Yes, Cyberpunk 2077 Has Been Significantly Improved on PS4 Since Launch

The short answer is yes, Cyberpunk 2077 is now in a much better state on PlayStation 4 compared to the game‘s disastrous launch in December 2020. Through substantial patches and updates over the past year, developer CD Projekt Red has fixed many of the critical issues that plagued Cyberpunk 2077‘s PS4 version at release. While some problems remain, the game is absolutely playable on PS4 in 2024 for those unable to upgrade to PS5 yet. However, the PS4 version still does not match the performance and visuals of the game on newer hardware.

A Rocky Launch Marred by Performance and Technical Issues

Cyberpunk 2077‘s launch on PS4 and Xbox One was one of the most controversial and troubled in recent memory. The game was filled with bugs, crashes, and severe performance problems on last-gen consoles.

According to aggregated review data on Metacritic, the PS4 version of Cyberpunk 2077 scored just 2.2 out of 10 from gamers upon launch – one of the lowest user scores ever seen. Reviewers cited constant crashes, gameplay-breaking glitches, terrible framerates often dipping into the teens, and extremely long load times.

By comparison, the PC and next-gen console versions reviewed much better, averaging between 8-9 out of 10 from users. This huge discrepancy showed just how sub-optimal the PS4 and Xbox One versions performed.

Sony Takes Unprecedented Action by Removing Cyberpunk 2077 from PlayStation Store

The issues were so severe that Sony took the extraordinary step of pulling Cyberpunk 2077 from the PlayStation Store just one week after launch while offering full refunds.

In a statement, Sony said: "SIE strives to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction, and we will begin to offer a full refund for all gamers who have purchased Cyberpunk 2077 via PlayStation Store."

This was an unprecedented move by Sony, underscoring the state of Cyberpunk 2077 on PS4. No other major console game had ever been removed from a digital storefront so quickly after launch. It pointed to fundamental problems with the PS4 version still needing to be fixed by CD Projekt Red.

Patch 1.2 Marks a Turning Point for Playability Improvements

In the months following Cyberpunk 2077‘s release, CD Projekt Red began rolling out patches incrementally to address the myriad of bugs and optimize performance on PS4.

However, it took until Patch 1.2 in March 2021 – over 3 months after launch – before the PS4 version reached an acceptable, minimally playable state. This patch focused heavily on crash fixes and stability improvements while also enhancing performance through better dynamic scaling, rendering optimization, and memory management changes.

While Patch 1.2 did not fix all of the PS4 version‘s problems, it marked a turning point where Cyberpunk 2077 finally became playable for many PS4 owners. Subsequent patches built upon these crucial stability and optimization foundations.

Cyberpunk 2077 Returns to PlayStation Store in June 2021

With the game reaching a baseline level of playability after Patch 1.2, Sony made the decision to allow Cyberpunk 2077 back on the PlayStation Store in June 2021.

However, Sony mandated that CD Projekt Red must prominently display warnings about the PS4 version‘s remaining issues. The game‘s store page cautioned:

"Users continue to experience performance issues with this game. Purchase for use on PS4 systems is not recommended."

This warning notice highlighted that while improved, Cyberpunk 2077 still had performance and compatibility problems on base PS4 consoles. Sony was hesitant to fully endorse the PS4 version despite its return to the store.

Current State of Cyberpunk 2077 on PS4 and PS4 Pro

In 2022 and early 2023, CD Projekt Red has continued releasing patches to optimize Cyberpunk 2077 on PS4 and PS4 Pro. These have brought incremental improvements to stability, visuals, and performance.

Here is an overview of how the game currently runs on PlayStation 4 consoles based on recent analysis:

• PS4 Pro – Cyberpunk 2077 runs at 1080p resolution and targets 30 FPS. Performance has improved and the frame rate now stays close to 30 FPS in most areas of Night City. But there are still some dips during action-heavy sequences.

• Base PS4 – The game runs at 900p resolution but struggles more to maintain 30 FPS. Busy city areas can see bigger frame rate drops into the low 20s. Long load times persist as well.

So while not perfect, Cyberpunk 2077 is reasonably playable on PS4 Pro at this point. But base PS4 consoles still have some performance challenges.

According to recent user reviews on Metacritic, the PS4 version now averages around 5.5 out of 10 – a big jump from the disastrous 2.2 score at launch but still mediocre. This lines up with the assessment that the game runs acceptably but not great on PS4.

Is Cyberpunk 2077 Worth Playing on PS4 in 2024?

For PS4 owners unable to upgrade to PS5 yet, Cyberpunk 2077 may now be worth picking up at a discounted price. The game world offers expansive open world gameplay with compelling stories and quests to complete. If found for $20-30, Cyberpunk 2077 contains enough content on PS4 to justify the purchase for some players.

However, expectations need to be calibrated properly. The PS4 version does not match the visuals or rock-solid 60 FPS performance of the native PS5 and PC editions. You must be willing to accept lower resolution, occasional frame rate dips, and long load times.

Players who demand a polished, optimized experience would still be better served upgrading to PS5 or a high-end PC if possible. But if still limited to PS4 hardware, Cyberpunk 2077 delivers an acceptable experience after patches.

The Verdict: Much Improved Since Launch But Limitations Remain

Cyberpunk 2077 has come a very long way on PS4 compared to its disastrous launch state over two years ago. The game went from being completely broken and unplayable at release to now being in an acceptable, playable condition following over a dozen major patches. That is a significant turnaround by CD Projekt Red.

However, the PS4 edition still lacks the visual splendor and flawless performance of the native PS5 and PC versions. Cyberpunk 2077 was never designed for last-gen hardware, and this can still be felt in the PS4‘s lower resolution, inconsistent framerate, long load times, and occasional crashes.

So in summary, yes Cyberpunk 2077 is much improved on PS4 compared to launch. But limitations stemming from the aged PS4 hardware remain evident. PS4 owners should adjust expectations accordingly. While now in a decent state, playing on PS5 or high-end PC remains the definitive way to experience Night City.