Cyberpunk 2077 Secretly Adds Free Tabletop RPG Guide

WARSAW, Poland, Dec. 20, 2024 — In a surprising pre-holiday update, CD Projekt Red, the developer behind the critically acclaimed Cyberpunk 2077, has discreetly introduced a thoughtful gift for fans. As per Polygon, the latest update, version 2.2, includes a free digital copy of Cyberpunk RED: Easy Mode, a quick start guide to the tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) based on the Cyberpunk franchise. This unexpected addition has delighted fans of the game, bridging the gap between the video game and its tabletop origins.

What is Cyberpunk RED: Easy Mode?

Cyberpunk RED: Easy Mode serves as an accessible entry point into the TTRPG world of Cyberpunk. According to R. Talsorian Games, the publisher of Cyberpunk RED, this guide features abridged rules and an introductory mission designed to onboard players swiftly. Instead of the controllers and keyboards used in Cyberpunk 2077, players rely on dice pools to navigate their characters through the tabletop universe. Five pre-generated characters are available, including the charismatic Rockerboy, the lethal Solo, the inventive Tech, the lifesaving Medtech, and the hard-hitting Media. This array of characters provides diverse options for players to immerse themselves in the dystopian world of Cyberpunk.

Night City Reimagined

Set in 2045, Cyberpunk RED acts as a prequel to Cyberpunk 2077, filling in the narrative between the events of the original Cyberpunk 2020 tabletop game, released in 1989, and the video game adaptation. The guide includes an overview of the history and the complex, dystopian landscape of Night City. For those familiar with Cyberpunk 2077, the setting and themes will feel like a natural extension of the video game’s gritty depiction of an end-stage capitalist technofuture. The game explores a world dominated by corporate power, where skyscraper fortresses symbolize the vast influence of conglomerates.

Accessibility and Platform Availability

While the digital guide is freely available to PC users, accessing it requires a specific path. As reported by Polygon, players can locate the PDF in their “Bonus Content” folder, typically found at “C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\music\Cyberpunk 2077 Bonus Content.” However, Polygon noted that it has not yet been able to verify access methods for Xbox or PlayStation users. Despite this uncertainty, a spokesperson for R. Talsorian Games mentioned that the guide “should have been” confirmed for these platforms as well, leaving console players eager for official instructions.

A Legacy of Innovation

Cyberpunk RED first debuted as a preview at Gen Con in 2019 before its full release in 2020, coinciding with the launch of Cyberpunk 2077. The TTRPG represents the latest evolution of the Cyberpunk franchise, which began with Cyberpunk 2020. Over the years, the series has become a hallmark of the sci-fi genre, offering players a richly detailed narrative universe. The inclusion of Cyberpunk RED: Easy Mode in Cyberpunk 2077’s bonus content underscores the enduring popularity and cross-medium appeal of the franchise.

A Holiday Treat for Fans

Cyberpunk 2077’s update 2.2 comes as a pleasant surprise for fans during the holiday season. By incorporating the TTRPG into the game’s bonus content, CD Projekt Red has provided an opportunity for players to explore the franchise’s lore in a new format. As stated by Polygon, this move is seen as a nod to the game’s dedicated community and a chance to expand the player base for Cyberpunk RED. The seamless integration of video game and tabletop elements highlights the franchise’s versatility and its creators’ commitment to delivering engaging experiences.

For those eager to dive into the TTRPG world, Cyberpunk RED: Easy Mode offers a streamlined way to explore the universe without a steep learning curve. This latest development not only deepens the connection between the video game and its roots but also sets the stage for future innovations within the Cyberpunk series.