Summary
It’s unclear exactly what the future holds for theCyberpunk 2077franchise, but it’s certain that another game is on the way. Fans have a laundry list of requests and hopes for the game, ranging from sensible updates and expansions to sky-high dreams that rival the lofty expectations ofCyberpunkpre-release. However, one major, fundamental change couldbenefit the nextCyberpunk 2077: leaving Night City behind.
Cyberpunk 2077’s Sequel Should Let Night City Quit While It’s Ahead
Night City Should Be Remembered As It Is
As a fantastic in-game location that was onlyimproved by the Phantom LibertyDLC, it can feel like Night City is the center of theCyberpunk 2077world. Post-launch content has expanded the city, added Easter eggs, and helped players better enjoy it thanks to various bug and performance fixes, and while it’s not perfect, it might be at its peak.
If a sequel toCyberpunk 2077were to take place in Night City, it would be nearly impossible to avoid reusing content and potentially souring the city’s legacy. Even if a new game leverages advancements in gaming tech to make Night City more interactive or detailed, CD Projekt Red still runs the risk of making the location too familiar and thus underwhelming.
The nextCyberpunk 2077needs to be truly uniqueand can’t retread old ground. Taking place in a different city might not be a guaranteed way to prevent this potential issue, but it would open more doors in terms of both gameplay and narrative. Exploration could be entirely different, assuming this new city is structured differently than Night City, and a whole new cast of major characters could come into the mix.Cyberpunk 2077has already introduced players to a number of keyCyberpunkconcepts, characters, and locations, so a new city could also be a new start.
Where the Next Cyberpunk 2077 Can Go
It’s important to note thatCyberpunk 2077andNight City’s gorgeous open-world designtake place in an alternate version of the real world. Major cities like Chicago, Singapore, and Tokyo still exist, playing important roles in the game’s lore. Knowing this, it would be interesting to see the next game tackle one of these real-world locations, showing players fresh, genre-appropriate versions of locations they may already be familiar with.
Existing lore would allow for new narrative opportunities as well. For example, several real-world cities, like Chicago and Hong Kong, are ravaged by plague and corporate warfare intheCyberpunkmythos, so a game set in these cities could follow these conflicts. Other real-world cities that the nextCyberpunk 2077game could feature include:
With advancements in gaming technology and CD Projekt Red switching to Unreal Engine 5, the nextCyberpunk 2077could be bigger, more detailed, and considerably more immersive. Pairing these technological and design leaps with an all-new location to explore could just be the icing on the cake.
Cyberpunk 2077
WHERE TO PLAY
Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world action-adventure from the creators of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, CD Projekt Red.Set in Night City, a megalopolis obsessed with power, glamour and body modification, you play as V, a mercenary outlaw going after a one-of-a-kind implant that is the key to immortality.Upgraded with next-gen in mind and featuring free additional content, customize your character and playstyle as you take on jobs, build a reputation, and unlock upgrades.The relationships you forge and the choices you make will shape the story and the world around you. Legends are made here. What will yours be?
