While many will likely immediately think ofCyberpunk 2077when thinking of cyberpunk video games, there are actually plenty of other phenomenal titles within the genre, despite it not being a particularly prevalent setting. In fact, the genre’s underlying themes of transhumanism, neon-soaked streets, colorful attire, AI, morality, societal collapse, and more have been extremely well explored in a number of huge AAA titles and even smaller indie darlings.
From some of thebest open-world gamesever made to reflective narrative-focused adventures,there are many phenomenal cyberpunk video games for those looking to escape into a dystopian hellscape. While not every game manages to stack up toCyberpunk 2077when it comes to completely immersing oneself within a cyberpunk setting, they do come pretty close, each offering its own unique spin on the beloved and often haunting genre.
10Oni (Bungie West)
Inspired By The Classics
Oniis a PC and PS2 release from 2002, developed by the now defunct Bungie West, an offshoot of the iconic RPG studio, Bungie. Its PS2 port was developed by none other than Rockstar, the folks behindGrand Theft AutoandRed Dead Redemption. Considering Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar’s parent company, now owns the rights toOni, it technically makes it one ofRockstar’s best games, at least outside the series it is best known for.
More importantly,Oniis a seriously impressive anime-inspired cyberpunk adventure that sees players take on the role of heavily Motoko Kusanagi-coded Konoko, a member of the Technological Crimes Task Force, who discovers her employers aren’t quite what they claim to be. Taking obvious inspiration from the likes ofAkira,Ghost in the Shell, and other influential cyberpunk anime from the time,Oniis a fantastic cyberpunk hidden gem that is well worth checking out.
9Stray (BlueTwelve Studio)
A Cuter Cyberpunk Adventure
Straywas one of2021’s best games, in large part thanks to its emotional narrative, excellent worldbuilding, gorgeous visuals, and genuinely enthralling exploration. It is a cyberpunk adventure, one that takes the player through neon-soaked streets as they interact with a dissatisfied robot population and wonder what happened to humanity. However,unlike most grimy, dark, and mature cyberpunk stories - althoughStrayhas plenty of grimy environments - this is significantly more cozy.
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Players take on the role of an adorable cat as they explore each puzzle-laden area, from small towns to sewers, and more. Each environment is oozing with atmosphere, brought to life through Stray’s phenomenal art direction. There really isn’t anything quite like Stray, certainly within the cyberpunk genre, which makes checking it out an absolute must for any self-respecting fan of the genre.
8Satellite Reign (5 Lives Studios)
A Tactical Immersive Isometric Cyberpunk Experience
Satellite Reignis a fantastic cyberpunk strategy game and a spiritual successor to the equally amazingSyndicateseries from the 90’s.Players take on the role of four agents as they explore a gorgeously detailed cyberpunk open worldfrom an isometric perspective. Each agent has their own strengths and weaknesses, as well as special abilities, making approaching each mission its own puzzle.Satellite Reignis a sandbox experience above all else, giving players the freedom to tackle all of its content however they please, which is endlessly satisfying.
Additionally,Satellite Reignhas full co-op support, allowing up to four people to control their own agentas they explore the open world together and plot how best to approach each mission. The co-op mode is whereSatellite Reigntruly shines, as pulling off the perfect plan simply never gets old. It is also whereSatellite Reign’ssandbox elements really come together to make it the ultimate strategic cyberpunk experience.
7Ruiner (Reikon Games)
A Dark And Mature Cyberpunk Action Game
Ruineris another isometric cyberpunk experience. However, unlikeSatellite Reign, it ditches the focus on strategy and perfectly planning each mission for brutal combat and a more mature narrative. Taking on the role of an unhinged psychopath hellbent on getting their revenge,Ruinersets you loose in a dark cyberpunk world with the goal of rescuing your brother. Naturally, you’ll need to use whatever means necessary to complete that objective.
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Featuring a variety of cyberpunk-themed weapons,Ruiner’scombat is unbelievably fast and exceptionally brutal, with every explosion and burst of blood feeling suitably visceral.Ruiner’saction is some of the best in the genre, giving players a plethora of ways to approach each encounter while ensuring it never feels too overwhelming. There’s also a genuinely compelling narrative that helps contextualize all the violence and prevent it from ever feeling senseless.
6Shadowrun: Dragonfall (Harebrained Schemes)
One Of The Original Cyberpunk Games
Shadowrun: Dragonfall- or really any of theShadowrunvideo games - is one of thebest cyberpunk RPGsavailable. Set in the incredibly uniqueShadowrunworld, players get to explore a gorgeously detailed blend of fantasy and cyberpunk sci-fi as they control a group of elves, trolls, orcs, and more embarking on a 20+ hour adventure.Shadowrun: Dragonfallis a standalone experience that delves deeper into this fantastic world and offers a genuinely compelling campaignunlike any other.
