The tale of Cyberpunk 2077 is one of high ambition, shattered expectations, and a relentless quest for redemption. CD Projekt Red’s (CDPR) ambitious sci-fi RPG, initially hailed as a potential game-changer in the industry, ended up blindsiding gaming audiences worldwide with its disastrous launch. The aftermath of this botched release rippled through the gaming community and beyond, significantly influencing not only the game’s sales and reputation but also its post-launch roadmap. While the game has made significant strides in its journey towards redemption, thanks in no small part to the Phantom Liberty DLC, there remains a lingering question of what could have been—especially concerning the tantalizing idea of a Moon-based expansion.
The Highs and Lows of Cyberpunk 2077’s Journey
Cyberpunk 2077’s release in December 2020 was one of the most anticipated events in recent gaming history. However, what should have been a triumph for CDPR quickly became a public relations nightmare. The game was plagued with bugs, performance issues, and cut features that left many players disillusioned. CDPR’s reputation took a significant hit, as did its finances, with millions spent in the following years to patch the game and expand it with free content as a form of apology to its fans.
Despite the rocky start, CDPR managed to turn the tide to some extent with the release of the Phantom Liberty DLC. This expansion played a crucial role in reviving the game’s fortunes, offering a polished and content-rich experience that was far closer to the original vision that had been promised. However, the very existence of Phantom Liberty feels almost miraculous given the circumstances surrounding the game’s launch. The DLC is widely believed to be the only one the game will receive—a decision speculated to be the result of the immense resources spent on fixing the base game. The cancellation of Cyberpunk 2077’s multiplayer component only adds weight to this theory, highlighting the significant sacrifices made in the wake of the game’s initial failure.
The Lost Moon DLC: A Glimpse at What Could Have Been
In the wake of Cyberpunk 2077’s release, there were murmurs and leaks about what might have been planned for the game’s future. Among these was the tantalizing possibility of a DLC set on the Moon—an idea that seemed to align perfectly with the game’s established lore. In 2021, a hack on CDPR revealed files that hinted at a Moon expansion, sparking intense speculation among fans. According to the leaks, this DLC would have explored Cyberpunk 2077’s version of the Moon—a corporately controlled and heavily developed celestial body, far removed from its barren real-world counterpart.
Details about this expansion are scarce, but it’s clear that CDPR had at least some conceptual ideas for a Moon-based setting. The leaked files suggest that the Moon DLC was envisioned as a series of zones, possibly similar in structure to Dogtown, the area explored in Phantom Liberty. However, it seems that these plans were ultimately scrapped, possibly in favor of channeling all efforts into making Phantom Liberty the single, substantial piece of post-launch content.
Why the Moon Made Sense for Cyberpunk 2077
The idea of a Moon-based expansion wasn’t just a random addition—it had a strong foundation in the existing Cyberpunk 2077 framework. The Moon is referenced multiple times throughout the game and plays a significant role in one of its endings, “The Sun,” where V embarks on a journey to the Moon. Additionally, the Moon is featured prominently in the Cyberpunk: Edgerunners TV series, suggesting that it was always intended to be a more significant location in the game’s universe. These connections have led many to believe that the Moon DLC might have been a substantial narrative expansion that would tie into the game’s broader story arc.
Looking Ahead: Project Orion and the Future of Cyberpunk
With the Phantom Liberty DLC now released and CDPR focusing on new projects, the future of the Cyberpunk franchise lies in its sequel, tentatively titled Project Orion. While CDPR has been tight-lipped about the details, there is speculation that the ideas behind the Moon DLC could resurface in this sequel. If CDPR chooses to make “The Sun” ending canon, Project Orion could potentially explore V’s heist on the Crystal Palace Casino—an iconic location in Cyberpunk lore that orbits Earth on the Moon. This setting would offer the perfect opportunity to revisit the concepts and ideas that were left on the cutting room floor during the development of Cyberpunk 2077.
Conclusion
Cyberpunk 2077’s journey is one of redemption, but also of lost opportunities. The Phantom Liberty DLC has done much to restore the game’s reputation, yet it’s hard not to wonder about the content that never saw the light of day—particularly the Moon DLC, which could have taken the game to new heights. As CDPR looks towards the future with Project Orion, there is hope that some of these lost ideas might be resurrected, offering fans a chance to explore the enigmatic and corporatized Moon that remains just out of reach in the world of Cyberpunk 2077.
