Unlock the Intriguing Secrets of Cyberpunk 2077's XOXO: A Comprehensive Guide

Highlights

CD Projekt Red announced a new Cyberpunk 2077 comic series called XOXO, which tells an explosive love story set in the game's world.

Written by Bartosz Sztybor, known for his work on Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, the comic holds the potential to influence the future Cyberpunk sequel, although its immediate impact on the game's current DLC remains uncertain.

The latest announcement at San Diego Comic-Con for Cyberpunk 2077 has garnered significant attention. Initially, CD Projekt Red stated that Phantom Liberty would be the sole DLC expansion for the game. However, rumors began to circulate about a Cyberpunk 2077 XOXO online, leaving fans curious about the situation. CDPR stands firm on their original DLC plans, yet it appears that CP2077 is still a work in progress.

Given that the Cyberpunk series originated as a tabletop roleplaying game and was later adapted into a video game by CDPR, it is not surprising to see it venture into other forms of media. This was evident with the Cyberpunk: Edgerunners anime created by Studio TRIGGER. Now, CP2077 is venturing into new territory with its latest comic series, Cyberpunk 2077 XOXO.

What is Cyberpunk 2077 XOXO?

The latest comic series of Cyberpunk 2077 is titled "XOXO." It revolves around a love story between two star-crossed individuals who find themselves amidst the conflict between the Maelstrom and Mox gangs. The tension escalates when both factions compete for the possession of Corpo loot, causing the love-struck member of Maelstrom to hesitate while confronting a rival gang member. Described as an "explosive love story" in the official summary, this series promises an adrenaline-filled experience.

Penned by Bartosz Sztybor, the same writer of the Blackout comics and Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Cyberpunk 2077 XOXO spans across four gripping issues. However, it may take some time before CD Projekt Red incorporates any influence from Sztybor's latest project, considering that development on Cyberpunk 2077 is reaching its conclusion with the release of Phantom Liberty. Nevertheless, there remains a possibility of this comic series impacting the world of CP2077.

Cyberpunk 2077 Won't be Affected by the XOXO Comics For Now

Given Sztybor's previous impact on CDPR's sci-fi RPG, it is reasonable to assume that fans who have learned about the XOXO comic announcement would expect to see elements from it incorporated into Phantom Liberty, especially considering the evident influence of Sztybor's writing in Edgerunners on the cybernetic rework. However, the fact that the Cyberpunk XOXO miniseries is not slated to begin until October 2023 makes it improbable that it will have any significant impact on Phantom Liberty unless Cyberpunk 2077 unintentionally reveals certain details beforehand.

Phantom Liberty is expected to revolutionize the game, but its release is scheduled almost a month prior to that of XOXO. While it is possible for CD Projekt Red to include subtle references that would only be fully understood by fans after reading the newer comics, this may not be a top priority for the developers considering the numerous other changes and improvements that Cyberpunk 2077 is undergoing with the launch of Phantom Liberty. Nonetheless, this does not necessarily mean that XOXO will be completely disregarded.

Due to the game's troubled release, CDPR is saving Phantom Liberty for CP2077's final hurrah as they are currently developing a sequel. If the developers have a strong affection for the story of XOXO, it is possible that the sequel to Cyberpunk will include nods to the newer story, such as similar plot elements or a direct tie-in like the DLC from Edgerunners.

Regardless of what the future holds, Cyberpunk fans can take comfort in knowing that Phantom Liberty will not mark the end. While it will introduce a new ending to CP2077, fans can still enjoy Dark Horse's Cyberpunk 2077 comics and other collaborations with CD Projekt Red until their next release, whether it be the upcoming Cyberpunk sequel, something related to The Witcher, or an entirely new project.

Cyberpunk 2077 is available for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.