Nearly four years after its initial release,Cyberpunk 2077continues to be one of the most popular open world games of the 2020s. The game’s player base was bolstered after the success of Netflix’sCyberpunk: Edgerunnersanime and the expansivePhantom Libertystory DLC. CD Projekt Red seems intent on maintainingCyberpunk 2077’s momentum, as the RPG is rumored to have an upcoming collaboration with none other thanFortnite.
Fortniteis no stranger to video game collaborations. Since its release,Fortnitehas seen the likes of Master Chief, Jill Valentine, Ezio Auditore, and Lara Croft board the Battle Bus. The rumoredCyberpunk 2077collaboration is a long time coming, butFortniteshouldn’t just take the obvious route when it comes to cosmetics.
Which Cyberpunk Content Could — and Should — Come to Fortnite
Originally posted by user SamLeakss on X and shared by popular leakers ShiinaBR and HYPEX on November 20, aCyberpunk 2077collaboration will soon be coming to bothFortniteandRocket League. With the news as fresh as it is, details on the rumored collaboration are light. This has led many players to begin speculating about the contents of this crossover.
On theFortniteside of things, it’s expected thatCyberpunk 2077skins will be added to the game. The easiest pick for a skin based on the game would beJohnny Silverhand, giving Keanu Reeves his second skin inFortnite. Fans who saw the initial post were also excited about the potential inclusion ofCyberpunk: Edgerunnerscharacters. However, follow-up posts from SamLeakss and HYPEX have suggested that the collaboration will only feature content fromCyberpunk 2077. If that’s true, thenFortniteis missing out on a huge opportunity.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunner’s Impact on Cyberpunk 2077
WhileCyberpunk 2077’s release was the catalyst for the franchise’s rise in popularity,Cyberpunk: Edgerunnersmade major contributions to the fandom.Cyberpunk 2077was in a rough state at launch, which caused many people to hold off on playing or avoid the game entirely. As CD Projekt Red worked at patching the game, Netflix and Studio Trigger released theCyberunk: Edgerunnersanime in 2022. The series was not only a huge hit withCyberpunk 2077fans, but it drew in plenty of viewers who never engaged with the show’s source material. This resulted in a major boom in popularity forCyberpunk 2077asEdgerunnersfans flocked to give the now-patched game another chance.
The Argument for Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Cosmetics in Fortnite
WhileCyberpunk 2077content is a welcome addition to theFortniteitem shop, a lack ofEdgerunnersrepresentation is sure to disappoint fans.Edgerunnerswas an entrypoint into theCyberpunkuniverse for many people. Due to the show’s accessible nature, there’s a sizable number ofCyberpunkfans who have only ever watchedEdgerunners. IncludingEdgerunnerscontent would expand the scope of this collaboration’s appeal, and it would also giveFortnitemuch more to draw from when it comes to cosmetics.
When it comes toCyberpunk 2077, Johnny Silverhand is the only clear contender for aFortniteskin. He’s by far the most well known character from the game, and V’s customizable nature would make designing a skin for them too difficult of a process. Characters likeJudy Alvarezand Panam Palmer could make the cut in theory, but it would be odd to have side characters get skins over any ofEdgerunners' beloved characters.
Between David, Lucy, Rebecca, and Adam Smasher — who is inCyberpunk 2077but has a much more memorable appearance in the anime —Edgerunners' has multiple characters that fans would be over the moon to play as inFortnite. Each of the aforementioned characters have bold, recognizable designs that would stand out more than most ofCyberpunk 2077’s characters. They also have great options for other cosmetics in-game, like a Sandevistan back bling or a monowire harvesting tool. Fortnite has already proven its proficiency with cell-shaded skins thanks to past anime collaborations withJujutsu Kaisen,My Hero Academia, andDragon Ball, meaning that theEdgerunnersskins would have the pop and polish fans want.
GivenCyberpunk: Edgerunnerspopularity, anyFortnite/Cyberpunkcollaboration that didn’t include content from the anime would be a letdown.Edgerunners' characters would make for desirable skins and would broaden the crossover’s appeal. If David and Lucy don’t make it into this upcoming collaboration, hopefullyFortnitewill consider adding them at a later date, especially with CD Projekt Red confirming that anewCyberpunkanimeis in the works.
Cyberpunk 2077
WHERE TO PLAY
Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world action-adventure from the creators of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, CD Projekt Red.Set in Night City, a megalopolis obsessed with power, glamour and body modification, you play as V, a mercenary outlaw going after a one-of-a-kind implant that is the key to immortality.Upgraded with next-gen in mind and featuring free additional content, customize your character and playstyle as you take on jobs, build a reputation, and unlock upgrades.The relationships you forge and the choices you make will shape the story and the world around you. Legends are made here. What will yours be?
