Cyberpunk 2077is set to get a sequel, leading many to have questions about its upcoming story and characters. While that has yet to be revealed by CD Projekt Red, the sequel, codenamedProject Orion, is an exciting example of how farCyberpunk 2077has come since its notorious launch. CD Projekt Red has gotten a second chance, and with it, a new story can be told.
In keeping with the franchise’s theme, the sequel will likely shed light on corporate greed in a dystopian setting. Arasaka, the corporation at the center ofCyberpunk 2077’s story, served as the main villain. Heir to the company, Yorinobu Arasaka played one of the story’s most complex antagonists, with hismurderous bodyguard Adam Smashertaking the role of the final boss. This trifecta brought diverse figures to the story, butProject Orionmay be wiser to focus on one central bad guy.
Project Orion Should Have The Opposite Approach to Its Main Villain Compared to Cyberpunk 2077
Taking Note of Cyberpunk 2077’s Expansion
One of the biggest things that helped turnCyberpunk 2077into the game it was meant to be was the launch of its only DLC,Phantom Liberty. The expansion added even more layers to the base game’s story, but one of the most compelling inclusions was its own villain figure, Kurt Hansen. Formerly a NUSA colonel, he eventually became the military dictator of Dogtown, a lawless suburb within Night City’s city limits. Although he adds a fourth villain to the mix overall,looking atPhantom Libertyon its own could be a good source to serve as inspiration forProject Orion’s antagonist.
Kurt Hansen is purely a threat inPhantom Liberty, and having a more focused villain allows for a little extra depth compared to Yorinobu or Adam Smasher. The Arasaka storyline with Yorinobu and Adam Smasher showcased various examples of how cutthroatthe corporate dystopia of Night Cityis, but shining light on different corners of the city, or even a new location, could be just as compelling.
While Yorinobu Arasaka has complex layers, Adam Smasher revels in the murder and destruction of people and property around him, making him a terrifying figure in the story ofCyberpunk 2077.
Project Orion Could Introduce All-New Factions
Just likePhantom LibertyputKurt Hansen’s BARGHESTfront and center,Project Orioncould also feature a new group in a starring role. While potentially inspired by Hansen as a singular villain, a fresh angle that doesn’t involve military dictatorships or ruthless corporations may be the most effective way to setProject Orionapart from its predecessor. Leaving a corporate antagonist out of the picture doesn’t mean thatProject Orionwill have to forego those specific themes altogether. Night City is steeped with corporate influence, leaving it inescapable, so a sequel’s villain doesn’t necessarily have to be part of a corporation for the horrors of such a dystopia to be felt.
Cyberpunk 2077recently released its 2.2 update, significantly expanding in-game customization.
CD Projekt Red Begins Work On Project Orion
The details ofCyberpunk 2077’s sequel may be hidden, but this year at least confirmed that the game has now entered active development. It will likely be a few years before gamers get to seea glimpse ofProject Orion, but until then, such an anticipated sequel lends itself to plenty of speculation and theories.
A canceled moon-based DLC forCyberpunk 2077has ignited theories that this location will be used forProject Orion.
The character CD Projekt Red chooses as the story’s main villain will be incredibly important. While a Corpo may be the likely choice for such a role, keeping things more tight-knit with the antagonist’s lore could present developers with a great opportunity to give players a villain who they are able to get even more in-depth background, makingProject Orion’s storythat much stronger.
