Cyberpunk 2077 has come a long way since its launch, and in 2025 Night City is more thrilling than ever – especially with the modding community breathing new life into it. With the official REDmod tools released by CD Projekt Red, installing mods has become easier for everyone.
There are over 14,000 mods available on Nexus Mods alone, spanning graphical enhancements, gameplay overhauls, new content and quality-of-life tweaks. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned choom, the right mods can transform your Night City experience – from visual upgrades to smarter AI and expanded features. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the top 10 must-have mods for Cyberpunk 2077 in 2025 (all updated for Patch 2.0+ and Phantom Liberty), how to install them using REDmod and Vortex, and answer frequently asked questions. Let’s jack in!

What are the top 10 must-have mods for Cyberpunk 2077 in 2025?
Below is our curated list of the top 10 Cyberpunk 2077 mods you should install in 2025. These mods include essential frameworks and exciting enhancements that drastically improve gameplay, graphics, and immersion. We list each mod and summarize what it does:
- Cyber Engine Tweaks (CET):
A core modding framework that enables other mods and adds a built-in console and tweak menu. CET allows modders to script custom features in Lua and includes various in-game quality-of-life fixes. It’s essential for many mods and also lets you input console commands or adjust settings in-game. Many mods depend on CET for functionality and compatibility. - RED4ext:
A script extender for the REDengine that allows advanced code injection mods to run. RED4ext extends the game’s scripting capabilities, letting modders add new functions and modify game behavior at a low level. Many code-based mods (especially Redscript mods) require RED4ext to work. It operates seamlessly in the background for users. - redscript:
An important scripting framework that compiles custom gameplay scripts into Cyberpunk. Redscript enables mods that overhaul combat, AI, and other mechanics by altering the game’s code. It works in tandem with RED4ext – think of redscript as the modders’ programming language for Cyberpunk. It’s vital for complex gameplay modifications and enhancements. - ArchiveXL:
A modding tool for adding new assets and items to the game without replacing existing ones. ArchiveXL lets modders load custom resources (like clothing, weapons, etc.) into the game, avoiding conflicts with vanilla files. It’s used for mods that add brand new items (e.g. new outfits or cars) and is often updated alongside game patches for compatibility. It ensures smooth integration of new content. - TweakXL:
An essential framework that allows mods to edit the TweakDB, the game’s internal database of stats and values. TweakXL lets you change NPC attributes, item stats, or even add entirely new entries via YAML/RED files. It’s focused on game data customization – many mods use it to rebalance weapons, adjust AI behavior, or add new item records. It supports precise gameplay tweaks and additions. - Equipment-EX:
A powerful transmog and outfit extension mod. Equipment-EX expands the wardrobe system with 50+ clothing slots and an outfit manager UI. You can layer multiple pieces in the same slot (for example, wear multiple accessories), save unlimited outfits (with custom names), and truly personalize V’s look beyond the base game’s limits. It revolutionizes style customization for players. - Virtual Atelier:
An immersive framework that adds virtual stores in-game for modded items. With Virtual Atelier, modders publish “store” mods that let you browse and purchase their custom clothing, weapons, or vehicles through an in-game website interface (accessible via computers in Night City). You can even preview items on your character before buying. It enhances immersive acquisition of modded gear. - Cyberpunk 2077 HD Reworked Project:
The ultimate graphics overhaul mod for textures. Created by HalkHogan (known for The Witcher 3 HD mod), this project sharply upgrades the texture quality of Night City – from roads and graffiti to vegetation and neon signs – all in up to 4K resolution. It offers different download options (Ultra Quality for high-end GPUs and Balanced for lower-end hardware) so you can enjoy a much more detailed world without a huge performance hit. It elevates Night City’s visual fidelity significantly. - Alternate Crowd Behavior (and Other Tweaks):
A top gameplay immersion mod that improves NPC AI and traffic dynamics. This mod tweaks how fast NPCs despawn, increases traffic density, and makes enemies react more intelligently. The streets feel more alive and believable – crowds won’t vanish as quickly and combat AI is a bit smarter. It creates a more dynamic and realistic city environment. - Appearance Menu Mod (AMM):
The ultimate sandbox tool for Cyberpunk, perfect for creators and tinkerers. AMM allows you to spawn NPCs or companions, change NPC and player appearances on the fly, pose characters, teleport, and decorate your apartment – all through an in-game menu. It’s basically a photo-mode and gameplay modder’s toolkit, letting you access things “we were never meant to see” in the base game. It’s ideal for creative experimentation and machinima.
