There’s just nothing quite like the excitement around the release of a new game, especially when it’s a sequel that people have been anticipating for years. Certainly, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to get a chance to revisit one’s favorite world, meet new characters, and face new challenges and objectives. However, Cyberpunk 2077 has recently demonstrated that studios don’t really need to create a sequel to get players interested because it seems like making enough changes to an existing title can be just as exciting in people’s eyes.
On October 25, 2026, Cyberpunk 2077 reportedly reached 187,215 concurrent players on Steam, which is the highest player count since October 2023. It’s important to know that this increase followed the release of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 and Update 2.5 on October 22, but even though this may have contributed, the fact that the game was released almost 6 years ago and is attracting so much attention is more than impressive. Moreover, it seems like CD Projekt Red has found a way to improve Cyberpunk 2077 so much that players have plenty of reasons to come back even without getting an official sequel.
Cyberpunk 2077’s Updates Have Made the Game Feel Almost Brand-New
Without a doubt, combat is one of the most important aspects of every action RPG, especially when players are generally expected to spend countless hours fighting. However, even the most exciting combat system can eventually become familiar, just like everything else in life, which is why constantly introducing new abilities and changing certain mechanics could make a huge difference. It seems like CD Projekt Red understands this especially well because Cyberpunk 2077‘s Update 2.0 absolutely reworked the game’s Perk system. To give a specific example, netrunners gained access to Overclock, while others could certainly take advantage of Adrenaline Rush.
Find the odd one out before the timer hits zero.
Moreover, Update 2.0 introduced the Cyberware Capacity system as well, which makes armor dependent on implants. This basically means that players had to really think about the way they approach character progression and which upgrades are worth investing in. However, the most important thing about all these changes is that they gave returning players new features to experiment with, so to an extent, this probably made a lot of people feel like they were playing a brand-new game.
CD Projekt Red has officially confirmed that a sequel to Cyberpunk 2077 is in development, so the original game’s continued success doesn’t mean the franchise is abandoning sequels.
It’s also worth mentioning that even with all the freedom to explore, even open-world RPGs start getting repetitive at a certain point, so introducing a sequel is a great way to create a new map, include some new enemies, and all kinds of additional and unfamiliar content. However, Cyberpunk 2077 demonstrated that changing the behavior of the world itself is also a great way to make everything feel different. For example, the update introduced the redesigned police system, which basically means that the NCPD is a lot more responsive to players’ actions. Now, police officers can chase players not only on foot but also in their police vehicles.
The system also introduced more dangerous responses at higher Wanted Levels, including roadblocks. In other words, committing crimes is way riskier now and, of course, a lot more exciting for returning players. To be fair, PC players have been enjoying all kinds of community-created modifications for years now, but console players haven’t always had the same opportunities, which is why the new update introduced cross-platform mod support through mod.io, so now everybody can access community-created content without feeling left behind. I agree that this is actually a very smart approach because it means that CD Projekt Red doesn’t have to be responsible for introducing every change, because they can give the community an opportunity to contribute as well.
Sequels are always exciting, but Cyberpunk 2077 is an example that a successful RPG doesn’t necessarily have to be replaced by a second part to get great results.
Cyberpunk 2077 Shows How Expanding a Game’s Universe Can Bring Players Back
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Image via: CD Projekt Red -
Image via CD Projekt Red -
Image via CD PROJEKT RED
Of course, improving a few gameplay mechanics and introducing new features is definitely not the only way to attract more people, and it certainly doesn’t mean that expanding a game’s universe is not necessary. It can actually be especially helpful when it comes to giving people a reason to come back to something familiar. This is basically what Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 is doing, as it introduces a standalone story with new characters without requiring the studio to introduce a sequel.
In any case, Update 2.5 is also connected to Cyberpunk 2077 through the Clampdown mission, themed equipment, and a new radio station. In other words, those who discovered the universe through the anime have a very good chance of returning to Night City as well. And looking at Cyberpunk 2077‘s player count, it’s just impossible to ignore the potential of this approach. Sequels are always exciting, but this is just an example that a successful RPG doesn’t necessarily have to be replaced by a second part to get great results.
- Released
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December 10, 2020
- ESRB
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M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
