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Sometimes it’s hard to fathom that Cyberpunk 2077 debuted as far back as 2020, and not only that, but it received a significant amount of negative criticism initially. However, now it stands as an exemplary first-person RPG and one of the rare cyberpunk-themed video games worth playing. Despite its initial rocky start, it has grown into a massive success with expanded media, DLC, and a dedicated fanbase yearning for more content, which is fortunate because new content for Cyberpunk 2077 is on the horizon.

There’s been plenty of chatter and speculation surrounding the possible sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, known as Orion at this point. People are excitedly discussing new elements such as characters, storylines, and features that might continue from the original game. However, one question that has been dominating my thoughts is where the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077 might be situated. Fortunately, the original creator has finally disclosed the location for Project Orion, and I must admit, it’s left me a bit underwhelmed.

Cyberpunk 2077’s Sequel Is Set In Night City

The Original Creator Confirmed It

In my thoughts, I often pondered about the aspects that Cyberpunk 2 might choose to leave behind from its predecessor, and a part of me yearned for Night City to be one of them. Don’t get me wrong, Night City is an exceptional sandbox and undeniably one of my favorite open-world spaces, not to mention the most impressive urban environment in gaming. Yet, I had secretly wished that CD Projekt Red would utilize this opportunity to delve into how other regions of America, or even other parts of the world, might have evolved. Regrettably, it appears that they are not taking this approach, at least not comprehensively.

Mike Pondsmith, the inventor of the Cyberpunk universe, recently shared insights about potential changes to the setting of Cyberpunk 2’s version during a talk at Digital Dragons 2025 event in Poland. While it seems that CD Projekt Red may not have given him full discretion to disclose all their secrets, Pondsmith accidentally revealed that the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077 is expected to remain set within Night City. In a YouTube video uploaded by tvgry, Pondsmith explains this after discussing with CD Projekt Red staff.

In essence, Pondsmith conveyed that “Night City remains intact,” suggesting that we’ll continue to navigate its gritty, crime-infested, corporation-controlled streets, despite V’s actions from the first game. While this alignment with the past might appease fans, I believe it could be a misstep to incorporate Night City significantly into the sequel. Instead, a fresh setting for Cyberpunk 2077‘s sequel is needed to facilitate a unique narrative, new protagonist, and exploration of unexplored themes that were not extensively covered in the original game.

Night City Shouldn’t Be Cyberpunk 2’s Main Setting

It Needs To Branch Out

In my perspective as a movie reviewer, Night City, crafted by the masterful hands of CD Projekt Red, is nothing short of breathtaking. It’s a testament to their dedication and hard work, especially given the multitude of intriguing mysteries and untold tales within the game, Cyberpunk 2077, that are yet to be resolved. A sequel could serve as a perfect platform for wrapping up these lingering threads, offering fans another glimpse into this iconic city they’ve grown fond of. Given the wealth of characters, locations, concepts, and themes that have captivated us in the first game, it seems only natural for CD Projekt Red to revisit Night City once more. I wholeheartedly concur with their decision.

In addition, I have this sense of wanting to revisit those streets, as they hold a deep significance in V’s journey. Despite being insignificant in the grand scheme of things, they still carry an intimate connection with the character we know so well. Night City has been skillfully utilized in various narratives like Edgerunners, No Coincidence, and the engaging Cyberpunk 2077 graphic novels, but these adaptations offer a fresh perspective on the city.

Instead of focusing on extensively refining Night City, I believe it would be more fruitful for CD Projekt Red to expand its horizons and delve into unexplored aspects of this universe. By limiting itself to a single location, the studio risks becoming too specialized, when there are numerous opportunities to tackle diverse and intricate themes presented by other locations – much like how the TV series “White Lotus” manages to explore fresh themes with each new season.

Cyberpunk 2077’s Sequel Has A Second Secret Location

It Could Be Chicago

Luckily, there’s still some excitement left as Pondsmith inadvertently hinted at a new setting for Cyberpunk 2 during his talk. While reminiscing about a conversation with an environment artist at CD Projekt Red, Pondsmith casually mentioned that there’s a “new location in Orion” which is “another city we visit.” He quickly caught his slip-up and swore to keep further details under wraps before adding that it doesn’t have the ambiance of Blade Runner; instead, he described it as Chicago gone awry. His exact words at the Digital Dragons 2025 event were: “There’s a new location in Orion – another city we visit. It’s not like Blade Runner. It feels more like Chicago run amok.

He was describing the novelty of the new location in Orion, hinting at another city we frequently visit without disclosing further details. As he spoke, I could sense the ambiance he aimed to create, and it resonated with me. It didn’t evoke Blade Runner; instead, it seemed like a dystopian version of Chicago.

As a passionate movie buff diving into the world of Cyberpunk 2077, it’s a given that I anticipate we might find ourselves in the bustling metropolis of Chicago – a city frequently mentioned in the original game. It could just be a brief stopover for a pre-scripted sequence, or perhaps it’s one of the starting locations in Cyberpunk 2, if such lifepaths indeed exist within the game. But

In a fresh take, the upcoming Cyberpunk 2077 sequel might adopt a style similar to Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Like a Dragon, or Lost Judgment. Instead of sticking to one location, it could offer switching between key locations. This approach isn’t unprecedented, and given CD Projekt Red’s capabilities, it’s not far-fetched to envision them successfully implementing this change. To keep players engaged, introducing a new open-world city for exploration in the sequel seems like an exciting prospect.

Nevertheless, while there’s undeniable excitement about it, there’s a risk that CD Projekt Red’s new location for Cyberpunk 2077’s sequel might encounter the same problems Night City faced. If they release it too hastily, it could be plagued with bugs or, like Night City, fail to live up to its potential. In essence, Night City often lacked the danger and vital elements such as a competent police force for extended periods. I fervently hope that CD Projekt Red, when creating a new location for the sequel, will afford it enough time to develop fully and become as captivating as Night City is today.

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2025-05-23 10:15