Updated November 2, 2026
Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.5 has caused unusually low FPS, severe stuttering, and unexpected performance drops for some PC players. The problem is particularly noticeable on certain AMD Radeon GPUs, including the RX 9070 XT, although NVIDIA users have also encountered performance issues.
In some cases, a game that previously ran above 120–140 FPS suddenly struggles to maintain 30–45 FPS. The slowdown can even affect the main menu, while disabling ray tracing, FSR, and other demanding graphics features makes little difference.
A clean graphics-driver installation has helped some players restore performance. Others have recovered FPS after removing leftover NVIDIA display drivers from PCs that previously used GeForce graphics cards.
This guide covers the most useful fixes, how to clean-install AMD drivers safely, what to do if DDU does not help, and how to troubleshoot stuttering after Update 2.5.
📋 Table of Contents
- Why FPS Drops After Update 2.5
- Check FPS Caps and Graphics Settings
- Fix 1: Clean Install AMD Drivers With DDU
- Fix 2: Remove Leftover NVIDIA Drivers
- Fix 3: Verify Files & Clear Shader Cache
- Fix 4: FSR, Anti-Lag & Frame Generation
- What If DDU Doesn't Fix Low FPS?
- Fix Stuttering in Dogtown
- Does Rolling Back to 2.31 Restore FPS?
- Affected GPUs & Common Symptoms
- Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Answer: How to Fix Cyberpunk 2077 2.5 FPS Drops
If your FPS suddenly dropped after Update 2.5, try these steps in order:
- Restart your PC and check that V-Sync, FPS limits, and Radeon frame-rate controls are not restricting performance.
- Disable frame generation temporarily and test the game with ray tracing turned off.
- Verify Cyberpunk 2077's game files through Steam or GOG.
- Disable overlays and mods temporarily to rule out compatibility problems.
- Clean-install your AMD graphics driver if performance remains unusually low. AMD Cleanup Utility or Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) can help.
- Check for leftover NVIDIA drivers if your PC previously used a GeForce GPU and now uses AMD Radeon graphics.
- Retest performance using the same graphics settings and location to see whether FPS improves.
Important: If FPS stays around 30–45 even on Low settings, prioritize frame-rate controls, driver troubleshooting, and CPU/GPU utilization checks. If performance is normally high but occasionally drops to 20–30 FPS, investigate stuttering, temperatures, VRAM usage, and background applications first.
A clean driver installation can restore substantial performance on some systems, but it is not a guaranteed solution for every Update 2.5 issue.
Why FPS Drops After Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.5
Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.5 introduced changes involving graphics features, including AMD FSR options, Anti-Lag support, and ray-tracing optimizations.
While some systems run normally or perform better after the update, others have experienced significant performance problems.
Common symptoms include:
- FPS dropping from 120–160 to approximately 30–60.
- Low FPS even in the main menu.
- Almost no improvement when switching from Ultra to Low settings.
- FSR or frame generation not delivering the expected smoothness.
- Sudden drops to 20–30 FPS during gameplay.
- Stuttering or uneven frame pacing in demanding locations such as Dogtown.
- Performance improving after a clean graphics-driver installation.
The cause is not necessarily the same on every PC.
Graphics-driver problems, background applications, frame-rate limits, CPU limitations, and game-version interactions can all produce similar symptoms.
A sudden FPS collapse does not automatically mean your GPU is too weak. Before reducing every graphics setting or considering a hardware upgrade, identify which type of performance problem you have.
How to Identify Your Performance Problem
| Symptom | Check first |
|---|---|
| FPS stuck at 30–45 | FPS caps and drivers |
| FPS unchanged on Low | CPU/GPU utilization |
| FPS drops in Dogtown | VRAM and area load |
| Crashes with FSR | Frame generation |
| FPS drops after GPU swap | Old display drivers |
| FPS fluctuates wildly | Temperatures and background tasks |
Start with the checks that match your symptoms instead of changing every setting at once.
Check FPS Caps and Graphics Settings First
Before removing graphics drivers or reinstalling Cyberpunk 2077, make sure the game is not being restricted by an FPS limit.
