Games To Play If You Loved Cyberpunk 2077 Finding Your Next Night City

It seems you're in that familiar post-Cyberpunk 2077 slump, where the sheer scale, detail, and immersive world of Night City have left you craving something similar, yet distinctly different. You're not alone! Many gamers have experienced this after diving deep into the neon-drenched dystopia. The key to finding your next gaming obsession lies in identifying what exactly about Cyberpunk 2077 captivated you. Was it the open-world exploration, the intricate storyline and character development, the thrilling combat, the cyberpunk aesthetic, or a combination of these elements? Let's break down some potential avenues to explore, keeping in mind that no game will be a perfect replacement, but several can scratch that itch in satisfying ways.

Identifying the Cyberpunk 2077 Allure

Before we dive into specific recommendations, let's pinpoint what drew you into Cyberpunk 2077's world. Consider these aspects:

• The Open World: Did you relish exploring Night City, uncovering its secrets, and getting lost in its vibrant chaos? The game's verticality, distinct districts, and hidden corners offered a constant sense of discovery.
• The Story and Characters: Were you invested in V's journey, the intricate web of relationships, and the morally gray choices you had to make? The narrative depth and memorable characters are a hallmark of CD Projekt Red's games.
• The Cyberpunk Setting: Did the gritty, technologically advanced world of Night City, with its cybernetic enhancements, corporate intrigue, and societal decay, resonate with you? The cyberpunk genre offers a unique blend of futurism and social commentary.
• The Combat and Gameplay: Did you enjoy the fast-paced combat, the variety of weapons and cyberware, and the freedom to customize your playstyle? Cyberpunk 2077 offered a blend of shooting, hacking, and melee combat options.
• The RPG Elements: Were you drawn to the character customization, skill progression, and the impact of your choices on the story and world? The RPG mechanics allowed you to craft your own version of V and shape their destiny.

Once you've identified the core elements that hooked you, you can start exploring games that share those qualities.

Games with a Compelling Open World

If exploring Night City was your favorite aspect of Cyberpunk 2077, these games offer similarly rich and engaging open worlds:

• The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt: Also developed by CD Projekt Red, The Witcher 3 boasts a sprawling open world filled with fascinating locations, memorable characters, and intriguing quests. While the setting is fantasy rather than cyberpunk, the game shares Cyberpunk 2077's emphasis on player choice, narrative depth, and a morally ambiguous world. The world of The Witcher 3 is vast and immersive, ripe with content and characters that will draw you in. The sheer scale of the world, the dynamic day-night cycle, and the varied environments – from dense forests to bustling cities – create a living, breathing world that feels genuinely reactive to your actions. You'll be spending countless hours exploring every nook and cranny, discovering hidden quests, encountering dangerous monsters, and uncovering the secrets of this richly detailed universe. The Witcher 3's world is not just a backdrop for the story; it's an integral part of the narrative, shaping the player's experience and influencing the choices they make. Each region has its own unique character, with distinct cultures, architectures, and landscapes. You might find yourself captivated by the quaint villages of the Northern Kingdoms, the sprawling metropolis of Novigrad, or the haunting beauty of the Skellige Isles. The game’s side quests are often as compelling as the main storyline, offering intriguing narratives, memorable characters, and meaningful choices that contribute to the overall depth of the world. It's this level of detail and care that truly sets The Witcher 3 apart, making it a game that continues to captivate players years after its release.
• Grand Theft Auto V: Los Santos, the setting of GTA V, is a sprawling metropolis brimming with activity, chaos, and endless possibilities. While lacking the cyberpunk aesthetic, GTA V offers a similar sense of freedom and exploration, with a focus on emergent gameplay and player agency. The sheer density of Los Santos, its varied districts, and the constant stream of events unfolding make it a world that feels both alive and unpredictable. You can spend hours simply driving around, exploring the city's hidden corners, or participating in the many side activities available. The game's dynamic world is constantly reacting to your actions, with pedestrians, traffic, and even the weather contributing to the overall atmosphere. Whether you're engaging in high-speed chases, pulling off elaborate heists, or simply relaxing on the beach, Los Santos offers a sandbox of possibilities. The game's three protagonists each have their own unique personalities, motivations, and storylines, which intertwine and intersect as the narrative progresses. This multi-protagonist structure adds another layer of depth to the gameplay, allowing you to experience the world from different perspectives. The satire, dark humor, and social commentary woven into the narrative provide a thought-provoking backdrop to the action-packed gameplay. GTA V's attention to detail extends beyond the visuals and gameplay mechanics; the game's soundtrack, radio stations, and ambient sounds all contribute to the immersive experience. You can spend hours simply cruising around in a car, listening to the radio, and taking in the sights and sounds of Los Santos.
• Red Dead Redemption 2: Set in the waning years of the Wild West, Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a vast and immersive open world filled with stunning landscapes, realistic wildlife, and a compelling narrative. While a far cry from the futuristic setting of Cyberpunk, Red Dead Redemption 2 shares a similar attention to detail and a focus on character-driven storytelling. The sheer scale of the open world, the diverse ecosystems, and the dynamic weather system create a sense of realism and immersion that is unmatched in many other games. You'll find yourself spending countless hours exploring the sprawling plains, dense forests, and snow-capped mountains, encountering a wide range of wildlife and engaging in various activities. The game’s world is not just a backdrop for the story; it's an integral part of the narrative, shaping the player's experience and influencing the choices they make. The game’s protagonist, Arthur Morgan, is a complex and morally ambiguous character whose journey of self-discovery is at the heart of the narrative. The supporting cast is equally well-developed, with each character having their own distinct personality, motivations, and backstory. The relationships between these characters are complex and nuanced, adding depth and emotional resonance to the story. The game’s attention to detail extends to every aspect of the world, from the realistic animations of the animals to the period-accurate clothing and weaponry. You'll find yourself getting lost in the game's world, immersing yourself in the life of an outlaw in the Wild West. Red Dead Redemption 2 is more than just a game; it's an interactive Western epic that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Games with Gripping Stories and Characters

