In a surprising twist, CD Projekt Red, the studio behind the critically acclaimed Cyberpunk 2077, recently announced that the game will receive a new content update, despite prior statements indicating that development had shifted to future projects such as Project Orion and The Witcher 4. This revelation came with the launch of Update 2.2 on December 10, 2024, which primarily focuses on enhancing the player experience through cosmetic upgrades. Fans of the game can now explore expanded car customization options, an upgraded photo mode, and enhancements to the character creator, allowing for a more personalized gaming experience.
As has become customary with Cyberpunk 2077 updates, not all features of Update 2.2 were disclosed beforehand. The developers opted to keep some of the additions a secret, encouraging players to discover them organically. Early explorations have revealed an exhilarating new street race located in Watson, along with a refreshing increase in the color variety of weapons available within the game. However, the standout feature of this patch is undoubtedly the inclusion of a unique side quest themed around the indie game, Balatro.
Cyberpunk 2077’s Update 2.2 Introduces a Hidden Balatro Side Quest
Balatro: One of This Year’s Standout Indie Games
While the name Balatro might not be familiar to everyone, it has emerged as one of the most highly praised independent games of the year. Developed by the solo Canadian creator LocalThunk, Balatro is a roguelike deck-building game where players combine jokers with poker hands to maximize their points. Initially, it might not seem compelling, but players have reported its addictive nature and depth, leading to its nomination for Game of the Year at The Game Awards.
The Balatro Side Quest in Cyberpunk 2077: A Quest for Jokers
As players advance in Cyberpunk 2077, they may receive a text from a character named Jim B, who enlists their help in tracking down a group of “rogue Jokers”scattered throughout Night City. These characters are reportedly scheming to dominate the local gambling scene. Gamers who accept Jim B’s challenge will embark on an engaging quest across Night City, where they must locate and photograph graffiti representations of these Jokers, connecting the dots to their Balatro roots.
Though it may appear as a straightforward fetch quest, this hidden Balatro mission offers significant rewards. Upon successfully finding all the marked Jokers, players are gifted with exclusive Balatro-themed cosmetics, including a stylish T-shirt adorned with a Joker image and a trophy that can be showcased in their in-game apartments.
A Synergy Between Cyberpunk 2077 and Balatro
Maria Mazur, a quest designer at CD Projekt Red, recently shared insights into the inspiration behind integrating the Balatro side quest into Cyberpunk 2077. In an interview with IGN, she expressed her admiration for Balatro, stating that she felt a strong connection with its creator, LocalThunk, which fueled her enthusiasm to bridge both games. Moreover, this collaboration is not entirely new; earlier in the year, Balatro featured suits of face cards inspired by various popular gaming characters, including Geralt of Rivia from The Witcher series and Johnny Silverhand from Cyberpunk 2077.
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