Games To Play If You Loved Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077, despite its rocky launch, offered a deep and immersive experience that captivated many players with its rich world, compelling characters, and intriguing storyline. However, once the neon-lit streets of Night City fade into memory, the quest for a similarly engaging gaming experience begins. The void left by a game as ambitious as Cyberpunk 2077 can be substantial, but fear not, fellow gamers! Several titles across various genres can help fill that void, offering unique experiences that capture different aspects of what made Cyberpunk 2077 so captivating. This article delves into a curated list of games to play after Cyberpunk 2077 has “ruined” you, ensuring your gaming appetite remains thoroughly satisfied.

Embracing the Cyberpunk Aesthetic: Games That Share the Neon Glow

If the futuristic, dystopian setting of Cyberpunk 2077 is what truly hooked you, several games offer a similar aesthetic with their own unique twists. These games delve into the themes of transhumanism, corporate control, and the struggle for identity in a technologically advanced world. We'll explore titles that capture the essence of the cyberpunk genre, offering neon-drenched cityscapes, augmented humans, and thrilling narratives that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This section aims to provide options that directly resonate with the visual and thematic elements of Cyberpunk 2077, ensuring a smooth transition for players who crave more of that cyberpunk atmosphere.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided: A Cybernetic Conspiracy

For players who appreciated the intricate storylines and augmented reality elements of Cyberpunk 2077, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided provides a compelling cyberpunk narrative with a focus on player choice and consequence. Set in a world where mechanically augmented humans face discrimination and societal segregation, you play as Adam Jensen, a security operative with advanced augmentations. The game's atmosphere is thick with conspiracy and intrigue, mirroring the dark underbelly of Night City. The gameplay mechanics, which blend stealth, action, and RPG elements, offer a similar level of freedom and customization as Cyberpunk 2077. You'll navigate complex social dynamics, make difficult choices that impact the story, and explore a world teeming with secrets and hidden agendas. The augmentations themselves play a crucial role, allowing you to tailor your playstyle and approach situations in a variety of ways. Deus Ex: Mankind Divided also boasts a detailed and immersive world, with beautifully rendered environments that capture the essence of a technologically advanced yet socially fractured society. The narrative depth and the moral ambiguity of the characters will keep you invested, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a similar level of storytelling complexity as Cyberpunk 2077. The game delves into relevant themes of prejudice, technological dependence, and the ethical implications of human augmentation, providing a thought-provoking experience that extends beyond the gameplay itself. The intricate level design encourages exploration and experimentation, rewarding players who take the time to uncover the hidden corners of the world and engage with the characters they encounter. Furthermore, the branching narrative ensures that your choices have tangible consequences, adding weight to your decisions and creating a sense of personal investment in the story. The game's sophisticated AI and challenging combat scenarios will test your skills and strategic thinking, offering a satisfying level of difficulty that will keep you engaged throughout your playthrough.

Observer: A Detective Story in a Dystopian Future

If you enjoyed the gritty, noir-influenced side quests and the morally grey characters of Cyberpunk 2077, Observer, developed by Bloober Team, offers a dark and atmospheric cyberpunk experience with a heavy emphasis on psychological horror. Set in a dilapidated apartment complex in Krakow, Poland, in the year 2084, you play as Daniel Lazarski, a neural detective known as an Observer. Lazarski has the ability to hack into the minds of suspects and victims, exploring their deepest fears and memories to solve crimes. Observer's world is grim and unsettling, filled with drug addiction, social decay, and technological despair. The gameplay revolves around investigating crime scenes, interrogating suspects, and diving into the fractured psyches of individuals using Lazarski's neural hacking abilities. This mechanic allows for a unique blend of detective work and psychological horror, creating a truly unsettling and immersive experience. The visual and sound design of Observer are exceptionally well-crafted, contributing to the game's overall atmosphere of dread and unease. The environments are richly detailed, showcasing the dilapidated state of the world and the desperation of its inhabitants. The sound design, with its unsettling ambient noises and distorted voices, further enhances the sense of psychological tension. The story is a captivating blend of mystery and horror, exploring themes of trauma, identity, and the dangers of unchecked technological advancement. The moral dilemmas faced by Lazarski, as he navigates the complex and often disturbing minds of others, add depth and intrigue to the narrative. Observer offers a thought-provoking and chilling experience that will resonate with players who appreciate the darker and more psychological aspects of the cyberpunk genre. The game's exploration of the human psyche, combined with its gritty dystopian setting, creates a unique and memorable experience that sets it apart from other cyberpunk titles. The narrative is filled with twists and turns, keeping you guessing until the very end, and the characters are complex and well-developed, adding to the emotional impact of the story. If you're looking for a cyberpunk game that delves into the psychological aspects of its characters and explores the dark side of technology, Observer is an excellent choice.