Step 1: Check the In-Game FPS Limit
- Launch Cyberpunk 2077.
- Open Settings → Video.
- Check the maximum FPS setting.
- Disable the FPS cap temporarily or set it above your expected frame rate.
- Turn off V-Sync for testing.
- Apply the changes and restart the game if necessary.
Also check whether your monitor is operating at its intended refresh rate in Windows display settings.
For example, if you have a 144 Hz monitor, make sure Windows has not switched it to a lower refresh rate.
A monitor refresh-rate setting does not necessarily impose an identical game FPS cap, but it can affect displayed smoothness and V-Sync behavior.
Step 2: Check AMD Radeon Software
Open AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition and inspect the Cyberpunk 2077 game profile.
Look for features such as:
- Radeon Chill
- Frame-rate target controls
- Radeon Anti-Lag
- Radeon Boost
- Driver-level V-Sync overrides
For troubleshooting, temporarily disable features that could limit or alter frame rates.
Radeon Chill and other frame-rate controls are particularly worth checking when FPS appears locked to a specific value.
Change one setting at a time so you can identify what actually affects performance.
Step 3: Test Without Ray Tracing or Frame Generation
Open Settings → Graphics and temporarily disable ray tracing, path tracing, and frame generation.
Run the game at a consistent resolution using a standard graphics preset.
If FPS barely changes when you reduce graphics quality, the problem may involve something other than the GPU's normal rendering workload.
That makes driver troubleshooting, frame-rate controls, and system monitoring more important than repeatedly switching graphics presets.
Fix 1: Clean Install AMD Graphics Drivers With DDU
A clean graphics-driver installation is one of the most useful troubleshooting methods when Cyberpunk 2077 suddenly performs much worse after an update.
A normal driver update installs new software over an existing configuration. In some situations, old driver components, settings, or conflicting software may remain.
Removing the existing display driver before reinstalling can help eliminate potential conflicts.
Important: DDU is an advanced troubleshooting utility. It is not necessary for every FPS problem, and removing drivers incorrectly can create additional complications.
Step 1: Download the Correct AMD Driver
Visit the official AMD Drivers and Support page.
Select your graphics card and download the appropriate driver for your Windows version.
Save the installer before removing your existing graphics driver.
If you use an RX 9070 XT, RX 9070, RX 7900 XTX, or another Radeon GPU, make sure the downloaded package supports your exact model.
Step 2: Download DDU
Download Display Driver Uninstaller from its established distribution page:
Display Driver Uninstaller — Guru3D
Extract the downloaded files and review the utility's instructions.
Before continuing:
- Save any open work.
- Create a Windows restore point if possible.
- Download the replacement graphics driver.
- Make sure your Windows recovery information is available.
Follow DDU's recommendations for preventing Windows Update from automatically replacing the display driver during cleanup.
You can temporarily disconnect from the internet during the cleanup and reinstall process if needed.
Step 3: Restart Windows in Safe Mode
To enter Safe Mode:
- Open Windows Settings.
- Go to System → Recovery.
- Under Advanced startup, select Restart now.
- Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings.
- Restart and select Safe Mode.
On some Windows 10 installations, the recovery options appear under Update & Security → Recovery.
If Windows uses BitLocker or device encryption, make sure your recovery key is available before changing startup options.
Step 4: Remove the Existing AMD Display Driver
Once Windows starts in Safe Mode:
- Launch DDU.
- Select GPU as the device type.
- Select AMD as the manufacturer.
- Choose Clean and restart.
- Wait for the process to finish.
Follow DDU's instructions rather than manually deleting graphics-driver files.
If you previously switched from NVIDIA to AMD, also read the next section before deciding which driver packages need removal.
Step 5: Reinstall AMD Drivers
After Windows restarts normally:
- Run the AMD driver installer downloaded earlier.
- Complete the installation.
- Restart the PC if requested.
- Open Cyberpunk 2077.
- Test performance using the same settings as before.
