Arcadia Visuals - ARCADIA TRUELIGHT 1.2.5 Update - HDR & SDR - Cyberpunk 2077 2.5 [PC only]

What's New in 1.2.5:

Complete RenoDX RecalibrationRenoDX settings have been thoroughly reworked to better integrate with the updated native tonemapping system.

Improved Shadow DetailReduced black crush in certain dark environments, preserving more visible detail without compromising the atmosphere.

Refined HDR TonemappingGreater control over highlight and shadow rendering, resulting in a more natural and balanced HDR presentation.

Improved Visual ConsistencyMore balanced contrast and tonal transitions across different lighting conditions, while preserving TrueLight's signature visual identity.

A More Balanced Visual Experience

The goal of this update is to further refine TrueLight's HDR rendering, particularly in challenging lighting conditions where shadows could previously appear excessively dark.

With the new RenoDX calibration, the overall image should feel more balanced, with improved shadow visibility and more consistent tonal reproduction.

Enjoy the update!

Before You Start

Choose the section that applies to you:

Updating from Arcadia TrueLight 1.2 - 1.2.4

If you already have Arcadia TrueLight 1.2.4 or lower, follow:

Section A — Update Existing Installation

First Time Installing Arcadia TrueLight

If you have never installed Arcadia TrueLight before, follow:

Section B — Full Installation

-- -- -- -- -- SECTION A - UPDATE EXISTING INSTALLATION -- -- -- -- --

(If you already have Arcadia TrueLight 1.2.4 or lower installed)

Download ARCADIA TRUELIGHT 1.2.5 (at the bottom of this guide), extract the .zip

Open RESHADE FILES>PRESETS and choose HDR or SDR

Copy the .ini preset of your choice (HDR or SDR) and paste it in Cyberpunk 2077\bin\x64

Once in game, open Reshade, at the top of the interface, select Arcadia TrueLight 1.2.5 preset from the preset dropdown list.

To set it as default:

Go to the Settings tab

Find the “Startup preset” dropdown

Select the Arcadia TrueLight preset

This will make ReShade load it automatically every time you launch the game.

Installl the latest RenoDX release: locate the "renodx-cp2077.addon64" file in Arcadia TrueLight 1.2.5\RENO DX, drag and drop it in Cyberpunk 2077\bin\x64

Adjust RenoDX_Settings following the image located in Arcadia TrueLight 1.2.5\RESHADE FILES\PRESETS

-- -- -- -- -- SECTION B - FULL INSTALLATION -- -- -- -- --

(If you have never installed Arcadia TrueLight before)

Reshade

Download ARCADIA TRUELIGHT 1.2.5 (at the bottom of this guide), extract the .zip

Open RESHADE FILES > PRESETS and choose HDR or SDR

Copy the .ini preset of your choice and paste it in Cyberpunk 2077\bin\x64

In ARCADIA TRUELIGHT 1.2.5/RESHADE FILES, copy the "reshade-shaders" folder you find inside, and paste it in Cyberpunk 2077\bin\x64

Download ReShade with full addon support

Launch the ReShade_Setup

Select Cyberpunk 2077

Select DirectX 10/11/12

!! IMPORTANT: during the installation, select the preset “Arcadia TrueLight Reshade_1.2.5” you copied in the previous step. !!

Don't check any other effect, it will select them automatically; Click "Next"

Skip the following section for add-ons, don't check anything there.

Locate the "renodx-cp2077.addon64" file in Arcadia TrueLight 1.2.5\RENO DX, drag and drop it in Cyberpunk 2077\bin\x64

Reshade Setup

Once Reshade and RenoDX are installed, launch the game, Reshade will load up, you can click the "HOME" key to open Reshade, you will see the RenoDX tab as well, open it and copy my RenoDX_Settings located in Arcadia TrueLight 1.2.5\RESHADE FILES\PRESETS

If your HUD appears blurred or flickering in-game, it is caused by the Cinematic DOF shader.

This effect is not designed to work with the HUD enabled.

You can toggle it off at any time by pressing “O”.

ARCADIA add-on modules

Inside the “Arcadia Truelight 1.2.5” folder you’ll find three modules:

Arcadia TrueAtmos (environment & lighting)

Arcadia TrueSkin (skin materials)

Arcadia TrueGraphics (engine tweaks)

Open each folder and copy the file you find inside.

