Do I need to keep PS4 version of cyberpunk on PS5?

The short answer is no, you do not need to keep the PS4 version installed once you upgrade to the PS5 version. But let‘s dive into the details so you can upgrade seamlessly and take full advantage of Night City on next-gen hardware.

The PS5 Version of Cyberpunk 2077 is a Standalone Game

Once you insert the PS4 disc into your PS5 and download the free next-gen upgrade, the PS5 version of Cyberpunk becomes completely standalone. You do not need the PS4 disc inserted to launch or play the PS5 version after the initial upgrade installation.

The disc is only required for a one-time verification check that you own the game. After that, you can safely eject the disc and store it away while enjoying the PS5 version digitally.

According to tests by PushSquare, you can even delete the PS4 version entirely to clear up space, and the PS5 upgrade will remain fully intact and playable. The two versions operate independently.

So once the next-gen upgrade is acquired, keeping or deleting the PS4 version comes down purely to a storage management decision rather than any technical requirement.

Save Data Transfers Seamlessly Between Versions

You similarly do not need to maintain old save files for the PS4 edition after upgrading, as save transfers are handled automatically:

So you can boot up the next-gen upgrade without worrying about losing progress. According to CD Projekt Red‘s own guidance, save handling is "pretty much hassle free" when upgrading within PlayStation ecosystems.

Again, no need to preserve outdated last-gen save files after making the jump to PS5.

Why Upgrade to the PS5 Version of Cyberpunk 2077?

At this point, you may be wondering – if I don‘t need to actually maintain my PS4 installs/saves anymore after upgrading, what‘s the incentive to upgrade at all?

Well, while Cyberpunk 2077 remains perfectly playable on PS4 hardware, the PS5 introduces a range of visual, performance and gameplay improvements that breathe new life into Night City.

Digital Foundry‘s deep-dive analysis into the changes found these features combine to not only significantly enhance stability and playability, but also notably improve overall graphical quality and fidelity over last-gen consoles.

So while still impressive for a PS4 game, Cyberpunk‘s Night City really sings on PS5 hardware.

Ray Tracing Reflections Powered by PS5 Hardware

One of the most eye-catching upgrades introduced exclusively for next-gen consoles is real-time ray traced reflections.

This computationally intensive lighting technique was unrealistic on PS4, but the PS5 GPU‘s hardware accelerated ray tracing capabilities enable it seamlessly in Cyberpunk 2077 – transforming glass, metal, and liquids into stunningly realistic mirrored surfaces. Just look at the difference!

Standard Screen Space Reflections (Left) vs Ray Traced Reflections (Right)

Digital Foundry explains this as not just a matter of accuracy, but completely changing and enhancing the atmosphere of Night City itself:

"With ray traced reflections in play, neon lights streak across car bodies, glass windows and puddles of water. Night City itself transforms with ray tracing enabled. It‘s brighter and more vibrant."

A sentiment shared by many players immediately noticing the city feeling more vibrant and alive with ray-traced lighting effects made possible by the PS5 powering the enhanced version.

Cyberpunk 2077‘s Critical Redemption Arc Powered by PS5

All the way back at launch in 2020, Cyberpunk 2077‘s rough last-gen console performance somewhat dominated discussion around the game. But now in 2024, Cyberpunk 2077 is in the midst of a redemption arc fueled by substantial patches and the power of new hardware.

And this comeback story has been particularly driven by improvements across PlayStation 5 versions specifically:

82% average critic score for Cyberpunk 2077 on PS5 at OpenCritic – compared to just 64% average score on PS4

4/5 user score from over 2000 ratings on PlayStation Store since Edgerunners update

8/10 "much better experience all around on PS5" per GameSpot‘s updated review

So while PS4 owners got the short end of the stick in 2020, Cyberpunk 2077 has seen vindication in a big way for PS5 gamers with both the 1.5 and Edgerunners updates introducing major improvements.

And again, all of those visual enhancements plus huge community sentiment shifts are only available when upgrading to that native PS5 experience.

The Verdict: Upgrade to PS5 for the Definitive Cyberpunk 2077 Console Experience

At launch, Night City still suffered from glitches and performance issues even on PS5 hardware. But now in 2024, Cyberpunk 2077 has fulfilled its next-gen potential with fluid gameplay and jaw-dropping graphical effects only possible on new consoles.

Digital Foundry ultimately declared the PS5 version not only delivers the smoothest console performance, but provides visuals approaching a high-end PC:

"Ultimately, if you‘re looking for the best performance on consoles, PS5 comes out on top here. It offers the most compelling package overall…I‘d go as far as saying that PS5 offers one of the very best ways to play Cyberpunk 2077 right now."

So for PS4 owners, the choice is clear – upgrading to PS5 represents the definitive Cyberpunk 2077 experience outside of an expensive gaming rig. Night City has never looked or played better on console. The improvements speak for themselves.

And you need not look back once deciding to upgrade – the PS5 edition makes the PS4 version wholly obsolete. Enjoy ray tracing, 60 FPS gameplay and advanced immersion only possible on next-gen hardware!