Cyberpunk 2077 Autodrive: How Close to Fast & Furious Night City?

Last Updated: October 12, 2025

Night City's neon-drenched streets have always promised a thrilling, chaotic ride, and the idea of an "autodrive" feature that truly embraces that chaos has long captured the imagination of players. While early speculation and wishful thinking painted a picture of player-owned vehicles zooming through red lights with reckless abandon, the reality of Cyberpunk 2077's automated driving experience has evolved into something more nuanced, yet still undeniably stylish.

Remember the buzz around a major patch that would unleash an autodrive's inner daredevil, giving it the freedom to ignore traffic laws and leave the handbrake in the dust? While the game never implemented a universal "autodrive" for player vehicles that would actively break laws, CD Projekt Red did significantly refine the driving experience and offer a unique automated transport system. The closest players get to a true self-driving experience is through the iconic Delamain taxi service, which acts as a sophisticated fast-travel system, expertly navigating Night City's intricate roadways.

From Zero to Sixty... and Beyond! (With Player Input)

The initial launch of Cyberpunk 2077 saw driving mechanics that, for some, felt a little like wrestling a particularly clumsy potato. Vehicles could be jerky, acceleration wasn't always smooth, and the overall feel sometimes lacked the "Fast & Furious" punch promised by Night City's aesthetic. However, CD Projekt Red's commitment to improving the game was unwavering.

Major updates like Patch 2.0 (released in September 2023 alongside the Phantom Liberty expansion) and the subsequent Patch 2.1 (December 2023) fundamentally overhauled vehicle handling. These patches were the digital equivalent of removing that sticky handbrake and replacing it with a rocket booster. Driving became tighter, more responsive, and genuinely enjoyable. While these updates didn't introduce an AI that would take over your personal vehicle and drive it like a maniac, they empowered players to drive their cars with newfound precision and speed, making every chase and joyride feel authentically "Fast & Furious." The improvements meant that even without an AI driver, Night City's roads became a playground for high-speed thrills.

Red Lights? More Like 'Red Suggestions!' (If You're Behind the Wheel)

The fantasy of an autodrive that disregards traffic laws is undeniably appealing in a world as anarchic as Night City. Imagine your car blazing past red lights with the grace of a caffeinated cheetah, leaving the NCPD in its dust. While the Delamain cabs efficiently navigate traffic, they adhere to a more sensible, albeit still quick, path. The true "red suggestions" experience remains firmly in the player's hands. It's up to V to decide whether to obey the law or embrace the chaos, weaving through traffic and pushing the limits of their vehicle's performance. The refined driving mechanics introduced in updates like 2.0 and 2.1 made this player-driven anarchy more satisfying than ever.

A Patchwork of Improvements: The Road to 2.1

The journey of Cyberpunk 2077 has been one of continuous refinement. While the idea of a player-vehicle autodrive that ignores laws remained a fantasy, the actual updates brought a wealth of improvements that dramatically enhanced the game. Patch 2.0 laid the groundwork with a complete overhaul of perks, combat, and police systems. The Phantom Liberty expansion (September 2023) added an entire new district, compelling story content, and new vehicles.

The final major update for the original Cyberpunk 2077, Patch 2.1, arrived in December 2023. This update was a culmination of CD Projekt Red's efforts, adding highly requested features such as a fully functional NCART metro system (providing a true automated, albeit on-rails, transport experience), the ability to listen to radio stations outside of vehicles, new vehicle chases, and even a dedicated racing mode. These additions cemented Cyberpunk 2077 as a vastly improved and more complete experience, far beyond its initial state.

The Future of Autodrive: Project Orion on the Horizon

With Patch 2.1 marking the conclusion of new content for the original Cyberpunk 2077, CD Projekt Red has shifted its focus to the future. The question of what comes next for Night City's vehicles and autonomous systems remains exciting. The sequel, currently codenamed Project Orion, is in early development. Will it introduce flying cars as a standard mode of transport? Will AI drivers develop sentience and demand equal rights? Will the autodrive truly participate in illegal street races?

Only time will tell what technological marvels (and vehicular anarchy) Project Orion will bring. But one thing is for sure: the improvements made to Cyberpunk 2077 have set a high bar, ensuring that Night City's streets, whether driven by V or a sophisticated AI, will continue to be a wild, unforgettable ride.