The in-development Cyberpunk 2077 sequel might be turning its back on the gritty, neon-lit streets of Night City. According to recent comments from franchise creator Mike Pondsmith and hints from developer CD Projekt Red, the sequel—currently codenamed Project Orion—could explore an entirely new setting.
CDPR’s Redemption Arc Fuels New Ambition
Though Cyberpunk 2077 had a rocky launch in 2020, the game found new life thanks to a steady stream of updates, the release of the Phantom Liberty DLC in 2023, and the success of Netflix’s Cyberpunk: Edgerunners anime in 2022. These milestones not only revived interest in the franchise but also gave CD Projekt Red a solid foundation to build its sequel.
Project Orion was officially announced in fall 2022, with CDPR promising a continuation of the Cyberpunk universe that leverages the lessons learned from the original title. However, it’s not just technical evolution fans should expect—it’s a thematic and geographic shift, too.
A New Cyberpunk City on the Horizon?
At the 2025 Digital Dragons conference in Poland, Mike Pondsmith dropped a significant hint: Project Orion will take players to “another city.” While he stopped short of revealing specifics, the message was clear—Night City may no longer be the central hub of the Cyberpunk universe.
This aligns with speculation stemming from job listings and rumors suggesting that Cyberpunk 2 (as some fans call it) could feature multiplayer elements and possibly a new protagonist altogether. With multiple endings in Cyberpunk 2077, a fresh character could give developers the freedom to move forward without locking down a canonical ending.
New Protagonist, New Story?
A major question surrounding Project Orion is whether the sequel will continue V’s story or introduce someone new. If CDPR chooses the latter, it will allow for a complete narrative reset, opening doors to different locations, ideologies, and gameplay systems—possibly even new factions or mega-corporate conflicts in an entirely different region of the world.
Final Thoughts
Leaving Night City behind is a bold move—but one that could pay off in a big way. With CD Projekt Red rebuilding trust and fan enthusiasm, Project Orion has the potential to expand the scope of the Cyberpunk universe like never before. As more details emerge, one thing is certain: the future of Cyberpunk is no longer bound by the borders of Night City.
Stay tuned for more updates as Cyberpunk 2077’s sequel enters full development.