The PC modding community has worked hard to develop various mods to update Cyberpunk 2077 and improve the overall gaming experience. Although Cyberpunk 2077 received several official patches from CD Projekt Red, mainly focused on improving stability and performance on all platforms. Solid progress has been made in getting the RPG to a healthier place than it was at launch, but the player base recognized that there was still work to be done.
According to CDPR, modding in Cyberpunk 2077 was not initially going to be a supported feature. However, this stance was reversed shortly after the game was released in December 2020 and by January 2021 CDPR had released the official modding support tools for Cyberpunk 2077. The PC modding community was eager to start implementing quality of life changes and visual improvements as the initial patches began to slowly roll out.
It has now been over a year since Cyberpunk 2077 launched, and some great mods were created during this time. Most offer small tweaks to specific game areas, but when combined these mods can make the game overall much more complete and polished. PC modders have taken it upon themselves to improve Cyberpunk 2077 while introducing some of the most requested features by gamers.
Polishing enemies in Cyberpunk 2077 improves gameplay
RMK’s AI Netrunners Enhanced mod gives netrunners a much wider arsenal of quick hacks to use against V. The enemy netrunner class in Cyberpunk 2077 essentially only has two cyberware-related default actions they can perform: use overheat or choose to reveal V’s position. With AI Netrunners Enhanced installed, netrunners can now restrict V’s ability to move, break cyberwares by temporarily taking them offline and even using the system failure hack. If the system failure hack is successfully downloaded, V will go flat instantly. This mod offers a welcome challenge in Cyberpunk 2077 as dealing with enemies often becomes a little too easy in the mid-game, even on harder difficulty settings.
Another difficulty-related mod that improves the overall gaming experience is the Enhanced Police mod. The police system has seen minimal official improvements since launch, the only notable one being that the police no longer pop up out of nowhere and teleport across the map. With the Enhanced Police mod, the font of Cyberpunk 2077 will now spawn in vehicles and begin an active chase when V commits a crime. They can even request reinforcements depending on the seriousness of the infraction. Additionally, the police will no longer stop spawning when actively engaged, and in some areas of Night City they will not be dispatched at all. Instead, the gangs will take matters into their own hands and attempt to bring down V.
Street Style Clothing Mod adds to Cyberpunk 2077 RPG
TilW’s Street Style clothing mod overhauls the role clothing plays in Cyberpunk 2077. With this mod installed, every piece of wearable gear in the game now has five different attribute values associated with it: body, reflexes, technical ability, intelligence, and cool. The value assigned to each attribute will be applied to V’s stats while the clothes are equipped, which will help with things like skill checks that may require high Body or Technical Ability stats to continue.
The Street Style clothing mod is also great for improving character builds and specialized playstyles in Cyberpunk 2077. it gives the game another much-needed RPG aspect that probably should have been included in the base game. Similar functionality may yet be added by CD Projekt, but it’s a great substitute for now.
System-Ex unlocks additional playstyles in Cyberpunk 2077
Default in Cyberpunk 2077, players are forced to choose between running a Cyberdeck or an operating system. psiberx’s System-Ex mod allows both to be equipped and used simultaneously, giving the ability to explore more playstyles and even create unique ones along the way. Those who use this mod will now have access to systems like Berserk and Sandevistan as well as quick hacks, allowing them to wreak havoc on the streets of Night City. When combined with mods like AI Netrunners Enhanced, System-Ex doesn’t feel too overpowered, making it a fun mod to experiment with.
Fast travel mods can improve Cyberpunk 2077 immersion
One of the best fast travel mods available for Cyberpunk 2077 is the Metro System mod by keanuWheeze. This adds a working subway system, very similar to the subway featured in the original trailer, that runs through Night City connecting various points of interest. Once the mod is installed, simply head to one of nineteen hand-built NCART stations to board the train. Each station has a timer that counts down until the next incoming train arrives. It is convenient, enhances immersion, and allows players to enjoy the sights and atmosphere of Night City while traveling between destinations.
The GTA Travel mod also gives players an alternate look at Night City. This mod converts the traditional fast travel experience into Cyberpunk 2077 in GTA 5-inspired animation sequence where the map is seen from above while the camera pans towards the destination selected by V. This allows for a better understanding of the layout of the map and makes it easier to see the distance between movement points, which is lost when moving through a loading screen.
Cyber Vehicle Overhaul improves every vehicle in Cyberpunk 2077
Erok’s Cyber Vehicle Overhaul mod brings specific changes to all purchasable rides that can be acquired in Cyberpunk 2077. Previous vehicle mods have made sweeping changes to all cars and motorcycles, primarily to improve handling while riding. can feel a bit slippery at times with a rather unresponsive steering feel. The Cyber Vehicle Overhaul mod brings small specific changes to the speed, traction and handling of each car and vehicle in Cyberpunk 2077. This gives each ride its own feel and driving style, enhancing the overall driving experience. Players with this mod installed may find themselves missing the opportunity to fast travel more often than usual, as traversing Night City in a vehicle can be an enjoyable experience when the roads don’t roll like they’re covered in ice.
Although these are some of the best mods currently available to update Cyberpunk 2077, there are many more that can enhance and alter the gaming experience. New and innovative mods are constantly being created by the PC community, and it will be exciting to see what pops up on the scene next. One thing is certain, CD Projekt Red made the right decision by choosing to implement official mod support for Cyberpunk 2077, leading to awesome creations from the passionate community.
Sources: Nexus Mods/RMK, TilW, psiberx, keanuWheeze, Erok
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