Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 Can Right a Wrong Between the First Season and the Game

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The Netflix anime adaptation of Cyberpunk 2077, titled Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, came at a pivotal moment for the game. With player interest in Cyberpunk 2077 at an all-time low following its buggy debut, this series managed to rekindle popularity for the game. Despite being a prequel and featuring new characters, it successfully conveyed the game’s atmosphere and had a self-contained story that was captivating enough to stand on its own merit. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners was one of the rare video game adaptations that appealed not only to gaming enthusiasts but also to those who aren’t avid gamers.

After the achievement of “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners”, CD Projekt Red announced in August 2024 that a second anime adaptation of “Cyberpunk 2077” was underway. This fresh adaptation, unveiled at Anime Expo 2025, goes by the name of “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2“. Contrary to its title, “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2” is not a continuation of the original “Edgerunners”. Instead, it will present an entirely new narrative within Night City, with a brand-new ensemble of characters. As it stands apart from “Edgerunners”, CD Projekt Red and Studio Trigger, the animation company responsible for it, can rectify one of its precursor’s shortcomings.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 Should Be More Connected to the Games

The First Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Did Not Have a Lot of Connections to Cyberpunk 2077

It’s widely agreed that “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners” was an exceptional series, but one point of criticism is that it didn’t tie in closely with the plot of “Cyberpunk 2077.” While they share the same timeline, the narratives of the anime and the game are largely distinct from each other. Some people might view this as a positive aspect; standalone stories can make the media more accessible for viewers who haven’t encountered the source material before. However, it could have added depth to “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners” if it had been more connected to “Cyberpunk 2077.

In Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, none of the primary figures from Cyberpunk 2077, such as V, Johnny Silverhand, Jackie Welles, Goro Takemura, and Panam Palmer, hold substantial roles. The sole exception is Adam Smasher, the Arasaka mercenary who features prominently in both Cyberpunk 2077 and Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. Although some characters from Cyberpunk 2077 make brief appearances in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, they don’t significantly impact the anime’s storyline.

In the animated series Edgerunners, there are several locations similar to those found in Cyberpunk 2077 and the ruling gangs that control these areas. However, many of the settings in the show are not exactly the same as those depicted in the game.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and Cyberpunk 2077 Could Have Been Better By Sharing More Content

Although the charming cast of characters from “Edgerunners” is present, very few appear in “Cyberpunk 2077,” not even in flashbacks. While CD Projekt Red did incorporate some “Edgerunners” content into “Cyberpunk 2077” post-anime release, these additions are mainly Easter eggs and cosmetic items without significant storyline integration. It would have been delightful to see the protagonists of “Edgerunners,” such as Lucy and Rebecca, incorporated into “Cyberpunk 2077’s” narrative, demonstrating the influence of “Edgerunners'” events. Similarly, “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners” could have been a more authentic prequel had it included characters like Goro Takemura or Jackie Welles in supporting roles, providing insights into their backgrounds.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 Should Lay the Groundwork for Project Orion’s Plot

CD Projekt Red, Studio Trigger, and Netflix haven’t given a release date for “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2” yet, but it seems we might need to wait another year or so before seeing it. As for the sequel to “Cyberpunk 2077,” Project Orion, it’s unlikely that it will be out by then. However, CD Projekt Red could potentially hint at some aspects of Project Orion’s storyline in “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2.” If new characters and plot points from Project Orion are indeed introduced in “Edgerunners 2,” fans might find an extra reason to watch the anime, as it could offer additional motivation for understanding the game’s upcoming developments.

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2025-07-05 23:08