Cyberpunk 2077 has undergone one of the most significant turnarounds in gaming history. From its disastrous 2020 launch to its current status as a fully realized RPG, CD Projekt Red has spent years refining the experience. The Phantom Liberty expansion further cemented the game’s redemption arc, offering an excellent spy thriller with deep political intrigue, immersive gameplay enhancements, and a stunningly realized Night City. However, with CD Projekt Red confirming that Phantom Liberty is the only major expansion for the game, it’s hard not to feel that Cyberpunk 2077 deserves more.
While development efforts are now shifting to Project Orion, the sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, the success of Phantom Liberty raises questions about the longevity of the next game. CD Projekt Red has already proven with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt that a strong post-launch support system, complete with both paid and free DLC, can keep a game alive for years. If Project Orion is to succeed in building upon Cyberpunk 2077’s legacy, its DLC strategy should be a priority from the start.
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Phantom Liberty Shows How Expansion Content Can Elevate a Game
While Cyberpunk 2077’s base game offered a strong foundation, Phantom Liberty elevated the experience significantly. The DLC introduced Dogtown, a dangerous new district filled with tense moments and espionage. Its accompanying update also refined core gameplay elements, with vehicle combat, enhanced cyberware customization, and smarter enemy AI making the game feel more dynamic.
A similar approach could benefit Project Orion. Rather than launching with a single planned expansion, CD Projekt Red could develop multiple major DLCs over time, much like The Witcher 3 did with Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine. Both of those expansions added new mechanics, deep storytelling, and entire regions to explore, keeping the game relevant long after release. If Cyberpunk 2077 had received more DLCs of Phantom Liberty’s quality, Night City’s potential could have been explored even further.
Cyberpunk Orion’s Longevity Should Not Rely on a Rocky Launch
One of the reasons Cyberpunk 2077 remained in the spotlight for so long was its troubled launch. Its reputation as one of the most botched releases in gaming history forced CD Projekt Red to continually update and improve the game, ultimately turning it into what it was always meant to be. However, Project Orion should not require a redemption arc to maintain a long lifespan. Instead, it should adopt a well-planned roadmap that keeps players engaged with meaningful expansions rather than post-launch fixes.
If handled correctly, multiple expansions could sustain interest without relying on controversy. The cyberpunk genre is rich with untapped storytelling potential, from AI ethics to deep-space cybernetics. Instead of concluding support after one expansion, CD Projekt Red could implement a staggered DLC approach that explores these themes over time, ensuring Project Orion remains relevant for years.
Free Content in Orion Can Keep the World Alive
CD Projekt Red has a solid track record of avoiding predatory monetization practices. Unlike many studios that lock content behind excessive paywalls, the developer has historically balanced premium expansions with free updates. Cyberpunk 2077 benefited from free DLCs that improved immersion, such as the addition of a fully functional metro system, further grounding players in Night City’s atmosphere.
For Project Orion, a steady stream of free content alongside paid expansions could ensure a vibrant and evolving world. New cyberware options, expanded character customization, and immersive city life enhancements could keep players engaged between major DLC releases. By striking the right balance, CD Projekt Red could deliver a post-launch experience that feels rewarding rather than exploitative.
While Cyberpunk 2077’s time in the spotlight is winding down, Phantom Liberty proves that the game still has untapped potential. If CD Projekt Red applies the lessons learned from Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3, Project Orion could sustain player interest for years with a well-executed DLC roadmap.