Whenever players can’t overcome a challenge through the use of their unique skills or persuasion, they’ll have to duke it out with their opponent in thrilling turn-based battles.Dragonfallhas plenty of tricks up its sleeve, including a whole suite of fun abilities to use to get the upper hand.This seamless blend of fantasy and sci-fi works both in the environments and in combat, leading to a unique mash-up that is as cohesive as it is fun.
5Ghostrunner (One More Level, Slipgate Ironworks)
An Incredibly Challenging Cyberpunk Game
Ghostrunneris a lot more intense than the other best cyberpunk-themed gameson this list. Not only is it almost exclusively action-focused - there is a narrative, but it isn’t front and center - but it also requires a lot of skill and patience from the player. Essentially,Ghostrunnersees players attempt to complete each level as flawlessly as possible. Each enemy dies in just one hit, but so too does the player, meaning that even one mistake will force them to start again.
WhileGhostrunnerwon’t be for everyone, its visuals, tone, and setting all evoke the cyberpunk style perfectly, making it an excellent choice for fans of the genre.
That’s the central premise behind the jaw-droppingly beautifulGhostrunner, whichreceived strong reviewswhen it launched, especially for a lower-budget release. Its sequel added in a lot more flair and flashy action, including driving a motorbike down a building, but the original is still worth playing, especially for those who enjoy puzzle experiences. WhileGhostrunnerwon’t be for everyone,its visuals, tone, and setting all evoke the cyberpunk style perfectly, making it an excellent choice for fans of the genre.
4Deus Ex: Human Revolution (Eidos-Montréal)
One Of The Best Cyberpunk Immersive Sims
TheDeus Exgames are some of the earliest cyberpunk video games ever made. While the original games are often cited as being thebest immersive simsever made - and still trump the later entries when it comes to that specific aspect -Human Revolutionand its rather excellent follow-up,Mankind Divided, provide phenomenal narrative-driven immersive sim experiencesfeaturing one of gaming’s best protagonists.
Human Revolutionis the first game in the series reboot, and is, therefore, a great starting pointfor those hoping for a more modern experience. Its atmosphere, exploration of traditional cyberpunk themes - especially mankind’s over-reliance and implementation of technology - and overall gameplay loop are perfect for the discerning cyberpunk fan looking for their next foray into the neon-soaked genre.
3The Ascent (Neon Giant)
An Isometric Cyberpunk Shooter
The Ascentis a phenomenal isometric action RPGthat follows the story of a worker, someone owned by the corporation running the megalithic tower, who must fight for their freedom and survival after the shadowy corporation shuts down their district. This narrative drives the game’s punchy action-packed combat forward, giving players a reason to climb further up the tower, explore its densely detailed environments, and reflect upon its well-handled themes.
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Featuring an incredible synth soundtrack that feels like it was taken straight out ofBlade RunnerorGhost in the Shell, gorgeous art direction, fully destructible environments, and more,The Ascentis a one-of-a-kind cyberpunk RPG. For those who are looking for a blend ofRuiner’saction andCyberpunk 2077’sattention to detail,The Ascentis a perfect choice. It also allows for up to four-player co-op, which is arguably the best way to experience the game.
2Citizen Sleeper (Jump Over The Age)
A Narrative-Focused Cyberpunk Experience
WhileCitizen Sleeperisn’t as flashy asThe AscentorCyberpunk 2077- although it features some of the best art seen in a video game - nor as action-packed or tactical asSatellite ReignorOni,it is easily the best narrative-focused cyberpunk game of all time. Focusing on a sleeper, the player must attempt to survive as their body slowly decays, threatening to end their existence. Relying on the kindness of strangers, their own intuition, and the luck of the dice, players must attempt to make their way on the space station, The Eye.
Citizen Sleeperis a tabletop-inspired RPG, much likeShadowrun, so many of the player’s outcomes will be as a result of dice. This leads to a rather unpredictable, yetnevertheless satisfying adventure, one expertly told throughCitizen Sleeper’sphenomenal writing, characters, and visual storytelling. Those looking for a cyberpunk game with a lot of substance and something meaningful to say, look no further thanCitizen Sleeper.
1Cyberpunk 2077 (CD Projekt Red)
The Definitive Cyberpunk Video Game
Of course,by far the best cyberpunk video game of all time isCyberpunk 2077, the magnum opus of developer CD Projekt Red. After a much-discussed rocky start,Cyberpunk 2077has evolved into a refined and expertly crafted RPG, one with a gripping narrative filled with fascinating characters and arguably one of the best open worlds of all time. Aided by plenty of supplementary material,Cyberpunk 2077’sworld - which is based on a pen-and-paper RPG - is astonishingly captivating.
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Project Orion is still far from any form of public announcement, but an early posting is causing concern given the similarities to its predecessor.
That’s without mentioning the excellent DLC,Phantom Liberty, which took the game to new heights both mechanically and narratively. Featuring enthralling combat, engrossing side content that’s actually worth doing, some of the best-written missions in any RPG, and a memorable score,Cyberpunk 2077is the definitive cyberpunk video game for a reason, and one every cyberpunk fan should play at least once.
