Night City isn’t just dangerous—it’s dark. Even during the day, narrow alleys and backrooms often lack proper lighting, and once the sun sets, exploring interiors or hunting for quest items becomes noticeably harder. With no built-in flashlight in Cyberpunk 2077—even after major updates—many players are left wondering: how are you supposed to see in the dark? This guide breaks down your current options, including a reliable mod for PC users.
No Flashlight in the Base Game (Even After 2.3)
Despite significant updates like version 2.0 and 2.3—introducing new vehicles, combat features, and driving enhancements—Cyberpunk 2077 still does not include a dedicated flashlight in its base game. There’s no built-in keybind or control option to activate a personal light source.
This limitation becomes especially noticeable during nighttime exploration, dark quest interiors, and puzzle sequences that rely on environmental cues. Low-light conditions can obscure interactable items and environmental detail, breaking immersion and making progression frustrating.
See also: Cyberpunk 2077 Switch 2 Update 2.3: New Vehicles & Fixes
PC Workaround: Install the Simple Flashlight Mod
While consoles remain locked to vanilla features, PC players can add a flashlight via the “Simple Flashlight Mod” by NexusGuy999. This mod introduces a fully functional flashlight that integrates cleanly into the game’s visual style and control scheme.
Required Mods:
Before installing the flashlight, two base mods must be installed:
- Cyber Engine Tweaks
- Native Settings UI
These mods provide essential scripting support and customization menus.
How to Install:
- Download Cyber Engine Tweaks and Native Settings UI from Nexus Mods.
- Locate your Cyberpunk 2077 installation directory. For Steam users, this is typically:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Cyberpunk2077- Install Cyber Engine Tweaks by copying the contents of its “root” folder into the game directory. This folder should contain
/binand/r6subfolders. - Extract the Simple Flashlight Mod into the path:
\Cyberpunk2077\bin\x64\plugins\cyber_engine_tweaks\mods\flashlight\- Launch the game and bind a hotkey through Cyber Engine Tweaks to toggle the flashlight on and off.
On keyboard, the hotkey is customizable. For controllers, the flashlight toggle defaults to holding left on the D-pad.
The flashlight’s color, brightness, range, and beam softness can be customized through the in-game Native Settings UI > Mods menu.
Fixing Crashes and Compatibility Issues
When using this mod with the latest 2.3 update, some users may encounter crashes. To resolve this:
- Clear the game’s cache:
C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Local\CD Projekt Red\Cyberpunk 2077\cache- Reinstall the latest version of Cyber Engine Tweaks and verify game file integrity.
An updated version of Cyber Engine Tweaks may be required to ensure stable compatibility after game patches.
Flashlight Options for Console Players
Console editions of Cyberpunk 2077 currently offer no support for mods or flashlight-equivalent features. Visibility in dark areas relies entirely on in-game lighting, environmental sources, or scanner overlays.
Future updates could introduce flashlight functionality through built-in mechanics such as cyberware upgrades or toggled optical implants. A seamless integration—like a night vision mode layered into the scanner UI—would fit both the lore and gameplay design.
See also: Cyberpunk 2077 Patch 2.02 Makes Key Quest and Gameplay Fixes
In-Engine Support Hints & Upgrade Ideas
Cyberpunk 2077 already contains sequences where diving suits emit directional light in underwater zones, suggesting that a flashlight system exists within the game’s engine. With minimal extension, this mechanic could be adapted into player-controlled tools or cyberware.
Adding flashlight functionality through an upgradeable optical implant, or integrating it as a new scanning mode, would align naturally with existing in-game systems. Unlike weapon-mounted lights, a cyberware-based approach keeps the focus on exploration rather than combat.
Related Guides You Might Like:
- Cyberpunk 2077 Switch 2 Update 2.3: New Vehicles & Fixes
- Best Cyberware in Cyberpunk 2077: Full Slot Guide
- Cyberpunk 2077 Patch 2.02 Makes Key Quest and Gameplay Fixes
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Cyberpunk 2077 does not currently feature a built-in flashlight, even after multiple major updates. PC players can enhance visibility through a reliable and customizable mod setup, while console users must rely on ambient lighting and scanners.
Given how much of Night City is shrouded in darkness—from underground passages to abandoned rooftops—an official flashlight or night vision mode would elevate both immersion and functionality. The tools and framework already exist; it’s only a matter of implementation. Play Now!
