CD PROJEKT RED has officially confirmed that Cyberpunk 2, previously referred to as Project Orion, has entered pre-production. This announcement follows several weeks of initial planning, during which the team outlined the foundation for the game’s direction. The studio is now moving into the next phase, where core elements such as story structure, gameplay systems, and environmental design will begin taking shape.
As part of the pre-production process, the development team, composed of designers, writers, and technical leads, is focused on establishing the narrative outlines and defining key gameplay mechanics. The work being done during this stage will guide the rest of the development cycle as the game transitions toward full production in the future.
One of the most notable changes in Cyberpunk 2 will be its expanded setting. CD PROJEKT RED plans to introduce a second major city outside of the original Night City. According to Mike Pondsmith, creator of the original Cyberpunk tabletop universe, this new city will be heavily inspired by a post-collapse version of Chicago. It is described as a darker, more somber environment that contrasts with the high-tech, neon-lit atmosphere of Night City. The new location is intended to reflect a sense of decay and struggle while offering a detailed and immersive setting for players to explore.
By expanding the game world to include multiple urban zones, the studio aims to enhance the sense of scale and introduce new cultural and social dynamics. This approach is expected to open up new storytelling possibilities and allow for a greater variety of missions and interactions.
Gameplay-wise, Cyberpunk 2 will place more emphasis on cybernetic enhancements. The development team is working to incorporate features that were part of the original role-playing game but did not make it into Cyberpunk 2077. Players can expect a wider range of body modifications, including neural upgrades, advanced prosthetics, and other enhancements that will allow for more flexible character builds. These systems are being designed to support different playstyles, whether focused on stealth, hacking, or direct combat.
Despite the progress, the game is still in its early stages. Currently, only 96 developers are assigned to Cyberpunk 2, while the majority of the studio’s resources are committed to the next Witcher title, which is already in full production. As a result, a release window for Cyberpunk 2 remains several years away, with a realistic estimate placing it closer to 2030.
For now, fans will have to wait as CD PROJEKT RED continues to lay the groundwork for what is expected to be a major step forward for the franchise.
