Remember when Cyberpunk 2077 dropped like a neon-lit nuke in 2020? Hyped to the heavens, only to crash-land in a blaze of bugs and broken promises. But after a redemption arc worthy of a Netflix series, CD Projekt Red is back, and they’re doubling down on the dystopia. Enter Cyberpunk 2—code-named Project Orion—a sequel that’s not just a game, but a statement.
The Resurrection of Cyberpunk
The sequel to Cyberpunk 2077 is officially in pre-production, and yes—it’s called Cyberpunk 2. No more cryptic project names like “Orion,” they’re leaning into the brand that nearly broke them. But this isn’t just a sequel—it’s a full-blown evolution, and CD Projekt is betting the house that you’re ready to jack back in.
Let’s not forget: Cyberpunk 2077 sold over 25 million copies. And thanks to Phantom Liberty, Idris Elba, and a few thousand bug fixes later, it’s now one of the most respected comeback stories in gaming. But CDPR knows a DLC redemption isn’t enough. Enter Cyberpunk 2—a clean slate built in Unreal Engine 5, crafted by a new North American dev team split between Boston and Vancouver.
Yep, this isn’t the old Warsaw-based crew fumbling console ports. This is a fresh squad with experience, ambition, and probably a motivational poster that says, “Don’t screw this up like last time.”
New Engine, New Vibes, New City
CD Projekt Red has officially ditched their in-house REDengine in favor of Unreal Engine 5. Translation: they’re aiming for fewer bugs, better lighting, and maybe, just maybe, no T-posing NPCs in the middle of emotional cutscenes.
But the real jaw-dropper? We’re leaving Night City. The sequel will feature an entirely new setting, heavily inspired by a twisted version of Chicago. Mike Pondsmith—the original creator of the Cyberpunk tabletop universe—called it “Chicago gone wrong.” So imagine crime noir, gang wars, deep-dish dystopia, and yes, probably more corporate assassins in trench coats.
This means more than just new lore. We’re talking new factions, new politics, and maybe a fresh approach to open-world design. Think verticality, interiors, and cities that actually feel alive.
The Stakes Are Sky-High
Let’s be real: this game can’t just be “pretty good.” CD Projekt Red needs a win, especially after the Witcher Netflix backlash, the GOG platform struggles, and the long wait for The Witcher 4. According to company execs, they’re playing the long game. Pre-production is just starting, and if their past cycles are anything to go by, we won’t see this game before 2027—more realistically, 2029.
CEO Michał Nowakowski confirmed as much. He basically said, “Yeah, these things take time. Buckle up.” So unless someone figures out time travel, don’t expect a launch trailer anytime soon.
Lessons Learned or History Repeating?
The question now is—have they actually learned from the disaster that was Cyberpunk 2077’s launch? CDPR says they’ve overhauled their workflow, implemented better testing protocols, and taken “player trust” to heart. They’re also integrating lessons from Phantom Liberty, which had tighter storytelling and far fewer bugs.
But it’s not just about mechanics. It’s about tone. The original Cyberpunk promised choice, consequences, and depth—but often delivered fetch quests and broken AI. If Cyberpunk 2 wants to stick the landing, it needs to balance action and introspection, the bombast and the nuance. Give us a world that feels alive, not just flashy.
Cyberpunk 2 isn’t just a sequel. It’s CD Projekt Red’s chance to rewrite the story—of the franchise and of themselves. It’s the biggest risk they’ve taken since betting on Geralt back in 2007. So will it be the masterpiece they always promised? Or another beautiful disaster?
We’ll be watching.
