Cyberpunk 2077 was initially developed by CD Projekt Red with a distinct focus on a first-person perspective, a choice rooted in the game’s specific narrative elements. According to Igor Sarzynski, the creative director for the upcoming Cyberpunk 2, the first-person viewpoint was deliberate because the protagonist, V, is portrayed as a mind inhabiting a decaying body, with the digital presence of Johnny Silverhand visible only to her. Sarzynski explained that a third-person camera would diminish this core narrative aspect by placing V and Johnny on visual par with the observer.
Despite the narrative justification, players have long requested a third-person camera view for a different, equally valid reason: the ability to fully appreciate the game’s deep character and outfit customization. Now, players are no longer restricted to the first-person viewpoint due to a newly released modification.
Functionality of the Third-Person Camera Mod
The mod titled “Immersive Third Person – Best of Both Worlds” addresses the camera restriction while aiming to preserve the game’s established atmosphere. The mod was released by creator CybrDrake on September 3.
Its core function is allowing players to switch between full third-person and first-person movement as desired. Furthermore, the system offers automatic switching, reverting to the first-person view during combat, cutscenes, and when using terminals, and then smoothly transitioning back to the third-person view once the action allows. The mod also rebuilds V’s third-person animations entirely, rather than simply reusing existing movements. Currently, the mod provides full coverage for Female V, with updates for Male V movements reportedly planned soon.
Additional features include a free-orbiting camera that accounts for wall collisions. The mod also provides five savable profiles, allowing users to customize the camera’s height and distance to suit various in-game moods.
Installation and Player Feedback
Implementing the mod requires several technical steps. Users must install the necessary files using a mod manager, or manually place them in the game directories. Crucially, users must also remember to bind a camera toggle key, as the mod will not function until this step is completed. The developers provided comprehensive instructions for both modding novices and experienced users.
Player reaction to the mod has been varied. Some community members have expressed delight, praising the ability to finally view the character from a more expansive angle. Others have countered this view, pointing out CD Projekt Red’s description of the game as specifically a first-person RPG, suggesting that the original design choice was intentional and perhaps necessary. The differing opinions highlight whether the player categorizes the game primarily as an RPG with first-person shooter elements, or an RPG experience that is delivered through a first-person lens.
Regardless of the ongoing debate, the mod allows players to enjoy the game according to their preferred viewing style. The new perspective offers unexpected visual payoffs in various in-game sequences. For instance, Braindance sequences might appear strangely compelling from a different angle, Delamain rides could look more impactful outside the vehicle, and viewing V’s cyberware during the Adam Smasher storyline makes those upgrades feel less theoretical and more tangible, providing a perceived reward for the resources spent.
