For 60 € you can play Cyberpunk 2077 smoothly even with a lousy computer

The role-playing heavyweight Cyberpunk 2077 requires significant hardware, and for many gamers, an expensive upgrade or a next-gen console like the PS5 or Xbox Series X would be necessary to enjoy it properly. However, there is currently an interesting deal from Google Stadia, allowing you to get the game for just 60 euros and play it even on weaker devices.

What is the issue with Cyberpunk 2077? The dark role-playing game Cyberpunk 2077 requires powerful hardware. If you want to play the game smoothly and beautifully, you may need to upgrade your PC at a high cost. Even on Nvidia’s hefty GeForce 3090, the game supposedly according to GameRant does not run at 60 FPS on 4K and ultra settings.

However, even without high-end settings, some older gaming PCs may struggle. So is a hardware upgrade unavoidable for some?

Not necessarily, because there is currently an affordable alternative for all players who have a solid internet connection.

Google Stadia offers a deal for Cyberpunk 2077

What is the deal with Stadia and Cyberpunk 2077? Google’s streaming service Stadia offers Cyberpunk 2077 in a deal. The game is not locally installed here but streamed directly to your output device via the internet.

Since you are merely receiving data that has been calculated on a powerful server farm, the computing power of your output hardware is no longer relevant. Therefore, several devices are eligible, including:

• Old computers and even laptops
• Android smartphones and tablets
• TVs that have a Chromecast Ultra connected or integrated

The game itself costs 59 euros on Stadia, and you only need a Chromecast and controller if you want to play on the TV. And for full 4K support, you still need a subscription with Stadia. Otherwise, Cyberpunk is only available in regular HD.

This is the Cyberpunk deal on Stadia: Everything is currently free if you pre-order Cyberpunk 2077 on the Stadia page by December 18, 2020. You will receive not only the game but also a set of the Stadia Premiere Edition at no additional cost. This includes:

• A Chromecast Ultra
• A Stadia controller
• 3 months Stadia Pro subscription

The offer also applies to customers who already have a subscription with Stadia and is not limited to new users.

These are the disadvantages of Cyberpunk on Stadia: To stream Cyberpunk in 4K via Stadia, you absolutely need a strong internet connection. Google states that you should have at least 35 Mbit/s to stream games at this quality. Ideally, speeds between 50 and 100 Mbit/s would be optimal. Only then can you be sure that the Stadia version runs smoothly. And if you have a network outage, you naturally cannot play Cyberpunk.

Additionally, there will unfortunately be no ray tracing available on Stadia at launch. According to the Cyberpunk 2077 test by GameStar, this feature is particularly impressive. Ray tracing may come later if Google upgrades the hardware of the Stadia servers.

Cyberpunk 2077 was planned for this platform before the launch of Stadia, and therefore the chances are good that it was appropriately optimized for Stadia during development. The same was the case with Doom Eternal, which ran well and smoothly on Stadia in all its glory. However, we will know more only at launch.

GeForce Now – An alternative to Stadia for Cyberpunk 2077?

What is GeForce Now? Google Stadia is not the only game streaming service. Cyberpunk will also launch on GeForce Now. Here, you can stream the game on a variety of machines, including mobile devices and TVs, without heavy hardware. You purchase Cyberpunk via Steam or another provider and then stream it via GeForce Now.

In contrast to the Stadia version, you will have ray tracing available here. However, you need a subscription for this feature and can only play for 6 hours at a time. After that, you must briefly interrupt the game and log in to the servers again. The resolution is limited to regular HD at 60 FPS.

However, if you only have an HD monitor, you may not notice this limitation. Additionally, you can later install the version of Cyberpunk purchased via Steam or GOG locally if you eventually decide to get a powerful gaming PC.

In the following table, you will find the most important points of Cyberpunk 2077 on Stadia and GeForce Now listed:

Another consideration for Cyberpunk 2077 concerns the multiplayer mode. Although it will come much later, if Stadia does not offer crossplay by then, you will be limited to your friends on Stadia as players. With GeForce Now, however, your regular friends list on Steam and others is already available.