Cyberpunk 2077’s new update secretly added a Balatro-based sidequest, among other unlisted changes

In a surprising turn of events, CD Projekt RED unveiled a substantial update for Cyberpunk 2077, dubbed the 2.2 update, which arrived without prior notice. This latest iteration introduces an enhanced photo mode, a selection of new vehicles available for purchase from Autofixer, and a delightful feature that allows players to save and apply custom car coatings across different vehicles. Adding to the excitement, players can now enjoy the company of Keanu Reeves, who seamlessly materializes in the passenger seat, providing commentary on the urban landscape while playfully engaging with passersby.

New Features and Crossover Surprises

While the official patch notes detail a variety of new tweaks, IGN has uncovered an intriguing addition that did not make the initial list: a brand-new sidequest inspired by this year’s roguelike poker-like deckbuilder, Balatro. The connection between the two games was hinted at through a tweet from Balatro, which inquired about the sudden appearance of their Joker cards throughout Night City. This crossover was clearly a collaborative effort, as Radek Grabowski, CDPR’s Global PR Director, revealed that the inspiration stemmed from Cyberpunk 2077 cards introduced in Balatro last October. This prompted the team to create a Balatro-themed treasure hunt within the game, led by Quest Designer Maria Mazur.

Additionally, a Reddit thread has surfaced, detailing several other enhancements that were not included in the patch notes. Among these are a new street race located in Watson, additional color variants for existing weapons, and an adjustment to the counterpunch mechanic, which has removed the slow-motion effect.

This unexpected update serves as a festive surprise for Cyberpunk enthusiasts. However, it raises questions about CDPR’s earlier statement, made nearly a year ago, suggesting that the 2.1 update would be the ‘last big one.’ Players are left pondering whether to dive back into the game, particularly if they completed it prior to this update and missed the chance to have Johnny Silverhand accompany them on their adventures. The anticipation of future updates, such as the potential introduction of hoverboards or wall-running, adds an extra layer of intrigue. For now, it seems many players may choose to hold off just a bit longer, eager to see what else may unfold in the vibrant world of Night City.

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Cyberpunk 2077's new update secretly added a Balatro-based sidequest, among other unlisted changes