The upcoming Cyberpunk 2077 sequel (codenamed Project Orion) is set in Night City, not Chicago—no official source has ever placed the sequel in Chicago. The game will continue the story in the same dystopian Californian metropolis, though CD Projekt Red has confirmed it is in early development and has not revealed plot details, so any claims about a specific “gone wrong� Chicago setting are fan speculation.
Background: What We Know About the Sequel
CD Projekt Red announced the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel in October 2022 as part of a broader strategy update. The project, internally codenamed “Project Orion,� is being developed by a new studio in Boston, Massachusetts, with the original Polish team contributing. The developer has stated that the sequel will push the boundaries of the cyberpunk genre, but concrete details remain scarce. The official announcement listed the sequel among several upcoming projects, including new Witcher games, but gave no release window, platform, or story hints.
Because the game is in early pre-production, most information circulating online is speculative. The only confirmed setting is Night City, as the announcement explicitly said the sequel would “continue the Cyberpunk 2077 story� in the same universe. CD Projekt Red has not mentioned Chicago in any official capacity, and there is no evidence that the sequel will relocate the action there.
Why Chicago Rumors Started
The Chicago speculation likely stems from a few factors. First, the sequel is being developed in Boston, leading some to assume the setting might move closer to the studio’s location. Second, the Cyberpunk tabletop RPG, on which the video game is based, has lore that mentions other American cities, including Chicago, as part of the larger world. In the original Cyberpunk 2020 sourcebooks, Chicago is described as a dangerous, war-torn city with its own unique factions and history, which makes it an attractive setting for fan theories.
However, the tabletop lore also describes Night City as the primary hub of the franchise. The video game’s story, characters, and expansions (like Phantom Liberty) are deeply tied to Night City. Relocating the sequel to Chicago would require abandoning established characters and plot threads, which seems unlikely given the developer’s stated intention to continue the story.
How the Sequel Might Use Night City
If the sequel stays in Night City, it could explore different districts or time periods. The original game’s map includes six districts: City Center, Watson, Westbrook, Heywood, Pacifica, and Santo Domingo. A sequel might expand into the Badlands or add new areas, but no official details exist. The game could also jump forward in time, showing how Night City evolves after the events of the original and its Phantom Liberty expansion.
CD Projekt Red has said the sequel will use Unreal Engine 5, replacing the proprietary REDengine used for Cyberpunk 2077. This change could allow for more detailed environments and improved AI, but it does not imply a setting change. The developer has also mentioned that the sequel will be a “full-fledged� AAA title, but again, no specifics.
Common Misconceptions About the Sequel
One common misconception is that the sequel will be a direct continuation of V’s story from the first game. In reality, CD Projekt Red has not confirmed whether V will return. The original game had multiple endings, some of which leave V’s fate ambiguous, so a sequel could feature a new protagonist or pick up years later. Another misconception is that the sequel will be an MMO or always-online game. The developer has not announced any multiplayer features; the original Cyberpunk 2077 was single-player only, and the sequel is expected to follow suit.
Some fans also believe the sequel will be set in a different city because the original game’s marketing heavily featured Night City as a character. However, that focus suggests the opposite: Night City is central to the franchise’s identity, and abandoning it would be a major departure. Until CD Projekt Red releases more information, these remain open questions.
What “Gone Wrong� Could Mean
The phrase “gone wrong� in the context of the sequel likely refers to the original game’s troubled launch. Cyberpunk 2077 released in December 2020 with numerous bugs, especially on last-generation consoles, leading to widespread criticism and even delisting from the PlayStation Store. CD Projekt Red spent years patching the game and released a next-gen upgrade, but the launch remains a cautionary tale in the industry.
If a fan theory suggests the sequel’s setting is “Chicago gone wrong,� it might be a misreading of the game’s development history. The sequel is being built with lessons learned from the original, and the developer has promised a more polished experience. “Gone wrong� could also refer to the dystopian nature of the cyberpunk genre itself, where cities are corrupt and dangerous—but that applies to Night City as well.
Comparisons: Night City vs. Chicago in Cyberpunk Lore
In the Cyberpunk tabletop lore, Night City is a megacity built by Richard Night in the 1990s, designed to be a corporate haven. It is known for its extreme inequality, gang violence, and corporate control. Chicago, in the same lore, is part of the “Free States� after the collapse of the U.S. government. It is described as a militarized zone, controlled by a coalition of corporations and local warlords, with a distinct culture that differs from Night City’s.
While Chicago offers interesting narrative potential, it lacks the established characters and factions that players already know from the video game. Night City has iconic figures like Johnny Silverhand, Alt Cunningham, and various fixers, all of whom could return. The sequel would likely build on these connections rather than start fresh in a new city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel set in Chicago?
No. CD Projekt Red has not announced a Chicago setting. The only confirmed location is Night City, as the sequel is meant to continue the story of the original game. Any claims about Chicago are fan speculation.
When will the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel be released?
No release date has been announced. The game is in early development, and given the original’s long production cycle, a release before 2026 is unlikely, but that is speculation. CD Projekt Red has not provided a timeline.
Will V be the protagonist in the sequel?
Unconfirmed. The developer has not said whether V will return. Given the multiple endings of the original, a new protagonist or a time jump are both possible, but this is not official.
What engine will the sequel use?
CD Projekt Red has confirmed the sequel will use Unreal Engine 5, replacing the REDengine. This is part of a broader partnership with Epic Games, but it does not affect the setting.
Will the sequel fix the problems of the original launch?
The developer has said it learned from the original’s launch issues and is committed to a more polished release. However, no specific promises have been made about the sequel’s quality.
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