Several months ago we were told during an earnings call that Cyberpunk 2077’s sequel (currently codenamed Project Orion but may later be changed to Cyberpunk 2 or Cyberpunk 2078) would enter the pre-production stage by the end of 2024. Well, we’re now at that stage so it’s likely happening. We’ve seen job openings posted by the developer CD Projekt Red from time to time that seemingly would fit the timeline of this so, while they haven’t confirmed it yet, we could be at the early stages.
When can we expect a sequel? There’s no question that would still be many years away. To give an example, even if they started pre-production already, it would still take 1 – 2+ years just to get to actual game production. From there, without any sort of major delays, we’d still be looking at another 2-3 years for that process.
What’s interesting is that the studio (CD Projekt Red) is likely all-in on The Witcher 4 game which is expected around 2026-2027. Many insiders are under the assumption that the devs for Witcher 4 would be switched over to the Cyberpunk sequel as it makes sense, giving more and more resources to this game as time goes on. So while the release date for Project Orion has not been announced, the best case scenario would put it somewhere between 2028 – 2030.
The success of the Phantom Liberty expansion and the 2.0 update for Cyberpunk 2077 has reignited interest in the franchise. So far, over 38 million copies of Phantom Liberty have been sold, and player engagement has remained very strong. While there have been some challenges along the way, the positive reception is promising for the sequel’s potential. Project Orion aims to fully expand the Cyberpunk universe. Although there are currently no official artworks or trailers, speculation suggests that the game may build on the story elements introduced in Phantom Liberty. Fans can expect more information as development continues.
Cyberpunk 2077 Sequel: What We Know So Far
CD Projekt Red, the creators of Cyberpunk 2077, are working on a sequel. The sequel is codenamed “Project Orion.” It will be a full-fledged sequel, not an expansion. The game is still in the early stages of development. But here’s what we know so far.
Development Timeline
CD Projekt Red confirmed that pre-production for the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel will likely start by the end of 2024. This means the game is still several years away. A reasonable guess is that the game might be released sometime around 2028 – 2030.
What to Expect
CD Projekt Red hasn’t revealed many details about the sequel. But we can make some educated guesses based on their comments and the first game.
- New Setting: The sequel will likely take place in a new location within the Cyberpunk universe.
- New Characters: Players can expect to meet new characters and explore their stories.
- Improved Gameplay: CD Projekt Red will likely improve the game’s mechanics and systems, such as combat, driving, and role-playing elements.
- Focus on Story: CD Projekt Red is known for its strong storytelling. The sequel will likely have a compelling narrative with meaningful choices.
The Success of Phantom Liberty
The recent release of Phantom Liberty, the expansion for Cyberpunk 2077, has been a huge success. This success has likely given CD Projekt Red more confidence and resources to develop the sequel.
The Future of Cyberpunk 2077
Even though the sequel is in development, CD Projekt Red will continue to support Cyberpunk 2077. They plan to release updates and patches to improve the game.
| Cyberpunk 2077 | Cyberpunk 2077 Sequel (Project Orion) | |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | December 10, 2020 | Estimated 2028 – 2030 |
| Setting | Night City | To be determined |
| Main Character | V | To be determined |
| Platform | PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | To be determined |
| Development Status | Released, with ongoing support and updates | Pre-production expected to start by end of 2024 |
CD Projekt Red’s Other Projects
While working on the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel, CD Projekt Red is also busy with other projects. The studio is developing a new Witcher trilogy. The first game in the trilogy, codenamed “Polaris,” is currently in production. CD Projekt Red is also working on a remake of the original Witcher game using Unreal Engine 5.
The Impact of Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 had a mixed reception at launch. The game had bugs and performance issues, especially on older consoles. However, CD Projekt Red has worked hard to improve the game. With the release of patches and the Phantom Liberty expansion, Cyberpunk 2077 has become a much better experience. The game’s world, characters, and story have received praise from many players. Cyberpunk 2077 has had a significant impact on the gaming industry. It has shown the potential of open-world games and the importance of player choice. The game has also sparked discussions about the future of technology and its impact on society.
Key Takeaways
- Project Orion is the confirmed sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, currently in early development
- The release date remains unannounced, with a launch likely several years away
- Cyberpunk 2077’s recent success with Phantom Liberty and update 2.0 has increased excitement for the sequel
Latest Updates and Release Date Information
The anticipation for the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel has picked up recently with fans eager to see what CD Projekt Red has in store for the next chapter in the Cyberpunk universe. While the wait may be long, the success of Phantom Liberty and CD Projekt Red’s commitment to quality suggest that the sequel will be worth waiting for.
CD Projekt has confirmed active development on the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel, codenamed Project Orion. The game is in early stages with no firm release date set.
Development Progress
Project Orion is in the initial phases of development. CD Projekt has not shared many details about the game’s features or story. The company is likely building on lessons learned from Cyberpunk 2077 and its Phantom Liberty expansion.
The sequel’s development team is expanding. CD Projekt is hiring new talent for the project. They aim to create a more polished experience at launch compared to Cyberpunk 2077’s rocky debut.
Work on the game engine and core systems is likely underway. CD Projekt may be updating their REDengine or exploring new technology options for Project Orion.
Projected Release Timeline
No official release date has been announced for Project Orion. Given the early stage of development, the game is likely several years away from launch.
Industry analysts estimate a potential release window between 2026 and 2028. This timeline allows for a full development cycle and avoids rushing the project.
CD Projekt’s focus on quality may extend the development period. The company wants to avoid the issues that plagued Cyberpunk 2077’s initial release.
Platform targets for Project Orion have not been confirmed. The game will likely release on next-generation consoles and PC.
Platform Availability and Technical Aspects
The Cyberpunk 2077 sequel will leverage new technology and expand its reach across gaming platforms. Unreal Engine 5 promises enhanced visuals and gameplay, while potential ties to Cyberpunk Edgerunners may deepen the game’s narrative.
Supported Platforms
CD Projekt Red has not officially confirmed platforms for the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel. The studio’s history suggests a multi-platform release targeting PC and consoles. PC gamers may see the game on CD Projekt’s GOG storefront.
Next-gen consoles like PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S are likely targets. Previous-gen support remains uncertain given the game’s expected release timeline.
Mobile platforms are improbable due to the game’s expected technical requirements.
Enhancements with Unreal Engine 5
The Cyberpunk 2077 sequel will run on Unreal Engine 5, marking a shift from the REDengine used in the original game. This change promises significant technical improvements.
Unreal Engine 5’s advanced features include:
- Nanite: Allows for highly detailed environments
- Lumen: Provides dynamic global illumination
- MetaHuman Creator: Enables realistic character creation
These technologies could lead to more immersive gameplay and visually stunning Night City environments. Load times may decrease, and open-world performance could improve.
Integration with Cyberpunk Edgerunners
Potential integration with Cyberpunk Edgerunners, the anime series set in the same universe, may influence the sequel’s narrative and visual style.
The game might feature:
- Characters or locations from the anime
- Similar cyberpunk aesthetics and themes
- Expanded lore based on the show’s storylines
This integration could attract fans of the anime to the game. It may also provide a richer backstory for the game world, enhancing player immersion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fans eagerly await details about the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel, codenamed Project Orion. Many questions surround its development, release, and features.
When is the anticipated release date for the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel?
CD Projekt Red has not announced an official release date for Project Orion. The game is still in early development stages. Based on typical development cycles, it’s unlikely to launch before 2026 or 2027.
What platforms will the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel be available on?
No official platform announcements have been made. The sequel will likely target next-generation consoles and PC. This could include PlayStation 6, Xbox Series X/S successors, and high-end gaming PCs.
Can we expect the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel to continue the story of V?
CD Projekt Red has not confirmed if V will return as the protagonist. The sequel may feature a new main character or storyline set in Night City. It could explore different aspects of the cyberpunk universe.
What new features and gameplay mechanics will be introduced in the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel?
Project Orion will run on Unreal Engine 5, suggesting improved graphics and performance. New gameplay elements are likely but unconfirmed. The developers may expand on popular features from the original game and its Phantom Liberty expansion.
Has the developer announced any official teasers or trailers for the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel?
No official teasers or trailers have been released for Project Orion. CD Projekt Red is focusing on early development. Marketing materials are unlikely to appear until the game is closer to completion.
Will the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel address the technical issues faced by its predecessor?
CD Projekt Red learned valuable lessons from Cyberpunk 2077’s launch. The switch to Unreal Engine 5 for Project Orion suggests a focus on technical stability. The developers aim to deliver a smoother experience from day one.
