What Could a ‘Chicago Gone Wrong’ Look Like in Cyberpunk 2077’s Sequel?

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The development for the follow-up to Cyberpunk 2077, known internally as Project Orion, is progressing steadily. Fans are eagerly awaiting updates about this upcoming game in the Cyberpunk series. As per Mike Pondsmith’s statements, there are plans for this new installment to potentially surpass its predecessor, with rumors suggesting that a fresh city will be added to the game.

In essence, Cyberpunk 2077 owes its existence to Pondsmith, who’s the creator of the tabletop game it’s derived from. During a conference in Poland, Digital Dragons, Pondsmith hinted at a sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, revealing another city will be featured. When discussing this new city compared to Night City, Pondsmith remarked that it doesn’t resemble Blade Runner but rather Chicago in a state of decline. This “Chicago gone wrong” comment piques our curiosity as Chicago holds significance in the franchise, suggesting potential unique storylines if it influences Project Orion.

Bringing a “Chicago Gone Wrong” to Life in Cyberpunk 2077’s Sequel Has Major Implications

After the Collapse, Chicago Struggled to Survive

In the wake of America’s decline, Chicago experienced severe consequences in 2011. Prior to that year, the city had been struggling economically, but 2011 marked a significant downturn for what was once a prominent urban center within the nation. Towards the end of 2011, demolition work on a clandestine government research facility beneath the University of Chicago, known as Heartland, led to the unleashing of numerous deadly pathogens, plunging Chicago into turmoil by 2012. The plot details for Cyberpunk 2077’s sequel remain a mystery, but it could potentially delve into intriguing flashbacks related to this biohazard incident. However, the history of Chicago does not end there, as it continues to unfold with each passing day.

The Fourth Corporate War

In the 2020s, Chicago met its downfall during the Fourth Corporate War. This devastated city caught the attention of Storm Technologies, who saw an opportunity to rebuild. However, as construction progressed smoothly, Arasaka retaliated by deploying virus bombs, aiming to eliminate competition. Given Arasaka’s powerful presence in Cyberpunk 2077, a hypothetical flashback scene depicting the virus bomb attack could be both terrifying and captivating.

Chicago boasts a rich historical backdrop within the franchise, and should it inspire the development of Project Orion, numerous intriguing narrative avenues could unfold.

What Would Chicago Look Like in 2077?

In Cyberpunk 2077, at least half a century has elapsed since the Arasaka bombings, leaving room for speculation that Chicago might still be operational to some degree. The game hints at plans for a Maglev Network connecting Night City and Chicago, suggesting that the next chapter of Cyberpunk 2077 could involve linking these cities. It’s also plausible that the storyline of the potential sequel unfolds years after the connection has been established, implying that although Chicago may be in a rundown state, it is presumably still active.

Keep in mind that the future course of the follow-up to Cyberpunk 2077 might shift, meaning there’s a possibility that this secondary city could be omitted during production.

Pondsmith’s remarks suggest a city rife with crime and harsh living conditions, where nomads persistently reside. It’s plausible that these nomads have been replaced by violent groups, potentially turning the metropolis into a chaotic hub. Additionally, it seems likely that these nomadic groups have established a weakly organized society, reminiscent of Dogtown from Phantom Liberty.

As a die-hard Cyberpunk 2077 gamer, I can’t help but ponder over Pondsmith’s recent comments, which have got me thinking about some intriguing possibilities. Since CD Projekt Red hasn’t given us any official updates yet, we’re left to speculate. But hey, that just means there’s more time for me to dive deeper into Night City’s rich lore and unravel its hidden secrets! The wait for the next installment might be a tough one, but in the meantime, I’m relishing every moment exploring this vibrant, mysterious world.

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2025-05-26 17:10