I still remember the day I first booted up Cyberpunk 2077 back in late 2020. What a mess that was! My console practically begged for mercy as Night City stuttered to life on my screen. Fast forward to 2025, and here I am, still roaming these neon-soaked streets—only now, they're actually functioning as intended. And incredibly, CD Projekt Red keeps breathing new life into this chrome-plated world when we least expect it.

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The journey from disaster to redemption hasn't been a straight line. After that infamous launch where the game crashed more often than I change my socks, CDPR spent years rebuilding both their creation and their reputation. The 2.0 update in 2023 alongside Phantom Liberty was supposed to be the grand finale—their parting gift before moving on to greener pastures. Or so we thought.

The Surprise That Shocked Night City

Just when we all assumed V's story was finally complete, CDPR pulled a classic corpo move. This June, they casually dropped the bombshell that update 2.3 was coming on June 26th. I nearly spat out my synthetic coffee when I saw the announcement stream.

"Didn't they literally tell us they were done with this game?" I texted my equally shocked gaming buddy.

The announcement was particularly surprising because back in March, CDPR had been crystal clear: Cyberpunk 2077 was finished, and the team was focusing on The Witcher 4. Period. End of story. Sayonara, Night City.

Yet here we are, with update 2.3 looming like one of those massive holographic advertisements over the Japantown skyline.

What Could This Mean for Cyberpunk's Future?

The implications of this reversal are fascinating. If CDPR is willing to contradict their previous statements about ending support, what else might be on the horizon? Could we see:

  • More substantial content drops?

  • Hints about Project Orion (aka Cyberpunk 2)?

  • Another major DLC developed by Virtuous?

People Also Ask

Is Cyberpunk 2077 worth playing in 2025?

Absolutely. After years of patches and the massive 2.0 overhaul, it's finally the game it was meant to be—and potentially getting even better.

Will there be a Cyberpunk 2077 sequel?

Yes, Project Orion (the codename for Cyberpunk 2) is officially in early production, though likely years away from release.

What's included in the 2.3 update?

While full details haven't been revealed, CDPR plans a dedicated stream later this month to showcase the contents.

The Balatro Connection and Beyond

One of the more curious developments has been the unexpected Balatro crossover. Who would have thought a dystopian cyberpunk RPG would mesh with a poker roguelike? But that's the beauty of Night City—it's always full of surprises.

I've spent countless hours in this digital dystopia since its rehabilitation. The 2.0 update transformed combat, perks, and cyberware systems into something genuinely engaging. Phantom Liberty added Solomon Reed's storyline and the mysterious Dogtown district. Each update has polished this once-tarnished gem a little more.

Between Two Futures

CDPR now walks an interesting line. Their main focus remains The Witcher 4, with a smaller team beginning early work on Cyberpunk's sequel. Yet they've reopened the door to Night City's current iteration with update 2.3.

Could this be a strategic move to maintain interest in the franchise while we wait years for Project Orion? It's certainly possible. Game development takes time—especially when you're trying to avoid another disastrous launch—and keeping players engaged with the original title could be a smart way to build anticipation.

My personal theory? They're using these updates to test features and ideas for the sequel. Night City has become their laboratory, and we're all willing test subjects. And honestly? I'm not complaining one bit.

The Road Ahead

As I stand on a rooftop overlooking Night City's sprawling landscape, I can't help but feel a strange sense of attachment to this digital hellscape. Five years ago, I cursed its name every time it crashed my console. Now, I find myself eagerly awaiting each new update, wondering what new corners of this world I'll get to explore.

The 2.3 update might truly be the final chapter. Or it might be just another step in CDPR's long-term plan to keep us invested in this world until Project Orion arrives. Either way, I'll be here, cyberdeck in hand, ready to jack in once more.

Funny how things come full circle, isn't it? From disaster to redemption to unexpected continuation. Night City keeps pulling me back in, just when I think I'm out. And you know what? That's so very Cyberpunk.