For many, including myself, Cyberpunk 2077 is already a masterpiece in its own right. Featuring a stunning narrative full to the brim with moral dilemmas, an incredible cast of diverse characters, heaps of customization, and a breathtaking setting representing both beauty and corruption, it is no wonder that the CD Projekt RED was quickly given the green light for a sequel.

Now that said sequel is currently in development, and reportedly taking us to a setting inspired by “Chicago gone wrong”, we await what is next for Cyberpunk 2077. In the meantime, however, we have been treated to the results of the game’s impact, including a hit Netflix animated series, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, which welcomes its second season this Fall, as well as various collaborations and crossovers.

Put simply, the Cyberpunk 2077 franchise is huge, but thanks to one creator, it is about to get even bigger.

Created by Dark Future Teller, Cyberpunk 2077: Dark Future is a free-to-download mod for the hit CDPR RGP which aims to completely overhaul the game as we know it. Focusing on a survival system, gameplay, and immersion, it adds basic needs, anxiety, and addiction mechanics.

However, as the creator shares in a disclaimer, “Dark Future contains gameplay elements that may be upsetting to some, including themes of addiction and anxiety. While these features can be disabled, you may still see references to them in various descriptions in the game. If you struggle with addiction or mental wellness, you may not have a safe experience when using this content. Stay safe, choom!”

The Dark Future mod provides new gameplay challenges, as well as encouraging you to interact with the world in order to stay fit and healthy, both mentally and physically. As such, players will be incentivized to regularly return to their apartments in order to relax and take a break from Night City’s chaos.

If V does not look after themselves, they could fall victim to exhaustion, hunger, mental illness or maybe even addiction if they abuse substances too regularly. As such, this mod completely overhauls every consumable to make them play a large role in your Cyberpunk 2077 gameplay.

For example, Dark Future adds the ‘Nerve’ mechanic and if V’s Nerve drops too low, they will begin dealing with rapid breathing and trembling hands. If their Nerve drops to 0, they will suffer a fatal heart attack. However, by eating, drinking, and sleeping, you will be able to stay on top of this mechanic.

There are also Basic Needs to keep an eye on, with those being pretty self-explanatory, whilst the Addiction mechanic will cause negative effects for drinking alcohol, smoking, and taking narcotics. V will now also be able to injure themselves courtesy of the Dark Future mod, but many of these issues can be solved with two new pieces of cyberware: the Syn-Lungs and Endorphin Regulator. However, we all know what happens to those who install too much chrome…

Put simply, Dark Future is a complete overhaul for Cyberpunk 2077 which aims to make you more aware of how you play, as well as making this RPG that little more realistic. Better yet, it is completely free to download and enjoy, so what have you got to lose?

Systems

Released

December 10, 2020

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol

Engine

REDengine 4