Cyberpunk 2077 PS5 Pro Patch Boosts Ray Tracing and Performance

The latest update for Cyberpunk 2077 on PlayStation 5 Pro delivers the most advanced console version of the game to date, significantly enhancing its visual fidelity and performance. CD Projekt Red has introduced three distinct graphics modes, each tailored to leverage the additional power of Sony’s upgraded hardware. After extensive testing, it’s clear this patch offers a definitive experience for console players, bringing the title closer than ever to its high-end PC counterpart.

The most visually ambitious option is the new Ray Tracing Pro mode. Designed as a showcase, this setting incorporates an expanded suite of ray tracing effects, targeting a stable 30 frames per second on standard 60Hz displays or 40fps when outputting at 120Hz. Compared to the quality mode on the base PS5, the improvements are substantial. Sun shadows now exhibit precise contact detail and remain stable over distance, completely eliminating traditional shadow maps. Additional RT local shadows from point lights introduce physically accurate penumbra, adding depth and realism to interior and street scenes.

The upgrade to sky lighting and emissive lighting transforms Night City’s dense environments. Areas like underpasses and walkways are no longer unnaturally bright, instead receiving convincing indirect illumination from the sky and surrounding light sources. A standout improvement is how neon signs and billboards now cast authentic light into the world, moving beyond screen-space approximations. RT ambient occlusion further grounds objects with superior contact shadows, a marked step up from the standard SSAO technique.

One notable compromise involves RT reflections. To maintain performance, these are primarily reserved for highly glossy surfaces like car windows and specific bodywork, with most other surfaces still relying on screen-space reflections. While this means the iconic RT puddles from the PC version are absent, the overall presentation holds up remarkably well against the PC’s RT Ultra settings. Image reconstruction is handled by PSSR upscaling, working from an internal resolution typically around 1440p to deliver a sharp 4K output. The persistent issue of object pop-in, however, remains unchanged from other console versions.

Interestingly, CD Projekt Red’s recommended way to play is not the RT Pro mode, but the balanced 60fps RT mode. This setting retains the core ray traced shadows for both sun and local lights, eliminating shadow cascades for consistent detail at any range. It adopts the same focused implementation for RT reflections. The key trade-off is a reliably higher frame-rate, usually hitting its 60fps target, with performance dips likely tied to CPU limitations. The enhanced PSSR upscaling from a generous internal resolution ensures image quality remains excellent, making the legacy FSR2 option entirely redundant. This mode represents a major leap over the standard PS5, which lacks any ray tracing in its performance preset.

For players who prioritize fluidity above all else, the non-RT performance mode is a compelling choice. At a standard 60Hz, it mirrors the base PS5 version but with a much higher internal resolution for a cleaner 4K image via a high-quality temporal upscaler. Frame-rates are generally smoother with fewer dips below 60fps. When paired with a VRR display, the experience unlocks further, with the developer seemingly targeting around 90 frames per second. Dynamic resolution scaling actively works to maintain this target. While the absence of ray tracing is felt, this mode is ideal for those seeking the lowest input lag and highest responsiveness.

This update underscores how the PS5 Pro can deliver a clearly superior experience for supported titles. Some may find the approach conservative, wishing for a mode that sacrificed resolution for even more robust ray tracing. Nonetheless, the visual upgrades in the two RT modes provide a substantially better-looking game, while the high-frame-rate option offers its own appeal. The implementation of PSSR is a particular success, decisively outperforming older upscaling methods. As a free upgrade for existing owners, this comprehensive support for a years-old title reinforces CD Projekt Red’s commitment to its flagship game and provides a powerful incentive for Pro console users to dive into Night City.