Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty Kept a Pandora’s Box Shut That Project Orion Could Open

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CD Projekt Red’s “Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty” enlarged the game’s world without increasing its geographical size. It brought players back to a revamped, congested Night City and introduced Dogtown as a secluded area, brimming with character and decay. Instead of opting for a larger playable area, “Phantom Liberty” opted to delve deeper into the existing one. This decision resulted in a more concentrated gaming experience, one that appreciated thorough exploration and storytelling perseverance.

The future of the Cyberpunk series is now under the auspices of Project Orion, which is CD Projekt Red’s nickname for their upcoming Cyberpunk game. Unlike Phantom Liberty, this new installment may not be confined to Night City and could potentially explore different settings. While this shift opens up possibilities for creative exploration, it might also lead to a loss of what made the world in Cyberpunk 2077 so captivating.

Project Orion Could Leave Cyberpunk 2077’s Night City

In “Cyberpunk 2077,” Night City didn’t just serve as a backdrop; it was a living, breathing character. From its neon-lit skyline to its corrupt government and gang politics, the setting infused the game with tension and depth. The expansion, “Phantom Liberty,” further emphasized this, focusing the entire narrative in Dogtown. CD Projekt Red meticulously crafted how quests interacted with the environment, imbuing a verticality and intricacy that breathed life into a zone that was both vibrant and harsh.

CD Projekt Red’s North American studio is developing the successor to Project Orion, which is Cyberpunk 2077. Given the distance, both geographically and creatively, it’s likely that the next main game in the Cyberpunk series will feature a new setting altogether. The expansive nature of the Cyberpunk universe makes this move feasible. Mike Pondsmith’s original tabletop RPG for Cyberpunk includes diverse settings like Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, and London, each with their own technology, subcultures, and threats.

CD Projekt Red has officially announced that “Project Orion” will be a complete follow-up to “Cyberpunk 2077,” and not just another addition. At present, the project is in its initial stages. It’s worth noting that the company’s primary focus at the moment is on developing “The Witcher 4.” After the completion of “The Witcher 4,” the team plans to devote more resources to the development of “Orion.

Phantom Liberty’s Worldbuilding Could Be Left Behind

One notable achievement often overlooked in “Phantom Liberty” is its seamless integration of fresh content with the original game’s storyline, avoiding any inconsistencies. Characters like Solomon Reed from the Cyberpunk universe didn’t contradict previous events, but instead added depth to the existing power dynamics. The intricate political network woven by Dogtown served to underscore the brutal realities of the world that players were already familiar with.

Departing from Night City implies leaving behind complex connections. The new environment may not include any of the initial characters, which could allow for Project Orion to create fresh factions and systems. However, this transition would require additional effort upfront to win over players’ trust and engagement. Without Night City as a point of reference, Project Orion might seem disconnected unless it thoughtfully establishes connections with Cyberpunk 2077’s themes like identity, power, rebellion, and survival.

As a gamer, I’ve noticed how even small updates like Dogtown’s fixer system, repeatable contracts, and intricately layered interiors can significantly enhance gameplay depth. Now, I’m excited to see what Virtuos, a development partner collaborating with CD Projekt Red, might bring in the upcoming 2.4 update, potentially filling in the gaps before Orion makes its appearance.

Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.4 Could Offer Clues

CD Projekt Red hasn’t openly confirmed Update 2.4 for Cyberpunk 2077 yet, but there’s a growing buzz about it. With assistance from external studios like Virtuos, hints of minor improvements suggest potential developments. Without significant DLC, Update 2.4 may offer subtle hints like new weapons, messages from distant factions, or whispers of turmoil in cities beyond Night City.

As a dedicated Cyberpunk enthusiast, I’d like to speculate that these stray breadcrumbs might serve as the connecting link between “Phantom Liberty” and “Project Orion.” For instance, an encrypted message uncovered through a fixer’s terminal about mercenary activities in Europe or the mysterious vanishing of Militech assets abroad could potentially be the germ of the story that “Orion” eventually expands upon. These intriguing tidbits would not only keep us avid players engaged but also ensure a sustained interest in Cyberpunk during its lengthy development phase.

In much the same way that The Witcher 3’s Blood and Wine expansion subtly suggested further Witcher projects, Cyberpunk 2077 might use a rumored 2.4 patch to do the same. While the update may not include significant gameplay content, hints in the story could be quite impactful.

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2025-08-07 03:46