Can You Play Cyberpunk 2077 Offline on Steam?
The short answer is yes, you can absolutely play Cyberpunk 2077 offline on Steam. This means you don’t need a constant internet connection to delve into the neon-drenched streets of Night City. However, there are a few nuances to consider to ensure a seamless offline gaming experience. Let’s dive into the details of how to play Cyberpunk 2077 offline and what you should be aware of.
Setting Up Cyberpunk 2077 for Offline Play
Steam’s Offline Mode
Steam has a built-in Offline Mode specifically designed for gaming without an internet connection. To leverage this, you initially need an active internet connection. Here’s the process:
- Launch Steam while connected to the internet.
- Log into your account.
- Make sure Cyberpunk 2077 is fully updated. It’s crucial that the game is completely patched to avoid any offline-related issues.
- Launch Cyberpunk 2077 at least once while connected to the internet. This step is vital as it allows Steam to sync all necessary files and ensures that the game is ready to run offline.
- Go to the Steam menu (top left) and select “Go Offline…”. Steam will restart in offline mode.
After completing these steps, you can now launch and play Cyberpunk 2077 without an active internet connection. Any progress you make will be saved locally, and will sync to the cloud once you reconnect to the internet.
Understanding Offline Limitations
While playing Cyberpunk 2077 offline provides a flexible gaming option, it does come with some limitations:
- Steam Client Features: Features requiring an internet connection, like the Steam Store, community features, and multiplayer options (though Cyberpunk 2077 is a single-player game), will be unavailable.
- Cloud Sync: Your game saves won’t sync to the cloud until you go back online. This means that if you play offline on one computer, you need to reconnect to the internet and let your saves sync before you can access them on another computer.
- Updates and Patches: You’ll need to connect to the internet to download and install any updates or patches. This will ensure you always have the latest version of the game for optimal performance.
Why Play Cyberpunk 2077 Offline?
There are several compelling reasons why you might choose to play Cyberpunk 2077 offline:
- Limited or No Internet Access: If you frequently travel or have unreliable internet, offline mode lets you continue your adventure in Night City uninterrupted.
- Reduced Distractions: Playing offline eliminates pop-up notifications and keeps your focus solely on the game.
- Network Issues: In the event of internet service disruptions, you won’t be barred from enjoying your game.
Dispelling Common Misconceptions
Many players mistakenly believe that you need to put Steam in offline mode every time you wish to play offline. Once you’ve completed the initial set up, you can play Cyberpunk 2077 offline without needing Steam to be in offline mode. Just make sure your steam account is authenticated and you launch the game while online at least once and fully updated.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need to download Cyberpunk 2077 to play offline?
Yes, you need to download the game before playing it offline. The offline functionality is for running the game without internet once it’s installed and up to date. You can’t download it without internet.
2. Can I play Cyberpunk 2077’s DLC offline?
Yes, provided you have already purchased and downloaded any DLC, such as Phantom Liberty, you can play it offline. Make sure the DLC is installed and updated before going offline.
3. What happens if I try to play offline without launching the game online first?
You might encounter the error message “This game cannot be started in Offline Mode” if you haven’t previously launched the game while connected to the internet. The initial online launch is crucial to sync data and authenticate your license.
4. How do I make sure Cyberpunk 2077 is fully updated?
Steam generally handles game updates automatically. However, it’s a good practice to manually check for updates before going offline. Right-click on the game in your Steam library, select “Properties”, then go to the “Updates” tab.
5. Does playing offline impact my save files?
No, your save files are stored locally when you play offline. They will be synchronized to the cloud when you next connect to the internet, assuming cloud saves are enabled for the game.
6. Can I access my GOG rewards while playing offline?
The game does use the internet for some additional items connected to GOG. While the core game is playable offline, you might not access items from GOG until you are back online.
7. Does Cyberpunk 2077 collect data while offline?
Data collection in Cyberpunk 2077 primarily occurs online for updating stats. While offline, there should be no internet data sharing. However, your local playtime and progress are still being recorded.
8. How much storage space does Cyberpunk 2077 require?
Cyberpunk 2077 requires approximately 70 GB of storage space. Ensure you have sufficient space before downloading the game. An SSD is highly recommended for improved loading times.
9. Do I need a powerful PC to run Cyberpunk 2077 offline?
The system requirements for running the game are the same whether online or offline. Ensure your PC meets the minimum or recommended requirements to play the game smoothly.
10. Can I permanently set Steam to offline?
You can set your Steam status to offline or invisible, but Steam isn’t permanently offline. You will need to periodically connect to the internet to keep the system up to date and to allow Steam to perform its authentication and updates.
11. Is Cyberpunk 2077 suitable for all ages?
No, Cyberpunk 2077 is a mature game with violent and explicit content and is intended for adult audiences. It is not suitable for children.
12. Is Cyberpunk 2077 similar to GTA?
While both are open-world games, Cyberpunk 2077 offers a fundamentally different experience with a focus on its narrative, character development, and unique futuristic setting. They are different franchises.
13. How can I disable nudity in Cyberpunk 2077?
You can disable nudity in the game by going to Settings > Gameplay and toggling the “Nudity Censor” option to “On”.
14. Is the game worth playing in 2023?
Yes, absolutely. With numerous updates and improvements since its initial release, Cyberpunk 2077 offers a polished and immersive experience in 2023. It’s an experience worth giving a go.
15. Does Steam have to be in offline mode to play Cyberpunk 2077 offline?
No, it does not. Once you’ve set up Steam and the game by following the steps mentioned earlier, Steam does not need to be placed in offline mode. You can start the game offline even while your Steam client shows your profile as being online or invisible.
Conclusion
Playing Cyberpunk 2077 offline on Steam is straightforward once you understand the process. By ensuring your game is fully updated and launched at least once online, you can enjoy the sprawling open-world of Night City at your own convenience, without the need for a constant internet connection. Make the necessary preparations and dive into the game, and enjoy this single-player experience with limited interruption.