Summary
Cyberpunk 2077has become one of the most popular RPGs in recent memory and officially has a sequel — currently titled Project Orion — in the works. However, CD Projekt Red ran into more than a few hurdles on its journey to success. WhenCyberpunk 2077launched in 2020, the game was plagued by a lack of optimization for certain consoles, game-breaking bugs, and noticeably cut content. Rather than cut losses and move on to its next title, CD Projekt Red continued to work on Cyberpunk 2077 and eventually released the game’s Update 2.0.
Cyberpunk 2077’s Update 2.0revamped multiple systems throughout the game. In addition to stability fixes, the update improved the reactivity of enemy AI, rebalanced the netrunning mechanic, overhauled character progression, and more. This major revamp and thePhantom LibertyDLC that released alonside it redefinedCyberpunk 2077’s legacy in an overwhelmingly positive manner. That being said, there was one noticeable flaw in Update 2.0 that those working on Project Orion should take note of: the clothing system.
The Issue with Clothing in Cyberpunk 2077
At launch,clothing inCyberpunk 2077was nearly as important to a player’s build as their cyberware and perks choices. Clothing would determine a character’s armor rating while also providing stat bonuses. Additionally, players could find mods — or build some if their character had a high enough Tech skill — to further enhance and customize the benefits given by their clothing.
In Update 2.0, clothing was one of the many systems that saw an overhaul. However, instead of seeing additions like many of the other systems in this update, clothing saw nearly all of its benefits stripped away. Clothing could no longer be modified, most pieces no longer provided stat bonuses, and a character’sarmor rating inCyberpunk 2077would now instead be determined by their cyberware.
Why Clothing was Changed in Update 2.0
The design mentality behind the clothing system change inCyberpunk 2077is understandable. Plenty of players were disappointed with how clothing worked at launch. In an RPG with detailed character creation and a rich aesthetic, players hoped to style their versions of V in ways that reflected the background and personality that they had chosen for their protagonist.
Players who wanted to maximize theirattributes inCyberpunk 2077found themselves running around in a hodgepodge of unmatched garments, while those who wanted their character to have any style would intentionally make their character weaker just so they could wear the clothes that they wanted. CDPR did eventually add the ability to transmog clothing and make custom outfits in Patch 1.6, but this could only be done at the player’s apartment and was therefore inconvenient for anyone looking to update their outfit on the go.
Why Clothing Should Work Differently in Project Orion
CD Projekt Red opted to make clothing a primarily cosmetic option in Update 2.0 based on player feedback. However — while not to the same extent as the previous version of the game — certain pieces of clothing like helmets and vests still carry minor stat boosts. The update strands clothing in an odd middle ground of being neither useful for gameplay nor entirely cosmetic.
Project Orion needs to make a decision in this regard. If some clothes are going to provide bonuses, then every piece of clothing should. Armor can still be attached to the character’s cyberware, but adding meaningful stat boosts or quirky effects to a player’s chosen attire would benefit the game. Players would be more engaged when putting together an ensemble for V, and clothing would be yet another venue for players to tailor theirbuilds inCyberpunk 2077. For people concerned about the visual aspects of their clothes, all CDPR would need to do is bring over the transmog system — which remains in the game but has no real use since clothing was changed — and give players the option to immediately modify the look of their clothes in the main inventory menu.
Though Update 2.0 was an overall saving grace forCyberpunk 2077, its handling of clothing left much to be desired. While a reworked clothing modifier system might benefit this next title, Project Orion could still choose to make clothing entirely cosmetic. If this is the route that CDPR goes down, then it needs to completely strip clothing of bonuses. Leaving the system in its current mixed state simply isn’t practical.
Cyberpunk 2077
WHERE TO PLAY
Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world action-adventure from the creators of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, CD Projekt Red.Set in Night City, a megalopolis obsessed with power, glamour and body modification, you play as V, a mercenary outlaw going after a one-of-a-kind implant that is the key to immortality.Upgraded with next-gen in mind and featuring free additional content, customize your character and playstyle as you take on jobs, build a reputation, and unlock upgrades.The relationships you forge and the choices you make will shape the story and the world around you. Legends are made here. What will yours be?