Cloudpunk: A Delivery Driver's Tale in a Vertical City

For a more narrative-focused cyberpunk experience with a touch of open-world exploration, Cloudpunk offers a unique perspective on the genre. Instead of playing a highly skilled mercenary or a cybernetically enhanced agent, you take on the role of Rania, a delivery driver working for a semi-legal corporation in the sprawling, vertical city of Nivalis. Cloudpunk focuses on the day-to-day life in a cyberpunk metropolis, exploring the lives of ordinary people and the challenges they face in a technologically advanced society. The game's voxel-based graphics create a distinctive visual style, reminiscent of classic cyberpunk anime and manga. The city of Nivalis is a stunning creation, with towering skyscrapers, neon-lit streets, and a vibrant atmosphere that captures the essence of a cyberpunk cityscape. As Rania, you'll navigate the city in your flying car, delivering packages, meeting a diverse cast of characters, and uncovering the secrets of Nivalis. The gameplay is primarily focused on exploration and narrative, with a strong emphasis on player choice and dialogue. Your decisions as Rania will have consequences, shaping the story and the fate of the characters you encounter. Cloudpunk offers a more relaxed and contemplative cyberpunk experience compared to the action-packed gameplay of Cyberpunk 2077, but it still delivers a compelling narrative and a richly detailed world. The game's focus on the human element, exploring the lives and struggles of ordinary people in a dystopian society, provides a refreshing perspective on the cyberpunk genre. The story is filled with memorable characters, each with their own unique motivations and backstories, and the dialogue is well-written and engaging. If you're looking for a cyberpunk game that prioritizes narrative and world-building, with a unique visual style and a focus on the human element, Cloudpunk is an excellent choice.

Beyond Night City: Exploring Similar Gameplay Mechanics

If it was the gameplay mechanics of Cyberpunk 2077 that captivated you, particularly the blend of RPG elements, open-world exploration, and first-person shooting, several other titles offer similar experiences in different settings and genres. These games may not be strictly cyberpunk, but they share core gameplay features that will appeal to fans of Cyberpunk 2077. We'll explore games that offer character customization, branching storylines, and immersive open worlds to explore, ensuring that you find a game that fits your preferred playstyle.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt: A Fantasy Epic with Moral Choices

While set in a fantasy world rather than a cyberpunk metropolis, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt shares many core gameplay elements with Cyberpunk 2077, including a vast open world, a compelling narrative, and a strong emphasis on player choice. You play as Geralt of Rivia, a professional monster hunter, as he navigates a war-torn world filled with political intrigue, supernatural threats, and complex characters. The Witcher 3 is renowned for its engaging storyline, which features numerous branching quests and morally ambiguous choices that have a significant impact on the game's outcome. The world is richly detailed and immersive, with stunning landscapes, diverse cultures, and memorable characters. The combat system is action-oriented but also requires strategic thinking, as you must utilize Geralt's skills and abilities to overcome different types of enemies. The RPG elements are also prominent, allowing you to customize Geralt's skills, equipment, and abilities to suit your playstyle. The side quests in The Witcher 3 are often just as engaging as the main storyline, offering unique stories and characters that add depth and richness to the world. The game's mature themes and morally grey characters create a compelling narrative that will resonate with players who appreciated the complexities of Cyberpunk 2077's story. The open world is vast and rewarding to explore, with hidden locations, challenging enemies, and valuable loot to discover. The sense of freedom and player agency is strong in The Witcher 3, allowing you to shape Geralt's destiny and the fate of the world. If you're looking for a game with a similar level of narrative depth, open-world exploration, and player choice as Cyberpunk 2077, but in a fantasy setting, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an excellent choice.

