Cyberpunk 2077 launched in 2020, and CD Projekt Red’s sci-fi open-world RPG was met with a mixed reception. A lot of the criticism stemmed from the game’s poor state on last-generation hardware, along with a handful of missing features; since then, the developer released a few updates and a major expansion that succeeded in turning around Cyberpunk 2077‘s reputation. In the game, gang wars, corporation wars, and robotics have merged with every aspect of daily life. This title was, by no means, the first to show off this kind of setting.
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Seeking out a game to suit some particular science fiction needs? Look no further than Game Rant’s rundown of the best cyberpunk video games of all time.
From Deus Ex to Shadowrun, there are plenty of projects out there that trade in futurism, neurotechnology, and capitalist intrigue. Then there are cyberpunk adjacent games like Metal Gear Solid or Killzone. While these titles include elements of cyberpunk, they don’t give gamers the full experience.
What are the best games like Cyberpunk 2077 that fans need to play?
While cyberpunk-themed games will be prioritized, the selection will not be limited to that sub-genre. Also, The Witcher 3 has been left out since it is such an obvious recommendation.
Updated on December 26, 2024 by Mark Sammut: Rather than highlighting currently available games similar to Cyberpunk 2077, let’s look to the future and point out a few projects that might scratch a similar itch as CD Projekt Red’s game. Click below to jump directly to this section.
20
The Ascent
Dense Cyberpunk City
- Well-realized World
- Fun Co-Op Option
- Gameplay Takes Some Getting Used To
The Ascent is a top-down cooperative shooter rooted heavily in a cyberpunk theme. The gameplay is a bit hectic at times, with heavy action and shooting elements blended together with RPG mechanics that will let players customize their own characters.
They are skills to unlock and cyberwear to wield that can help reshape how a character plays to better suit a specific play style. Those looking to immerse themselves in another cyberpunk-inspired world after Cyberpunk 2077 will find a lot of visual beauty here.
19
Dishonored 2
Build Fluidity
Although it’s not nearly as futuristic and cyberpunk-inspired as Cyberpunk 2077, Dishonored 2 offers players a lot of entertainment via similar gameplay mechanics. Much like Cyberpunk 2077, players will be able to build their character as they see fit, unlocking skills and abilities that adhere to their own personal play style.
Dishonored is mission-based but does offer some explorative moments, allowing gamers to tackle each level as they see fit, deciding whether to do things in a stealthy manner or simply lay waste to their enemies by overpowering them with weapons and magic-like abilities.
18
Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon
’80s Action Sci-Fi Cheese, In The Best Possible Way
Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon
- Fun, Overthetop Gameplay
- Fairly Open Areas, Despite Following Linear Structure
- Comedic
- Short (Which Can Be A Positive)
Despite a lukewarm response to recent Far Cry games, Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon broke the mold in terms of visuals. The game offers a simple plot: “get the girl, kill the baddies, and save the world.” More importantly, Blood Dragon delivers frenzied combat action and pretty-to-look-at lasers to boot.
Though it doesn’t pose questions about corporations or robotics, it does make players feel like a hero out of a cheesy ’80s flick. Blood Dragon is a bit on the short side, which might be a nice refresher after Cyberpunk 2077 and its 40+ hours of gameplay.
17
System Shock 2
Cyberpunk Royalty
This game and its predecessor are basically cyberpunk royalty. The 1999 ARPG incorporated horror elements into its cyberpunk setting aboard a starship in 2114. System Shock featured elements such as hacking, FPS combat, and puzzles. The game also makes use of implants and upgrades to unlock different abilities including psionics.
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Players will never forget the murderous AI SHODAN, who wanted to kill everyone from the first game. The second game has a Russian oligarch resurrect the company that led to SHODAN’s creation and is now testing an FTL starship. Unsurprisingly, SHODAN makes a comeback despite the presence of aliens(?), as well. Though old, System Shock 2 is a must-play for fans of the cyberpunk genre.
The System Shock remake is a good option for newcomers who might struggle to play through the original’s dated gameplay.
