When you step into Cyberpunk 2077, you’re not just playing an RPG—you’re immersing yourself in a living, breathing metropolis that feels as alive as its characters. CD Projekt Red’s neon-soaked world is more than a backdrop; it’s a central force shaping the game’s stories, choices, and atmosphere.

Players may follow V’s journey or clash with the legendary Johnny Silverhand, but the constant question remains: what exactly is Night City, and where does it exist in the Cyberpunk universe?

The Megalopolis of Night City

The entirety of Cyberpunk 2077 unfolds in Night City, a fictional megacity located in the Free State of North California. Positioned between what was once Los Angeles and San Francisco, this self-governed corporatocracy is a monument to unchecked ambition.

Here, megacorporations like Arasaka and Militech reign supreme, free from federal oversight. Their power is reflected in everything—from towering skyscrapers and gleaming plazas to the chaotic gang territories sprawled beneath them. This stark contrast between wealth and poverty is the lifeblood of Night City, making every district feel like a story waiting to be told.

A Tour of Night City’s Districts

Each district of Night City offers its own flavor, dangers, and opportunities:

  • City Centre – The gleaming corporate core, home to the world’s most powerful megacorps and daring missions.
  • Watson – A cultural melting pot, with vibrant Japantown and the gritty Kabuki market shaping the daily lives of working citizens.
  • Westbrook – Wealth and luxury define this district, with glamorous North Oak as the playground of the elite.
  • Heywood – A diverse area balancing suburban neighborhoods with gang-ridden inner-city slums.
  • Pacifica – Once designed as a tourist paradise, it now stands abandoned and dangerous—its decayed beauty hiding some of the game’s most memorable moments.
  • Santo Domingo – The city’s industrial backbone, buzzing with factories, smokestacks, and restless energy.
  • Dogtown – Introduced in Phantom Liberty, this lawless zone within Pacifica is ruled by Kurt Hansen. With its oppressive atmosphere, unique quests, and Idris Elba’s unforgettable Solomon Reed, Dogtown has become a fan-favorite.

Step outside the neon skyline and you’ll find the Badlands—a dusty wilderness roamed by nomadic clans. It’s a harsh but refreshing counterpoint to the density of the city, offering freedom and danger in equal measure.

The Game’s Comeback Story

Cyberpunk 2077 had a rocky launch, but its revival has been nothing short of remarkable. Thanks to consistent updates and the Phantom Liberty expansion, the game has transformed into the polished, immersive experience fans hoped for.

Recent updates have kept the spotlight shining on Night City, from AutoDrive functionality and visual upgrades to AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 support. The buzz has only grown louder with the announcement of a new Cyberpunk: Edgerunners anime sequel and the game’s debut on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

More Than a Setting

Night City isn’t just where Cyberpunk 2077 takes place—it is the game. Its skyscrapers, slums, gangs, and corporations weave together a narrative of ambition, greed, and survival. As players dive deeper into its streets, the answer to where the game unfolds becomes clear, powerful, and unforgettable:

Night City.