If you were captivated by Cyberpunk 2077's narrative and characters, these games offer similarly compelling stories and memorable personalities:

• Mass Effect Legendary Edition: This collection includes the first three Mass Effect games, offering a sprawling sci-fi epic with a focus on player choice and character relationships. The Mass Effect trilogy is renowned for its compelling narrative, memorable characters, and the impactful choices that shape the galaxy's fate. As Commander Shepard, you embark on a journey to save the galaxy from an ancient threat, forging alliances, building relationships, and making difficult decisions that have far-reaching consequences. The game’s strength lies in its ability to create a sense of agency and investment in the world and its inhabitants. Your choices matter, shaping the narrative, the relationships you build, and the ultimate outcome of the story. The supporting cast is one of the most memorable in gaming history, with characters like Garrus Vakarian, Liara T'Soni, and Wrex becoming fan favorites. Each character has their own unique personality, backstory, and motivations, and their relationships with Shepard and each other evolve throughout the trilogy. The game’s lore is rich and detailed, with a vast universe filled with diverse alien races, political intrigue, and ancient mysteries. You'll find yourself spending hours exploring the various planets, uncovering their history, and learning about the cultures of their inhabitants. The choices you make in Mass Effect 1 carry over to the subsequent games, creating a seamless narrative experience that spans the entire trilogy. This sense of continuity and consequence makes the Mass Effect trilogy a truly special and immersive experience. The Legendary Edition enhances the original games with improved graphics, gameplay, and performance, making it the definitive way to experience this sci-fi masterpiece. If you're looking for a game with a gripping story, memorable characters, and impactful choices, the Mass Effect Legendary Edition is an excellent choice.
• Disco Elysium: This unique RPG puts you in the shoes of a detective with amnesia, tasked with solving a murder in a gritty, politically charged city. Disco Elysium emphasizes dialogue, character interaction, and skill-based checks over traditional combat, offering a deeply narrative-driven experience. The game is renowned for its intricate world-building, its complex and morally ambiguous characters, and its thought-provoking narrative that explores themes of politics, identity, and personal responsibility. As Detective Harrier "Harry" Du Bois, you must piece together the events of the murder while also grappling with your own inner demons and the fractured state of the city of Revachol. The game’s skill system is unique, with skills representing different aspects of your personality and influencing your interactions with the world and other characters. Your thoughts and internal dialogues often play a crucial role in the investigation, adding another layer of depth to the gameplay. The game’s writing is exceptional, with witty dialogue, insightful observations, and a dark sense of humor that permeates the entire experience. You'll find yourself constantly making difficult choices, with no easy answers and every decision having its own consequences. The characters you encounter are complex and flawed, each with their own motivations and secrets. The game’s setting is a unique blend of realism and surrealism, with a gritty, post-industrial city that feels both familiar and alien. The art style is distinctive, with a painterly aesthetic that adds to the game’s atmosphere. Disco Elysium is not a game for everyone, but if you appreciate deep narratives, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes, it's an experience you won't soon forget.
• The Last of Us Part I & II: These games offer a post-apocalyptic narrative focused on the relationship between Joel and Ellie, with a strong emphasis on character development and emotional storytelling. The Last of Us games are celebrated for their emotionally resonant storytelling, their compelling characters, and their brutal and realistic depiction of a post-apocalyptic world. The games explore themes of love, loss, survival, and the lengths to which people will go to protect those they care about. The relationship between Joel, a hardened survivor, and Ellie, a young girl immune to the infection, is the heart of the narrative. Their journey across a ravaged America is fraught with danger, both from infected creatures and other survivors. The games’ combat is visceral and challenging, emphasizing stealth and resource management. Every encounter feels dangerous and requires careful planning and execution. The Last of Us Part II is particularly divisive, with its darker tone, its exploration of the cycle of violence, and its focus on multiple perspectives. The game’s narrative is complex and emotionally demanding, forcing players to confront uncomfortable truths and grapple with difficult moral choices. The performances of the actors are exceptional, bringing the characters to life with nuance and emotional depth. The world-building is meticulous, with a detailed and believable depiction of a post-apocalyptic society. The games’ visuals are stunning, showcasing the beauty and desolation of the ravaged landscapes. If you're looking for a game with a powerful story, memorable characters, and a challenging gameplay experience, The Last of Us Part I & II are essential titles.

