When Cyberpunk 2077 launched in December 2020, it quickly became one of the most talked-about games of the generation but not always for the right reasons. While PC players and next-gen console owners had mixed but mostly stable experiences, the game’s release on PlayStation 4 was plagued with serious issues. Crashes, graphical glitches, performance drops, and missing assets left PS4 players disappointed. Now, several years later and after numerous patches and updates, many gamers are asking: Is Cyberpunk 2077 finally playable on PS4? The answer is more optimistic than it once was.
The State of Cyberpunk 2077 at Launch on PS4
Performance Struggles
Upon release, Cyberpunk 2077 was nearly unplayable on the base PlayStation 4. Frame rates dipped well below 30 FPS, sometimes crawling to the low teens during action-heavy sequences. Textures loaded slowly, AI behavior was erratic, and entire chunks of the environment would disappear mid-game. It wasn’t just a poor port; it felt unfinished and unstable.
Players experienced frequent crashes that would abruptly close the game, while the visual fidelity was significantly downgraded. Cars would pop into existence, NPCs would behave strangely, and the vibrant Night City felt hollow and broken. These issues led to massive backlash from the gaming community and widespread criticism across social media.
Sony’s Drastic Response
One of the most significant reactions came from Sony itself. In an unprecedented move, the company removed Cyberpunk 2077 from the PlayStation Store just one week after release, citing the game’s unplayable state on base PS4 consoles. It also offered full refunds to anyone dissatisfied with their purchase. This action sent a clear message to both CD Projekt Red and the gaming industry as a whole.
CD Projekt Red’s Commitment to Fixing the Game
Multiple Patches and Hotfixes
In the months following release, CD Projekt Red rolled out patch after patch, addressing everything from game-breaking bugs to minor quality-of-life improvements. The company publicly acknowledged the issues and made rebuilding trust with the fanbase a top priority. Major patches like version 1.2 and the next-gen update brought substantial changes even to PS4, though some limitations of the hardware remained.
Patch notes regularly highlighted PS4-specific fixes, such as improved texture streaming, better memory handling, and crash reduction. While the updates did not magically transform the PS4 version into the ideal experience, they greatly improved stability and performance, especially on the PS4 Pro model.
Phantom Liberty and Continued Support
Though the Phantom Liberty expansion was not released for PS4, the updates surrounding its release indirectly benefited PS4 players through general gameplay enhancements. CD Projekt Red ensured that core gameplay systems such as driving mechanics, combat, and UI were polished even on the last-gen consoles. The improvements to AI and pedestrian behavior also made Night City feel more alive than it did at launch.
Current Playability on PS4
What Has Improved?
As of the latest updates, Cyberpunk 2077 is indeed playable on the PlayStation 4, especially on the PS4 Pro. While the base PS4 still experiences occasional hiccups, the game runs at a mostly stable frame rate in the mid-to-high 20s. Graphical fidelity has been cleaned up, and loading times have improved, though not to the level of newer hardware.
Players can now expect:
- More stable performance with fewer crashes
- Improved NPC behavior and animations
- Fewer bugs and visual glitches
- Faster loading textures and assets
- Enhanced driving and combat responsiveness
While it still doesn’t match the performance seen on PS5 or high-end PCs, Cyberpunk 2077 on PS4 no longer feels broken. It’s a playable experience, especially for players willing to accept a few technical compromises.
What Limitations Remain?
Despite improvements, limitations do exist. Frame rate dips still occur during busy scenes or fast-paced combat. Texture pop-ins can still happen, especially when traveling at high speed through Night City. Loading times are longer, and some graphical downgrades are noticeable, including simpler lighting effects and reduced crowd density.
The absence of next-gen features like ray tracing, enhanced weather effects, and rapid SSD load times means the PS4 version will always lag behind in terms of raw performance. But for players focused on story, exploration, and RPG elements, these sacrifices may be acceptable.
How to Optimize Your Experience
Tips for Better Gameplay on PS4
- Keep the game updated: Ensure you’re running the latest version of Cyberpunk 2077 for the most optimized experience.
- Restart the game regularly: Long play sessions can cause memory buildup, leading to performance issues. A restart can refresh the system.
- Install on internal storage: Avoid running the game from an external hard drive. Internal storage offers better read speeds on PS4.
- Limit background applications: Close other apps before launching the game to maximize available system memory.
These small adjustments can make a big difference in how smooth the game feels on aging hardware.
Community Feedback and Long-Term Impact
Player Sentiment Over Time
The PS4 player community has become more forgiving over time. Initial outrage has given way to cautious optimism and even praise for CD Projekt Red’s dedication to fixing the game. Many players now report being able to complete full playthroughs with minimal issues, something that was nearly impossible in the first few months after release.
Reddit threads and forums reflect this shift. Early complaints have been replaced by posts celebrating successful quests, exploring the city, and enjoying character interactions without constant bugs. PS4 players who waited patiently or returned to the game later often say the experience is finally worth it.
Lessons Learned
The Cyberpunk 2077 saga on PS4 stands as a case study in both overambition and redemption. CD Projekt Red aimed high but underestimated the challenges of developing for aging hardware. However, the continued support and honest communication from the developers helped restore much of the lost faith.
For future releases, the importance of thorough testing across all platforms cannot be overstated. Cyberpunk’s rough launch was a harsh reminder that no amount of hype can make up for an unplayable experience. But its recovery also shows that with effort and transparency, even the most troubled games can earn back trust.
So, is Cyberpunk 2077 playable on PS4 now? Yes, it is. While it may never match the performance of the game on newer systems, the current state of Cyberpunk 2077 on PS4 is a dramatic improvement from its launch disaster. With all the major updates, fixes, and optimizations, players can finally experience the compelling narrative and immersive world that CD Projekt Red originally envisioned. For those who only have access to a PS4 and have been hesitant, the time to visit Night City has finally arrived better late than never.