Fact Check: Is cyberpunk 2077 worth it?

Is Cyberpunk 2077 Worth It?

Introduction

The question of whether "Cyberpunk 2077" is worth playing has resurfaced, particularly as the game has undergone significant updates and expansions since its initial release in December 2020. This inquiry has gained traction as players reflect on their experiences with the game, especially in light of the recent "Phantom Liberty" expansion. Various sources offer differing perspectives on the game's current state, prompting a closer examination of the evidence surrounding its value.

What We Know

1. Initial Reception and Controversy: "Cyberpunk 2077," developed by CD Projekt Red, was highly anticipated but faced a tumultuous launch, marred by numerous bugs and performance issues, particularly on last-generation consoles. The backlash led to a temporary removal from the PlayStation Store and a significant drop in CD Projekt's stock prices [1].

2. Updates and Improvements: Since its launch, the game has received multiple patches aimed at improving performance and fixing bugs. Notably, the "Phantom Liberty" expansion, released in September 2023, has been described as a substantial improvement, with some sources suggesting it transforms the game into a more complete experience [3][8].

3. Current Player Experience: Players returning to "Cyberpunk 2077" in 2025 report a more polished experience, citing enhanced visuals and gameplay mechanics. Reviews from various gaming outlets indicate that the game now offers a more engaging narrative and improved gameplay compared to its original state [5][7].

4. Community Feedback: User reviews and community discussions reflect a divided opinion. Some players express satisfaction with the improvements and the depth of the storylines, while others remain critical of the game's initial shortcomings and the time it took to address them [6][7].

Analysis

The evaluation of whether "Cyberpunk 2077" is worth playing hinges on various factors, including the credibility of sources and the context of their opinions.

1. Source Reliability:

   • Gaming History 101 and Dagon Dogs provide detailed reviews and personal experiences, which can be valuable for potential players. However, they may also carry a bias towards the game's improvements, as they focus on the positive aspects of the recent updates [3][7].
   • Jeuxvideo.com is a well-known gaming site that offers comprehensive guides and reviews. Their coverage of the game, including user reviews, presents a broader spectrum of opinions but may also reflect a French gaming community perspective, which could differ from global sentiments [1][4][6][8].

2. Methodological Concerns:

   • Many reviews rely on subjective experiences, which can vary widely among players. The lack of quantitative data, such as player retention rates or specific performance metrics post-update, limits the ability to draw definitive conclusions about the game's worth.
   • The timing of reviews also plays a role; opinions formed shortly after the release of the "Phantom Liberty" expansion may not fully capture long-term player engagement or satisfaction.

3. Conflicts of Interest:

   • Some sources may have affiliations with CD Projekt Red or may be incentivized to promote the game due to partnerships or sponsorships. This potential bias should be considered when evaluating their claims about the game's worth [5][7].

4. Diverse Opinions:

   • While some players and reviewers laud the game's narrative depth and improved gameplay, others remain skeptical, citing the game's troubled launch and the time it took for significant improvements to be implemented. This dichotomy highlights the importance of considering multiple viewpoints before forming an opinion [6][7].

Conclusion

Verdict: Mostly True

The assertion that "Cyberpunk 2077" is worth playing has merit, particularly in light of the substantial updates and the "Phantom Liberty" expansion, which have significantly improved the game's performance and narrative depth. Evidence from player experiences and reviews indicates that many users now find the game more enjoyable than at launch. However, the verdict is nuanced; while many players report a positive experience, others remain critical due to the game's troubled history and the time taken to address initial issues.

It is important to acknowledge the limitations in the available evidence. Many reviews are subjective and may not fully represent the diverse opinions within the gaming community. Additionally, potential biases from sources affiliated with CD Projekt Red could influence the portrayal of the game's current state.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider multiple perspectives before forming their own opinions about the game's worth.

Sources

1. Cyberpunk 2077 - jeuxvideo.com. Retrieved from jeuxvideo.com
2. 什么是赛博朋克 （Cyberpunk）？ - 知乎. Retrieved from 知乎
3. Neon Dreams: Returning to Cyberpunk 2077 in 2025. Retrieved from gaminghistory101.com
4. Soluce Cyberpunk 2077, guide, astuces - jeuxvideo.com. Retrieved from jeuxvideo.com
5. Cyberpunk 2077 - Is It Worth It in 2025? Retrieved from YouTube
6. Avis et critiques du jeu Cyberpunk 2077 sur PC - Jeuxvideo.com. Retrieved from jeuxvideo.com
7. Cyberpunk 2077 | It's Finally Worth Playing - Dagon Dogs. Retrieved from dagondogs.com
8. Test de Cyberpunk 2077 - Phantom Liberty par jeuxvideo.com. Retrieved from jeuxvideo.com