For a consistent comparison, keep ray tracing and frame generation disabled during the initial test.
How Much Can FPS Improve?
Some RX 9070 XT users have recovered from approximately 35–60 FPS to more than 100 FPS after graphics-driver cleanup and reinstallation.
One reported case improved from approximately 36 FPS to 122 FPS after removing old NVIDIA display-driver components and updating the AMD driver.
However, those changes were performed together, so the improvement cannot be attributed to only one step.
Other players have found that DDU does not resolve their performance problems.
If DDU does not help, avoid repeatedly reinstalling drivers without changing your troubleshooting approach. Continue with the additional checks below.
Alternative: AMD Cleanup Utility
AMD also provides its own AMD Cleanup Utility.
This can be an alternative for removing AMD graphics-driver software before reinstalling it.
Use one cleanup method at a time. You generally do not need to run both AMD Cleanup Utility and DDU for the same routine driver reinstall.
Fix 2: Remove Leftover NVIDIA Drivers After Switching to AMD
This fix is especially relevant if you previously used an NVIDIA graphics card and later upgraded to an AMD Radeon GPU.
For example, you might have replaced an RTX 3060 or RTX 3070 with an RX 9070 XT.
Old NVIDIA display-driver components can sometimes remain installed after a graphics-card upgrade.
How to Check for Old NVIDIA Components
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Open the Processes or Details tab.
- Look for NVIDIA-related background processes, including NVDisplay.Container.exe.
- Check Settings → Apps → Installed apps for old NVIDIA display software.
- Confirm whether the PC still contains or uses any NVIDIA graphics hardware.
The presence of NVIDIA software does not automatically prove that it is causing an FPS problem.
However, if your PC no longer uses NVIDIA graphics and still has old NVIDIA display drivers installed, a clean removal may be worth testing.
How to Remove Leftover NVIDIA Display Drivers
If your system now uses AMD graphics exclusively:
- Download the correct AMD driver before beginning.
- Create a Windows restore point if possible.
- Make sure you have access to your Windows recovery key if required.
- Restart Windows in Safe Mode.
- Open DDU.
- Select GPU → NVIDIA.
- Use DDU's recommended cleanup option for removing the old NVIDIA display driver.
- Restart Windows.
- Confirm that your AMD graphics driver is installed correctly.
- Launch Cyberpunk 2077 and test FPS again.
If you also need to reinstall the AMD driver, follow the AMD cleanup procedure separately and install the correct replacement driver afterward.
Do not remove NVIDIA display drivers if your system still relies on an NVIDIA GPU, including laptops with hybrid NVIDIA and integrated graphics.
Why This Fix Matters
Some players who switched from NVIDIA to AMD have reported substantial performance improvements after removing old NVIDIA display-driver components.
One RX 9070 XT system recovered from approximately 36 FPS to more than 120 FPS after removing remaining NVIDIA software and updating AMD drivers.
Another former NVIDIA user recovered playable performance around 90 FPS but still experienced some stuttering and lower FPS in demanding areas.
These cases make old-driver cleanup a worthwhile troubleshooting step for affected systems.
However, leftover NVIDIA software is not a confirmed universal cause of Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.5 FPS drops.
Fix 3: Verify Game Files and Clear Shader Cache
If the performance problem began immediately after updating Cyberpunk 2077, checking the installation is a sensible troubleshooting step.
Verify Cyberpunk 2077 on Steam
- Open Steam.
- Go to Library.
- Right-click Cyberpunk 2077.
- Select Properties → Installed Files.
- Choose Verify integrity of game files.
- Wait for verification to finish.
Steam will check the installation and download replacement files when necessary.
Verify Cyberpunk 2077 on GOG
- Open GOG GALAXY.
- Select Cyberpunk 2077.
- Open the game's management menu.
- Choose Manage installation → Verify / Repair.
- Allow the process to complete.
If you use mods, remember that game-file verification may not remove every manually installed mod file.
Clear the AMD Shader Cache
If you still experience stuttering or unusual performance after a driver change, you can test a shader-cache reset.
