When Phantom Liberty was released in 2023, the expansion was quickly considered some of the best additional content ever released for a video game. This additional adventure in the universe of Cyberpunk 2077 convinced many players and largely contributed to improving the image of CD Projekt RED’s futuristic RPG.
However, despite this success, the Polish studio ultimately gave up developing a second DLC. This decision disappointed some fans who hoped to further explore Night City and discover new intrigues in this universe that has become cult.
Cyberpunk 2077 could have offered a second very ambitious DLC
Since the game’s release in 2020, several rumors have suggested the existence of a second major expansion. According to various clues found in the game files, this expansion could have taken players well beyond the streets of Night City. Among the most popular theories, some suggested an adventure taking place on the Moon. This idea was not totally far-fetched, since several references to a lunar trip already appear in Cyberpunk 2077.
The franchise universe also mentions this possibility in the Cyberpunk Edgerunners anime, which furthered player speculation. These discoveries fueled hopes of major new content that would have allowed the exploration of a completely new environment in the game universe.
CD Projekt RED explains why this DLC never saw the light of day
Creative Director Igor Sarzyński spoke out on the subject after a player asked him about the abandoned expansions. When asked with the question “Do you think the canceled DLCs could have surpassed Phantom Liberty?”, the developer responded cautiously. He explained, “Will the next season of your favorite show be better or worse than the current season? In other words, who knows, it depends on so many things.”
This response highlights the complexity of developing additional content for such an ambitious game. When another user asked if the DLC could have featured a romance with the Songbird character, Igor Sarzyński simply replied: “Let’s just say we try to never repeat ourselves.”
The future of Cyberpunk is now at stake with Project Orion
If this second DLC will ultimately never see the light of day, that does not mean that the Cyberpunk universe is abandoned. CD Projekt RED is already working on an official sequel to the game, currently known as Project Orion. Announced in 2022, this project represents the next big step for the franchise. The game is still in the pre-production phase, but it should become one of the studio’s priorities once development on The Witcher IV is complete.
For CD Projekt RED, this new chapter will be particularly important. The launch of Cyberpunk 2077 in 2020 was marked by numerous technical criticisms, but updates and the Phantom Liberty expansion ultimately allowed the game to regain a solid reputation. With Project Orion, the studio will have to confirm this renewal and show that it can offer a new experience that meets players’ expectations.
Night City remains at the heart of the Cyberpunk universe
Even without a second DLC, Night City remains one of the most striking universes in modern video games. The city imagined by CD Projekt RED continues to attract players thanks to its unique atmosphere, its dense story and its numerous characters. Between game updates, the Cyberpunk Edgerunners anime and the preparation of an official sequel, the franchise seems far from having said its last word. Fans will just have to wait to discover the next stage of this futuristic saga.