Cyberpunk 2 Could Bring Back Multiplayer as CD Projekt Red Reveals New Development Plans

CD Projekt Red may be preparing to introduce multiplayer functionality in Cyberpunk 2, following the discovery of a new job listing referencing network architecture and synchronized quest systems. The development could revive features originally planned for Cyberpunk 2077 before they were abandoned following the game's troubled 2020 launch. Although multiplayer remains unconfirmed, the latest recruitment activity suggests that online functionality continues to be considered for the upcoming sequel.

According to an official CD Projekt Red recruitment listing, the studio is seeking a Lead Quest Programmer for Cyberpunk 2, previously known as Project Orion. The position focuses on developing narrative technologies, quest systems and tools that allow designers to create complex story experiences. However, the listing also identifies knowledge of multiplayer network architecture and synchronization between clients and servers as a desirable qualification.

This particular requirement is significant because synchronizing quest states across multiple players is one of the technical challenges associated with cooperative RPGs. In a shared environment, the game must consistently track mission objectives, character interactions, enemy states and player decisions, ensuring that participants experience compatible versions of the same events.

While this could indicate plans for cooperative missions, the qualification is explicitly listed as optional. It does not confirm that multiplayer will be included in the final game or establish whether CD Projekt Red is considering cooperative gameplay, competitive modes or a separate online experience.

The discovery also follows a September 2025 recruitment effort for a Lead Network Engineer, which referenced developing multiplayer systems, matchmaking and network infrastructure. Together, these positions suggest that CD Projekt Red has been exploring online technologies beyond conventional single player development.

The original Cyberpunk 2077 was intended to receive a dedicated multiplayer experience, but CD Projekt Red redirected its resources toward improving the base game after widespread technical problems at launch. The developer subsequently revised its strategy, focusing on integrating online technologies into future projects rather than building a separate multiplayer title.

The possibility of multiplayer returning is particularly interesting given the development of CyberMP, an unofficial community project attempting to introduce multiplayer functionality to Cyberpunk 2077. Community demonstrations have shown players exploring Night City and participating in shared activities, although the project remains independent of CD Projekt Red and does not reveal the studio's plans for the sequel.

Meanwhile, Cyberpunk 2 entered preproduction in May 2025 and is being developed primarily by CD Projekt Red's North American team in Boston. Game Director Gabe Amatangelo and Creative Director Igor Sarzyński recently discussed the sequel's creative direction during an official developer podcast, emphasizing the importance of evaluating lessons from the previous game while expanding its narrative possibilities.

The studio is also implementing stricter production and development practices across its upcoming projects, aiming to improve development coordination and avoid repeating previous production problems.

CD Projekt Red has not announced a release date, confirmed multiplayer features or revealed gameplay footage for Cyberpunk 2. The latest recruitment activity provides evidence of interest in networked gameplay systems, but the final implementation remains unknown.

Multiplayer could be one of the most significant additions to Cyberpunk 2, particularly if CD Projekt Red manages to integrate cooperative gameplay without sacrificing the storytelling that defines the franchise.

Night City already offers a compelling environment for shared exploration, vehicle pursuits, combat encounters and missions involving different character builds. However, bringing multiple players into a narrative RPG introduces complications involving dialogue choices, quest progression, character relationships and abilities such as Sandevistan, which modifies the perception of time.

A cooperative mode could complement the campaign, but designing the entire experience around multiplayer could create unnecessary compromises. CD Projekt Red's greatest strength remains its ability to deliver immersive stories shaped by player decisions.

The latest job listing suggests that the studio is keeping its technical options open. Whether those capabilities become a meaningful feature will depend on how effectively multiplayer supports the single player foundation rather than competing with it.

Would you prefer Cyberpunk 2 to introduce cooperative missions where friends can explore Night City together, or should CD Projekt Red focus entirely on delivering another ambitious single player RPG?