Summary
Cyberpunk 2077brought a sprawling dystopian setting to life with Night City, but the sequel may be taking the franchise’s story to a new location. As the development for its sequel, Project Orion, kicks off, the future ofCyberpunk 2077may be found outside the iconic city.
Despite Project Orion only being in its early stages, there are plenty of rumors and points of speculation about what the sequel’s story and world will entail. Although CD Projekt Red hasn’t confirmed much at this point, one theory has been suggesting thatProject Orion could take place on the moon. This would indeed be a bold new direction for the series, but it isn’t too far out of the realm of possibility. InCyberpunk 2077, there is indeed a colony on the moon. It simply hasn’t been seen yet. Project Orion taking place on the moon is a fascinating idea, but the sequel should avoid leaving Night City behind, at least entirely.
Night City Still Has Heaps of Potential in Project Orion
Phantom LIberty Showcasing Unexplored Parts of Night City
Last year’sPhantom LibertyDLC brought an incredible breath of fresh air toCyberpunk 2077. For an expansion,Phantom Libertywas incredibly intricate and could even change how the game ultimately ends. However, one of the most compelling aspects of this DLC wasthe introduction of Dogtown. Even in the base game, Night City is full of life, as there are fascinating things to explore around nearly every corner. However, the addition of Dogtown was a game changer.
Dogtown is a lawless walled-off area of Night City full of crime and those wishing to live outside the confines of the metropolis. Ruled by militia leader Kurt Hansen, Dogtown is an area of Night City that now feels like it is a necessary piece ofCyberpunk 2077’s world.Phantom LibertymadeCyberpunk 2077feel like a complete game, and there is plenty of opportunity for Project Orion to explore more potential areas in Night City that have yet to be showcased.
A recent leak revealed a scrappedCyberpunk 2077DLC that took place on the moon, fueling rumors about Project Orion’s setting.
Thanks toPhantom Liberty, it isn’t hard to believe that Dogtown isn’t the only area of Night City that has tried to separate itself from that society. Project Orion could open the doors for another society living on the outskirts that could be the polar opposite of Dogtown. A potential commune or individuals who wish to live a tech-free life could be a compelling contrast to the fast-paced tech-heavy world of Night City. However, depending on how far into the future Project Orion goes with its story, another way toshow Night City in a new lightcould be just as fascinating.
Project Orion Showcasing the Passage of Time Through Night City
At the moment, it is unclear where Project Orion will pick upCyberpunk 2077’s story. It could be right after the finale, but it is more likely that there will be somewhat of a time jump after the first game’s events. Although it seems as thoughV’s story has come to an end, the changes that have taken place in Night City after his journey would be a great way to recycle the setting while also keeping it fresh. The shifts in power that are bound to happen in Night City afterCyberpunk 2077could reshape its society in new ways. It would also be incredibly fun to visit familiar locations fromCyberpunk 2077, only to find out that they have been drastically changed by new leadership.
It’s exciting to speculate aboutwhat Project Orion could have in store for players. Even if the sequel opens up the story’s boundaries with travel to the moon colony, it doesn’t exactly need to be the star of the show. Venturing to new areas inCyberpunk 2077’s lore is essential for the franchise’s growth, but as the heart of the series, Night City needs to play at least a small part in future stories.