Games with a Cyberpunk Aesthetic

If the cyberpunk setting was your main draw, these games offer similar dystopian futures:

• Deus Ex: Human Revolution & Mankind Divided: These games are considered cornerstones of the cyberpunk genre, offering a blend of stealth, action, and RPG elements in a world of cybernetic augmentations and corporate conspiracies. The Deus Ex games are known for their cyberpunk settings, their intricate conspiracies, and their emphasis on player choice. The games explore themes of transhumanism, corporate power, and the social implications of advanced technology. As Adam Jensen, a security operative augmented with cybernetic enhancements, you must navigate a world of political intrigue, corporate espionage, and shadowy organizations. The gameplay emphasizes stealth, exploration, and hacking, but you can also engage in direct combat if you prefer. The choices you make in the games have a significant impact on the narrative, with multiple endings depending on your actions. The characters you encounter are complex and morally ambiguous, each with their own motivations and agendas. The worlds of Deus Ex are richly detailed, with a gritty and realistic depiction of a cyberpunk future. The art direction is distinctive, with a blend of Art Deco and cyberpunk aesthetics. The games’ storylines are intricate and engaging, with numerous twists and turns. If you're looking for a game with a cyberpunk setting, a complex narrative, and a strong emphasis on player choice, the Deus Ex games are an excellent choice.
• Shadowrun: Dragonfall & Hong Kong: These isometric RPGs offer a unique blend of cyberpunk and fantasy, with a world populated by elves, orcs, and dragons alongside hackers and megacorporations. The Shadowrun games offer a unique blend of cyberpunk and fantasy, with a world populated by elves, orcs, dwarves, and other mythical creatures alongside hackers, mercenaries, and megacorporations. The games are known for their intricate world-building, their tactical turn-based combat, and their emphasis on player choice. As a Shadowrunner, a mercenary operating in the shadows, you must navigate a world of corporate intrigue, criminal conspiracies, and ancient magical forces. The gameplay emphasizes tactical combat, character customization, and dialogue-driven interactions. The choices you make in the games have a significant impact on the narrative, with multiple endings depending on your actions. The characters you encounter are diverse and memorable, each with their own unique personalities and backstories. The worlds of Shadowrun are richly detailed, with a blend of urban environments, ancient ruins, and mystical locations. The art direction is distinctive, with a hand-painted aesthetic that adds to the games’ atmosphere. The storylines are engaging and well-written, with a focus on mature themes and complex characters. If you're looking for a game with a unique setting, tactical combat, and a strong emphasis on player choice, the Shadowrun games are an excellent choice.
• Observer: System Redux: This psychological horror game puts you in the role of a detective who can hack into people's minds, exploring their fears and memories to solve crimes in a dystopian cyberpunk city. Observer System Redux is a psychological horror game set in a dystopian cyberpunk world. The game is known for its unsettling atmosphere, its disturbing visuals, and its thought-provoking exploration of themes of identity, technology, and control. As Daniel Lazarski, a detective who can hack into people's minds, you must investigate a series of murders in a dilapidated apartment complex. The gameplay emphasizes exploration, puzzle-solving, and psychological horror elements. The game’s visuals are disturbing and unsettling, with a gritty and realistic depiction of a dystopian future. The sound design is equally effective, creating a sense of dread and unease. The storyline is complex and disturbing, exploring the dark side of technology and its impact on human consciousness. The characters you encounter are damaged and broken, each with their own secrets and motivations. If you're looking for a game that will unsettle and disturb you, Observer System Redux is an excellent choice.

