Cyberpunk 2 is continuing to take shape at CD Projekt RED, and the sequel could dramatically expand the world established by Cyberpunk 2077. While CD Projekt has kept most details about the project under wraps, the company has confirmed that the game has progressed into development, while Cyberpunk creator Mike Pondsmith has revealed an important detail about its setting.
The sequel, previously known as Project Orion, will retain Night City while also introducing another city. Pondsmith described the new location as feeling more like “Chicago gone wrong” rather than the Blade Runner-inspired atmosphere associated with Night City.
However, this does not officially mean that the game takes place in the real-world city of Chicago. Pondsmith’s description refers to the atmosphere and design direction of the new location, while CD Projekt RED has not publicly revealed its official name.
Cyberpunk 2 Is Officially in Development
Unlike many gaming rumors, the existence of Cyberpunk 2 is not speculation.
CD Projekt RED officially announced that the next major Cyberpunk game, previously codenamed Project Orion, had moved from its conceptual phase into pre-production in 2025. The company said the team working on the next major game in the Cyberpunk universe had completed its conceptual phase before making that transition.
CD Projekt RED has also established a Boston development hub specifically focused primarily on building the next Cyberpunk game. The studio described the Boston team as part of its expansion around Cyberpunk 2.
By September 2026, the project had grown considerably. Reuters reported that 184 developers were working on Cyberpunk 2 as of July 31, 2026, although CD Projekt has still not announced a release date.
Night City Is Coming Back
One of the biggest questions following Cyberpunk 2077 was whether CD Projekt RED would abandon Night City for the sequel.
According to Mike Pondsmith, the answer is no.
During an appearance connected to Digital Dragons 2025, Pondsmith discussed his involvement with Project Orion and explained that he had visited CD Projekt RED’s development teams. While looking at work on the game’s environments, he was shown another city being created for the sequel.
He specifically clarified that Night City is still present.
That means Cyberpunk 2 could potentially offer a much broader geographical experience than its predecessor, although CD Projekt RED has not yet explained how the two cities will connect.
What Does “Chicago Gone Wrong” Actually Mean?
The phrase has generated significant speculation because Chicago is one of America’s most recognizable major cities.
However, fans should be careful about interpreting Pondsmith’s comment too literally.
He did not confirm that players will simply visit a futuristic version of modern Chicago. Instead, he described the new location’s overall feeling and design as being closer to a dystopian version of Chicago.
That distinction leaves plenty of possibilities open.
The city could be heavily industrial, more densely packed, visually darker or built around a different architectural style from Night City. It could also represent a completely fictional location that simply draws inspiration from Chicago.
For now, its official name and exact geographical identity remain undisclosed.
A Different Kind of Cyberpunk World
The introduction of another city could allow CD Projekt RED to give Cyberpunk 2 a noticeably different visual identity.
Night City is defined by enormous skyscrapers, neon advertising, corporate architecture, dense urban districts and a highly stylized futuristic atmosphere.
A city inspired by Chicago could provide a contrasting environment.
Instead of simply increasing the size of Night City, CD Projekt RED could use the second location to introduce different architecture, industries, neighborhoods, transportation systems and social structures.
At this point, however, there is no official gameplay footage showing how the two locations will work together.
Cyberpunk 2 Is Still Years Away
Despite the growing development team, Cyberpunk 2 remains a long-term project.
CD Projekt RED has not announced a release date or release window. Reuters reported in September 2026 that the studio had 184 developers working on Cyberpunk 2, while 519 developers were working on The Witcher 4, which is targeting 2028.
This suggests that CD Projekt RED is simultaneously building the foundation for multiple major projects.
The company has also continued expanding the Cyberpunk universe through other media. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 is scheduled to arrive on Netflix on October 20, 2026, with a new cast and a standalone story set in Night City.
What We Know About Cyberpunk 2 So Far
For now, the confirmed and reported information can be separated clearly:
- Cyberpunk 2 is officially in development.
- Project Orion was the game’s previous codename.
- Night City will return.
- A second city will also be visited.
- Mike Pondsmith described that city’s atmosphere as “Chicago gone wrong.”
- The exact name of the second city has not been officially revealed.
- The development team numbered 184 developers as of July 31, 2026, according to Reuters.
- No release date has been announced.
For now, Cyberpunk 2 remains one of CD Projekt RED’s major long-term projects. The return of Night City combined with a mysterious second city gives the sequel an opportunity to significantly broaden the Cyberpunk universe without abandoning the setting that made the previous game recognizable.
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