The troubled legacy of Cyberpunk 2077 is well-documented at this point, and while most can agree that CD Projekt Red's contentious sci-fi RPG has come a long way since its initial launch, it's hard not to think about what could have been. Cyberpunk 2077's blindsiding of gaming audiences has had a lasting effect, influencing not only its sales figures and reputation but also its post-launch plans. Cyberpunk 2077's Phantom Liberty DLC played a major role in polishing the game's reputation and giving it a second life, but it's something of a miracle that it came out at all.
The disastrous launch of the base game didn't just cost CD Projekt Red goodwill; the Witcher developer spent millions of dollars fixing the game's problems and expanding it with new features and conciliatory content. While this isn't completely confirmed, many have speculated that Phantom Liberty being Cyberpunk 2077's only DLC was a decision made, at least in part, because of the time and resources sunk into redeeming the base game. Either way, there's no more DLC on the way for Cyberpunk 2077, leading players to run wild with speculation, much of which is supported by leaks and rumors.
The cancelation of Cyberpunk 2077's multiplayer can also be traced back to the game's problematic launch, so additional DLC wasn't the only thing lost in the shuffle.
Cyberpunk 2077 Almost Got an Expansion Set On the Moon
Leaked Files Reference a Moon DLC for Cyberpunk 2077
A hack on CD Projekt Red back in 2021 revealed plans for a supposed DLC set on Cyberpunk 2077's version of the moon, which has been colonized and developed far beyond its real-world counterpart. As is to be expected from a DLC that was seemingly only in its conceptual phase, details are sparse, but it's clear that there were some ideas for a moon level broken up into specific zones, similar to what players would eventually get in Dogtown.
Again, with this information coming from a leak, and with the data being vague and non-specific, it's hard to say what exactly CD Projekt Red was imagining for this expansion, especially as it pertains to its scope. Phantom Liberty is a fairly meaty DLC, so it's possible that CD Projekt Red was planning two smaller expansions before shifting gears and making a single, more ambitious one.
A Moon DLC Would Make Sense for Cyberpunk 2077
Part of why the alleged moon DLC is so appealing is that there's precedent for the concept in the existing Cyberpunk 2077 framework. As previously stated, the game's rendition of the moon is one that has been developed and claimed by corporate interests, making it far from the barren hunk of rock that it is in reality. The moon plays a big role in Cyberpunk 2077's world, with V heading for the Moon as part of The Sun ending, which could have possibly been the entry point for this theoretical DLC. The moon is also a significant part of the Edgerunners TV show—perhaps a creative holdover from the days when the moon was meant to play a larger role in the game.
Assuming that this DLC was indeed planned (CD Projekt Red has not commented on the leaks at the time of writing), there's a chance that its ideas could make a return in Project Orion. For instance, if CD Projekt Red makes The Sun the canon ending of Cyberpunk 2077, then Project Orion could follow V's heist on the Crystal Palace Casino, which could possibly even be the spark for the sequel's plot. Otherwise, Project Orion could be the stage for the fabled moon DLC to reappear, bringing it full circle.
Cyberpunk 2077
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 76 /100 Critics Rec: 66%
- Released
- December 10, 2020
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Publisher(s)
- CD Projekt Red
WHERE TO PLAY
- Engine
- REDengine 4
- Cross-Platform Play
- ps, xbox, pc
- Cross Save
- yes
- Franchise
- Cyberpunk
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- yes
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
- How Long To Beat
- 25 Hours
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium
