Cyberpunk 2077 was a classic case of anything that could go wrong going wrong. The Cyberpunk 2077 launch controversy was a big blip on the radar, but it was just the start. CD Projekt Red was devoted to fixing the game, the right people took some level of accountability, and patches, fixes, and more were all promised. However, many lamented the fact that the Cyberpunk 2077 roadmap was not very clear, and it was all worsened when CD Projekt Red was hacked.
Still, the company has preserved. Several patches have increased the performance and stability of Cyberpunk 2077 to a "satisfactory" state, according to CD Projekt Red, and while it may never be the definitive next-gen experience fans expected of it, it does have a shot at redemption. However, there are few hard sells it has to get passed to do so; thus, CD Projekt Red needs to go all in with Cyberpunk 2077 this fall.
Cyberpunk 2077 Free DLC and Expansions
Right now, Cyberpunk 2077 has already missed its free DLC window, and there has been no update from CD Projekt Red on the matter. It stands to reason that the free DLC won't be game-changing, instead being new clothes, items, and the like. Perhaps the biggest thing could be new vehicles, but that remains to be seen. However, anything free is always a welcome thing, and as long as CD Projekt Red gets that out this fall, it could go a long way in terms of redeeming Cyberpunk 2077.
Furthermore, while actual premium Cyberpunk 2077 expansions akin to The Witcher 3's Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine DLCs aren't set to release this year, it would make sense to at least announce the first one, if not a proper 2022 roadmap, by the end of fall. Put free DLC out, properly advertise the first big DLC, and combine it with a successful PS5 and Xbox Series X "launch," and Cyberpunk 2077 may gain back a lot of lost ground.
Cyberpunk 2077 PS5, Xbox Series X Upgrades
Speaking of, the proper PS5 and Xbox Series X upgrades for Cyberpunk 2077 are set to release in the second half of 2021, and that time is now. It'll likely be a November or early December release, and it's going to be an important time for the game. The PS4 and Xbox One struggle with the game immensely, for a variety of reasons, but the PS5 and Xbox Series X are still playing the former gen's version. A full upgrade could bring many back to Night City. Presumably, as long as that does happen this year, CD Projekt Red will announce it soon.
Without a doubt, Cyberpunk 2077 has had its admirers and its detractors, and many may never forget how it launched. CD Projekt Red has to earn a lot of trust back in the eyes of many, and going all-in with Cyberpunk 2077 this fall may be the first step on that road. Free DLC could serve as the bread-breaking appetizer, the PS5 and Xbox Series X upgrades as the main course, and the major expansions as the dessert that brings people back a second time. Going all-in this fall means that eyes will be on said dessert coming in 2022, and that would only be good for the game. The potential is there; it just has to be seized.
Cyberpunk 2077 is available now for PC, PS4, Stadia, and Xbox One, with PS5 and Xbox Series X upgrades in the works.