A New Cyberpunk Begins: Cyberpunk 2 (Project Orion)

Cyberpunk 2, officially known as Project Orion, is the next major installment in CD Projekt Red’s Cyberpunk franchise, and it stands as one of the most anticipated future RPGs. The game is in active development and positioned as the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, continuing the universe but not the same storyline. CDPR has confirmed several key foundations of the project: Cyberpunk 2 will be built using Unreal Engine 5, developed by CD Projekt Red’s expanded North American and Polish studios, led by director Gabriel Amatangelo, and designed as a next-generation evolution of the world introduced in Cyberpunk 2077. Although many story and content details remain unannounced, the studio has spoken openly about their long-term vision, their new technology pipeline, and their ambition to deliver a deeper, more stable, and more immersive Cyberpunk experience.

Cyberpunk 2077 underwent one of the most dramatic transformations in modern gaming, beginning with a troubled launch in 2020 and slowly becoming a widely respected RPG through years of updates and the critically acclaimed Phantom Liberty expansion. That turnaround has created strong momentum for Cyberpunk 2. CD Projekt Red has been clear that the lessons learned during Cyberpunk 2077’s development will heavily influence the sequel. The company reorganized its internal structure, changed its production approach, unified its teams, and moved away from its in-house REDengine. Cyberpunk 2’s development uses Unreal Engine 5, a decision made to streamline workflows, speed up prototyping, and ensure stronger long-term technical stability. This shift alone represents one of the most important differences between the original game and the sequel.

Unreal Engine 5 offers advantages that directly fit the Cyberpunk franchise’s needs. Large urban areas, dense pedestrian traffic, more reliable vehicle physics, complex neon lighting, advanced shadows, and improved AI behavior are all areas UE5 is naturally built to support. CDPR has repeatedly stated that this engine change will help them build worlds faster and reduce technical obstacles that previously slowed development. While the studio has not shown gameplay or confirmed specific mechanics, the move to UE5 strongly suggests that Cyberpunk 2 aims to be smoother, richer in detail, and more reactive than its predecessor. It also allows CDPR to collaborate more easily with global developers because UE5 is industry-standard, something REDengine never was.

In terms of story, CD Projekt Red has not confirmed any plotline, returning characters, or narrative continuation from Cyberpunk 2077. The ending of Cyberpunk 2077 and Phantom Liberty provides multiple outcomes for the protagonist V, many of which cannot logically be extended into another game. Because of this, CDPR has directly stated that Cyberpunk 2 will feature a new story and likely a new main character. This does not rule out the possibility of references, shared history, or broad connections within the Cyberpunk universe, but it does confirm that Cyberpunk 2 will not be a direct continuation of V’s journey. The studio has also said that they intend to continue exploring mature themes, player choice, and deeply impactful decisions, but they have not disclosed any specific details, timelines, or locations.

The location of Cyberpunk 2 remains one of the biggest questions among fans. Night City is iconic, but CD Projekt Red has not stated whether Cyberpunk 2 will return to the same map or move to a new one. Many fans speculate about a new megacity, such as a futuristic Chicago, Los Angeles-style setting, or an entirely new urban region with different factions and political structures. However, none of this has been confirmed. The only truthful statement is that CDPR is building Cyberpunk 2 to feel bigger and more ambitious, which may suggest a fresh environment or a significantly expanded version of an existing one. Until official announcements are made, the game’s setting remains completely unknown.

Another major question concerns gameplay systems. CD Projekt Red has acknowledged feedback from Cyberpunk 2077 players regarding AI behavior, the police system, melee combat depth, environmental interactivity, and world density. Community criticism and improvement suggestions were a major part of Phantom Liberty’s development process, and the expansion demonstrated that CDPR now has a stronger understanding of how their RPG systems should function. While no specific gameplay mechanics for Cyberpunk 2 have been announced, it is reasonable to expect the sequel to include more advanced AI, deeper combat systems, and more impactful choices, especially given the strength of Phantom Liberty’s design. Still, without official confirmation, none of these possibilities can be treated as guaranteed features.

Cyberpunk 2 is being developed by a new CD Projekt Red studio located in North America, working alongside teams in Poland. This expansion reflects CDPR’s long-term goals for the Cyberpunk franchise. The company wants Cyberpunk to become a major global brand, not just a single game. The development team includes veterans who worked on Cyberpunk 2077 and Phantom Liberty, as well as newly hired talent experienced with Unreal Engine 5 and large-scale AAA production. CDPR has mentioned that having a bigger, more diverse team will allow for faster iteration, better testing, and more polished release standards. This strategic restructuring is meant to avoid past mistakes that occurred during Cyberpunk 2077’s rushed development cycle.

No release date has been given for Cyberpunk 2. CD Projekt Red has made it very clear that the game is in early development and will take several years to complete. The studio intends to avoid announcing gameplay or targets too early, a key lesson learned from the original game’s marketing. Considering typical AAA timelines and the early state of the project, Cyberpunk 2 is not close to launch, and any specific release window circulating online would be guesswork. The only accurate statement is that Cyberpunk 2 is in active production but still far from completion.

Despite limited concrete information, Cyberpunk 2 already carries significant weight as the next phase of the Cyberpunk universe. With a new engine, a stronger development structure, an experienced director, and a reenergized fan base, the sequel has a clearer foundation than the original. Cyberpunk 2077’s revival proved that the world, lore, and themes of Cyberpunk resonate deeply with players when executed well. Cyberpunk 2 aims to build on that momentum and deliver an experience that not only surpasses the first game but also defines the future of the franchise. While fans must wait for official reveals, Project Orion represents a bold commitment to evolving the Cyberpunk world into a long-lasting, technologically advanced, and narratively rich series.