Polygon has released a list of eight games that can replace Cyberpunk 2077. This is for players who crave more of Night City’s chaotic choices, cybernetic anti-heroes, and unique atmosphere. The timing is crucial. Even five years after its December 2020 release, CD Projekt Red’s RPG still attracts 25,227 players online.
Polygon categorizes its recommendations based on three main traits: morally complex decisions, anti-hero protagonists with cybernetic enhancements, and the overall vibe. This approach helps break down what “games like Cyberpunk” can offer. A player who enjoyed V’s narrative may seek something different from someone who loved the vibrant open world.
The interest makes sense given the game’s popularity. Cyberpunk 2077 has a 73 Metacritic score but boasts an 89% positive rating from 420,533 Steam reviews. That’s about 374,000 positive reviews. The disparity between critic and player opinions indicates that many who completed the game are eager for more experiences like it.
Interest in the franchise remains strong. Paramount is working on a live-action Cyberpunk 2077 movie, keeping the intellectual property in the spotlight for audiences who might not have played the game. Ongoing guides about system requirements and crossplay continue to attract search traffic.
Hardware also plays a role in the discussion. Players wanting the Night City experience on new machines can check out Tom’s Hardware’s rankings of gaming laptops for 2026. Those interested in accessing PC libraries on mobile devices might be following the Droid Deck project, which allows SteamOS to run on Android phones without root access.
| Release date | December 10, 2020 |
| Metacritic score | 73 |
| Steam reviews | 89% positive (420,533 reviews) |
| Current Steam players | 25,227 |
| Steam price | $59.99 |
Community Pulse
While the overall sentiment on Steam is 89% positive, recent community feedback we’ve noticed tilts negative. This frustration highlights the need for replacement lists. One negative Steam reviewer stated, “Presentation: 10/10. Everything else? Painfully subpar.” They also remarked that the game “constantly reminds me of how amazing it could have been.” This blend of appreciation for the world and dissatisfaction with other aspects is common among players seeking alternatives.
What To Watch
- Paramount’s film: Updates on casting, a director, and a release window will reveal how much of the game’s story and tone is retained.
- Player count trends: The current 25,227 players provide a baseline. Keep an eye out for spikes related to updates, sales, or the movie’s promotion.
- Cross-device play: Initiatives like Droid Deck and the launch of new gaming laptops will influence where players can enjoy demanding RPGs.
Alex Mercer
Alex Mercer is the Gaming News Editor at Explosion.com with over 8 years of experience covering the gaming industry. He previously wrote for several gaming publications and has attended E3, Gamescom, and The Game Awards as press. Alex specializes in breaking news coverage, studio analysis, and tracking industry trends. When not writing, he's grinding ranked matches in Valorant or exploring the latest RPG releases.
