Project Orion’s Biggest Story Question Sticks Out Like a Sore Thumb

by

Now that *Phantom Liberty* and several updates have been released, the future looks bright for *Cyberpunk 2077*. CD Projekt Red is clearly committed to the series, as they’re already working on *Project Orion*, a sequel to the often-debated 2020 game. While this is great news, it also leaves many wondering what the next installment will be like.

Fans are eager to learn more about the upcoming game, including whether V will make an appearance, what city it will be set in, and most importantly, when it will take place. The year 2077 is central to *Cyberpunk 2077*, shaping everything from the political landscape and corporate conflicts to the technology used in the game. The time period of *Project Orion* will be just as important, influencing many details – including if characters from the original game will return. Once the release timeframe is announced, players will have a much clearer understanding of what to expect from *Project Orion*.

Why Project Orion’s Setting Is so Important

Cyberpunk 2077’s In-Game History Is Inextricable from the Broader Experience

The year *Cyberpunk 2077* takes place isn’t random. It’s set about 50 years after a major conflict called the Fourth Corporate War. This war dramatically changed the *Cyberpunk* universe, leading to things like the rise of powerful corporations – especially Arasaka and Militech – the creation of dangerous technology called Soulkiller, and even the formation of the New United States. Understanding this war is key to understanding the story, world, and characters in *Cyberpunk 2077*, as it was a crucial turning point for everything.

While the Fourth Corporate War is a key event, it’s important to remember that the world of *Cyberpunk* started to differ from our own timeline a long time ago. Things like the Net and high-tech cybernetics were already common when the war broke out.

The conflicts we see in *Cyberpunk 2077* – like those between characters such as Saburo and Yorinobu, or between groups like Militech and Arasaka – all started with events from the past. In many ways, the game’s story is about the consequences of those past actions. The complicated social, technological, and political landscape of *Cyberpunk 2077* and *Phantom Liberty* also heavily influences the story and world. Changing the historical setting for *Project Orion* could therefore lead to drastically different gameplay and a completely new narrative.

Setting Will Determine Much of Project Orion’s Identity

If the events of *Project Orion* happen around the same time as *Cyberpunk 2077*-perhaps immediately after the game’s story-it will have to account for some new details. The game’s ending will affect the power dynamic between Arasaka and Militech, with some outcomes having a bigger impact than others. Also, whether characters like V, Johnny, and Panam reappear will depend on which ending CD Projekt Red officially establishes as the main storyline.

If *Project Orion* isn’t set at the same time as *Cyberpunk 2077*, the story could go in many directions. It could be set during the Corporate Wars, letting players experience the fight for power before the formation of NUSA. Or, it could take place decades after *Cyberpunk 2077*, showing a world with even more extreme power imbalances, inequality, and advanced cybernetics. Since *Project Orion* will likely feature a new main character, this would be a good way to separate the sequel from both the plot and the established world of the original game.

Read More

2025-09-18 23:34