Submit this below the list of issues plaguing CD Projekt Red (CDPR) AAA title Cyberpunk 2077, but apparently, if you create way too many items in the game, your save file will be irreversibly damaged and you will lose all progress in it. This issue started circulating on GOG forums a few days ago, but has now come under the spotlight due to the company’s response.
Like The Witcher 3, Cyberpunk 2077 also allows players to collect various items to create new materials to use or to sell for commercial benefits. This is a fairly standard mechanic that is a core component of major RPG titles. However, if you overdo this in Cyberpunk 2077, you will damage your save file and lose all progress.
As highlighted in various Reddit and GOG threads a few hours ago, save files are reportedly limited to 8MB. If you exceed this limit – which is very doable if you enjoy collecting and crafting items – your save file will be damaged beyond repair. This is indicated by a warning sign on the save file, stating “Saved data is damaged and cannot be loaded”.
This issue is confirmed to be present on the PC version of the game, and other Reddit threads have indicated that the same is happening on console counterparts of the game as well. CDPR has confirmed the problem and stated that:
Unfortunately, the storage is corrupt and cannot be recovered. Use an older save file to continue playing and try to save less items and crafting materials. If you used the error duplicating items, load a save file that is not affected by it. The save file size limit can be increased in one of the future patches, but the corrupted files will remain that way.
While CDPR has not confirmed why this limit exists in the game – especially when this mechanic is such a core component of the “real” RPG experience – it is likely due to a technical limitation and will be fixed in a future patch, currently scheduled for January 2021. Until then, players are on their own.
Source: CDPR via Reddit (1) (2) (3), GOG