16
Cloudpunk
Immersive Cyberpunk Setting
- Released
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April 23, 2020
- Developer(s)
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ION Lands
- Gameplay Is Nothing Like Cyberpunk 2077
Cloudpunk has two rules: don’t deliver late and DO NOT ask what’s in the box. While the game is more like a walking simulator, the setting, voice acting, and sound design are top-notch. Cloudpunk also offers customization options for the HOVA on top of improvements like bumpers.
The city construction is a perfect example of how a cyberpunk future might be conceived. The only downside is that the story is an inch deep and a mile wide. Gamers who want a more in-depth or dynamic experience should look elsewhere.
15
Shadowrun Trilogy
Another Sci-Fi Tabletop Epic
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Shadowrun Returns Shadowrun Dragonfall: Director’s Cut Shadowrun Hong Kong Extended Edition Platform(s) PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PC, Android, Xbox One PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One Released 2013-07-25 2014-09-18 2015-08-20 Developer(s) Harebrained Schemes Harebrained Schemes Harebrained Schemes Genre(s) Tactical, Action RPG Tactical RPG Tactical RPG
Shadowrun Trilogy contains Shadowrun Returns, Dragonfall – Director’s Cut, and Hong Kong – Extended Edition. Based on a tabletop RPG franchise, these games are tactical turn-based RPGs that tell largely standalone stories set within different cities. While they build upon each other in terms of mechanics and themes, they can be experienced in isolation.
Although they incorporate a degree of exploration, these titles are rather story-driven, with each one containing a lot of dialogue and character moments as they guide players down a linear path. Shadowrun‘s writing is generally top-notch, and the series offers a unique blend of sci-fi and fantasy.
14
Transistor
Great Visuals, Great Storytelling
- Beautiful Art
- Challenging Combat That Blends Real-Time Action & Strategy Elements
Though Supergiant Games’ most famous hit, Hades, is Greek-inspired, Transistor was the studio’s next release after Bastion. It follows a vocalist who lost her voice and a talking sword as they traverse Cloudbank City. The game features a unique turn-based combo combat system, but the setting is also distinctly cyberpunk.
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Everywhere Red goes, these robotic droids hound and impede her. She finds former comrades and enemies who have been “integrated” into The Process. Transistor‘s backgrounds are gorgeous with a cohesive color palette and Art-Deco styling. Though the narrative doesn’t involve cybernetics, the game wrestles with the same questions that any good cyberpunk story needs to address.
13
RoboCop: Rogue City
Love Letter To ’80s Cyberpunk
- Released
-
November 2, 2023
- Authentic Gameplay For RoboCop
- Immersive City Sections
- Not An RPG Like Cyberpunk 2077
Teyon has found a niche in adapting ’80s action movies into AA video games. Despite earning a poor reception at launch, Terminator: Resistance has improved since 2019, and fans of the source material craving a competent first-person shooter should consider picking up the Complete Edition. In comparison, 2023’s RoboCop: Rogue City did not need to wait a few years to garner appreciation, and it is arguably Teyon’s best release to date. It might also be the greatest RoboCop game of all time, which is admittedly faint praise. There is a lot to love about this project, and its value does not disappear if somebody is not familiar with the 1987 movie and its sequels.
Similar to its inspiration, Rogue City takes place in Old Detroit, a cyberpunk setting oozing ’80s charm. Violence runs rampant throughout the city, and RoboCop exists to keep the peace, a process that generally involves filling gang members with enough bullets to fill a swimming pool. The campaign consists of two sections: linear story levels and exploration in a sandbox. The former highlights Rogue City‘s gratifying combat since Teyon, wisely, opted to embrace the protagonist’s overpowered nature, allowing players to tank hits while they slowly mow down dozens upon dozens of enemies. The story is nothing special but suits the franchise. Outside these missions, RoboCop heads to the streets in search of minor cases, and the game’s sandbox brings to life the movie’s setting very well. Old Detroit is nowhere near as large or deep as Cyberpunk 2077‘s Night City, but it is fun to explore.
12
Citizen Sleeper
Tabletop Spirit, Complex Setting
- Developer
-
Jump Over the Age
- Released
-
May 5, 2022
- Translates Tabletop Gameplay Well
- Player Choice
- Very Different Gameplay To Cyberpunk 2077
Although Cyberpunk 2077‘s tabletop origins are well documented, CD Projekt Red primarily used the source material’s setting and themes rather than its gameplay routine (although, this aspect was not completely ignored either). Conversely, Citizen Sleeper plays closer to a traditional in-person RPG, to the point that players start each day by rolling dice to guide their actions for the immediate future. In a space station home to people seeking to escape their overlords, players step into the shoes of a synthetic human who is trying to lie low after escaping the company that owns them.
