Cyberpunk 2077 is primarily designed as a first-person action role-playing game to maximize player immersion throughout Night City. While many RPG fans expected a traditional third-person camera similar to The Witcher series, CD Projekt Red built the core experience around a first-person perspective. Understanding how perspective functions in the game helps players know when they can actually see their customized character.
Is Cyberpunk 2077 a Third-Person Game?
The standard gameplay in Cyberpunk 2077 takes place entirely through a first-person perspective. Players explore, engage in combat, and interact with non-playable characters from the eyes of the protagonist, V. This choice was made intentionally by the developers to make dialogue interactions and world exploration feel immediate and personal.
Although on-foot combat and exploration default to first-person, there are limited scenarios where you can view your character from the outside. Players who wish to appreciate their outfit choices must rely on specific in-game systems designed for viewing V. Consequently, the game is officially classified as a first-person title with select third-person elements.
When Are Third-Person Views Available in the Game?
The most common scenario for third-person gameplay occurs whenever V operates a vehicle. While driving cars or riding motorcycles across the metropolis, players can switch between first-person and third-person camera angles seamlessly. This camera option gives players a wider field of view to navigate traffic and showcase their customized ride.
Outside of driving, third-person views are available in photo mode and through specific environmental interactions. Photo mode allows players to pause the action and position the camera freely around V with various poses and expressions. Additionally, players can observe their character's appearance in real-time when looking into mirrors or security camera monitors located throughout the game.
Can You Play On-Foot Combat in Third-Person Using Mods?
For PC players who strictly prefer a third-person perspective, community developers have created custom mods to alter the camera system. These unofficial add-ons shift the camera angle behind V during exploration and combat maneuvers. However, because the original gameplay mechanics were not built for this viewpoint, some animations may appear visually awkward or unpolished.
Console players on PlayStation and Xbox systems do not have access to these camera mods and must play using the official developer settings. CD Projekt Red has confirmed that official third-person on-foot support will not be added to Cyberpunk 2077 due to fundamental design choices. Therefore, PC mods remain the only option for players seeking an overall third-person adventure.
Why CD Projekt Red Chose First-Person Perspective
The decision to utilize a first-person perspective was driven by a commitment to narrative immersion and atmospheric world-building. By keeping the camera fixed inside V's head, players experience cutscenes, dialogues, and dramatic moments without breaking the sense of personal presence. The developers believed this viewpoint best captured the cramped, intense environment of Night City.
Furthermore, designing balanced third-person combat would have required extensive character animation overhauls for every weapon type and cyberware upgrade. Keeping the viewpoint in first-person allowed the development team to focus on detailed shooting mechanics, melee combat, and vertical exploration. This focused approach ensures that the gameplay remains responsive and tailored to its intended perspective.
