How To Get A Refund For The PS4 And Xbox One Versions Of Cyberpunk 2077
12/21/20: This guide has been updated to include new information regarding refunds from Sony, Microsoft, and CD Projekt Red.
For Cyberpunk 2077 fans disappointed by the Dec. 10 release, which was plagued by bugs and crashes, troubled Polish developer CD Projekt Red has offered a solution: a full refund for the game. In a statement on Twitter, the company apologized for failing to meet gamers' expectations, especially for not being more forthcoming about the game's technical issues on PS4 and Xbox One.
If you're willing to give CD Projekt Red a second chance, the company will issue patches that correct the bugs in the coming months. The announcement on Dec. 14 said that the first patch had already been delivered and the second would arrive within seven days. After that, major patches planned for January and February 2021 should fix "the most prominent problems."
It seems CD Projekt Red will iron out the kinks eventually. But for players already feeling misled, three more months of patience is a lot to ask. If you'd rather bail on Cyberpunk 2077, here's how you can get your refund.
How to get a refund for your digital copy of Cyberpunk 2077
For gamers who bought digital copies, CD Projekt Red asked that you follow either Microsoft or Sony's return procedure, depending on which version you picked up.
If you're an Xbox One user, go to the "Request an Xbox refund" page on the "Subscriptions & billing" section and sign in with your Microsoft account. Your should see a list of your purchases and an option to request a refund. If your purchase doesn't appear, you'll have to fill out a request form manually. As of Dec. 18, Microsoft has expanded its policy "until further notice" to include full refunds for anyone who purchased a digital copy of Cyberpunk 2077. Despite the indefinite window, you should still probably submit your request sooner rather than later.
For the PS4 version of Cyberpunk 2077, go to the Help & Support section on the PlayStation website and request a refund. Though many players initially reported having their refund requests denied, Sony has since promised full refunds for digital versions of Cyberpunk 2077 and removed the game from the PlayStation Store.
How to get a refund for your physical copy of Cyberpunk 2077
Fewer people bought physical copies of Cyberpunk 2077, but it's still a significant amount. Of the 8 million pre-sold copies, only 26% of them were on disc. If you bought a physical copy from a retailer, the procedure is different. In its initial statement, CD Projekt Red asked that customers first visit the brick-and-mortar store where they purchased Cyberpunk 2077 and ask for a refund there. But different stores have different return policies. And then there's the whole global pandemic situation. Depending on where you live, game stores might not even be open.
If the store refuses your refund or it's otherwise unavailable, you can email CD Projekt Red directly at helpmerefund@cdprojektred.com. The Dec. 14 statement didn't promise a resolution, however, the company has since pledged to ensure that everyone with proof of purchase gets a refund, even if it has to pay out of pocket. The refund email address will only be active until Dec. 21, so you'll have to move fast to meet the deadline.
Warning: your Cyberpunk 2077 refund might be declined
Prior to Sony and Microsoft's respective Dec. 17 and 18 announcements, there were conflicting reports from people who had tried to get their Cyberpunk 2077 refund. As reported by Kotaku, some gamers successfully received their refunds via the above steps. Additionally, some users allegedly received refunds after calling the PlayStation customer support hotline.
Other customers reported that their refund requests were denied. As highlighted by VG247, certain players claimed Sony advised them to wait until CD Projekt Red issued the patches. According to GameZone, select Xbox One customers were denied refunds as well. Meanwhile, many retailers are unable to process returns independently and are referring customers to the CD Projekt Red email.
As both Sony and Microsoft have since expanded their return policies and promised full refunds, you may have better luck getting your money back moving forward. At this point, problems with the return procedure hardly seem like a surprise given how everything else has gone with Cyberpunk 2077. However, as highlighted by the glowing PC reviews, you might just find that it's worth the wait.