IMPORTANT: Do NOT copy the Arcadia folders directly.

Open "Arcadia TrueAtmos_1.2.5", copy the "Arcadia TrueAtmos" file you find inside and paste it in Cyberpunk 2077\archive\pc\mod

Open "Arcadia TrueSkin", copy the "Arcadia TrueSkin" file you find inside and paste it in Cyberpunk 2077\archive\pc\mod

Open "Arcadia TrueGraphics", copy the "Arcadia TrueGraphics" file you find inside and paste it in Cyberpunk 2077\engine\config\platform\pc

DLSS 5

There are several ways to install DLSS 5, including tools like DLSS Swapper and RHI. Personally, I prefer installing the ReShade add-on manually, without relying on external installation tools.

To get the core files, join the official RenoDX discord server

Here's how to set it up for Cyberpunk 2077.

Step 1 — Verify Your ReShade Version

Make sure you're running ReShade 6.8.0 with full add-on support.

This is the same version required for Arcadia TrueLight, so if you've already followed my installation guide, you should be good to go.

Step 2 — Install DLSS & Streamline Files

Download the required DLSS & Streamline files

Extract the archive and copy all files int Cyberpunk 2077\bin\x64 (This is the same directory where your ReShade presets are located), replacing existing files when prompted.

Important: If you're using an RTX 20, 30, or 40 series GPU, make sure to use the patched version of nvngx_dlssnr.dll

Step 3 — Install the ReShade Add-on

Download the dlss5 add-on file and drag it in Cyberpunk 2077\bin\x64.

Step 4 — Configure DLSS 5

Launch the game and open the ReShade overlay by pressing the "Home" key.

You should now see an additional DLSS 5 tab alongside the existing ReShade and RenoDX tabs.

Open the DLSS 5 tab and apply the settings shown in the DLSS 5 configuration reference image included in the main Arcadia TrueLight 1.2.5 zip folder.

These are the exact settings I personally use and recommend for the best visual results with TrueLight.

You're All Set!

DLSS 5 is now installed and configured to work alongside Arcadia TrueLight 1.2.5.

Note: DLSS 5 is entirely optional. Arcadia TrueLight works perfectly fine without it, so you can continue using the preset even if you prefer not to install DLSS 5.

Compatibility & Setup Notes

This setup is designed and balanced around a clean (vanilla) game installation.

The included components are curated to work together as intended. Adding or mixing other mods — especially those affecting lighting, weather, LUTs or graphics settings — may lead to inconsistent results.

For the most accurate outcome, a clean setup is strongly recommended.

If something looks off, it’s usually due to conflicts or installation differences rather than the setup itself.

Full compatibility with every possible mod combination cannot be guaranteed.

General tips to get the best quality/Performance balance

For HDR: In-game, go into Settings>Video and swicth "HDR mode" to "HDR10 PQ"

Then enter into HDR SETTINGS: here's what my settings look like:

"Maximum Brightness" should match your own monitor HDR maximum brightness, you can get that info using the Windows HDR calibration tool.

For SDR: I recommend setting in game Gamma to 1.05

GRAPHICS SETTINGS

Use DLSS Quality or Balance.

Path Tracing: Enabled.

Ray Reconstruction: it’s an AI-based denoiser that helps clean up the image, especially when using ray tracing/path tracing, giving you sharper and more stable lighting overall.

I personally switch it on and off depending on the scene, since in some cases it can introduce noise or artifacts, especially on some reflections and character faces.

FPS CAP:

I cap my FPS close to my average to keep performance stable and avoid stutters.

For example: if you average 35–45 FPS, cap at 28/30; if you’re around 60, cap at 58/60; if you’re near 120, cap at 120. This keeps frame times consistent and the game smoother overall.

Frame Generation ON: FrameGen isn’t meant to “save” a setup that runs at 20 FPS, it can’t fix a game that already struggles natively.

Instead, you should first optimize your settings and resolution to reach a solid base framerate (for example 40–60 FPS), and only then enable Frame Gen to smooth things out and push fps higher in a stable and clean way.

If you have a G-SYNC monitor, make sure it’s enable in your monitor settings, this will help fix screen tearing caused by Frame-Gen.