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Citizen Sleeper adheres to classic role-playing standards by truly immersing people in their new lives. Placing a lot of focus on the protagonist’s day-to-day routine, the game encourages players to get to know the locals and explore the minor stories that populate this fascinating world.
11
Stray
A Feline Perspective
- Released
-
July 19, 2022
- Developer(s)
-
BlueTwelve Studio
- Unique Perspective For Sci-Fi
- Impressive Visuals
A delightful twist on the cyberpunk formula, BlueTwelve Studio’s Stray follows a cat that finds itself in an underground city run by robots. While traveling across this world in the hopes of making it back home, the adorable protagonist gets to immerse themselves in an unusual climate, interacting with the locals who are self-aware but also trapped within their city.
A comparatively short experience next to Cyberpunk 2077 or, frankly, most projects that explore this type of setting, Stray tackles themes fairly typical for cyberpunk; however, playing as a cast provides a different perspective from any of its contemporaries. This game is for anyone who wants an action-adventure title rather than a lengthy RPG.
10
Invisible, Inc.
Infiltrate
- Somewhat Similar Setting To Cyberpunk 2077
- Fun Turn-Based Battle System
- Stealth
Invisible, Inc. is another title for XCOM fans as it has players create infiltration squads. Gameplay includes hacking and roguelike elements, as well. As usual with a cyberpunk game, megacorporations control everything and the player’s private intelligence firm has been breached. In three days, the player must prepare to get into the enemy headquarters to implant an AI.
There are tons of opportunities to engage in emergent gameplay as missions increase in difficulty the longer players stay on them. This title, from the studio that created Don’t Starve, encourages replays with its duality of a dire scenario and infinite combat options.
9
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
An Open-World Take On A Cyberpunk Classic
1997’s Final Fantasy 7 is a sci-fi JRPG classic that is still 100% worth playing, at least if someone loves turn-based combat. However, that version does not have much in common with Cyberpunk 2077 except for touching upon similar themes. While hardly identical, Square Enix’s remake series is more likely to hit the mark with fans of CD Projekt Red’s project, particularly 2024’s Rebirth.
A proper open-world experience (unlike Final Fantasy 7 Remake), the sequel’s scale is impressive, with the campaign cycling through quite a range of open areas that have their own identity. The real-time combat is challenging and deep, while the story compares favorably to most other RPGs on the market.
8
Deus Ex: Human Revolution
One Of The Peaks Of Cyberpunk Games
- A Modernized Immersive Sim
- Strong Story & World-Building
- Memorable Protagonist
While the last game in this series, Mankind Divided, was a bit polarizing, Deus Ex: Human Revolution stands out as perhaps the pinnacle of cyberpunk games (along with the original Deus Ex). It gets as close to a Ghost in The Shell: Stand Alone Complex plot as a game can get. There are corrupt corporations, genetic manipulation, cybernetics, and, of course, a human revolution.
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This entry builds on the events and gameplay of the first game in the series, 2000’s Deus Ex. Players take on the role of Adam Jensen in a prequel to the original game that explains how Jensen became augmented. Despite its age, Deus Ex: Human Revolution holds up and offers players many choices that truly have an impact on its story.
7
Syndicate
Mega Corps & Enjoyable FPS Gameplay
Syndicate
- Released
-
February 21, 2012
- Linear Design (Which Can Be A Negative)
- Very Similar Themes To Cyberpunk 2077
- Aged Well
- Decent But Not Great Combat
Syndicate shares shallow similarities with Cyberpunk 2077, in the sense that they both embrace quintessential themes of their genre. Unlike CD Projekt Red’s RPG, Syndicate is a straight-up first-person shooter that casts players as a mega corporation’s super-powered agent. Visually, the game looks great for its era and does an impressive job of bringing to life its cold, grimy world; however, the presentation is let down somewhat by a forgettable storyline that struggles to maintain its momentum.
