Overwhelmingly Positive" review rating on Steam. This prestigious title is reserved for games where 95% of user reviews from the last thirty days are positive—a feat incredibly rare for a AAA title of this scale, more commonly seen in beloved indie projects. The gaming community has wholeheartedly embraced the revived experience. Pawel Sasko, the game's Quest Design Lead, took to social media to express profound gratitude, thanking players for believing in the project and affording it a second chance after its disastrous launch. This community-driven redemption story highlights a powerful lesson in developer accountability and player forgiveness.
So, what catalyzed this dramatic shift? The answer lies in a monumental update.
Perhaps the biggest turning point for Cyberpunk 2077 came with the launch of its massive 2.0 Update. This wasn't a simple patch; it was a foundational overhaul. The update reworked several core in-game systems, from police AI and vehicle combat to the entire progression and perk tree, granting players unprecedented freedom in how they built and played as protagonist V. This transformation was perfectly timed with the release of the Phantom Liberty expansion, a spy-thriller DLC that added the entirely new district of Dogtown to the map, featuring a gripping narrative starring Idris Elba.
The combination of the 2.0 update and Phantom Liberty didn't just fix a game; they created the experience that was promised years prior. Players discovered a living, breathing Night City full of depth, with nearly 200 new gigs helping to uncover the metropolis's biggest secrets. The game finally delivered on its initial promise of a deep, customizable RPG set in a dystopian future.
However, this renaissance also marks the end of an era. CD Projekt Red has confirmed that no further major content expansions are planned for Cyberpunk 2077. The studio's focus has decisively shifted toward the active development of The Witcher 4 and, excitingly, the future of the Cyberpunk franchise itself.
Fans of the series need not despair. The studio has officially confirmed its return to Night City with a sequel currently under the codename Project Orion. While still in the very early stages of development and unlikely to release for several years, the mere confirmation of its existence secures the franchise's future. For those still craving more content in the current game, the vibrant modding community continues to thrive, offering endless ways to customize and expand the Night City experience. The developer has also hinted at the possibility of smaller, quality-of-life patches in the future.
The journey of Cyberpunk 2077 is a masterclass in post-launch support. It stands in 2026 not as a monument to failure, but as a testament to what can be achieved through perseverance, player feedback, and a genuine commitment to quality. From a broken launch to an "Overwhelmingly Positive" masterpiece, the game has secured its legacy as one of the greatest redemption stories in video game history, setting a high bar for Project Orion and the future of Night City.