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Cyberpunk 2077, despite its rocky launch, left a rather significant mark on the gaming world in 2020. CD Projekt Red’s ambitious sci-fi open-world RPG whisked players into a dystopian future brimming with gang wars, corporate intrigue, and cutting-edge technology. But what if you’ve already roamed Night City and yearn for more thrilling cyberpunk experiences? Fear not, for there’s a world of games out there that share the gritty allure of Cyberpunk 2077. There’s no shortage of games like Cyberpunk 2077.
And sure enough, the cyberpunk genre in gaming is more alive than ever. While some of these games are undeniably steeped in the cyberpunk genre, others explore adjacent territories, presenting an enticing variety for fans of futuristic worlds and dystopian narratives. And to keep things fresh, we’ve omitted the obvious, like The Witcher 3, as we focus on the gems from your list. These games like Cyberpunk 2077 ought to keep you busy while waiting for its confirmed sequel.
The Ascent (2021)
First on our list is The Ascent, a top-down cooperative shooter that immerses you in a chaotic cyberpunk world. Developed by Neon Giant, the game is an action-packed rollercoaster ride, blending heavy gunfire and action RPG mechanics.
You can customize your characters, unlock skills, and wield cyberware to tailor your experience to your preferred playstyle. With stunning visuals, The Ascent offers a remarkable cyberpunk-inspired escapade that’s praised for creating a cyberpunk dystopia more grimy and ironic than Cyberpunk 2077‘s Night City as you shoot your way out of destitution.
Ruiner (2017)
Ruiner, like The Ascent, is another frenetic top-down shooter with a visually striking cyberpunk setting. It’s developed by Reikon Games, and this game delivers a thrilling mix of brutal combat, futuristic weaponry, and a captivating revenge storyline involving family.
As the protagonist, you embark on a mission to rescue your kidnapped brother, unveiling a dark and dystopian world filled with mysteries and danger. It’s one of the lesser-known cyberpunk gems back in a time when the cyberpunk genre was still struggling with popularity.
Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon (2013)
While Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon might not be a traditional cyberpunk title, it still captures the essence of futuristic, neon-drenched adventures. The game offers a simple plot: “Get the girl, kill the baddies, and save the world.” It’s a callback to the disco-fueled stereotype of the 1980s spliced with the typical action movie fare of the decade.
More importantly, Blood Dragon delivers frenzied combat action in Far Cry 3 style and eye-catching visuals with its retro-futuristic aesthetics. It’s important to note that this one is just a DLC spin-off and lasts for less than an afternoon.
System Shock 2 (1999)
For those seeking a cyberpunk experience rooted in horror and suspense, System Shock 2 is a must-play classic.
This 1999 action RPG is cyberpunk royalty, featuring a gripping narrative set aboard a starship in 2114. Your poor character awakens to find himself amidst a starship hijacked by a rogue megalomanic A.I. and it’s up to you to survive.
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It incorporates elements such as hacking, FPS combat, and puzzles, making for a truly immersive experience that set the standard for survival games back in the day. The game also delves into cybernetics and upgrades, unlocking different abilities, including psionics.
Cloudpunk (2020)
Cloudpunk presents a unique take on the cyberpunk genre.
Developed by Ion Lands, this open-ended, story-based indie exploration game follows the journey of Rania, a delivery driver in the sprawling vertical city of Nivalis.
While it doesn’t emphasize combat and customization like Cyberpunk 2077, Cloudpunk excels in tone and aesthetics. The gorgeously rendered voxels of Nivalis provide a visual treat, showcasing the verticality and enormity of the futuristic city.
Ghostrunner (2020)
Ghostrunner offers a more focused glimpse into the cyberpunk genre, opting for high-octane action and the notion of cybernetic augmentation.
This game, developed by One More Level, provides you with a monomolecular katana from the start of the game, delivering a fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled experience like it’s some kind of futuristic Excalibur.
With sword fighting that can rival that of Cyberpunk 2077‘s melee gameplay, vibrant neon hues, and parkour reminiscent of Mirror’s Edge or Dying Light, Ghostrunner can take you on a defiant climb up Dharma Tower city in a bid for control and survival.
Citizen Sleeper (2023)
If you’re looking for a game that closely aligns with the cyberpunk theme more so than the others, then Citizen Sleeper is a unique choice.
In this game, you step into the shoes of a synthetic human, trying to lie low after escaping the company that owns them.
Right off the bat, the plot already offers the usual cyberpunk idea. Citizen Sleeper is all about those tried-and-tested role-playing standards, immersing you in the cyberpunk characters‘ lives and encouraging you to explore the minor stories that populate this fascinating world.
Watch Dogs: Legion (2020)
To round off our list, we introduce Watch Dogs: Legion, a game that offers a more contemporary take on the cyberpunk genre. You can consider it as cyberpunk in its infancy stage.
Developed by Ubisoft, this open-world action-adventure game presents a near-future London under oppressive technological surveillance. You can recruit and play various characters, each with unique abilities, in their fight against an authoritarian regime (sounds way too familiar these days).
The game’s focus on hacking, espionage, and a captivating narrative aligns well with cyberpunk themes and isn’t too far off from your usual tasks and missions in Cyberpunk 2077.
Deus Ex Series
Any game like Cyberpunk 2077 owes its dues to the grandfather of cyberpunk video game RPGs: Deus Ex. Under this series name are belated sequels, Deus Ex: Human Revolution and Deus Ex: Mankind Divided.
The series allows you to choose exactly how they approach problems, and Deus Ex: Mankind Divided brings these design sensibilities to more contemporary hardware and gaming industry standards. It’s the latest title in case you prefer a more updated visual style.
As the cybernetically enhanced double agent Adam Jensen, you can explore the bustling near-future city of Prague in a first-person action RPG that still respects the stealth game history of developer Eidos Montréal.
Shadowrun Series
The Shadowrun series contains Shadowrun Returns, Dragonfall – Director’s Cut, and Hong Kong – Extended Edition.
Like Cyberpunk 2077, it has its roots in a tabletop RPG franchise, but the Shadowrun games are technically more faithful to their source material since these games are tactical turn-based RPGs that tell largely standalone stories set within different cities.
They incorporate a degree of exploration and offer a unique blend of sci-fi and fantasy, making them a great choice for fans of the cyberpunk genre as well as RPG enthusiasts.
