🌆 The Ultimate Guide to Cyberpunk 2: Project Orion

After transforming Cyberpunk 2077 from one of gaming's most controversial launches into a major RPG success story, CD Projekt Red is returning to its dystopian future.

The studio's next major project is Project Orion, the codename for the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077.

Development is being led by CD Projekt Red's new Boston-based team, with the project intended to expand the Cyberpunk universe beyond the boundaries of the original game.

The sequel is still years away, but several intriguing details have already emerged.

Here's everything we currently know.

🌃 Night City Isn't Going Anywhere

One of the biggest questions surrounding the sequel is whether CD Projekt Red will abandon Night City.

The answer appears to be no.

Night City remains an important part of the Cyberpunk universe and is expected to return in Project Orion.

However, the sequel isn't simply going to recreate the same environment.

CD Projekt Red is looking to expand the playable world with an entirely new location.

🏙️ Welcome to a New City

The most intriguing setting detail comes from Cyberpunk creator Mike Pondsmith.

He has described the new location as feeling like:

"Chicago gone wrong."

Rather than copying Night City's neon-heavy California aesthetic, the new city is expected to provide a dramatically different atmosphere.

This could allow CD Projekt Red to explore another side of the Cyberpunk world while maintaining the franchise's signature themes of technology, corporations, crime, and social inequality.

🌆 What Makes the New City Interesting?

The secondary location could provide:

• A completely different architectural style
• New factions and corporations
• Different urban environments
• New gameplay opportunities
• A distinct visual identity

It also gives CD Projekt Red considerably more freedom when designing the sequel's world.

⚙️ Unreal Engine 5

Project Orion represents a major technological change for CD Projekt Red.

Unlike Cyberpunk 2077, which was developed using the company's proprietary REDengine, the sequel is being built using Unreal Engine 5.

The move could allow the development team to take advantage of modern tools for:

• 🌍 Large-scale environments
• 🤖 Advanced AI
• 🎭 Character systems
• 💥 More detailed visual effects
• 🏙️ Greater environmental interaction

The switch also represents CD Projekt Red's broader move toward Unreal Engine for its future projects.

👥 Will Cyberpunk 2 Have Multiplayer?

Multiplayer has been one of the most frequently discussed possibilities surrounding Project Orion.

Reports have suggested that CD Projekt Red wants to explore multiplayer elements for the sequel rather than treating multiplayer as a completely separate experience.

However, this is an important distinction:

⚠️ Multiplayer Has Not Been Fully Confirmed

CD Projekt Red has discussed multiplayer ambitions for the Cyberpunk franchise, but specific details about Project Orion's final multiplayer implementation have not been officially revealed.

That means features such as:

• Co-op campaigns
• Competitive modes
• Shared open-world activities
• Online progression

should not be treated as confirmed features yet.

The project is still far enough away that its final multiplayer design could change substantially.

🏗️ Development Status

Project Orion is still in the relatively early stages of its development cycle.

The game is being developed primarily by CD Projekt Red's new Boston studio, while the company's wider development organization continues working on multiple projects.

The sequel therefore remains a long-term project rather than an imminent release.

💰 The Massive Budget

Project Orion is expected to be one of CD Projekt Red's most ambitious productions.

Reports from Polish analyst firm Noble Securities have suggested a potential development budget of approximately $419 million, or around PLN 1.5 billion.

If that estimate holds, Project Orion would rank among the most expensive games ever produced.

A project of this scale would make sense given CD Projekt Red's ambitions for a larger world, new technology, and potentially expanded online functionality.

📅 When Will Cyberpunk 2 Release?

Unfortunately for impatient Night City fans, the sequel is still a long way away.

Reports have suggested a potential late-2030 release window.

However, this is not an officially announced release date from CD Projekt Red.

With development still in its earlier stages, the timeline could move significantly in either direction.

For now, 2030 should be viewed as an industry estimate rather than a confirmed launch date.

🔮 What Could Project Orion Change?

Project Orion has the opportunity to evolve almost every major component of the original game.

🌍 A Larger World

The addition of another major city could make the Cyberpunk universe feel significantly larger.

⚔️ Deeper RPG Systems

CD Projekt Red could build on the progression, dialogue, and character systems introduced in Cyberpunk 2077.

🤖 More Advanced AI

Unreal Engine 5 and lessons learned from the original game could allow for more reactive NPCs and environments.

👥 Online Features

If multiplayer ambitions become part of the final product, Project Orion could expand the franchise beyond its traditional single-player structure.

📊 Cyberpunk 2: Project Orion at a Glance

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cyberpunk 2?

Cyberpunk 2 is the unofficial name commonly used for Project Orion, the upcoming sequel to Cyberpunk 2077.

Is Project Orion officially confirmed?

Yes. CD Projekt Red has officially announced Project Orion as the next major entry in the Cyberpunk franchise.

Will Night City return?

Night City is expected to remain part of the sequel, while a new location will expand the game's world.

What is the new Cyberpunk 2 city?

Mike Pondsmith has described the new city as feeling like "Chicago gone wrong."

What engine is Cyberpunk 2 using?

Project Orion is being developed using Unreal Engine 5 rather than CD Projekt Red's previous REDengine.

Will Cyberpunk 2 have multiplayer?

Multiplayer has been discussed and reported as an area of interest, but the exact implementation has not been officially confirmed.

When will Cyberpunk 2 release?

There is currently no official release date. Reports have suggested a potential late-2030 window, but this should be treated as an estimate.

🏁 The Bottom Line

Project Orion represents a major new chapter for CD Projekt Red.

The sequel isn't simply about returning to Night City. With a new Chicago-inspired location, Unreal Engine 5, a potentially expanded world, and possible multiplayer ambitions, the studio appears to be aiming considerably higher than its previous game.

The biggest catch is the timeline.

Project Orion is still years away.

But if CD Projekt Red can combine everything it learned from Cyberpunk 2077 with the technical possibilities of its new engine, the sequel could ultimately become one of the most ambitious RPGs of the next decade.