Cyberpunk 2077 Third-Person Mode: Why Update 2.4 in 2026

I’ve spent over 300 hours roaming Night City, and let me tell you – the one thing that consistently bothers me about Cyberpunk 2077 isn’t the launch bugs or the missing features. It’s the fact that I can’t see V, my carefully crafted character, outside of mirrors and photo mode. CD Projekt Red’s recent confirmation that they have “no plans” for third-person mode after Update 2.3 feels like a massive missed opportunity that Update 2.4 could still rectify.

After diving deep into community forums, analyzing modding attempts, and comparing Cyberpunk 2077 to other successful RPGs, I’ve come to understand both why CDPR said no and why they might be reconsidering. This isn’t just about player preference – it’s about fundamental game design decisions that impact everything from immersion to player engagement. The technical challenges are more complex than most players realize, but the potential rewards could transform the entire gaming experience.

The Current State of Cyberpunk 2077’s Camera System

Right now, Cyberpunk 2077 is locked into a first-person perspective for 99% of gameplay. The only exceptions? Brief cutscenes, vehicle driving (if you choose), and the photo mode that became many players’ only way to actually see their character. As someone who’s spent hours perfecting V’s appearance only to barely see it, this limitation feels particularly frustrating.

The irony here is palpable. CDPR created one of the most detailed character customization systems in modern gaming – from facial features to body modifications – yet players can only admire their work in bathroom mirrors or during the rare third-person driving sequences. It’s like buying a designer outfit and only being able to wear it at home. This disconnect between gaming culture influences that emphasize character expression and Cyberpunk’s restrictive camera has been a sore point since launch.

What makes this even more frustrating is the game’s emphasis on style and appearance within its narrative. Night City is all about how you look, what you wear, and the statement you make. The “Style” attribute literally affects gameplay, yet we’re stuck experiencing this fashion-forward dystopia through V’s eyes only. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve acquired legendary clothing items in my best Cyberpunk 2077 weapons guide playthroughs, only to forget what my character even looks like an hour later.

The disconnect becomes even more apparent when you consider the game’s extensive character customization and role-playing elements. Players invest significant time creating their ideal V, choosing cyberware, clothing styles, and aesthetic modifications, only to rarely see the results of their creative decisions during actual gameplay.

Why CDPR Originally Said No to Third-Person Mode?

The official stance from CD Projekt Red has been remarkably consistent since 2019. According to their statements, the first-person perspective is essential for the immersive experience they wanted to create. They argued that seeing through V’s eyes makes players feel more connected to Night City’s gritty, claustrophobic atmosphere. And I’ll admit – crawling through ventilation shafts or engaging in close-quarters combat does feel more intense in first-person.

But here’s where their logic starts to break down. The Witcher 3, CDPR’s previous masterpiece, delivered incredible immersion with a third-person camera. Players felt deeply connected to Geralt despite seeing him from behind. The argument that first-person equals better immersion simply doesn’t hold water when you look at gaming history. Some of the most immersive best RPG gaming experiences I’ve had were in third-person – from Mass Effect to Horizon Zero Dawn.

The real reasons for avoiding third-person likely come down to technical and resource constraints. When I analyze the game’s architecture, it becomes clear that Cyberpunk 2077 was built from the ground up for first-person gameplay. The animation systems, level design, combat mechanics, and even dialogue scenes were all crafted with a specific camera perspective in mind. Retrofitting third-person would require massive changes to nearly every system in the game.

The Technical Nightmare of Adding Third-Person Post-Launch

Let me break down the technical challenges that CDPR faces, because they’re more complex than most players realize. First, there’s the animation problem. In first-person games, developers can cheat with player animations since you can’t see most of your body. Your arms might be doing one thing on your screen while your full body model (visible to other players in multiplayer or in reflections) does something completely different. Cyberpunk 2077 uses these shortcuts extensively.

I’ve examined the modding community’s attempts at third-person implementation, and the results are telling. The most popular third-person mod on Nexus Mods reveals just how unprepared the game is for this perspective. V’s animations look janky and unnatural, with limbs contorting in impossible ways during combat. The character model wasn’t designed to be viewed from behind during gameplay, leading to clipping issues, missing animations, and bizarre body positioning.

