Cyberpunk 2077 2 0 Same Npcs

Caroline Mae

2 min read

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06-01-2025

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The sprawling metropolis of Night City in Cyberpunk 2077 is teeming with life, or so it seems. A common question among players revolves around the game's NPC population: Are the NPCs just reskins, or is there more depth to the crowd than initially meets the eye?

The short answer is nuanced. While CD Projekt Red utilized a system of shared models and animations to populate Night City, claiming it's a necessary technique for a game of this scale, the reality is more complex than a simple "yes" or "no."

The Illusion of Variety

Cyberpunk 2077 boasts a huge number of NPCs. To achieve this while maintaining performance, the developers employed a technique often used in open-world games: a pool of base models with varying clothing, hairstyles, and accessories. This creates the illusion of a diverse population, but keen-eyed players have undoubtedly spotted the same underlying models repeated throughout the city.

This isn't necessarily a flaw. The sheer volume of NPCs in Night City would make creating unique models for each one an impossible task, both in terms of development time and game performance. However, the execution leaves room for improvement.

Beyond the Surface: More Than Just Reskins?

While many NPCs share core models, CD Projekt Red implemented systems to differentiate them beyond simple cosmetic changes. These include:

• Unique Dialogue: While some conversations may feel repetitive, many NPCs have unique lines and interactions depending on your character's choices and actions.
• Behavioral Variations: NPCs react differently to events and situations. Their paths, actions, and even responses to the player can create a sense of individuality.
• Detailed Animations: Subtle differences in animations and body language help to further distinguish NPCs, even those sharing the same base model.

The Verdict: A Necessary Compromise?

The use of shared NPC models in Cyberpunk 2077 is ultimately a compromise between realism and technical feasibility. While the repetition of certain models is undeniable, the game's efforts to create variability through dialogue, animation, and behavior prevent it from feeling utterly repetitive. The sheer scale of Night City, and the ambitious scope of the game, necessitate these technical decisions. Whether the execution fully satisfies players remains a matter of individual perception. The developers' strategy, while occasionally resulting in a slightly less immersive experience, allowed for the creation of the vast and detailed Night City we know and (often love and sometimes hate) today.