The upcoming sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, code-named Project Orion, is still in early development, but a recent job listing suggests it will retain a first-person perspective. While this may seem like an obvious choice, given that Cyberpunk 2077 utilized the same viewpoint, it also dashes hopes for a third-person mode—something many players had requested.
The decision to make Cyberpunk 2077 first-person was initially met with skepticism, as CD Projekt Red had previously developed third-person RPGs like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. However, once the game launched, many players found the perspective to be a core strength, deepening immersion and enhancing the cyberpunk aesthetic. If Project Orion follows suit, it suggests that CD Projekt Red remains committed to delivering an experience that prioritizes player immersion.
Which Cyberpunk 2077 Lifepath is Canon to You?
I will always argue for Corpo because there's an extra layer of spice in the story when V steals the Relic from Arasaka after being kicked out of Arasaka counterintelligence. The whole game then becomes the plot of a Corpo turning into a rebel, with a "terrorist" stuck in their brain. I could see a very solid argument being made for Street Kid, but Nomad, despite how much I love the intro for it, feels the hardest to justify.
Cyberpunk 2077’s Perspective Enhances Immersion and Storytelling
A first-person perspective in Cyberpunk 2077 allows players to fully embody the protagonist, V, rather than simply control them. The game’s detailed world-building, interactive dialogue system, and fluid combat benefit from this approach. Unlike third-person RPGs that emphasize a cinematic, detached experience, Cyberpunk 2077 aims to place players directly in the neon-lit streets of Night City, making every conversation, firefight, and exploration moment feel personal.
This perspective aligns with core gameplay mechanics. Players customize V’s appearance, but since the game minimizes reflective surfaces and third-person cutscenes, the emphasis is on experiencing the world through V’s eyes rather than watching them from a distance. This choice reinforces the themes of identity and agency, central to Cyberpunk 2077’s narrative.
Project Orion Likely to Stick to Cyberpunk 2077’s Formula
The leaked job listing suggests Project Orion remains in pre-production, meaning a full reveal could take years. Given the franchise’s turbulent launch and later redemption, CD Projekt Red may avoid drastic changes to the formula that ultimately resonated with players. The decision to keep a first-person perspective may indicate an “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it” approach, especially after the success of Cyberpunk 2077’s Phantom Liberty expansion.
That said, Cyberpunk 2077’s modding community has experimented with third-person gameplay. Mods like “Every Animation Redone TPP” by Tylerrrrr offer a glimpse of what a third-person Cyberpunk might look like. However, these mods often feel less refined than the base game, reinforcing the idea that Cyberpunk 2077 was designed from the ground up for first-person immersion.
Cyberpunk 2077’s Sequel May Refine, Not Redefine, Combat
One argument for a third-person option stems from Cyberpunk 2077’s combat, which involves gunfights and melee encounters. Some players believe a third-person perspective could provide better spatial awareness, especially in chaotic battles. However, Phantom Liberty demonstrated how CD Projekt Red continues to refine first-person combat with improved AI, tighter shooting mechanics, and enhanced movement systems.
While Project Orion could introduce minor tweaks—such as a third-person combat mode while retaining first-person exploration—its core experience will likely remain the same. The studio has shown a commitment to refining Cyberpunk 2077’s foundation rather than reinventing it, making it unlikely that a fully third-person mode will be implemented.
Ultimately, while the confirmation of Project Orion’s perspective might seem minor, it speaks to CD Projekt Red’s ongoing dedication to immersive storytelling. By doubling down on what worked in Cyberpunk 2077, the studio signals its intent to build on a successful formula rather than overhaul it entirely.
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WHERE TO PLAY
Phantom Liberty is a new spy-thriller adventure for Cyberpunk 2077. When the orbital shuttle of the President of the New United States of America is shot down over the deadliest district of Night City, there’s only one person who can save her — you. Become V, a cyberpunk for hire, and dive deep into a tangled web of espionage and political intrigue, unraveling a story that connects the highest echelons of power with the brutal world of black-market mercenaries.
