How CD PROJEKT RED Built the Immersive World of Cyberpunk 2077

September 18, 2026 - 22:35

The creation of Night City required a specific approach to world building that prioritized density over sheer map size. Art directors at CD PROJEKT RED recently explained that the decision to use a first-person perspective fundamentally changed how they constructed the environment. Because players view the world through the eyes of the protagonist, the team had to focus on the minute details of street level geometry. Every alleyway, storefront, and corner needed to feel lived in and functional. This shift meant that verticality and the intimacy of tight spaces became just as important as the sprawling skyline visible from a distance.

Technical decisions also played a major role in the visual fidelity of the final product. The implementation of path tracing was not merely a graphical showcase but a necessity for the game's lighting pipeline. The neon soaked aesthetic of the city relies on accurate reflections and global illumination to achieve its distinct look. By utilizing this rendering technique, the developers allowed light to behave naturally, bouncing off wet pavement and glass surfaces to create an atmosphere that traditional rendering methods could not replicate.

The release of the Phantom Liberty expansion provided the team with an opportunity to refine these elements further. The new district of Dogtown introduced a different visual identity that contrasted with the main city while maintaining the same level of detail. The art team used the expansion to push the boundaries of what was possible within the existing engine, applying lessons learned from the base game to create a more cohesive and technically advanced environment. This ongoing support demonstrates a commitment to the visual legacy of the title.