Following the release of Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, CD Projekt Red is drawing its post-launch support for Cyberpunk 2077 to a close. The focus now shifts to the next installment in The Witcher series as well as the subsequent chapter of the Cyberpunk 2077 saga. Even though no formal announcements have been made, anticipation among fans is palpable, especially concerning the sequel’s setting.

The Current Investment in Night City

CD Projekt Red has invested considerable resources in creating the intricate world of Night City in Cyberpunk 2077. The city serves as the backdrop for a complex narrative and numerous quests. Given the studio’s significant investment, it is likely that a sequel may return to Night City. However, it might be beneficial for the storyline to venture into new territories.

Shifting the Narrative: The Case for Washington

Phantom Liberty devotes substantial attention to the New United States of America (NUSA), making it relevant to speculate on the possibilities of setting a sequel in Washington. Although Night City has its unique charm, relocating the narrative to Washington would naturally advance the storyline that CD Projekt Red is unfolding.

Expanding the Lore with Phantom Liberty

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty diversifies the player’s experience by introducing them to Dogtown, a war-torn district, where they are involved in a mission to rescue the President of NUSA from hostile forces. The game changes gears from heist plots to a broader, political conspiracy, thereby adding layers to the Cyberpunk 2077 universe.

Washington as a Logical Continuation

Interactions with the president and frequent discussions about Washington within Phantom Liberty imply a directional shift for future games. It suggests that CD Projekt Red could be laying the groundwork for sequels that delve into the workings of the cyberpunk version of the U.S. government. Venturing into Washington could further enrich the story by introducing themes of political intrigue and governmental complexities.

Why Open-World Franchises Benefit from New Settings

The trend among open-world game franchises is to explore new locales with each installment. Cyberpunk 2077 could adopt this strategy by transitioning from Night City to Washington. Such a move would provide players with new narratives replete with conspiracy and science-fiction elements while deepening their understanding of the NUSA.

The Implications of a New Setting

While some players might find a shift in setting unsettling, Phantom Liberty has laid the foundation for this transition. Failing to capitalize on this storytelling direction could be a missed opportunity for CD Projekt Red. The potential benefits of exploring Washington, both narratively and in terms of gameplay, outweigh the drawbacks of leaving behind familiar settings and characters.

Conclusion: A Sequel with Untapped Potential

The precedent set by Phantom Liberty presents a promising avenue for CD Projekt Red to consider when planning a Cyberpunk 2077 sequel. Although Night City remains an iconic setting, the narrative could evolve in enriching ways by pivoting to Washington, thereby providing an opportunity to delve deeper into unexplored facets of the Cyberpunk 2077 universe.

Availability

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty is currently available on multiple platforms, including PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.

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