Open AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition and look for the Reset Shader Cache option in the graphics settings, where available.
You can also use Windows' Disk Cleanup tool to clear the DirectX Shader Cache.
Be aware that rebuilding shaders can temporarily introduce stuttering. Give the game time to settle before deciding whether performance has improved.
Note: Clearing the shader cache does not resolve every Update 2.5 FPS problem. Treat it as a diagnostic step rather than a guaranteed solution.
Fix 4: Check AMD FSR, Anti-Lag and Frame Generation
Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.5 includes changes involving AMD FSR and related graphics features.
There are two different problems to distinguish:
- Persistent low FPS: The game runs slowly even with demanding graphics settings disabled.
- Crashes or driver timeouts: The game becomes unstable when certain FSR, Anti-Lag, and frame-generation features are used together.
These symptoms may require different fixes.
Disable Frame Generation Temporarily
- Open Cyberpunk 2077.
- Go to Settings → Graphics.
- Find the frame-generation setting.
- Disable it.
- Apply the changes.
- Restart the game if required.
- Test performance and stability.
AMD has documented a Cyberpunk 2077 issue affecting certain Radeon RX 9000-series GPUs when FSR Upscaling, Radeon Anti-Lag, and in-game frame generation are enabled while video plays on a secondary display.
For this particular crash or driver-timeout scenario, AMD recommends disabling in-game frame generation.
This is an officially documented stability workaround, not a confirmed solution for the separate 30–45 FPS performance problem.
Test FSR and Anti-Lag Separately
After establishing a stable baseline:
- Enable FSR upscaling without frame generation.
- Test performance.
- Change the Anti-Lag setting and retest.
- Enable frame generation only after confirming the other settings behave normally.
If a particular combination causes crashes or stuttering, leave it disabled while checking for newer game and graphics-driver updates.
What If FSR Frame Generation Feels Choppy?
Frame generation can increase the displayed FPS counter without necessarily making the game feel as responsive as the number suggests.
If generated frames appear uneven:
- Compare frame generation on and off.
- Check whether your monitor's variable refresh rate is functioning.
- Test the available FSR frame-generation options individually.
- Check whether the base frame rate is stable.
Avoid combining several driver-level and in-game graphics overrides while troubleshooting.
Some Radeon users have found differences in smoothness between available FSR frame-generation configurations.
For now, prioritize consistent frame pacing over the highest displayed FPS number.
What If DDU Doesn't Fix Cyberpunk 2077 Low FPS?
If a clean driver installation makes no difference, the next step is to determine whether the game is limited by the GPU, CPU, background software, or another configuration issue.
Check GPU and CPU Utilization
Use Windows Task Manager or a trusted monitoring utility to examine:
- GPU utilization
- CPU utilization
- GPU and CPU temperatures
- GPU clock speeds
- VRAM usage
- System RAM usage
- Background applications
If GPU utilization remains unusually low while FPS is poor, investigate frame-rate limits, CPU limitations, and background processes.
A low overall CPU percentage does not rule out a CPU bottleneck. One heavily loaded CPU thread can limit performance even when total CPU usage appears moderate.
Similarly, high GPU usage does not automatically indicate a driver fault.
Disable Overlays and Mods
Temporarily disable overlays from applications such as Steam, Discord, AMD Software, or other monitoring tools.
If you use Cyberpunk 2077 mods, test a clean, unmodded setup where practical.
Mods that depend on older game versions may require updates after a major patch.
Before removing or changing mods, back up relevant files and follow the mod authors' compatibility instructions.
Test a Previous Stable AMD Driver
If the FPS problem appeared immediately after updating both Cyberpunk 2077 and your AMD graphics driver, testing a previous compatible driver can help isolate the cause.
Download older drivers only from trusted official sources.
AMD recommends using its Cleanup Utility when downgrading to a previous Adrenalin driver version.
Do not assume that the newest or oldest driver will always perform best on your particular GPU.
What If the Problem Still Persists?
