NVIDIA DLSS 3.5 arrived in Cyberpunk 2077 on September 21, 2023, alongside the game’s free Update 2.0. The “same day” update was not the paid Phantom Liberty expansion: that launched five days later, on September 26, with day-one DLSS 3.5 support. You did not need to buy the expansion, or own an RTX 40-series card, to use Ray Reconstruction in the supported base game.
DLSS 3.5 and Cyberpunk 2077: the release timeline
NVIDIA announced DLSS 3.5 on August 22, 2023. The September 21 date was its first major Cyberpunk 2077 implementation, arriving through Update 2.0; Phantom Liberty followed on September 26. NVIDIA also released a Game Ready driver for the September 21 launch.
| Date | Event | What it meant for players |
|---|---|---|
| August 22, 2023 | NVIDIA announced DLSS 3.5 and its initial game lineup. | The September launch dates became public. |
| September 21, 2023 | DLSS 3.5 support arrived in Cyberpunk 2077 with free Update 2.0; NVIDIA released a Game Ready driver. | Base-game owners could access the update without buying the expansion. |
| September 26, 2023 | Phantom Liberty launched with day-one DLSS 3.5 support. | Players could use the technology in the expansion as well as the updated base game. |
NVIDIA also named Alan Wake 2 and Portal with RTX among planned DLSS 3.5 games. NVIDIA’s August 22 announcement and its launch and driver coverage set out the original dates.
What Ray Reconstruction does
Ray tracing calculates light using sampled rays, but a game cannot trace enough rays for every pixel in real time without a substantial performance cost. Denoisers use the available samples to reconstruct a cleaner image. DLSS 3.5 Ray Reconstruction uses an AI model to replace multiple hand-tuned denoisers with one reconstruction process, generating image detail between sampled rays.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
NVIDIA’s stated aims were clearer reflections, more stable lighting, and better detail in ray-traced scenes. Ray Reconstruction is not the same as DLSS Super Resolution, which reconstructs a higher-resolution output from a lower-resolution render, or Frame Generation, which creates additional displayed frames. In Cyberpunk 2077 at launch, Ray Reconstruction was aimed particularly at the demanding Ray Tracing: Overdrive path-tracing mode; the announcement did not establish that every ray-tracing preset received the same treatment. NVIDIA said it was working with CD Projekt Red on support for other ray-tracing modes. NVIDIA’s technical explanation describes the model and its intended role.
Which RTX graphics cards support each feature?
“DLSS 3.5 support” does not mean every feature is available on every card. In the original implementation, Ray Reconstruction was for GeForce RTX generations broadly, while Frame Generation was limited to RTX 40-series GPUs. Game support is also required for each feature.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| Feature | RTX 20 series | RTX 30 series | RTX 40 series |
|---|---|---|---|
| DLSS Super Resolution | Yes, in supported games | Yes, in supported games | Yes, in supported games |
| DLAA | Yes, in supported games | Yes, in supported games | Yes, in supported games |
| Ray Reconstruction | Yes, in supported games | Yes, in supported games | Yes, in supported games |
| DLSS Frame Generation | No | No | Yes, in supported games |
| Super Resolution + Frame Generation + Ray Reconstruction together | No Frame Generation | No Frame Generation | Yes, where the game supports the combination |
Cyberpunk 2077 requires a GeForce RTX graphics card for its DLSS 3.5 support, according to the game’s Update 2.0 notes. Compatibility does not guarantee a particular frame rate or that path tracing will perform well at a chosen resolution. NVIDIA’s feature overview distinguishes RTX 40 Frame Generation from Ray Reconstruction support on RTX 20- and 30-series cards.
Update 2.0 was more than a graphics patch
The free September 21 update substantially revised the base game’s systems as well as adding the DLSS 3.5 integration. CD Projekt Red highlighted redesigned skill trees and perks, revamped cyberware, vehicle combat, car chases, and a new police system, among other changes. Its Update 2.0 announcement describes the release.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsRank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Did you need to buy Phantom Liberty?
