For many, the legacy of Cyberpunk 2077 is defined by a turbulent launch and a long, arduous road to redemption. However, CD Projekt RED has continued to iterate on the title long after its initial release, pushing the technical boundaries of the neon-soaked Night City. The latest evolution arrives via a dedicated patch for the PlayStation 5 Pro, which introduces a suite of performance and visual upgrades designed to bridge the gap between console gaming and high-end PC hardware.
The Cyberpunk 2077 PS5 Pro patch focuses heavily on integrating advanced ray tracing (RT) and leveraging Sony’s new PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) upscaling. By offering three distinct new modes, the update allows players to choose between a cinematic visual showcase, a balanced high-frame-rate experience, or a raw performance push that exceeds the standard 60fps ceiling. For those who have already invested in the game, the upgrade is provided free of charge.
While the update significantly elevates the baseline experience, it is not without compromise. The “all-in” visual mode targets a lower frame rate to maintain its fidelity, and some of the most iconic PC features—such as fully ray-traced puddles—remain elusive. Despite these constraints, the patch represents one of the most comprehensive post-launch technical supports for a major title in recent memory, effectively transforming the game into the best version available on any console.
Breaking Down the New Graphics Modes
The centerpiece of the update is the Ray Tracing Pro mode. This is a “visual showcase” designed to mimic the RT Ultra settings found on PC. It prioritizes lighting and shadow accuracy over fluid motion, targeting 30fps on standard 60Hz displays and 40fps for those using 120Hz output. In this mode, the game moves away from traditional shadow maps, replacing them with RT local shadows from point lights and improved sun shadow contact detail, which adds a level of physical plausibility to both interior and street scenes.
The atmospheric impact is most noticeable in the city’s dense architecture. Underpasses and walkways are no longer over-lit, thanks to improved sky and emissive lighting. Neon signs and billboards now cast actual light into the environment rather than relying on screen-space approximations. RT ambient occlusion further grounds objects, providing superior contact shadows compared to the older SSAO method.
However, reflections are where the console’s limits become apparent. While the PC version features comprehensive reflections, the PS5 Pro version limits RT reflections primarily to car windows and highly glossy bodywork. CD Projekt RED clarified that these reflections apply to all transparent objects, including building windows and the metro, but the absence of fully ray-traced puddles remains a missed opportunity for a “perfect” translation of the PC experience.
The Balance of Performance and Fidelity
Recognizing that 30fps is a dealbreaker for many, the developers have introduced a 60fps RT mode. This is the version CD Projekt RED officially recommends. It maintains a target of 60fps by dialing back certain ray tracing features while keeping the internal resolution around 1440p. While it occasionally dips due to CPU limitations, the target is generally met, and the experience is smoothed further by Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support.
For players who prioritize input lag and smoothness over lighting effects, a non-RT performance mode is available. This mode allows the frame rate to push significantly beyond 60fps when VRR is active, with the developers appearing to target 90fps (an 11.1ms frame-time). To achieve this, the game utilizes dynamic resolution scaling, though it still delivers a crisp 4K output thanks to the upgraded upscaling pipeline.
| Mode | Primary Target | RT Features | Resolution/Upscaling |
|---|---|---|---|
| RT Pro | 30 / 40 fps | Full Suite (Compromised Reflections) | 1440p internal $rightarrow$ 4K PSSR |
| RT 60fps | 60 fps | Balanced / Reduced RT | ~1440p $rightarrow$ 4K PSSR |
| Performance | 60 – 90+ fps | None | High Internal $rightarrow$ 4K PSSR |
The Role of PSSR and Technical Constraints
A critical component of this patch is the transition to PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution). The new upscaler comfortably outperforms the older FSR2 (FidelityFX Super Resolution) implementation, providing a cleaner image with fewer artifacts. While a toggle to revert to FSR2 still exists in the menus—likely a remnant of early development—there is virtually no reason for users to select it over PSSR.
Despite these leaps in lighting and resolution, some legacy issues persist. The “pop-in” effect—where objects suddenly appear as the player moves through the world—remains largely unchanged from the base PS5 version. This suggests that the bottlenecks in these areas are tied to the CPU or asset streaming architecture rather than the GPU power provided by the Pro hardware.
From a technical perspective, the patch highlights a conservative but stable approach. Some analysts have noted that a 1080p mode with a more aggressive RT set might have been an engaging alternative, but CD Projekt RED has clearly prioritized high image quality and stability, leaning heavily on the efficiency of PSSR to maintain a 4K presentation.
The commitment to supporting an older title so comprehensively is a rarity in the industry. By providing a free, high-quality upgrade path, CD Projekt RED not only enhances the value of the PS5 Pro for its owners but also bolsters its reputation for long-term product support.
Moving forward, the focus for the studio remains on its broader roadmap, including the development of the next CD Projekt RED project (codenamed Orion). While no further patches for Cyberpunk 2077 have been officially scheduled, this update serves as the definitive technical ceiling for the game on console hardware.
Do you think the trade-off between frame rate and ray tracing is worth it on the PS5 Pro? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