If none of these steps helps, record your GPU model, CPU, driver version, graphics settings, and benchmark results.
You can then use the official Cyberpunk 2077 Support website to report the problem.
Providing reproducible details is more useful than simply reporting that the game runs slowly.
Fix Stuttering and Sudden FPS Drops in Dogtown
Some players can achieve normal frame rates in less demanding locations but experience sudden drops when exploring Dogtown or other busy parts of Night City.
This is different from being permanently stuck at 30–45 FPS.
Check Whether the Drops Are Temporary or Constant
If FPS normally stays around 120–140 but occasionally falls to 20–30, check whether the slowdown happens:
- When entering a new area.
- During fast driving.
- Near crowded streets.
- When loading detailed environments.
- After extended gameplay.
- While another application is active.
These patterns can help distinguish traversal stutter, resource pressure, and persistent performance limitations.
Reduce Settings That Affect Busy Areas
Try adjusting crowd density, ray tracing, and other demanding options one at a time.
Monitor VRAM usage and system memory while testing.
If the game is installed on a slow storage device, check whether loading activity coincides with the stutter.
Test Without Background Applications
Close unnecessary browsers, recording software, launchers, and background utilities.
If you use performance overlays, disable them temporarily to check whether they contribute to the problem.
A driver reinstall may improve overall performance without eliminating every location-specific FPS drop.
Does Rolling Back Cyberpunk 2077 to Version 2.31 Restore FPS?
Some players have reported recovering their previous frame rates after returning from Update 2.5 to an older version of Cyberpunk 2077.
For example, one RX 7900 XTX user reported that performance dropped by more than half after updating to 2.5, then returned after reverting to 2.31.
Other Radeon users have described similar differences between older and newer installations.
However, rolling back should be a last resort rather than the first recommended fix.
Back Up Your Saves Before Changing Versions
Before attempting any downgrade:
- Close Cyberpunk 2077.
- Back up your local save files.
- Keep a separate copy outside the game's normal save directory.
- Confirm whether your game platform supports installing an older version.
- Avoid loading your only recent save in an older installation.
On Windows, Cyberpunk 2077 saves are normally stored under:
%USERPROFILE%\Saved Games\CD Projekt Red\Cyberpunk 2077
Cloud synchronization should not be treated as a substitute for an independent backup.
Risks of Downgrading Cyberpunk 2077
An older game version may not support:
- Saves created or modified by newer versions.
- Recently introduced quests or content.
- Updated mods and dependencies.
- New graphics features.
- Fixes introduced by later patches.
If your platform supports installing an older version, follow its supported version-management process.
Do not use an unofficial downgrade method or overwrite your only recent save.
For most players, checking graphics drivers and game settings is safer than downgrading.
Affected GPUs and Common FPS Symptoms
Performance problems following Update 2.5 have been reported across several graphics cards, although the severity varies significantly between systems.
| GPU | Reported behavior |
|---|---|
| Radeon RX 9070 XT | FPS around 35–60 |
| Radeon RX 9070 | Major FPS decline |
| Radeon RX 7900 XTX | FPS reduced by over half |
| Radeon RX 6900 XT | Performance regression |
| Radeon RX 7800 XT | Some systems show little change |
| GeForce RTX 30/40/50 | Mixed performance reports |
These examples do not mean that every card in a particular series is affected.
What If Your GPU Runs Normally After Update 2.5?
If Cyberpunk 2077 performs normally, there is no reason to reinstall drivers solely because other players are experiencing problems.
Some configurations perform similarly to earlier versions, while others may benefit from graphics optimizations.
Use the troubleshooting methods in this guide only when you have a reproducible issue.
How to Confirm That a Fix Worked
Use Cyberpunk 2077's built-in benchmark or test the same in-game location under comparable conditions.
Keep these settings consistent:
- Resolution
- Graphics preset
- Ray tracing
- FSR upscaling
- Frame generation
- FPS limit
Record average FPS and, if possible, frame-time consistency before and after each change.
When comparing raw rendering performance, keep frame generation disabled for both tests.
A meaningful improvement under matching conditions is more useful than comparing two unrelated gameplay locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Cyberpunk 2077 FPS drop after Update 2.5?
Some players experience performance regressions after updating Cyberpunk 2077. Graphics-driver state, background software, frame-rate limits, and game-version interactions are possible factors. There is no single confirmed cause affecting every system.
How do I fix Cyberpunk 2077 2.5 stuck at 30–45 FPS?
Start by checking FPS caps, V-Sync, frame generation, and overlays. Verify game files, then consider a clean graphics-driver installation if the issue persists. If you previously switched from NVIDIA to AMD, check for leftover NVIDIA display drivers.
Does DDU fix Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.5 FPS drops?
DDU has helped some players recover substantial performance after reinstalling their graphics drivers. However, it does not work for everyone, and the improvement may depend on the driver version or other system changes.
Is the AMD RX 9070 XT affected by Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.5?
Some RX 9070 XT owners have experienced major FPS reductions after Update 2.5, including frame rates falling below 50 despite lowering graphics settings. Other owners may not encounter the issue.
Can old NVIDIA drivers cause low FPS on an AMD GPU?
Leftover NVIDIA display-driver components are worth checking if you recently switched to AMD. Some players have reported improvements after removing them, although their presence does not automatically mean they are responsible for poor performance.
Does disabling AMD FSR frame generation fix Cyberpunk 2077?
Disabling frame generation is AMD's recommended workaround for a documented crash or driver-timeout issue involving certain RX 9000-series configurations. It is not a universally confirmed solution for low FPS.
Why is Cyberpunk 2077 slow even on Low settings?
If lowering graphics quality barely changes FPS, the system may be limited by frame-rate controls, CPU performance, driver problems, or other factors outside normal GPU rendering load. Check utilization and frame caps before reducing settings further.
Does reverting Cyberpunk 2077 to 2.31 improve FPS?
Some players have reported better performance after returning to version 2.31. However, downgrading can introduce save compatibility problems and remove newer features, so it is best reserved for carefully backed-up installations.
Why does FPS suddenly drop to 20–30 in Dogtown?
Sudden drops may be associated with demanding environments, resource usage, background activity, or frame-pacing problems. Monitor CPU, GPU, VRAM, and temperatures while testing the same area to identify a pattern.
Is Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.5 FPS loss limited to AMD GPUs?
No. Although several severe performance reports involve Radeon GPUs, some NVIDIA users have also experienced lower FPS or stuttering after the update. The symptoms and underlying causes may differ.
Should I install the latest AMD driver to fix Cyberpunk 2077?
Check the latest compatible driver and its release notes before updating. A newer driver may contain useful fixes, but it does not guarantee that every Cyberpunk 2077 performance issue has been resolved.
Final Tips: Getting Cyberpunk 2077 Running Smoothly Again
If Cyberpunk 2077 ran smoothly before Update 2.5 but now struggles to maintain 30–45 FPS, avoid immediately assuming that your hardware needs upgrading.
Start with simple checks such as FPS limits, V-Sync, overlays, and frame generation. If those do not help, a clean graphics-driver installation is a reasonable next step, especially on affected AMD Radeon systems.
Players who previously switched from NVIDIA to AMD should also investigate leftover NVIDIA display drivers.
Remember that severe FPS loss, intermittent Dogtown stuttering, and AMD's documented frame-generation crash issue are not necessarily the same problem. Each requires a slightly different troubleshooting approach.
If you are also exploring the new Clampdown content introduced with Update 2.5, see our Cyberpunk 2077 Clampdown Not Starting? Wakako Text Missing Fixes guide for quest-unlock problems.
If the mission has already started but progression stops at the armory, our Cyberpunk 2077 Clampdown Stuck Waiting for Meshuga? Armory Bug Fix guide covers that separate issue.
Still experiencing low FPS? Share your GPU model, CPU, driver version, approximate FPS before and after Update 2.5, and which troubleshooting steps you tried. Those details can help narrow down the problem for other players with similar systems.
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