No. Update 2.0 and the base game’s DLSS 3.5 integration were available to owners of Cyberpunk 2077 without purchasing the expansion. Phantom Liberty was a separate paid expansion for its campaign and Dogtown content; it launched on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S on September 26, 2023. CD Projekt Red’s launch announcement gives the expansion date.
How to try Ray Reconstruction
The launch-era process was to update the game and NVIDIA driver, then enable the supported ray-tracing and DLSS options in the game’s graphics settings. Exact setting names and availability can change across later game patches and driver releases, so use the options shown by your installed version rather than treating the 2023 menu as permanent.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
- Install the latest available Cyberpunk 2077 update through your PC storefront.
- Update the NVIDIA driver. For the September 2023 launch, NVIDIA distributed a Game Ready driver through its driver channels and GeForce Experience; current driver availability may differ.
- Start the game and open its graphics or video settings.
- Enable ray tracing and, if available for the selected mode, Ray Reconstruction.
- Set DLSS Super Resolution separately to balance image quality and performance. Enable Frame Generation only if you have an RTX 40-series GPU and the game offers the setting.
- If an option is missing, restart the game after updating, then check the troubleshooting steps below.
What to expect from performance and image quality
Ray Reconstruction’s primary purpose is image reconstruction, not a guaranteed frame-rate increase. Super Resolution can improve performance by rendering internally below the output resolution and reconstructing the image. Frame Generation can increase displayed frame rate, but it does not remove the need for adequate underlying rendering performance. Each feature addresses a different part of the pipeline, and path tracing remains demanding.
Image reconstruction can also change the appearance of fine detail or motion. Results depend on the game scene, settings, hardware, resolution, and combination of DLSS features; do not assume that enabling Ray Reconstruction alone will make a system faster or that every configuration will look identical.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
If Ray Reconstruction is missing or does not work
Check the likely causes in order. In particular, do not mistake the RTX 40-series requirement for Frame Generation as a requirement for Ray Reconstruction itself.
- The game is on an older build rather than Update 2.0 or a later supported version.
- The NVIDIA driver is outdated, or the installed GPU is not a GeForce RTX model.
- Ray tracing or the relevant Overdrive/path-tracing mode is disabled, or the selected game mode does not expose the option.
- You are looking for Frame Generation on an RTX 20- or 30-series card rather than the separately supported Ray Reconstruction option.
- Mods or configuration files are interfering with graphics settings. Update 2.0 also changed core gameplay systems, so pre-2.0 mods may cause crashes or other problems; CD Projekt Red advised removing older mods until their creators updated them.
- Update the game and NVIDIA driver.
- Disable older graphics and gameplay mods.
- Verify the game files through the relevant storefront.
- Reset graphics settings to defaults, then enable ray tracing and DLSS options one at a time.
- Check the result with the built-in benchmark or a repeatable save.
The official Update 2.0 notes include the RTX requirement and the warning about outdated mods.
Does DLSS 3.5 justify a GPU upgrade today?
Not by itself for someone who already owns an RTX 20- or 30-series card and mainly wants Ray Reconstruction. Those GPUs can use it in supported games, although performance in demanding modes varies. An RTX 40-series card was the relevant generation for combining Ray Reconstruction with Frame Generation in the original DLSS 3.5 implementation; consider an upgrade if that combination, stronger ray-tracing performance, or broader game support matters to you—not because DLSS 3.5 is wholly unavailable on older RTX cards.
If your local hardware is inadequate, reducing ray-tracing or path-tracing settings is one alternative. GeForce NOW may be another if your connection is reliable and the game is supported through a storefront you use, but cloud play trades a local install and unrestricted mod access for streaming and service terms. Check current availability and regional conditions directly with NVIDIA’s Cyberpunk 2077 GeForce NOW page. A non-RTX GPU does not gain DLSS 3.5 support simply by enabling a setting.
Recommended Free Tools
Why the date still matters
This is a September 2023 launch story, not a current announcement: DLSS 3.5 first reached Cyberpunk 2077 on September 21, 2023. NVIDIA and CD Projekt Red have since had time to update drivers and the game, so launch-era menu instructions and feature availability should not be assumed to describe every later build. For historical launch details, see NVIDIA’s September 21 announcement.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
