Summary
- Cyberpunk 2077 sequel, Project Orion, may choose one of its endings to build upon.
- There are good reasons why Project Orion could choose to follow Cyberpunk 2077's The Sun ending.
- Following from The Sun could lead to V's return, or explore a new space setting, while expanding the franchise's lore.
Approaching five years on from its infamously troubled launch, Cyberpunk 2077's future is looking bright. With a sequel having been announced by CD Projekt Red back in 2022, when it was still working to stabilize the numerous issues of the base game, it was clear that the developer already had big plans for the franchise. Through various patches and the well-received Phantom Liberty DLC, the studio successfully turned Cyberpunk 2077 around into its current status as one of the best and most immersive RPGs of the modern era.
Expectations for the sequel, currently known as Project Orion, are thus high, although very little information has come to light about it since the reveal. CDPR's attention has recently been largely on The Witcher 4, and Project Orion is not thought likely to be ready until nearly 2030 or even further. Still, the possibilities for the follow-up have been widely discussed and theorized. Many of these are focused on whether Project Orion will incorporate any of the various conclusions fans can attain in Cyberpunk 2077. Of these, The Sun is arguably one of the most promising routes it could embrace given how events ended up, and there are numerous reasons for it to be chosen as canon.
Spoilers below for Cyberpunk 2077.
Cyberpunk 2077: The Case for Project Orion to Follow the Devil Ending
Though often considered the worst ending to Cyberpunk 2077, The Devil ending could make for a particularly interesting premise for Project Orion.
The Argument for Project Orion to Follow Cyberpunk 2077's The Sun Ending
The Sun Ending in Cyberpunk 2077 Sets Up a Glimmer of Hope for V in Project Orion
Many fans consider The Sun ending to be one of the better outcomes in Cyberpunk 2077, even though it is still left somewhat hanging. Choosing this route sees V meet with a figure who was present in the background throughout the main tale: the mysterious Mr. Blue Eyes. Blue Eyes tells V that if they do one last job for him, then they'll "gain more than they ever imagined." The conversation heavily implies Mr. Blue Eyes and his shadowy allies might be able to do something about V's situation, possibly possessing the means and technology to save V from the effects of the engram that will end their life in a few short months.
Agreeing to this deal, V heads into space to pull off a daring and dangerous heist of the Crystal Palace Casino. The screen fades to black just before V steps through the airlock, and the credits begin to roll. But V is nevertheless cemented as a Night City mercenary legend, perhaps the greatest of all. With the prospect of being given their life back, this allows for Project Orion to explore the aftermath of The Sun.
How Project Orion Could Continue on From The Sun Ending
If The Sun is established as the "true" ending of Cyberpunk 2077, fans could see V alive and well in Project Orion, having successfully pulled off the heist of the century and being rewarded by Mr. Blue Eyes with a new lease on life. Even if they don't return as the protagonist, their status in Night City could see V elevated to various roles, perhaps having taken over ownership and operation of The Afterlife from Rogue, or serving as one of the major fixers for a new main character.
Another major contributing factor that could lend credence to The Sun being picked as the jumping off point are previous leaks about canceled DLC content for Cyberpunk 2077 set on the moon, along with other unconfirmed rumors hinting that Project Orion may fully feature a space setting. If this turns out to be the case, it could readily lead to CD Projekt Red going with The Sun ending, expanding the setting and lore from there. With how it leaves off, The Sun ending has great potential to tie into Project Orion and provide an interesting path for Cyberpunk 2077's future should it indeed be made canon.
Cyberpunk 2077
-
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
