Summary
After the release of Phantom Liberty, the core crew ofCyberpunk 2077moved to Boston and started working on the new sequel, titledProject Orion. A tweet from CD Projekt RED’s Associate Game Director Pawel Sasko revealed that the team is in synergy with the Vancouver crew and Warsaw developers. This might be a hint at the upcoming evolution in theCyberpunkuniverse and one area ripe for that is the role of accessories in the game, particularly masks.
Cyberpunk 2077featured many immersive masks that perfectly highlighted the Night City’s dystopian nature. While these accessories looked cool, they didn’t serve much purpose beyond visual appeal.Project Orioncould change all this in a snap. As the development of the sequel continues, there is a unique chance for masks to become an essential part of the player’s arsenal for overcoming challenges within Night City and beyond. Phantom Liberty has already added 100 new weapons and several new districts to the game. So, it wouldn’t be a surprise ifProject Orionintroduced some new mechanics in the game to facilitate the functionality of masks and other accessories.
The Potential Roles Of Masks in the Night City
The multicultural metropolis of Night City is notorious for corruption, gang violence, and organized crime. The in-game NPC community has already seen the AHQ disaster, which can make masks functional in the game. Any nuclear disaster similar toArasaka Headquarters, or chemical spills like Arroyo district, can turn certain areas of the Night City into hazardous zones. In such a setting, masks wouldn’t just be for show — they would become essential gear for the player to survive.
The introduction of these areas will also fundamentally change how players navigate the city. New roles of masks would force players to plan their routes carefully and add a more strategic layer to the gameplay. Developers can make the mechanic even more challenging by featuring limited uses of masks. In that case, managing resources like filters and related supplies can increase the tension in thesedangerous areas of Night Cityand enhance the overall gameplay.
Masks In Space Could Be Project Orion’s Next Stop
One of the biggest speculations associated withProject Orionis the possibility of space travel. The name Orion is already well-known in the real world for space projects. NASA’s Artemis program has an individual spacecraft named “Orion.” NASA, DARPA, and the US Air Force also conducted a project in the 1950s where they tested nuclear technology for spacecraft propulsion. There’s a fair chance that the sequel’s codename is a massive hint toward these space explorations. If theCyberpunkuniverse ventures beyond the polluted streets of Night City and expands into space, masks — and most broadly, helmets — will become crucial for survival.
Unlike the accidental hazards of Night City, space brings extreme environmental conditions such as lack of oxygen, vacuum, and cosmic radiation. The vacuum of space means there’s no atmosphere, making oxygen supply a critical concern. At the same time, cosmic radiation might be programmed to stay hazardous for the player’s health and the integrity of their equipment. In this scenario, masks fromCyberpunk 2077’s Night Citywouldn’t be enough. Developers could take this to the next level by introducing advanced helmets explicitly designed for space survival. These helmets could offer more than just protection against the lack of oxygen. Not to mention there’s a high probability of seeing advanced HUD displays with different mechanics, such as proximity to safe zones and oxygen levels.
Helmets Could Redefine Tactical Battle In Space
Cyberpunk 2077had its fair share of intense combat, butProject Orioncould take it to new heights — quite literally. Rumors surrounding a canceledCyberpunk 2077Moon-based DLChinted at the potential corporate battles in space. IfProject Orionwent into space, fans would be able to see advanced helmets beyond mere protection. Real-time enemy tracking could become a probable feature of helmets, giving players a tactical edge in combat. While these ideas are exciting, CD Projekt Red has not confirmed them. So, the final implementation of these speculative concepts remains to be seen inProject Orion.
Cyberpunk 2077
WHERE TO PLAY
Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world action-adventure from the creators of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, CD Projekt Red.Set in Night City, a megalopolis obsessed with power, glamour and body modification, you play as V, a mercenary outlaw going after a one-of-a-kind implant that is the key to immortality.Upgraded with next-gen in mind and featuring free additional content, customize your character and playstyle as you take on jobs, build a reputation, and unlock upgrades.The relationships you forge and the choices you make will shape the story and the world around you. Legends are made here. What will yours be?