Fallout: New Vegas: A Post-Apocalyptic RPG with Freedom and Choice

For players who enjoyed the freedom and player agency in Cyberpunk 2077, Fallout: New Vegas offers a similar experience in a post-apocalyptic setting. Set in the Mojave Wasteland, you play as a courier who is left for dead after being shot in the head. Your quest for revenge leads you on a journey through a vast and dangerous world, filled with warring factions, mutated creatures, and morally ambiguous characters. Fallout: New Vegas is renowned for its intricate storyline, which features multiple endings and a strong emphasis on player choice. Your decisions will have a significant impact on the game's world and the fate of its inhabitants. The RPG elements are prominent, allowing you to customize your character's skills, abilities, and equipment to suit your playstyle. The open world is vast and rewarding to explore, with hidden locations, challenging enemies, and valuable loot to discover. The combat system is a blend of first-person shooting and RPG mechanics, requiring you to use strategy and tactics to overcome your enemies. The factions in Fallout: New Vegas are well-developed and have their own unique motivations and ideologies, adding depth and complexity to the game's world. The game's mature themes and morally grey characters create a compelling narrative that will resonate with players who appreciated the complexities of Cyberpunk 2077's story. The sense of freedom and player agency is strong in Fallout: New Vegas, allowing you to shape your character's destiny and the fate of the wasteland. If you're looking for a game with a similar level of freedom, player choice, and RPG elements as Cyberpunk 2077, but in a post-apocalyptic setting, Fallout: New Vegas is an excellent choice.

Horizon Zero Dawn: A Post-Post-Apocalyptic Adventure with a Compelling Mystery

If you enjoyed the open-world exploration and the engaging storyline of Cyberpunk 2077, Horizon Zero Dawn offers a similar experience in a unique and visually stunning setting. Set in a post-post-apocalyptic world where robotic creatures roam the land, you play as Aloy, a skilled hunter and outcast, as she uncovers the mysteries of the past and fights to protect her tribe. Horizon Zero Dawn boasts a vast and beautiful open world, filled with diverse landscapes, challenging enemies, and ancient ruins to explore. The combat system is a blend of action and strategy, requiring you to use Aloy's skills and abilities to exploit the weaknesses of the robotic creatures. The storyline is engaging and well-written, with a compelling mystery at its core that will keep you invested throughout the game. The characters are well-developed and relatable, adding depth and emotional impact to the narrative. The world-building in Horizon Zero Dawn is exceptional, creating a unique and believable setting that blends elements of post-apocalypse, tribal culture, and science fiction. The game's visual presentation is stunning, with lush environments, detailed character models, and impressive robotic creature designs. The exploration is rewarding, with hidden locations, valuable resources, and challenging encounters to discover. The game's themes of identity, destiny, and the relationship between humanity and technology resonate with the themes explored in Cyberpunk 2077, making it a good choice for players who appreciated those aspects of the game. If you're looking for a game with a similar level of open-world exploration, engaging storyline, and compelling characters as Cyberpunk 2077, but in a unique and visually stunning setting, Horizon Zero Dawn is an excellent choice.

Finding Your Next Obsession

Cyberpunk 2077's captivating world and gameplay can leave a lasting impression, making it challenging to find a suitable successor. However, by exploring games that capture similar aesthetic elements, gameplay mechanics, or narrative themes, you can discover new gaming experiences that will keep you engaged and entertained. Whether you're drawn to the neon-lit streets of dystopian cities, the freedom of open-world exploration, or the complexities of morally ambiguous characters, there's a game out there waiting to fill the void left by Night City. So, dive in, explore these recommendations, and discover your next gaming obsession.