Cyberpunk 2077 Gets PS5 Pro Update on April 8, 2026

CD Projekt Red has announced that Cyberpunk 2077, along with its expansion Phantom Liberty, will receive a free update for the PlayStation 5 Pro on April 8, 2026. This technical patch introduces specific graphical modes designed to utilize the hardware capabilities of the PlayStation 5 Pro, allowing for improved ray tracing features and higher frame rate targets compared to the base console version.

Cyberpunk 2077 PS5 Pro Mode Options

The update provides players with three distinct graphical configurations. These modes allow users to prioritize either high-fidelity lighting effects or higher frame rates depending on their display capabilities.

• Ray Tracing Pro Mode: This is the most feature-heavy setting, prioritizing advanced ray tracing for shadows and lighting. On 60Hz displays, it targets 30fps, while 120Hz displays allow for 40fps, though minor frame rate drops may occur.
• Ray Tracing Mode: This setting includes ray-traced shadows and reflections but reduces the intensity of other graphical features to maintain a 60fps target.
• Performance Mode: This mode disables ray tracing entirely to maximize frame rates. On 120Hz displays, it targets 90fps, utilizing dynamic resolution scaling to maintain performance.

As we have followed in our PlayStation coverage, the implementation of these modes marks a significant shift in how the title renders on console hardware. The Ray Tracing Pro mode specifically enhances the way neon signage and billboards illuminate the environment, providing a more authentic look to the dense urban scenery of Night City.

Technical Analysis of Ray Tracing Pro Mode

The Ray Tracing Pro mode serves as an "all-in" setting for users seeking the highest visual quality. While it does not match the output of high-end personal computers, it offers substantial improvements over the quality mode found on the original PlayStation 5. Reflections are visible on windows and glossy surfaces, though the game avoids the extreme puddle-based reflections found on top-tier PC configurations.

Internal resolution for this mode sits at 1440p, which is then upscaled to native 4K using Sony's PSSR2 technology. While the image quality is high, technical observers have noted that the internal resolution could potentially be lowered in future iterations to allow for more aggressive graphical effects without compromising the current output.

PSSR2 Upscaling and FSR 2.1

A notable aspect of the 2026 update is the inclusion of PSSR2, which is the primary upscaler for the PlayStation 5 Pro version of the game. The update also includes a toggle for FSR 2.1. Industry analysts suggest that this toggle was likely included as a fallback measure because the initial development of the patch began using the original version of PSSR. However, with PSSR2 now available, it is the recommended method for rendering, as it provides superior image quality compared to FSR 2.1.

For those interested in how these technical changes affect other titles, you can view our tech hardware news for comparisons. The performance mode, while lacking ray tracing, remains the preferred option for players who prioritize responsiveness and high frame rates over lighting fidelity, especially when utilizing a variable refresh rate (VRR) panel.

Performance Limitations and CPU Constraints

In the Ray Tracing and Performance modes, frame rate fluctuations are occasionally observed. Technical experts hypothesize that these dips are likely caused by CPU limitations inherent to the game's dense population and simulation systems. While the Performance mode targets 90fps on 120Hz displays, it relies on dynamic resolution scaling to maintain that target, meaning the resolution will shift during intense sequences to keep the frame rate stable.

CD Projekt Red continues to provide post-release support for the title, which originally launched in 2020. This commitment to updating the game for newer hardware iterations has been a consistent part of the studio's strategy since the release of the Phantom Liberty expansion. As we continue our reports at In Game News, we will monitor how these updates influence the overall experience for long-term players of the title.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Cyberpunk 2077 PS5 Pro update release date?

The free update for Cyberpunk 2077 on PlayStation 5 Pro is scheduled for release on April 8, 2026.

What features are in the Cyberpunk 2077 PS5 Pro mode?

The update includes three distinct modes: Ray Tracing Pro, Ray Tracing, and Performance, all utilizing PSSR2 upscaling for enhanced visual fidelity.

How does Cyberpunk 2077 perform on PS5 Pro?

The game offers varied performance targets, including a 30fps/40fps Ray Tracing Pro mode and a Performance mode that targets 90fps on 120Hz displays.