Despite the occasional stumble, Syndicate‘s gunplay is more than enjoyable enough to justify a playthrough. The game also has an online co-op campaign that is surprisingly fun, arguably more so than the single-player. While finding someone to play with in this day and age is not easy, it is not impossible either.
6
Borderlands
All The Three Main Games Have Something To Offer, Even If None Of Them Are The Full Package
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Borderlands Borderlands 2 Borderlands 3 Platform(s) Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 3 PS Vita, PS3, Switch, PS4, Xbox 360, PC, Android, macOS, Linux, Xbox One PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PC, Stadia, Xbox One Released 2009-10-20 2012-09-18 2019-09-13 Developer(s) Gearbox Software Gearbox Software Gearbox Software Genre(s) Action RPG, FPS Shooter Action, RPG, First-Person Shooter
Gearbox’s Borderlands is basically Mad Max in space, which is exactly as entertaining as it sounds. Putting aside the spin-offs, prequels, and Telltale, the three main entries all have their own positives that warrant somewhat strong recommendation; however, they also have pretty big negatives. Consequently, Cyberpunk 2077 fans will just have to go with the one that sounds the most appealing to them.
- Borderlands – Everyone remembers their first, and the original 2009 game was a breath of fresh air at the time. However, it is nowadays entirely overshadowed by its immediate successor, which does nearly everything better. That said, Borderlands has a simple charm, largely thanks to its nonintrusive story that does not get much deeper than “vault hunters want to find treasure.” The humor is also quite good, even if it can be obnoxious.
- Borderlands 2 – Generally considered to be the franchise’s highest point, the 2012 entry delivers an engaging plot that is driven entirely by its villain, the legendary Handsome Jack. The story manages to balance drama and humor well, and it maintains that momentum for the campaign’s entire duration. The side quests are also hilarious and plentiful. That said, Borderlands 2‘s gameplay has aged fairly poorly, to the point that it can be hard to revisit in this day and age.
- Borderlands 3 – Not counting Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, Borderlands 3 is the most recent entry in the franchise, so it is likely to be a newcomer’s first dip into this universe. Unsurprisingly, its gameplay is far superior to its much older predecessors, offering responsive and rewarding gunplay and skill progression. That said, the story and characters tend to be really divisive.
Ultimately, no Borderlands game is perfect, but they are all enjoyable to an extent. All three games have (generally) great loot systems, timeless graphics, and unsubtle commentary on capitalism.
5
The Outer Worlds
Similar Themes, Funnier Execution
- Released
-
October 25, 2019
- Witty Writing
- Personality Customization
- Fun Companion System
Obsidian’s The Outer Worlds is basically Fallout: New Vegas in space, albeit with small planet-based hubs replacing a continuous open-world. Otherwise, the games prioritize similar ingredients, mainly dialogue, character customization, and world-building. While quite different from Cyberpunk 2077 as a whole, the two share common threads since they both focus fairly heavily on the expansion and influence of commercialism. Naturally, they are critical of most of their in-game Mega Corporations, even if The Outer Worlds opts for a comedic tone compared to Cyberpunk 2077‘s more serious narrative.
Although it was not always the case, CD Projekt Red’s sci-fi epic has gradually developed into an above-average first-person shooter that features decent gunplay elevated by robust build variety and secondary mechanics. The Outer Worlds‘ weakest aspect is arguably its combat, which is not particularly weighty or varied. However, the game really nails its character customization, allowing players to fine-tune their protagonists’ personalities to change the way they approach quests and NPCs.
4
Starfield
Big, Bold, & Bethesda
Bethesda’s Starfield is an expansive and ambitious space opera that covers a few similar themes to Cyberpunk 2077, although they are still ultimately quite different. Like most of Bethesda’s projects, the central storyline is an appetizer rather than the main course, and it is one of the game’s more polarizing aspects. However, Starfield shines in its scale, surprisingly enjoyable combat, great progression system, and customization.
While featuring a couple of reasonably large cities, Starfield mostly pushes players to explore its procedurally generated planets, so the title does not have anything quite on the level of Night City. Still, both games are among the sci-fi genre’s strongest releases of the last decade.
