Modders vs. Developers: Who's Really Shaping Cyberpunk 2077's Future?

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Since its shaky 2020 launch, Cyberpunk 2077 has come a long way—but not just because of CD Projekt Red’s efforts. With every patch, the devs polish the experience. But in the shadows (and on Nexus Mods), a passionate modding community is quietly reshaping Night City faster—and often better—than the original creators.

In this post, we’ll break down what Patch 2.3 delivered, where it falls short, and how modders are stepping up to build the Cyberpunk 2077 players truly want.

What Patch 2.3 Delivered (And What It Didn’t)

Patch 2.3 wasn’t small—it brought cinematic flair and some long-requested features. Here's a quick look:

✅ AutoDrive Mode – Hands-free navigation, perfect for cinematic drives across Night City.

✅ New Vehicles – Like the Yaiba Semimaru and sleek customizable bikes.

✅ Photo Mode Upgrades – You can now add NPCs, change weather, and swap outfits.

Modders vs. Developers: Cyberpunk 2077
Cool, right? But here's what it didn’t bring:

❌ New Game+ – Still missing, despite being one of the most demanded features.

❌ Cyberware Customization – NPCs rock visible implants; why can’t V?

❌ Bug Fixes – Some perks and systems still don’t work as advertised.

While CD Projekt Red focuses on The Witcher 4 and Cyberpunk 2, modders are filling in the gaps faster than official devs.

How Modders Are Fixing What CDPR Won’t (Or Can’t)

1. 🔁 New Game+ – Modders Made It Happen

CDPR claims New Game+ “breaks the game’s structure.” Modders disagree. The New Game Plus – Native mod has over 150,000 downloads, letting you:

  • Keep your gear, levels, and cyberware

  • Skip straight to The Heist or Phantom Liberty

  • Face enemies that scale to your level

If one person on Nexus Mods can do it—why can’t an entire AAA studio?

2. 🦾 Cyberpunk Style, Unleashed

Patch 2.3 gave us outfit swapping in Photo Mode, but modders are unlocking next-level customization:

  • Visible Cyberware – V can finally show off glowing arms, spines, and legs like everyone else in Night City.

  • Layered Clothing – Jackets over dresses, tactical armor under coats, and even Alt Cunningham’s netrunner suit.

  • Expanded Hairstyles & Tattoos – Because fashion and identity matter in a game about body modification.

3. 🛠 Fixes & Restored Features

Even with the latest patch, some systems remain broken or underbaked. Mods fix that.

  • Perk Overhauls – Mods repair abilities that still don’t work right (looking at you, EMP perk).

  • Cut Content Restored – Lost weapons, quests, and dialogue options come back to life.

  • UI & QoL Improvements – Cleaner inventory, custom radio stations, and minimized clutter.

Why CDPR Can’t Keep Up—Even If They Want To

Let’s be fair: CDPR isn’t lazy, but they’re overwhelmed.

  • 🎯 Shifting Focus – Most resources are now going to The Witcher 4 and Project Orion (Cyberpunk 2).

  • ⚙️ Technical Limitations – The REDengine makes systemic changes risky and slow.

  • 🧠 Design Philosophy – CDPR insists some features “don’t fit” the game—even when the community disagrees.

Modders, on the other hand? No red tape, no deadlines. Just passion and results.

Console Players: Still Stuck on the Sidelines

If you're on PC, Night City is limitless. If you're on console? You're waiting.

What Could Help:

  • ✅ Official Mod Support – Like Bethesda’s Creation Club or Steam Workshop integration.

  • ✅ Curated Console Mod Packs – Even just five or ten verified mods would be a game-changer.

Until then, console players miss out on New Game+, QoL enhancements, and even bug fixes modders already solved.

Final Verdict: Who's Really Shaping Night City?

Patch 2.3 brought polish. Modders brought purpose.

They’re adding depth, restoring cut content, and delivering features fans have begged for. Whether it’s New Game+, visible cyberware, or a truly immersive RPG experience, the future of Cyberpunk 2077 isn’t just in CDPR’s hands anymore.

It belongs to the fans.

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