These mods transform Cyberpunk 2077, enhancing frameworks, visuals, and gameplay. They ensure a more immersive and customizable Night City experience.

How to install Cyberpunk 2077 mods using REDmod and Vortex
Cyberpunk 2077 modding in 2025 thrives with tools like REDmod and Vortex, streamlining the installation of mods that enhance gameplay, visuals, and immersion across Night City. REDmod, CDPR’s official free DLC, integrates seamlessly with the game, allowing REDmod-compatible mods to be placed in the Cyberpunk 2077\mods folder and toggled via launchers like REDlauncher or GOG Galaxy for easy management. Vortex, the Nexus Mods manager, automates file placement for both classic and REDmod mods, using Hardlink Deployment to ensure correct folder allocation and providing alerts for conflicts or updates to maintain mod stability.
Manual installation, while viable, requires copying files to specific folders like archive\pc\mod or r6\scripts, demanding meticulous tracking to avoid errors. Load order conflicts, where mods modify the same game elements, are typically handled by Vortex or REDmod, but patches or choosing one mod may be necessary for overlapping modifications.
Game updates can disrupt mods, requiring swift updates to core frameworks like CET and RED4ext, so disabling mods before patches and verifying file integrity is recommended. These tools democratize modding, enabling players to customize their experience efficiently. The modding community’s active support ensures compatibility and innovation, making Night City a playground for creativity. Whether you’re enhancing AI, visuals, or fashion, REDmod and Vortex provide robust solutions. This guide empowers players to dive into modding with confidence, leveraging official and community tools.
Below is a step-by-step guide for each:
- Using REDmod (Official Mod DLC):
Install the free REDmod DLC from GOG, Steam, or Epic. Enable it in the launcher and extract REDmod-compatible mods to the mods folder. Launch via REDlauncher to activate mods with a startup progress bar. Mods can be toggled easily without file removal. - Using Vortex Mod Manager:
Install Vortex, manage Cyberpunk 2077, and download mods via Nexus or manually. Enable Hardlink Deployment for accurate file placement across mod types. Launch through Vortex to load mods consistently. It simplifies conflict detection and mod updates. - Manual Installation (alternative):
Copy mod files to archive\pc\mod or r6\scripts per mod instructions. Verify correct locations to ensure functionality and avoid errors. Legacy mods work but aren’t visible in REDmod’s menu. Manual installs require diligent file management for stability. - Load Order & Conflicts:
Mods altering the same element may conflict, with the last loaded prevailing. Vortex and REDmod automate load order for most cases seamlessly. Check mod pages for patches or choose one mod if conflicts arise. Nexus posts offer community tips for resolution. - Important:
Game updates may break mods until frameworks like CET are updated. Disable mods before patches and verify file integrity to prevent crashes. Update core mods post-patch for compatibility. Ensure latest versions to maintain a stable modded experience.
REDmod and Vortex simplify mod installation and management for Cyberpunk 2077. They provide user-friendly tools to maintain a stable, customized game experience.
Cyber Engine Tweaks: Enhancing gameplay and mod compatibility
Cyber Engine Tweaks (CET) is often the very first mod you should install, as it is the foundation for many other mods. CET is a framework mod that gives modders a way to run custom code in the game. In practice, it does a few very important things:
- It unlocks the in-game console and debug functions:
CET enables a console with a hotkey (default ~) for commands. It supports cheats and mod testing with ease. This tool enhances gameplay tweaking capabilities. It’s invaluable for modders and players alike. - It provides a UI overlay for mod settings:
CET’s UI (accessed via “`) allows in-game mod configuration. Many mods integrate settings for real-time adjustments. It streamlines customization without exiting gameplay. This improves user experience significantly. - It applies various quality-of-life patches to the game at runtime:
CET fixed the 8 MB save limit and other issues. It disables telemetry for better performance optimization. These patches enhance overall game stability. They run seamlessly in the background. - Most importantly, CET allows Lua scripting:
CET injects a Lua environment for modder scripts. It powers mechanics like spawn menus or car controls. This enables diverse gameplay mod functionalities. It’s the backbone of modding flexibility.