3
Disco Elysium
Dialogue-Driven Experience
- Released
-
October 15, 2019
- Developer(s)
-
ZA/UM
- Brilliant Dialogue System
- Flexible Protagonist
- Dense Setting
- No Conventional Combat (Which Can Be A Positive)
Disco Elysium has garnered near-universal praise since its 2019 debut, etching its name among the best sci-fi RPGs of all time. Now, it should be said that ZA/UM and CD Projekt Red’s games are nothing alike in terms of gameplay or presentation. For instance, Disco Elysium has no conventional combat system, instead opting to center its gameplay around dialogue. Thankfully, the writing is fantastic throughout.
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Disco Elysium takes place in a world defined by conflicting ideologies, and a player’s actions will determine the protagonist’s mindset. At its heart, the game is a murder mystery detective story, but things get complicated rather quickly.
2
Mass Effect Legendary Edition
Gaming’s Quintessential Space Opera
- Consistently Great Trilogy (For The Most Part)
- Ambitious Scope & Scale
- A Few Open Areas
- Companions
Mass Effect is synonymous with the sci-fi genre in gaming, even more so than Cyberpunk 2077. BioWare’s original trilogy captivated audiences as they followed Commander Shepard on their quest to protect the universe from the Reapers.
Blending third-person gunplay, deep lore, romance, player choice, dialogue options, and customization, EA’s franchise delivers more than 100 hours of goodness. The Legendary Edition contains remasters of the first three entries, including most of the DLC. If someone is looking to jump into this saga, this package is the way to do it; not only is it nearly complete, but it also provides a more consistent experience from game to game compared to individual releases. While the combat is mostly just fine, Mass Effect excels in its character work (including an all-time great companion system), presentation, and storytelling.
1
BioShock
Welcome To Rapture
- Fully-Realized Setting
- Gripping Lore & Storytelling
- Gameplay Is Generally Solid, If Not Amazing
Certain games are so industry-defining and fantastic that they are basically automatic recommendations for most situations. BioShock is one such title, and even after more than 15 years, the original game’s strengths hold up beautifully. Similar to Cyberpunk 2077‘s Night City, BioShock‘s Rapture is an all-time great setting, one that blends environmental and narrative storytelling to produce top-tier world-building.
Although not an RPG, the 2007 classic does incorporate some ideas from the genre, including upgradable weapons that allow for unique builds. BioShock is and will always be one of the best games of all time, particularly in the story department.
Upcoming Games That Cyberpunk 2077 Fans Might Want To Keep An Eye On
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Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector The Witcher IV Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet Developer(s) Jump Over the Age CD Projekt Red Naughty Dog Publisher(s) Fellow Traveller CD Projekt Red Sony Interactive Entertainment Genre(s) RPG, Adventure Open-World, Action RPG Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure
Ultimately, there are only so many games out there that share enough in common with Cyberpunk 2077 to warrant full recommendations. Fortunately, the gaming industry never really sleeps, and the future is always filled with new projects that will strive to capture the minds and hearts of players from around the world. Some of these titles might still be years away from release, but they will eventually become a reality.
- Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector – Set to launch on January 31, 2025, Citizen Sleeper 2 looks set to expertly build upon the rock-solid foundation set by its predecessor, offering a deep and nuanced translation of tabletop mechanics. As with the first game, the sequel will likely focus on player choice, customization, immersion, and storytelling, with combat not really being part of the equation. That said, this game will not play anything like Cyberpunk 2077.
- The Witcher 4 – Honestly, this barely warrants a recommendation since it is so obvious. Yes, anyone who likes Cyberpunk 2077 should keep track of CD Projekt Red’s next project. While rumored for a while, at the 2024 Game Awards ceremony, the developer confirmed that the next release will be The Witcher 4, with Ciri taking center stage as the protagonist. Not much is known about the game at the moment, but it will be open-world and (hopefully) showcase CD Projekt Red’s best-in-class writing.
- Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet – Naughty Dog is heading into sci-fi territory for its next major project, which is a pretty unusual move for the developer. Seeming to be an action-adventure title, Intergalactic will bring to life an alien world called Sempiria, casting players as a bounty hunter who is trapped on the planet. Going by the reveal trailer, the setting seems to lean into cyberpunk territory.
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