Fans of Cyberpunk 2077 were intrigued by the recent discovery of files suggesting that the game’s second expansion would have transported players far beyond the gritty streets of Night City, all the way to the moon.
This ambitious DLC plan, unfortunately, scrapped due to the game’s troubled launch and subsequent need for extensive fixes, hinted at what could have been a groundbreaking chapter for the game.
The Moon in Cyberpunk Lore
In the Cyberpunk universe, the moon isn’t just a distant celestial body, but a fully colonized and exploited landscape, rich with corporate intrigue and resource mining. Established in 1997, the moon has seen significant development from powerful entities like Tycho, Araska, and Militech, each vying for control over its valuable resources.
This setting could have provided a dramatic and visually distinct backdrop for the canceled DLC, expanding the narrative possibilities and the physical universe of Cyberpunk 2077.
Potential Plotlines and Gameplay
The leaked concept art and map data suggest that players would have explored unique lunar locations, potentially interacting with the megastructure known as the Crystal Palace, which already plays a pivotal role in one of the game’s endings.
This space-based setting could have introduced new mechanics and storytelling elements, integrating the vast lore of the Cyberpunk universe with the personal stories of the game’s characters.
Implications for Cyberpunk’s Future
While the moon DLC for Cyberpunk 2077 will not come to fruition, the rich details and settings outlined in the leaks may not be entirely discarded. As CD Projekt Red gears up for Cyberpunk 2, there is speculation that these concepts could be reimagined or integrated into the new installment.
This could breathe new life into the ideas initially planned for the canceled expansion, potentially allowing players to explore lunar landscapes and interact with extraterrestrial corporate politics in a future game.
The scrapped moon DLC for Cyberpunk 2077 remains a tantalizing glimpse into what could have been an extraordinary expansion. While fans may be disappointed by its cancellation, the possibilities it introduces for future games in the series offer a hopeful horizon.
As CD Projekt Red continues to build upon the successes and lessons of Cyberpunk 2077, the moon and its mysteries may yet play a central role in the saga of Night City and its denizens.