Then there’s the level design issue. Many of Cyberpunk’s interiors are built specifically for first-person navigation. Doorways, cover systems, and environmental interactions assume a specific camera height and angle. Adding a third-person camera would require redesigning countless interior spaces to prevent camera collision and maintain playability. I’ve personally tested areas with the third-person mod enabled, and the camera constantly clips through walls, gets stuck in tight spaces, and completely breaks during certain scripted sequences.

The combat system presents another massive hurdle. Cyberpunk’s gunplay, melee combat, and hacking mechanics all rely on precise first-person aiming and positioning. The entire cover system would need reworking for third-person, as would the UI elements that display enemy positions, health bars, and interaction prompts. It’s not just about moving the camera – it’s about reimagining core gameplay systems.

The Business Case: Why CDPR Should Reconsider

Despite these challenges, there’s a compelling business case for adding third-person mode in Update 2.4 or beyond. The gaming industry has shown repeatedly that post-launch feature additions can revitalize player interest and drive sales. No Man’s Sky, Final Fantasy XIV, and even Cyberpunk itself with Update 2.0 prove that significant post-launch improvements can transform a game’s reputation and profitability.

From my analysis of community feedback across Reddit, Steam forums, and CDPR’s official channels, third-person mode consistently ranks as one of the top three most-requested features, alongside New Game Plus (which was eventually added) and improved police AI. The demand isn’t just vocal – it’s sustained. Three years after launch, players are still asking for this feature, which indicates genuine long-term interest rather than a passing trend.

Consider the potential return on investment. Adding third-person mode could attract an entirely new audience – players who simply don’t enjoy first-person games due to motion sickness or preference. I know several gamers who’ve avoided Cyberpunk specifically because of its camera perspective. The feature could also drive additional revenue through cosmetic DLC, as players would actually see and value character customization options more highly.

The success of games like high-performance gaming titles that offer camera flexibility demonstrates that players appreciate choice in how they experience games. CDPR could learn from these examples and potentially capture market segments they’re currently missing.

Learning from Other Games That Successfully Added Third-Person

The gaming industry offers several examples of titles that successfully implemented camera options post-launch or managed dual perspectives effectively. Grand Theft Auto V seamlessly switches between first and third-person modes, giving players complete freedom of choice. The game even adjusts certain mechanics based on your chosen perspective, proving that accommodating both views is technically feasible.

More relevant to Cyberpunk’s situation is Bethesda’s approach with recent titles. While Skyrim and Fallout have always offered both perspectives, the quality of third-person gameplay improved dramatically through patches and updates. The difference between Skyrim’s launch third-person mode and its current state shows how post-launch refinement can transform a feature from barely functional to genuinely enjoyable.

Even other open-world games that launched with limited camera options have successfully expanded their perspectives. Ghost Recon Wildlands added first-person mode post-launch, essentially doing the reverse of what Cyberpunk needs. If Ubisoft could retrofit an entire camera system into an existing game, surely CDPR could manage the same with their technical expertise.

The Modding Community’s Heroic but Limited Efforts

The Cyberpunk 2077 modding community deserves immense credit for attempting what CDPR won’t. The primary third-person mod, created by Jelle Bakker and later improved by sarunama, demonstrates both the demand for this feature and its technical challenges. Having used this mod extensively, I can attest to both its impressive achievement and frustrating limitations.

The mod works by manipulating the game’s camera position and adding custom animation blends to make movement appear more natural. However, it can’t overcome fundamental limitations. Cutscenes break completely, requiring you to switch back to first-person. Combat animations look unnatural because they weren’t designed for external viewing. Most importantly, the mod can’t add the thousands of transition animations and polish touches that would make third-person feel native to the game.

What’s fascinating is how the modding community has identified specific technical solutions that CDPR could implement. They’ve mapped out which animations need replacing, which camera positions work best for different activities, and even how to handle the UI adjustments. It’s essentially a roadmap that CDPR could follow, backed by thousands of hours of community testing and feedback.

This community effort also demonstrates the level of passion and dedication Cyberpunk 2077 still generates among its player base. The fact that modders continue working on such complex features shows the game’s lasting appeal and the community’s investment in its future development.

What Update 2.4 Could Realistically Deliver?

Let’s be realistic about what Update 2.4 could actually provide if CDPR decides to surprise us. A full third-person mode matching the polish of The Witcher 3 is probably off the table – that would require resources better spent on their next project. However, there are compromise solutions that could satisfy many players while remaining technically feasible.

A “third-person exploration mode” could be the middle ground. This would enable third-person camera during non-combat exploration, allowing players to see their character while traversing Night City, but automatically switching to first-person for combat and dialogue. This approach would minimize the animation work required while still letting players appreciate their character customization.

