Is Cyberpunk 2077 on PS5 Censored? A Deep Dive
No, Cyberpunk 2077 on PlayStation 5 is not inherently censored. While some regional versions of the game are censored in specific countries like the Middle East (excluding Israel) and Japan, the version available in most regions, including North America and Europe, is uncensored. You have the option within the game’s settings to toggle nudity on or off, primarily intended for streamers who wish to avoid broadcasting explicit content on platforms like Twitch and YouTube. This feature allows players to personalize their experience without fundamentally altering the core game content.
Understanding Censorship in Cyberpunk 2077
The concept of censorship in Cyberpunk 2077 is multifaceted. It includes regional differences enforced by local laws and ratings boards, as well as in-game options available to players for self-censorship. This distinction is crucial because it directly impacts what players experience based on their geographic location and personal preferences.
Regional Censorship
Certain countries impose restrictions on game content, particularly regarding nudity, violence, and themes that may conflict with local cultural or religious norms. Cyberpunk 2077 has faced this in the Middle East (except Israel), where heavily censored versions were released to comply with the National Media Council in the UAE, resulting in a 21+ age rating. This means that players in these regions will encounter edited content compared to the uncensored versions.
Japan also features a censored version with toned down imagery.
In-Game Censorship Options
Recognizing the diverse audience and the growing popularity of streaming, CD Projekt Red included an in-game “Nudity Censor” option. This feature, found within the gameplay settings, allows players to enable or disable the display of explicit nudity. It’s a practical solution for content creators and players who prefer a less explicit gaming experience, while preserving the game’s core narrative and design for those who do not.
Performance and Visuals on PS5
The PlayStation 5 version of Cyberpunk 2077 boasts several enhancements over the PlayStation 4 version. Players can enjoy faster load times, improved visual fidelity, and enhanced gameplay features. The game supports ray tracing, which provides more realistic lighting and shadows, and dynamic 4K resolution, delivering a sharper and more immersive experience. There are two primary graphics modes:
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Performance Mode: Targets 60 frames per second (fps) with a dynamic resolution. While this mode prioritizes smooth gameplay, it may result in some visual compromises. PS5 performance mode is 2240×1260 with 3072×1728 dynamic resolution, and it hits 60fps with slight dips.
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Quality Mode (Ray Tracing Mode): Focuses on graphical fidelity, including ray-traced effects. This mode generally runs at 30 fps and delivers a more visually stunning experience, although at the cost of frame rate. The Ray Tracing mode has a constant native 1440p, where FSR2 reconstructs that to appear like a 4K image.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Cyberpunk 2077 on PS5, covering censorship, performance, and gameplay:
1. Can I disable nudity in Cyberpunk 2077 on PS5?
Yes, you can disable nudity in the settings menu. Go to ‘Gameplay,’ then ‘Miscellaneous,’ and toggle the ‘Nudity Censor’ option to ‘On’ or ‘Off.’
2. Is Cyberpunk 2077 enhanced for PS5?
Yes, the PS5 version features faster loading times, improved visuals, ray tracing, and dynamic 4K support. It is a dedicated next-gen version built for the PS5 console.
3. What frame rate can I expect in Cyberpunk 2077 on PS5?
The game offers two graphics modes: a Performance Mode targeting 60 fps and a Quality Mode (Ray Tracing Mode) that aims for 30 fps with enhanced visual effects.
4. Is Cyberpunk 2077 better on PS5 than on PS4?
Yes, significantly. The PS5 version offers improved performance, visuals, and stability compared to the PS4 version, which suffered from numerous technical issues at launch.
5. Can I change the field of view (FOV) in Cyberpunk 2077 on PS5?
Unfortunately, Cyberpunk 2077 does not allow players to adjust the FOV beyond the default setting.
6. What resolution does Cyberpunk 2077 run at on PS5?
In performance mode, the resolution is between 1728p and 1260p. They each continue to run at a constant native 1440p in their ray tracing modes, as before. FSR2 then reconstructs that to appear like a 4K image.
7. Is there a difference in image quality between Performance and Quality modes on PS5?
Yes, Performance mode has a lower resolution but higher frame rate. Quality mode offers better visual fidelity with ray tracing but runs at a lower frame rate.
8. What controller settings are recommended for Cyberpunk 2077 on PS5?
Some recommended controller settings include:
- Controller vibration: 0
- Steering sensitivity: 100
- Inner dead zone: 0.10
- Outer dead zone: 0.90
- User interface haptic feedback: On
9. Can the PS5 run Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K 120fps?
While the PS5 supports 4K at 120fps, Cyberpunk 2077 does not reach this performance level. The game targets either 60 fps (Performance Mode) or 30 fps (Quality Mode) at varying resolutions.
10. Can I change my character’s gender mid-game in Cyberpunk 2077?
No, you cannot change your character’s gender, voice type, or sexual parts mid-playthrough. However, you can customize your appearance using the mirror in your apartment.
11. Can I modify my vehicles in Cyberpunk 2077 on PS5?
While the base game offers limited vehicle customization, mods like the “Vehicle Customizer” allow you to swap vehicle skins.
12. What graphical settings should I turn off to improve performance on PS5?
Consider turning off Motion Blur, Depth of Field, and Film Grain to potentially improve visual clarity and performance.
13. Is the Phantom Liberty DLC free?
No, the Phantom Liberty DLC is a paid expansion that adds new content, characters, and gameplay mechanics to Cyberpunk 2077.
14. What is the level cap in Cyberpunk 2077 with the Phantom Liberty DLC?
The level cap is raised from 50 to 60 with the Phantom Liberty DLC, granting players 10 additional attribute points.
15. Where can I find more resources on gaming and learning?
You can find more information and resources about the intersection of gaming and education at the Games Learning Society website: GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion
Cyberpunk 2077 on PS5 provides a significantly enhanced gaming experience compared to its previous-generation counterpart. While regional censorship exists in certain countries, the core game remains uncensored in most regions, and players have the option to adjust nudity settings based on their preferences. With improved performance, visuals, and gameplay enhancements, Cyberpunk 2077 on PS5 offers an immersive and engaging experience for both new and returning players.