The next big chapter in CD Projekt Red’s Cyberpunk universe is finally taking shape. While Cyberpunk 2077 had its fair share of ups and downs, there’s no denying the world was immersive and ambitious. Now, with Cyberpunk 2 on the horizon, fans have something even bigger to look forward to. Here’s everything that’s been revealed so far, including the new setting, technology shift, and potential timeline.
A Brand-New City: Goodbye Night City, Hello… “Chicago Gone Wrong”?
According to the creator of the original Cyberpunk tabletop RPG, Mike Pondsmith, Cyberpunk 2 will feature a new city, inspired by Chicago – but with a dystopian twist.
Instead of staying in the now-iconic Night City, the sequel is reportedly expanding the universe with a second city. Mike Pondsmith described it as “Chicago gone wrong,” suggesting a darker, perhaps more chaotic urban experience. This means new districts, gangs, politics, and possibly even new corporations pulling the strings.
🎙️ What It Means for Players:
A whole new map, new factions, and new culture. Expect urban decay, massive vertical architecture, and a gritty, lived-in feel with fresh storylines and environments to explore.
Built on Unreal Engine 5: A Big Leap Forward
One of the biggest updates is that Cyberpunk 2 will be built on Unreal Engine 5, a major shift from CD Projekt Red’s in-house REDengine, which powered both The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077.
Why this matters:
| Feature | Unreal Engine 5 | REDengine |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Fidelity | High-end lighting, Nanite geometry, Lumen tech | Custom but outdated for new-gen |
| Development Speed | More tools, faster prototyping | Slower and more customized |
| Open World Performance | Optimized for next-gen consoles & PC | Performance-heavy on launch |
Using Unreal Engine 5 means more realistic lighting, better world-building capabilities, and hopefully, a more stable launch experience than Cyberpunk 2077’s initial release.
Timeline: When Can We Expect Cyberpunk 2?
The short answer? Not anytime soon.
CD Projekt Red is currently focusing first on The Witcher 4, which is also being developed on Unreal Engine 5. That project is further along in the pipeline and will most likely release before Cyberpunk 2.
Estimated Cyberpunk 2 Timeline:
- Early development phase: Confirmed
- Engine shift: Unreal Engine 5, already in use
- Current focus: The Witcher 4
- Earliest launch window: Around 2030
💡 Developers seem to be taking their time to ensure a more polished product. Considering how much they’ve learned from Cyberpunk 2077, that’s probably a smart move.
What to Expect from the Story & Gameplay
While official plot details are still under wraps, the setting alone gives us a few hints.
- A new city means fresh characters, gangs, corporations, and possibly a whole different kind of law enforcement.
- The tone could be darker and more rebellious, especially if it’s inspired by a decaying, chaotic version of Chicago.
- The game might lean even harder into player-driven narratives, especially with the tech upgrades available in UE5.
And since this is a sequel, expect carryover themes from Cyberpunk 2077:
- Transhumanism
- AI ethics
- Corporate control
- Urban isolation vs rebellion
Will It Connect to Cyberpunk 2077?
There’s no confirmation yet, but there’s a good chance Cyberpunk 2 will reference or build upon events from the first game. Characters like Johnny Silverhand may not return, but Easter eggs and timeline continuity are expected.
If we’re heading to a new city, it opens the door to a new protagonist, new origin stories, and a separate timeline – possibly set decades after the events of the original game.
Conclusion: Hype Is Building Slowly but Surely
While Cyberpunk 2 might still be several years away, the early details are promising. A brand-new city with a corrupted Chicago vibe, Unreal Engine 5 visuals, and a long runway to avoid another rocky launch? That’s the kind of approach fans have been hoping for.
So yes, we’ll have to be patient — but from what we know so far, Cyberpunk 2 is shaping up to be bigger, bolder, and better.
Quick Recap: Cyberpunk 2 Key Info
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Setting | New city inspired by Chicago |
| Engine | Unreal Engine 5 |
| Developer | CD Projekt Red |
| Current Focus | The Witcher 4 |
| Estimated Release | Around 2030 |
| Story | Still under wraps; likely new characters and narrative |
| Connection to CP2077 | Possible but not confirmed |