Another possibility is expanded third-person cutscenes. CDPR could retrofit more story sequences to show V from an external perspective, similar to the few third-person moments already in the game. This wouldn’t require gameplay system overhauls but would give players more opportunities to see their character in action during crucial story moments.

The most realistic option might be an “experimental third-person mode” released as a beta feature. This would set appropriate expectations while allowing CDPR to gather feedback and gradually improve the system. Games like PUBG have successfully used this approach, launching features in test states before full implementation.

The Community’s Continued Push for Change

The Cyberpunk community’s persistence on this issue is remarkable. Browse any Cyberpunk forum or social media discussion, and you’ll find third-person mode mentioned within the first few comments. This isn’t just nostalgia for The Witcher 3 – it’s a genuine desire to experience Night City differently.

Recent polls on the official forums show that over 70% of players would use a third-person option if available, even if it came with some technical limitations. The community has even offered to crowdfund the feature’s development, though CDPR obviously can’t accept such offers. This level of passion indicates that third-person mode isn’t just a nice-to-have – for many players, it’s the missing piece that would make Cyberpunk 2077 perfect.

I’ve noticed that the community’s tone has shifted from demanding to pleading. Players understand the technical challenges now, but they’re hoping CDPR will recognize the feature’s value for the game’s long-term legacy. The fact that this discussion continues years after launch proves its importance to the player base.

The community’s organized approach to requesting this feature also demonstrates maturity and understanding of game development realities. Rather than simply demanding immediate implementation, many players now propose reasonable compromise solutions that acknowledge technical constraints while still addressing core needs.

Why This Decision Matters for CDPR’s Future

CDPR’s handling of the third-person mode request will impact more than just Cyberpunk 2077. It’s become a test case for how the studio responds to sustained community feedback. Their next game, whether it’s The Witcher 4 or a new IP, will be judged partly on lessons learned from Cyberpunk’s development and post-launch support.

The studio has already shown willingness to admit mistakes and make dramatic improvements with Update 2.0 and Phantom Liberty. Adding third-person mode, even in a limited capacity, would demonstrate that they’re still listening and willing to tackle challenging requests. It would be a powerful gesture of goodwill that could restore remaining skeptics’ faith in the studio.

From a technical standpoint, developing third-person capabilities for Cyberpunk could provide valuable experience for future projects. If CDPR plans to use similar technology in upcoming games, investing in camera flexibility now could pay dividends later. The lessons learned from retrofitting third-person into Cyberpunk could inform better initial design decisions for future titles.

The Bottom Line: Will Update 2.4 Surprise Us?

After analyzing all the evidence, I believe there’s a slim but real chance that Update 2.4 could include some form of third-person functionality. CDPR has surprised us before – nobody expected the complete gameplay overhaul that came with Update 2.0. The studio clearly isn’t afraid of massive technical undertakings when they believe it serves the game and community.

The recent “no plans” statement might be managing expectations rather than a definitive rejection. Game developers often deny features they’re actively working on to avoid disappointment if plans change. The fact that CDPR continues to address the question suggests they’re at least aware of its importance to players.

Whether it’s a full implementation, a limited exploration mode, or just expanded third-person cutscenes, any movement toward player camera choice would be welcome. Night City is too beautiful, and our carefully crafted Vs too stylish, to remain hidden behind a first-person camera forever. Update 2.4 could be CDPR’s chance to finally give players the perspective option they’ve been requesting since day one.

As someone who’s followed Cyberpunk’s journey from its disastrous launch to its remarkable redemption, I remain cautiously optimistic. CDPR has shown they’re committed to transforming Cyberpunk 2077 into the game it was meant to be. Adding third-person mode would be the final piece of that transformation – turning a great game into a truly flexible, player-choice-driven masterpiece. And honestly, after everything this game and its community have been through together, we deserve to finally see V in all their chrome-enhanced glory.

The ball is in CDPR’s court now. Update 2.4 could either be another incremental improvement or a transformative addition that brings players back to Night City in droves. Given the studio’s track record of surprising us when we least expect it, I wouldn’t completely write off the possibility of third-person mode just yet. After all, in Night City, anything is possible – even seeing yourself from a different perspective. While we wait for Update 2.4, players can still explore Cyberpunk 2077’s cross-platform features and other improvements that have already transformed the game into something special.