Cyberpunk 2077 brings the original tabletop RPG's themes of corporate overreach and dystopian living front and center, and with the confirmation that a sequel will eventually arrive, it raises plenty of questions about what the next chapter will hold. Five years after its launch, Cyberpunk 2077 has become one of the most influential RPGs around, leaving its sequel with high expectations to meet.
Thankfully, the Cyberpunk franchise has plenty of fascinating lore to dive into, and one piece of the greater Cyberpunk 2077 puzzle could point to a major plot point for the sequel. Since Cyberpunk 2077 puts the hell of corporate-focused living in the spotlight, Arasaka serves as the main antagonist throughout V's journey. This time around, though, Night Corp may pick up the mantle as the sequel's villain.
As of now, Cyberpunk 2077's sequel is codenamed Project Orion. The follow-up officially entered pre-production earlier this year.
Cyberpunk 2077's Night Corp Could Rise to Power in CD Projekt Red's Sequel
Night Corp's Hold on Night City is Clear
When it comes to Cyberpunk 2077's lore, Night Corp is far from its heyday. However, the corporation seems to be experiencing a turn of fate. Despite its influence dwindling over time and being overshadowed by juggernauts like Arasaka and Militech, Night Corp still has a solid amount of power in important Night City institutions. One of the main agendas on the corporation's plate is revamping the Maglev, which could potentially be a major part of Project Orion's narrative.
Hints of Introducing Chicago to the Story
Of course, there's no way to know for sure if Chicago will officially become part of Project Orion, but past comments by tabletop game creator Mike Pondsmith hint at such a location being a real possibility. Chicago has a deep history in the Cyberpunk lore, and the game could be pointing toward the city playing a major role in the next chapter.
In Cyberpunk 2077, it's made clear the Night Corp is working to revive the Maglev, with ambitions of routes to Chicago being active by 2080. Cyberpunk 2077's sequel introducing a second city would be a major leap forward, but it also paves the way for Night Corp to rise and inherit Arasaka's place. Beyond that, though, Night Corp's mysterious nature could also be setting the stage for even more locations outside of Night City to be introduced.
The beginning of Cyberpunk 2077 hints at Night Corp having shady dealings with its opening mission of rescuing Sandra Dorsett, as she was believed to have dirt on the corporation.
Rumors About Night Corp Could Come to Light in Project Orion
One of the biggest rumors surrounding the subject of Night Corp is that the corporation supposedly owns its own satellites and has an underwater operation in Del Coronado Bay. There's currently no way to know what Project Orion has in store, but after Cyberpunk 2077's Phantom Liberty DLC, Night Corp's satellites could come into play. Phantom Liberty confirms the existence of the moon base, Luna, and Night Corp's satellites could play a role in this kind of space travel. Beyond that, the rumored underwater facility opens the door for submersive exploration, offering players two brand-new types of settings to revel in beyond Night City.
Of course, there's no way to know what Project Orion will bring to players, but Night Corp being a major player is definitely a real possibility. As the wait for Cyberpunk 2077's sequel continues, theories and rumors are bound to continue to pop up, but it will be thrilling to finally get some official answers from CD Projekt Red in the future.
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
Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world action-adventure from the creators of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, CD Projekt Red.
Set in Night City, a megalopolis obsessed with power, glamour and body modification, you play as V, a mercenary outlaw going after a one-of-a-kind implant that is the key to immortality.
Upgraded with next-gen in mind and featuring free additional content, customize your character and playstyle as you take on jobs, build a reputation, and unlock upgrades.
The relationships you forge and the choices you make will shape the story and the world around you. Legends are made here. What will yours be?
