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Cyberpunk 2077 just recently received its version 2.1 update and it introduces quite a few changes that improve visual clarity. A lot of this has to do with improvements made to the game’s Path Tracing and Ray Tracing settings. Ray Tracing has been in the game since the game’s launch back in 2020 but Path Tracing was more recently added in Patch 2.0. This was released alongside the Phantom Liberty expansion back in September.
While Path Tracing looked good in its previous version, CD PROJEKT RED has clearly made things better with the push of update 2.1. You could test this out for yourself if you have the game. But you’d need a copy of it that hasn’t been updated beyond version 2.0.1 and then another installation that has been updated to the most recent version. That’s a lot of work though. It would be much easier to see the comparisons made for you. Well, you’re in luck. There are bound to be dozens of these videos popping up.
StunningVanilla on YouTube is one such creator that has shown the improvements made. In their comparison video, it should be noted that the settings are exactly the same. This includes visuals set to 4K resolution, DLSS 3.5 enabled, with Ray Reconstruction and Path Tracing on, and settings pumped up to max. So there’s no difference in settings. This allows for the best possible comparison.
The 2.1 update for Cyberpunk 2077 cranks up Path Tracing reflection quality
Version 2.1 addresses a lot of the game’s minor issues while providing generally better visuals and performance. With regard to Path Tracing, reflection quality is probably the biggest change. You see big increases in the visual quality of water reflection after the update. You can see this at about 1:02 in the video above. While the reflections look good in patch 2.02, they’re noticeably better in patch 2.1. The clarity of objects being reflected in the water is less hazy. This leads to a more clearly defined representation of what you’re seeing in that reflection.
Path Tracing improvements also manifest in the lighting and textures. While subtle, you get more definition in small character details like freckles, and the overall shape of a person’s face. You can see these differences in the video above at about 1:34. Again, these are small changes. But it definitely adds some life to the game. And for those seeking bleeding-edge visuals, this patch will be a game changer if you have the hardware to support these higher settings. Even machines with lower settings should see improvements. Even if not as evident as players with more powerful rigs.
As Wccftech notes, things still aren’t perfect though. But CDPR does seem to be getting closer and closer to showing what Path Tracing can really do. And each new update appears to push the boundaries a little further.
Patch 2.1 brings in tons of other features
Improvements to Path Tracing and Ray Tracing settings are just the tip of the iceberg with this patch. As mentioned back on December 1, CDPR added lots of new features. For instance, you can now ride the Metro around Night City. This is something players have asked for since the beginning. And now it’s here natively without needing to use a mod.
The game also features replayable races, improvements to relationships, and even a portable radio you can use while you’re outside of vehicles. It’s a meaty piece of content that you definitely want to dive into.