Netflix has unleashed Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, a 10-episode anime series that transports viewers into the neon-drenched, dystopian metropolis of Night City, the same universe popularized by CD Projekt Red’s video game Cyberpunk 2077. The critically acclaimed series, a collaboration between CD Projekt Red and the renowned Japanese animation studio Trigger, premiered on September 13, 2022, offering a brutal yet compelling standalone narrative.
A New Canon in the Cyberpunk Universe
Announced during a “Night City Wire” livestream for the game on June 25, 2020, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners was conceived as a prequel, set approximately a year before the events of Cyberpunk 2077. This strategic placement allows the anime to enrich the lore of Mike Pondsmith’s established Cyberpunk universe without directly treading on the game’s narrative. The series tells a self-contained, high-octane story of survival, ambition, and tragedy within a city obsessed with technology, body modification, and unchecked corporate power.
The decision to partner with Studio Trigger, celebrated for their distinctive, vibrant, and dynamic animation in works like Kill la Kill and Promare, proved instrumental in bringing Night City’s chaotic beauty to life. Hiroyuki Imaishi, known for his directorial prowess, helmed the series, with Masahiko Otsuka and Yoshiki Usa contributing to the scripts. Yoh Yoshinari served as character designer and animation director, while Akira Yamaoka, of Silent Hill fame, composed the original score, perfectly capturing the gritty, pulsating atmosphere of the setting. CD Projekt Red itself was heavily involved in the production, with a creative team from The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Cyberpunk 2077 working on the series since 2018.
The Story of David Martinez: From Street Kid to Edgerunner
At its heart, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners follows David Martinez, an impulsive yet talented street kid living in the impoverished Santo Domingo district of Night City. David’s life takes a devastating turn after a personal tragedy, forcing him to abandon his dreams of an elite education at the prestigious Arasaka Academy. To survive the unforgiving streets, David embraces a dangerous path, choosing to become an “edgerunner” — a high-tech, black-market mercenary who pushes the limits of cybernetic augmentation, often at the risk of succumbing to cyberpsychosis, a mental breakdown caused by too many implants.
His journey into Night City’s criminal underworld introduces him to a cast of memorable characters who become his makeshift family. Central to his story is Lucyna “Lucy” Kushinada, a mysterious and skilled netrunner with a deep-seated hatred for the Arasaka corporation and a poignant dream of escaping to the Moon. Their intertwined fates form the emotional core of the series, exploring themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the grim reality of pursuing dreams in a city that readily devours them. Other key figures include Maine, the veteran edgerunner who mentors David; Rebecca, the fiery, shotgun-wielding crew member; and Faraday, a fixer who provides them with dangerous assignments. The narrative delves into the brutal class struggle and power hierarchies inherent in Night City, where mega-corporations like Arasaka and Militech wield immense control.
Critical Acclaim and Cultural Impact
Upon its release, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners received widespread critical acclaim from both critics and fans. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reported a perfect 100% positive rating from critics, praising its “frenetic action and awe-inspiring visual flair,” calling it an “exceptionally stylish anime adaptation” of the Cyberpunk world. Many lauded the series for its compelling characters, stunning animation, immersive world-building, and emotionally resonant storytelling. Some critics even suggested that the anime delivered “the Cyberpunk story the Cyberpunk game wanted to tell and couldn’t.”
The series’ success transcended the animation sphere, significantly impacting the Cyberpunk 2077 game itself. The anime’s popularity, reaching Netflix’s top 10 lists in 19 countries, led to a visible surge in game sales and player engagement. CD Projekt Red capitalized on this renewed interest by releasing the “Edgerunners” update (version 1.6) for the game, which included additional in-game content directly related to the series, such as side quests, locations, and items. This synergy between the anime and the game showcased the power of transmedia storytelling and contributed to CD Projekt’s “best third quarter in [their] entire history” in 2022. Even acclaimed video game director Hideo Kojima publicly praised the show, calling it “a miracle of squeezing the trigger to the world.”
A Legacy Continues: Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2
The original 10-episode run of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners was initially conceived as a standalone work, with CD Projekt Red confirming in October 2022 that a traditional second season would not be produced. However, the immense success and positive reception clearly left an indelible mark. In a significant development, a standalone sequel series titled Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 was officially announced at Anime Expo 2025 on July 4, 2025.
This new 10-episode installment will feature a completely separate story, further expanding the rich narrative tapestry of Night City. Kai Ikarashi, who previously worked on the first series as a storyboard artist and animation director, will make his directorial debut for Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2. Bartosz Sztybor, who served as a writer and producer on the original, is returning as writer, producer, and showrunner, with Masahiko Otsuka also coming back as scriptwriter. While the developers have stated that David Martinez’s story is complete, the continuation promises more “dark, sad and bloody” tales from the Cyberpunk universe, confirming that Night City has many more stories to tell.
The impact of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is undeniable. It not only delivered a compelling and visually stunning narrative within an existing beloved universe but also revitalized interest in its source material, cementing its place as a significant achievement in anime adaptations. The original series is available on Netflix, and a Blu-ray release is planned for 2025 across various regions. Furthermore, a prequel manga series, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Madness, began serialization in December 2024, focusing on the characters Rebecca and Pilar. This ongoing expansion of the Edgerunners saga underscores its enduring appeal and the lasting impression it has made on both anime and video game fans alike.