CET is a cornerstone of Cyberpunk modding, supporting hundreds of mods and providing players with console access and fixes. Updated for version 2.2 and Phantom Liberty, it ensures compatibility and ease of installation via Vortex or manual methods.

RED4ext and redscript: Essential frameworks for advanced modding
RED4ext and redscript are pivotal frameworks for advanced Cyberpunk 2077 modding, enabling deep code modifications that transform gameplay and mechanics. RED4ext, a C++ script extender, integrates with REDengine to allow modders to hook into native functions, supporting complex mods like flying cars or revamped police systems with minimal overhead. redscript, a scripting platform, compiles custom scripts in Cyberpunk’s native language, facilitating overhauls of AI, quests, or combat logic, such as smarter enemy behaviors or new quest triggers.
Together, they form a robust system where redscript writes the code and RED4ext ensures it loads, even after game updates or with REDmod integration. Installation is straightforward, placing files in engine\tools\redscript and red4ext\plugins\ folders via Vortex or manually, with no visible interface but critical dependency for gameplay-altering mods. Post-update crashes often signal outdated RED4ext or redscript, requiring prompt updates from Nexus to maintain stability. These frameworks empower modders to push Cyberpunk’s boundaries, creating immersive, innovative experiences that enhance Night City’s depth and interactivity for players seeking a tailored game.
These frameworks are essential for sophisticated modding in Cyberpunk 2077. They ensure compatibility with REDmod and enable extensive gameplay enhancements seamlessly.
ArchiveXL and TweakXL: Customizing game data and assets
ArchiveXL and TweakXL, created by psiberx, streamline the addition and modification of content in Cyberpunk 2077, ensuring compatibility with base game files. ArchiveXL enables loading custom .archive files for new items like clothing or vehicles, supporting entity factories, localized text, and new slots without overwriting vanilla assets. TweakXL modifies TweakDB, the game’s database, allowing edits to stats, NPC attributes, or new entries via YAML/RED files, preventing conflicts between mods. As prerequisites for item mods, they ensure proper integration and functionality, installed via Vortex or manually with no in-game UI. Updated for version 2.21 and Phantom Liberty, they support expansive modding, from new outfits to radio stations, enhancing Night City’s customization options significantly.
These frameworks facilitate seamless content and data customization in Cyberpunk. They expand modding potential while maintaining game stability and compatibility.

Equipment-EX: Managing outfits and transmog in Cyberpunk 2077
Equipment-EX revolutionizes Cyberpunk 2077’s transmog system, offering an advanced wardrobe with extensive customization options. It requires RED4ext, ArchiveXL, TweakXL, redscript, and Codeware, activating a new UI in V’s apartment wardrobe for managing outfits. Here are the highlights of what Equipment-EX does:
- 50+ Clothing Slots:
Equipment-EX expands beyond vanilla with numerous sub-slots. You can layer jackets, shirts, and multiple accessories distinctly. It includes unique slots for tattoos and cyberware visuals. This enables highly detailed, layered outfit combinations. - Unlimited Saved Outfits:
The mod’s UI supports unlimited outfit saves with custom names. Access it from V’s wardrobe or main menu interface. Presets like “Combat Set” enhance roleplay flexibility. It offers unmatched customization for every scenario. - True Transmog Separation:
Style is fully decoupled from stats in this mod. Equip armor for stats, then transmog any appearance freely. It supports items not physically in inventory. This maximizes aesthetic freedom without gameplay penalties. - Compatibility with Modded Items:
Equipment-EX integrates seamlessly with ArchiveXL clothing mods. It supports new slots like horns or backpacks for modders. This enables layered, innovative apparel designs. It broadens the scope of modded outfit variety.
