Cyberpunk 2077 Sequel Is on the Horizon

05/29/2025

Following the success of Phantom Liberty, the Cyberpunk universe is entering a new chapter. CD Projekt RED has confirmed development of a sequel, revealed a Switch 2 release of Cyberpunk 2077, and shared a personal anecdote from the creator of the franchise about casting Keanu Reeves.

Sequel Moves into Pre-Production

CD Projekt RED has officially announced that Project Orion — the codename for the next game in the Cyberpunk series — has completed its conceptual phase and is now in pre-production. At this stage, developers are building prototypes, finalizing the game’s vision, and laying the groundwork for full-scale development. As of April 2025, 96 people are working on the project, with the team continuing to grow.

What We Know So Far

While story details remain under wraps, several key facts have already been revealed. The next Cyberpunk title is being built from scratch in Unreal Engine 5, promising a big leap forward in graphics and performance. The project is led by familiar faces from the original: game director Gabriel Amatangelo and narrative director Igor Sarzyński. The sequel is expected to take place in 2080, several years after the events of Cyberpunk 2077. Players will explore a new city described as "a version of Chicago gone wrong" — a distinct setting with a different tone than Night City. That said, Night City may also make a return. CD Projekt promises a more responsive world, where player choices significantly shape the story and environment. The team also aims to deliver the most realistic and dynamic crowd simulation ever seen in games, with NPCs reacting individually to the player's actions and the world around them. Development is being led by CD Projekt’s new Boston studio, with a focus on global appeal. The release is not expected before 2030.

Cyberpunk 2077 Is Coming to Switch 2

On June 5, 2025, Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will launch for Nintendo Switch 2. This version includes the base game and the Phantom Liberty expansion on a single 64 GB cartridge, with no additional downloads required. The port will also feature gyroscopic aiming and a special "mouse mode" designed to offer more precise control — a welcome improvement for handheld players.

Mike Pondsmith on Keanu Reeves

Mike Pondsmith, creator of Cyberpunk 2020 and the original tabletop world, shared that he was initially unsure about casting Keanu Reeves as Johnny Silverhand. He felt the actor might be too charming for such a hard-edged, conflicted character. But once filming began, Pondsmith changed his mind. He praised Reeves for portraying Johnny as both a charismatic icon and a deeply broken man. That duality helped define the character and became one of the standout elements of Cyberpunk 2077.

What’s Next

The Cyberpunk series is clearly moving forward. A new sequel, a fresh console release, and the return of key creatives all point to CD Projekt RED’s long-term commitment to the franchise. With new cities, new tech, and deeper player choice on the horizon, there's a long road ahead — but plenty of reason to be excited.