Cyberpunk 2077 remains a top-tier RPG in 2025 thanks to its immersive world, deep storytelling, and flexible gameplay. Here’s why it continues to stand out.
It’s 2025, and somehow, Cyberpunk 2077 still stands out in a genre that’s constantly pushing forward. What started with one of the rockiest launches in recent memory has turned into a full-blown redemption story, and more importantly, a game that holds up better than most. CD Projekt Red didn’t just fix it - they delivered on its potential.
Whether you’re stepping into Night City for the first time or coming back for another run, there’s no denying it: Cyberpunk 2077 still hits hard.
Why Cyberpunk 2077 is One of the Best RPGs
At its core, Cyberpunk 2077 understands what makes RPGs work. You play as V, a merc trying to survive in a city built to chew people up. From the start, you shape your backstory, tweak your stats, and choose how you want to tackle the world. But this isn’t just about picking a class and moving on. Your choices bleed into conversations, missions, and even how the world treats you.
This is where the game shines. Dialogue options shift depending on your past. Situations change based on how you handled something hours earlier. One mission in Phantom Liberty played out completely differently on a second playthrough - not because of some major fork in the story, but because of a quiet moment that came back around in a way I didn’t expect.
It’s not about massive twists or binary outcomes. It’s about subtle shifts that make it feel like the game is really responding to you.
Why Cyberpunk 2077 is One of the Best RPGs
The story in Cyberpunk 2077 doesn’t just go big - it goes deep. Sure, there are cinematic set pieces and high-stakes missions, but the emotional weight is where it lands strongest. You might start out chasing a big score, but it doesn’t take long before the game digs into themes like identity, loss, and what it means to survive in a world that doesn’t care.
And it doesn’t let you off easy. A mid-game mission involving the Blackwall mixes political tension, personal sacrifice, and some genuinely unsettling sci-fi ideas in a way that few games attempt, let alone pull off. Phantom Liberty raises the bar even higher, pulling V into a mess involving spies, warzones, and the President of the United States, all while keeping the focus on your personal story.
These aren’t just missions - they’re the kind of moments you’ll end up thinking about long after they’re over.
Why Cyberpunk 2077 is One of the Best RPGs
As far as open-world cities go, Night City is still one of the best. It’s not just the visuals, though the lighting, weather, and vertical design still impress. It’s the atmosphere. Every district has its own vibe, from the dusty corners of Heywood to the luxury-and-violence mashup that is Dogtown.
And it’s not just about what you do - it’s about what you find. Watching a street musician play for a small crowd near a burning barrel. Catching a sunset on a rooftop while sirens wail below. Finding beauty in a city that seems built to crush it.
It’s moments like those that make Night City feel real. Not just as a setting, but as a place you might actually want to get lost in.
Why Cyberpunk 2077 is One of the Best RPGs
If you miss the days of immersive sims like Deus Ex, this game scratches that itch in a modern way. Whether you want to sneak, shoot, hack, or smash your way through missions, Cyberpunk 2077 lets you build the kind of character that makes it work.
One run might have you stacking quickhacks, wiping out enemies without even stepping into a room. The next, you’re slowing time with a Sandevistan and clearing rooms with Gorilla Arms. You can ghost through entire missions or go loud with high-powered tech - and the game doesn’t punish you either way.
The systems all support each other. Your perks, gear, dialogue, and playstyle blend together in ways that feel natural, not forced. It’s not about checking boxes - it’s about finding a rhythm that feels like yours.
Why Cyberpunk 2077 is One of the Best RPGs
What’s maybe most impressive is how far Cyberpunk 2077 has come since launch. The Ultimate Edition is the best way to play in 2025, bundling in the full base game and Phantom Liberty. Performance is solid across platforms - even on Nintendo Switch 2 - but the PC version is still where the game truly shines, especially with an ultrawide monitor and good headphones.
There’s more to come too. CD Projekt Red has hinted at additional updates, and the studio’s long-term plans for the Cyberpunk universe are still in motion.
Even in a world where new tech like web3 is changing the industry, Cyberpunk 2077 proves that strong storytelling, smart systems, and a world worth exploring can keep a game relevant for years. Not every game gets a second chance. Fewer still make the most of it.
But in 2025, Cyberpunk 2077 still feels like the future.
About the author
Eliza Crichton-Stuart
Head of Operations
Updated:
July 12th 2025
Posted:
July 12th 2025