It may have taken a few years of updates forCyberpunk 2077to feel like the game it was meant to be, but it was at least worth the wait. Last year brought a new chapter toCyberpunk 2077with the highly acclaimedPhantom LibertyDLC. For a DLC,Phantom Libertybrought a lot of impressive content and lore-expanding moments to the base game, especially with the inclusion of the FIA.
One of the most important characters introduced inPhantom Libertyis Solomon Reed. Acting as an FIA sleeper agent in Night City,Reed plays an essential role inPhantom Liberty’s story. Reed’s place in the narrative expands the lore ofCyberpunk 2077, shedding light on the broader government agencies outside of Night City. Despite building upon the game’s lore,Phantom Libertymerely scratches the surface with its exploration of the FIA, leaving the organization as a perfect plot point for Project Orion to dive deeper into.
Phantom Liberty’s Inclusion of the FIA Should Only Be the Tip of the Iceberg
The FIA is a Treasure Trove of Lore
Cyberpunk 2077clearly made Night City the main focus of the story, and although the iconic metropolis is a great setting, the FIA gave a peek beyond the sprawl. SinceNight City is a free stateseparate from the NUSA’s control, there isn’t much known about what lies beyond the city’s borders. There are, of course, the outskirts where the Nomads prefer, but the lore of the NUSA is mysterious within the context of the game.
The FIA finally shed some light on how NUSA-run organizations work, and this would be a fascinating route for Project Orion to go down. There are many different endingsCyberpunk 2077offers, and depending on which one CD Projekt Red considers canon, the FIA could play a larger role in the sequel’s story. One of the most compelling endings isCyberpunk 2077’s Tower EndingwhichPhantom Libertyintroduces. In this ending, V is able to have their chip removed with the help of the FIA, finally saving them. However, V pays a high price by being unable to get upgrades, leaving them to live life as a normal human and start from scratch.
InCyberpunk 2077lore, the FIA was formed after the dissolution of the CIA and NSA.
If this is the canon ending, V could start over and begin a life as an FIA agent working alongside Solomon Reed. This would bea bold route for Project Orion, but it could also be one of the most compelling. With V’s role in Project Orion up in the air, Project Orion could have the perfect chance to show the character in a new light.
Project Orion Following a New Path Can Set the Stage for More FIA Storylines
Rumors of a Fresh Protagonist
One of the most exciting aspects ofPhantom Libertywas its story’s political espionage, and it would be exciting for Project Orion to follow this path. With rumors thatProject Orion will take place on the moonand speculation that V won’t be the main character, the sequel is a huge mystery. If V isn’t the main protagonist, then featuring the character as an FIA agent who players offer information to or even has as a partner could be a compelling way to further explore the organization. The underlying politics ofCyberpunk 2077is a fascinating point in the game’s story that Project Orion should offer more insight into.
Another possible route is that Project Orion’s protagonist is already an established FIA agent. Getting an inside look into the NUSA government would turn the series on its head and help set it apart from its predecessor.Cyberpunk 2077’s dense loreleaves Project Orion with a variety of thrilling possibilities, and expanding the scope of the FIA would be a great source of inspiration.
Cyberpunk 2077
WHERE TO PLAY
Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world action-adventure from the creators of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, CD Projekt Red.Set in Night City, a megalopolis obsessed with power, glamour and body modification, you play as V, a mercenary outlaw going after a one-of-a-kind implant that is the key to immortality.Upgraded with next-gen in mind and featuring free additional content, customize your character and playstyle as you take on jobs, build a reputation, and unlock upgrades.The relationships you forge and the choices you make will shape the story and the world around you. Legends are made here. What will yours be?
