Cyberpunk Sequel 'Project Orion' Features New Chicago-like City
The future is about to get bigger. New details have emerged for the highly anticipated sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, confirming that players will get to explore a brand-new urban dystopia. In a recent talk, Cyberpunk creator Mike Pondsmith revealed that the upcoming game, codenamed Project Orion, will introduce a second major city, a location he vividly described as "like Chicago gone wrong."
This tantalizing glimpse into the future of the franchise suggests developer CD Projekt Red is aiming to expand the world far beyond the neon-soaked streets of Night City. While the iconic metropolis will also return, this new setting promises a completely different flavor of corporate-controlled chaos for players to dive into.
A Tale of Two Cities: Welcome to America's Newest Dystopia
The reveal came directly from the architect of the Cyberpunk universe, Mike Pondsmith, during an appearance at the Digital Dragons 2025 conference. Pondsmith, the founder of R. Talsorian Games and the creator of the original tabletop RPG, shared that he had recently visited the development team to see their progress on the sequel.
"I went down and I was talking with the environment team," Pondsmith explained, detailing his excitement for the new setting. He described the yet-unnamed city as feeling "like Chicago gone wrong."
While he didn't elaborate further on the city's specific name or lore, the comparison to Chicago immediately paints a vivid picture. We can speculate on a few possibilities this theme might introduce:
- Industrial Grit: Chicago is known for its history as an industrial hub. A "gone wrong" version could feature crumbling, automated factories, polluted waterways, and a stark division between a high-tech corporate core and a decaying industrial periphery.
- Brutal Architecture: The city's famous architecture could be twisted into monolithic corporate arcologies, casting permanent shadows over the streets below, creating a more oppressive and vertically-layered environment than even Night City.
- Organized Crime: Chicago's historical association with organized crime could be reimagined with futuristic mob syndicates, perhaps operating with a different code than the street gangs of Night City and posing a new kind of threat.
- Extreme Weather: Located on the Great Lakes, the city could feature dynamic and harsh weather systems, from acid rainstorms to cybernetically-enhanced blizzards, adding a new layer of environmental challenge.
Pondsmith's direct involvement and enthusiasm, particularly his collaboration with the environment team, is a strong signal that this new location is being built with a deep respect for the established lore he created decades ago.
Night City Isn't Going Anywhere
Crucially, Pondsmith also confirmed that this new location will not be replacing the series' most famous setting. Night City, the sprawling Californian metropolis that was the star of Cyberpunk 2077, will also be a part of Project Orion.
This raises fascinating questions about the sequel's scope and structure. Will players be able to travel freely between the two cities? Will the story begin in one location and move to the other? The narrative potential of having two distinct, major urban hubs is immense. It allows for a broader exploration of the Cyberpunk world, contrasting different corporate rulers, cultures, and societal problems. The presence of Night City provides a familiar anchor for returning fans, while the new "Chicago gone wrong" setting offers the thrill of exploring a completely unknown and dangerous frontier.
What is Project Orion?
For those who haven't been following every data-shard, Project Orion is the official codename for the full-fledged sequel to Cyberpunk 2077. It is not an expansion or a smaller title but the next mainline entry in the franchise.
Development is being helmed by CD Projekt Red's growing North American division, with a core team based in Boston, Massachusetts. The studio has brought in top talent, including veterans from the original game, to ensure the sequel builds upon the strengths of its predecessor. Key figures leading the project include Paweł Sasko and Igor Sarzyński, who were instrumental in shaping the quest and narrative design of Cyberpunk 2077.
The project is still in the early stages of development, meaning a release date is likely still many years away. However, these early reveals demonstrate a clear and ambitious vision for where the series is headed: a multi-location experience that deepens and expands the rich universe players have come to love.
Frequently Asked Questions About Project Orion
What is the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077 called?
The official title has not been announced yet. The game is currently being developed under the codename Project Orion.
Will Project Orion be set in Night City?
Yes, it has been confirmed that Night City will be featured in the game. However, it will also include a brand-new city, described as "like Chicago gone wrong."
Who is Mike Pondsmith?
Mike Pondsmith is the creator of the original Cyberpunk tabletop role-playing game, which was first released in 1988. He is the foundational architect of the entire universe and serves as a key consultant for the video game series to ensure its authenticity.
When will the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel be released?
There is currently no release date or window for Project Orion. The game is in the early phases of development, so fans should expect to wait several more years for its launch.