As CD Projekt Red progresses with the development of Project Orion, the highly anticipated sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, fans are eagerly speculating about the return of the original protagonist, V. The iconic mercenary’s journey in Night City reached a multitude of definitive yet ambiguous conclusions, leaving many to wonder if their story is truly over. While the studio has kept specific plot details under wraps, several narrative and mechanical factors offer clues about what to expect in the next installment.

The Multi-Ending Dilemma

One of the biggest hurdles to bringing V back in Cyberpunk 2 is the sprawling branching structure of Cyberpunk 2077. Depending on the choices made during the campaign and the Phantom Liberty expansion, V faces vastly different fates ranging from tragic deaths to uncertain survival. Establishing a canon ending would inevitably render many player choices invalid, which contradicts CD Projekt Red's core design philosophy.

Instead of canonizing a single path, the developers might choose to focus on an entirely new character. Fans following daily gaming news often point out how CD Projekt Red handled similar transitions in other franchises, favoring fresh narrative perspectives when old arcs reach logical conclusions. A new protagonist would allow players to build a fresh legacy without feeling constrained by previous decisions.

Possible Ways V Could Return

Even if V is not the main playable character, CD Projekt Red could still include them through clever narrative techniques. V could appear as an enigmatic legend referenced in street rumors, an optional cameo NPC, or even a digital construct stored inside a new relic chip. This approach would honor V's legacy while keeping the spotlight on a new protagonist's rise through Night City.

Another approach could involve reading saved data from the first game to tailor dialogue and minor world details. While technically challenging, referencing past achievements would create a satisfying sense of continuity for veteran players. Such mechanics would allow V’s influence to linger across the city without requiring them to anchor the central storyline once again.

Why a New Protagonist Makes Sense

Introducing a new main character fits naturally with the overarching themes of the Cyberpunk tabletop universe. Cyberpunk has always been about individual stories surviving within a brutal, corporate-dominated metropolis rather than a single chosen hero saving the world. Moving on to a new protagonist gives writers the freedom to explore different backgrounds, lifepaths, and motivations.

A fresh character also provides new gameplay opportunities, allowing designers to introduce distinct skill trees and combat mechanics tailored to a different background. Exploring Night City or a brand-new urban location through fresh eyes ensures that both returning fans and newcomers start on equal footing. This reset gives the developers a clean slate to push the franchise in exciting new directions.

What Lies Ahead for Project Orion

While official details remain scarce, Project Orion aims to expand upon the rich worldbuilding and immersive storytelling established in the original game. CD Projekt Red's North American studios are currently laying the groundwork for this massive RPG experience. Until concrete footage or story details are revealed, V's definitive future remains one of the most intriguing mysteries in modern gaming.