Equipment-EX transforms outfit management, allowing limitless style combinations without stat compromises. It’s essential for players prioritizing fashion, especially with modded clothing.
Virtual Atelier: Adding new clothing and gear through virtual stores
Virtual Atelier creates an immersive in-game marketplace for modded items in Cyberpunk 2077, integrating seamlessly with Night City’s computer terminals. Here’s how Virtual Atelier enhances your experience:
- In-Game Online Shops:
Virtual Atelier adds an “Atelier” tab to in-game computers. Modders create store fronts for clothing, weapons, or vehicles. You browse items with thumbnails and descriptions. It replicates Night City’s online shopping experience. - Immersive Item Acquisition:
Purchase modded items using in-game eddies for immersion. This avoids console commands, maintaining roleplay integrity. Items are delivered directly to your inventory. It feels like a natural game world extension. - Item Previews:
Preview clothing on V before purchasing in the interface. See items rendered on your character for fit. Weapons offer detailed 3D inspect views. This ensures style choices meet expectations. - Extensibility:
Modders widely adopt Virtual Atelier for diverse store catalogs. It supports clothing, weapons, and vehicle collections. A.G.I.S includes all base game items. This significantly expands modded content accessibility.
Virtual Atelier, requiring ArchiveXL and redscript, makes modded gear acquisition immersive and intuitive. It integrates custom content naturally, enhancing the game’s roleplay and customization.

Best graphics overhaul mods to enhance Cyberpunk 2077 visuals
Graphics mods elevate Cyberpunk 2077’s visuals, transforming Night City into a breathtaking spectacle for players in 2025. Here we highlight some of the best graphics mods that upgrade Cyberpunk 2077’s visuals in 2025:
- Cyberpunk HD Reworked Project:
HalkHogan’s mod enhances texture quality across Night City in 4K. It upgrades roads, signs, vegetation, and neon details significantly. Ultra and Balanced versions cater to different GPU capabilities. It’s optimized for ray tracing with minimal performance impact. - XilaMonstrr’s 4K Texture Packs:
XilaMonstrr provides modular 4K texture upgrades for specific assets. Choose packs for vehicles, interiors, or other elements selectively. They complement HD Reworked for targeted enhancements. Regular updates ensure compatibility with game patches. - Reshade Presets (HDR and Color Tweaks):
Reshade presets like Phil’s HDR adjust color grading and contrast. They offer realistic or vibrant tones, like Blade Runner aesthetics. Installation is lightweight with low performance cost. Presets enhance visual mood without heavy modifications. - Lighting and Weather Mods:
Mods like Unlock Global Illumination fine-tune ray-tracing parameters. Others darken nights or add weather variety like fog. They boost immersion with dramatic neon contrasts. Compatibility checks are essential after game updates. - NVIDIA RTX Remix and Overdrive tweaks:
Tweaks optimize RT Overdrive’s path tracing for better FPS. They adjust settings like bounce count with caution advised. High-end GPUs achieve unparalleled visual fidelity. User feedback ensures safe implementation.
These mods enhance Night City’s textures, lighting, and atmosphere for a stunning experience. They maintain compatibility with version 2.0+, ensuring a polished visual overhaul.
Top gameplay mods to improve AI, combat, and immersion
Cyberpunk 2077’s gameplay, refined by patch 2.0, is elevated by mods enhancing AI, combat, and immersion in Night City. Here are some of the top gameplay mods that enhance AI, combat, and overall immersion in Night City:
- Alternate Crowd Behavior and Other Tweaks:
This mod improves NPC persistence and traffic density for realism. Crowds linger longer, and enemies react with smarter tactics. It makes Night City feel vibrant and alive. Adjustable options optimize performance on various systems. - They Will Remember (Gangs):
Gangs remember your actions, triggering revenge ambushes later. Provoking Tyger Claws leads to persistent hostility in their areas. It adds consequence to player choices. This enhances the world’s reactivity significantly. - Drone Companions:
Craft and deploy combat drones via TechDeck OS for backup. Drones range from small support units to heavy mechs. They follow, fight, and upgrade with rarity tiers. This introduces tactical depth to open-world combat. - Street Combat AI Enhancements:
Mods like AI Netrunners Enhanced improve enemy hack intelligence. MaxTac Reborn makes police responses more formidable and tactical. Enemies use cover and grenades effectively. Gang firefights add dynamic city encounters. - Sandevistan and Cyberware Tweaks (Gameplay Rebalance):
Mods like Wannabe Edgerunner introduce cyberpsychosis risks for cyberware. Others rebalance damage, armor, and health for challenge. They align gameplay with lore themes. Late-game combat remains engaging and intense.
These mods create a more dynamic and immersive Night City experience. Careful compatibility checks ensure a cohesive gameplay enhancement without conflicts.

Where to find and download the best Cyberpunk 2077 mods
Nexus Mods is the primary hub for Cyberpunk 2077 mods, endorsed by CDPR, offering thousands of mods across categories like gameplay and visuals, complete with detailed descriptions, requirements, and update histories for user convenience. Community-driven platforms, including Reddit modlists, CDPR’s Official Modding Forum, and the Cyberpunk 2077 Modding Discord, provide curated recommendations, troubleshooting, and previews of work-in-progress mods, fostering a collaborative environment for modders and players alike. Here are some reliable sources and tips for finding mods:
- Nexus Mods – Cyberpunk 2077:
Nexus hosts a dedicated Cyberpunk section with extensive mod listings. Browse by category, sort by popularity, or search specific mods directly. Each page details requirements and installation instructions clearly. It’s the trusted, centralized hub for safe downloads. - Nexus Collections and Modlists:
Community modlists on Reddit or forums suggest tailored playstyle suites. Nexus Collections are evolving to simplify complex mod setups. They guide users beyond the top 10 mods listed. These curated lists are excellent starting points for modding. - Official Forums & Discord:
CDPR’s Modding Forum and Modding Discord provide active support communities. Modders share patch updates and solutions for common issues. Users can ask questions or explore WIP mods. These platforms ensure timely assistance and insights. - Other Sites:
Some modders host beta versions on GitHub or Patreon for early access. Nexus remains the safest, free source to avoid malicious downloads. Always prioritize trusted platforms for security. Mods should be freely available per community standards. - Mod Manager Integration:
Vortex enables seamless Nexus downloads via a dedicated button. Manual downloads provide ZIP files for precise placement in game folders. Check mod page version compatibility regularly. Nexus’s Posts section offers user-reported functionality insights.
Nexus Mods and community platforms provide safe, updated access to Cyberpunk mods. Staying vigilant about version compatibility ensures a stable, enhanced gaming experience.
Hopefully these FAQs clear up common concerns. Modding Cyberpunk 2077 might require a bit of setup, but the payoff is huge – you can customize the game to an incredible degree.
FAQ
- What are the essential framework mods I need before anything else?
Before installing content mods, you should get Cyber Engine Tweaks (CET), RED4ext, redscript, ArchiveXL, and TweakXL. CET unlocks the in-game console, QoL patches, and Lua scripting. RED4ext and redscript let you run custom code and gameplay overhauls. ArchiveXL and TweakXL handle new assets and database entries without overwriting vanilla files. - How do I install REDmod-compatible mods?
- Install the free REDmod DLC via Steam, GOG, or Epic.
- Place any REDmod-enabled mod folder into %GAMEPATH%\r6\mods\.
- Launch the game with REDlauncher or GOG Galaxy to toggle your mods on the launcher screen.
No manual file juggling—just drop and play.
- Can I use Vortex to manage both classic and REDmod mods?
Yes. In Vortex, add Cyberpunk 2077 as a managed game, enable Hardlink Deployment, and then install mods directly from Nexus or via drag-and-drop. Vortex will place REDmod and archive mods into the correct folders, handle load order, and warn of conflicts. - What’s the best texture overhaul mod for a photorealistic Night City?
The Cyberpunk HD Reworked Project by HalkHogan is the gold standard. It replaces nearly every city texture with up to 4K detail—roads, graffiti, neon, vegetation—with “Ultra” and “Balanced” packs for different hardware. It’s optimized for ray tracing and works on Patch 2.0+. - How do I get unlimited outfit customization?