OTHER MODS RECCOMENDATIONS

Third-Party Mods Notice

The following mods are optional third-party recommendations that I personally use to enhance my setup. You don't need to install these, the main Arcadia look comes from the Arcadia setup you already configured.

Because these mods are created by different authors, compatibility may vary depending on your hardware and existing mod configuration.

Some users may experience crashes, stuttering or performance issues when combining multiple heavy mods.

Neither Reshade nor the Arcadia modules themselves should cause startup crashes or major instability under normal conditions.

For the best experience, install carefully and avoid conflicting mods.

Remember to check the description AND requirements page of mods you download to better understand what they do and how to use them.

-CORE MODS (required to run most mods)-

The following are essential “core mods” that act like the foundation of Cyberpunk modding: they don’t change the game by themselves, but they allow other mods to work properly. Without them, many mods won’t load, will cause errors, or simply won’t appear in-game.

That’s why I recommend installing them first for any build—they make everything more stable, compatible, and easier to manage as you add more mods later.

Cyber Engine Tweaks (CET):

Cyber Engine Tweaks is a simple tool that adds an in-game menu and console, letting you easily change and control settings for many mods. Even if you’re new to modding, it helps you manage and tweak things without needing complicated steps.

When you first start the game, a window will appear prompting you to choose a keybind to bring up the Overlay. Pick any key you want and save it. You can open up the CET overlay with that key from now on.

RED4ext

redscript

Codeware

TweakXL

ArchiveXL

Mod Settings

Native Settings UI

Input Loader

-UTILITY-

Shift : Used for Camera tweaking, refer to the included documentation (“Shift Settings”) if you want to replicate my settings.

Nova Optics : fixes exposure inside vehicles, refer to the included documentation (“Nova Optics Settings”)

Toggle HUD : Used for turning on/off the HUD. To create a keyboard shortcut, open the CET overlay, select "Bindings", scroll and look for Toggle HUD, input your desired key, then Save and close the CET overlay.

Weather Switcher : Useful tool if you want to quickly change weather/time of day

Simple Flashlight

AudioXL

-GRAPHICS-

Adaptive PT

(My settings: 6 Rays, 1 Bounce. Alter 4 Rays, 1 Bounce)

Better Rain Ripples

METRO GLASS

Visual Effects Fixes

The Nullifier

Cyberpunk Render Tweaks

Disable Fake Lights with Path Tracing  (still broken in 2.5, check for updates)

Improved Environment LODs

Draw Distance ReImagined: (OPTIONAL, it has a huge fps impact)

Streaming Bug Workaround

Improved Vehicle Lights Draw Distance  (still broken in 2.5, check for updates)

Ultra Fog Lite

ReImagined

ReLUX  (still broken in 2.5, check for updates)

-VISUALS-

More Blood Splatters

Extended and Improved Headlights (brightness: 1.10)

-TEXTURES-

Material and Texture Override

Cyberpunk 2077 HD Reworked Project

Better Windows

Environment Textures Overhaul (2K recommended)

Preem Water 2.0: (I’m using "Canon" version)

4K Trees and Vegetation

Morph Texture Removal - Cleaner and better skin details

4k Complexion and Body for Female V: (ONLY IF YOU PLAY WITH FEM V, I’m using Better Body 4K and Better Abs 4K)

Alternative Hair Material

NPCs Enhancement - Hyst Bodies

High Res Named NPCs AIO

High Res Unnamed NPC Faces

High Res Minor Named NPCs

High Res Architecture - V's Apartment

High-Res Stickers 2K

High-Res Clothing 2K

High-Res Hair and Beards 2K

High Res Containers 2K

High Res Food and Drinks 2K

High Res Graffiti 2K

High-Res Vending Machines 2K

High Res Posters and Signs 2K

High Res Eyes and Brows 2K

High Res Tattoos 2K

High Res Cyberware 2K

-ENVIRONMENT-

Enable Advert Animations (Ads)

Crowd E3 2018 Restored

All Advert (ads) (Part 1, 2 & 3)

I CAN FIX THAT - JOI Advertisement:

-DRIVING-

Bike Overhaul - TweakXL

Bike Overhaul - Authentic Shift Compatibility Patch

Cyber Vehicle Overhaul