Games with Engaging Combat and Gameplay

If you enjoyed the fast-paced combat and customization options in Cyberpunk 2077, these games offer similar thrills:

• Borderlands 3: This looter-shooter offers over-the-top action, a wide variety of weapons, and a quirky sense of humor in a post-apocalyptic setting. Borderlands 3 is a looter-shooter known for its over-the-top action, its vast arsenal of weapons, and its quirky sense of humor. The game emphasizes cooperative gameplay, with up to four players able to team up and tackle the game’s challenges together. As one of four Vault Hunters, you must travel across multiple planets in search of legendary loot and battle against the Calypso Twins, who are attempting to unite the bandit clans of the galaxy. The gameplay is fast-paced and chaotic, with a focus on shooting, looting, and character customization. The game’s arsenal of weapons is vast and varied, with millions of possible combinations. The characters you can play as each have their own unique abilities and playstyles. The worlds of Borderlands 3 are colorful and diverse, with a distinctive art style that blends cell-shading and realism. The storyline is humorous and self-aware, with a cast of eccentric characters. If you're looking for a game with fast-paced action, a vast arsenal of weapons, and a quirky sense of humor, Borderlands 3 is an excellent choice.
• Doom Eternal: This first-person shooter is a non-stop adrenaline rush, with fast-paced combat, brutal weapons, and a heavy metal soundtrack. Doom Eternal is a first-person shooter known for its fast-paced action, its brutal weapons, and its heavy metal soundtrack. The game emphasizes aggressive combat, encouraging players to constantly move, shoot, and use their environment to their advantage. As the Doom Slayer, you must battle against the hordes of Hell in a non-stop fight for survival. The gameplay is fast-paced and challenging, requiring quick reflexes and strategic thinking. The game’s arsenal of weapons is iconic and powerful, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. The enemies you face are varied and deadly, requiring different tactics and strategies to defeat. The levels are intricate and well-designed, with plenty of secrets and hidden areas to discover. The storyline is minimal, but it provides a context for the game’s intense action. If you're looking for a game that will test your reflexes and reward aggressive play, Doom Eternal is an excellent choice.
• Ghostrunner: This first-person cyberpunk parkour action game challenges you to slice and dice your way through enemies with incredible speed and precision. Ghostrunner is a first-person cyberpunk parkour action game that challenges you to slice and dice your way through enemies with incredible speed and precision. The game emphasizes fluidity of movement, quick reflexes, and one-hit-kill combat. As a Ghostrunner, a cybernetically enhanced warrior, you must climb Dharma Tower, a sprawling metropolis built after a global catastrophe, and confront the tyrannical Keymaster. The gameplay is fast-paced and challenging, requiring precise timing and spatial awareness. The game’s movement system is fluid and intuitive, allowing you to run on walls, slide under obstacles, and grapple across gaps. The combat is deadly, with both you and your enemies dying in a single hit. The levels are intricate and vertical, with a blend of parkour challenges and combat encounters. The storyline is minimalist but atmospheric, exploring themes of power, control, and rebellion. If you're looking for a game that will test your reflexes and reward precision and skill, Ghostrunner is an excellent choice.

Exploring Beyond the Obvious

While these recommendations offer a good starting point, don't be afraid to venture beyond the obvious. Consider exploring games in related genres, such as: First-Person Shooters, Open World Games, RPGs, Cyberpunk Games.

Ultimately, the best game to play after Cyberpunk 2077 depends on your individual preferences. By identifying what you loved about Night City and exploring games that share those qualities, you're sure to find your next gaming obsession. Remember, the post-Cyberpunk 2077 slump is real, but it's also an opportunity to discover new and exciting gaming experiences. Happy gaming!