Install Equipment-EX, which adds 50+ clothing sub-slots, a built-in outfit manager, and true transmog (stats and visuals separated). You can layer jackets, accessories, tattoos, and save unlimited named outfits—all without altering your gear’s stats. - Is there a way to buy modded gear in-game?
Yes, Virtual Atelier transforms Night City PCs into immersive online shops. Browse, preview on V, and purchase modded weapons, clothes, or cars using in-game eddies. Mods create storefronts you access via any computer terminal, keeping immersion intact. - Which mods improve NPC and traffic behavior?
Alternate Crowd Behavior boosts NPC persistence, traffic density, and reaction AI, making the city feel alive. Pair it with “They Will Remember” for gangs that hold grudges, ambushing you if you cross them. Together, they heighten immersion and world reactivity. - How do I tweak core gameplay values like weapon damage or AI stats?
Use TweakXL, which allows you to edit the TweakDB (Cyberpunk’s database) via human-readable YAML or RED files. You can rebalance weapons, adjust NPC health and aggression, or add entirely new item records—all without touching the base game files. - What tool lets me spawn and customize NPCs or take photos?
The Appearance Menu Mod (AMM) is your Swiss Army knife. It provides in-game menus for spawning any NPC, changing appearances on the fly, posing characters, teleporting, and managing a photo-mode. It’s indispensable for machinima creators and sandbox play. - How do I keep my mods working after game updates?
Always disable or remove mods before installing a new patch. After updating, (re)install the latest versions of core frameworks (CET, RED4ext, ArchiveXL, TweakXL). Verify file integrity via your launcher, then re-enable your mods one by one, checking for compatibility updates or conflict patches on Nexus.

Conclusion
Cyberpunk 2077 modding in 2025 has matured into an incredibly rich scene. With the essential frameworks (like CET, RED4ext, ArchiveXL, etc.) installed, you unlock a world of fan-made content and improvements that can keep Night City feeling fresh and exciting. We’ve listed the top 10 mods we consider must-haves: from fundamental tools that enable other mods, to visual overhauls that make the city breathtaking, to gameplay tweaks that deepen immersion and challenge. Whether you want to dress V in new threads, cruise the streets in style, engage in more intense firefights, or simply marvel at a prettier skyline, there’s a mod for that.
Remember, modding is about personalizing your game. Feel free to experiment beyond our list – maybe you’ll end up with a totally “remixed” Cyberpunk experience that suits your taste. Just make sure to follow installation instructions carefully, keep your mods updated, and back up your saves before major changes.
Night City was already a wild ride, but with these mods, you can truly transform your Night City experience. The community’s creativity knows no bounds, and CDPR’s openness to mods means the game can continue to evolve in the players’ hands. So go ahead: mix that perfect braindance of mods, and enjoy Cyberpunk 2077 like never before. The streets of Night City have never been more alive – or more in your control.
Happy modding, choomba, and see you on the streets of a modded Night City!
Sources and citation
- PCGamesN – “The best Cyberpunk 2077 mods” (2025) – Article showcasing top mods and their effects, updated post-Phantom Libertypcgamesn.compcgamesn.com.
- CD Projekt Red – Official Modding Support Page – REDmod FAQ and guidelines from the developerscyberpunk.netcyberpunk.net.
- Nexus Mods – Cyberpunk 2077 – Primary hub hosting over 14k mods, with mod descriptions and filesnexusmods.com. (Includes official mod pages for frameworks like Cyber Engine Tweaksnexusmods.com, RED4extnexusmods.com, ArchiveXLnexusmods.com, TweakXLnexusmods.com, Equipment-EXnexusmods.com, and Virtual Ateliernexusmods.com which were referenced for features and requirements.)
- REDModding Community Wiki – User-contributed documentation for modding tools (e.g. Vortex guide)wiki.redmodding.org.
- Mod Authors’ Notes – Information gleaned from mod readme files and posts (e.g. They Will Remember by Eris404pcgamesn.com, Drone Companions by Scissorspcgamesn.com, etc.), demonstrating specific mod mechanics.
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