12 Free games giving Cyberpunk 2077 vibes

Cyberpunk 2077 has a definite vibe to it. It’s dark and gritty in places, while still keeping things colourful and playful. The whole style is unique and distinctive - a blend of sci-fi and advanced technology.

Although the launch was rough, Cyberpunk 2077 is now at a place where it can be celebrated and lauded. But, while we wait God knows how long for a sequel from CD Projekt Red, there are a bunch of free games we could be playing.

Cyberpunk 2077 is better than ever and welcomes you to Night City

Cloudpunk - PlayStation Plus

For a chill experience within a cyberpunk world, look no further. Cloudpunk is a light RPG that is very narrative-driven. You play the role of a delivery worker who operates a flying vehicle through the neon-drenched landscapes of Nivalis, learning about the variety of people who call this home. There will be a few surprises along the way in this beautiful and intriguing adventure.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided - PlayStation Plus

In 2029, augmented humans are a part of society, but they are segregated and seen as a threat. Playing as Adam Jenson, an augmented human himself, you’re tasked with solving mysteries that sprawl throughout the world using either stealth or all-out action. How does Adam survive in a world that hates his kind, while still trying to bring peace and justice for all? Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is an engaging adventure game filled with important decisions that alter your experience.

Deus Ex

Elite Dangerous - PlayStation Plus

It’s a ‘dangerous’ galaxy out there and you must find your way, dodging the cutthroat members of the PvP community. Elite Dangerous is one of the more unique experiences to be found in gaming, where you start out with a small spaceship and a few credits before trying to make it big. Do you join others and hope to strike up an alliance, or do you play the part of the saboteur and try to rob everyone blind? Any path can be yours, no matter if you’re playing the role of good or bad and the journey never ends.

Fallout 76 - PlayStation Plus

Fallout 76 may not be the first game that comes to mind when thinking of the Cyberpunk style, but that’s because everything is worn out and society is downtrodden by a world devastated by war. There’s still plenty of sci-fi imagination in this post-apocalyptic wasteland, and there are stories to tell and listen to. If you’re looking for bleak, but with a wry sense of humour, you can join millions of other players and create a thriving life.

Fallout 76

Ghostrunner - PlayStation Plus

Fast-paced, tough as nails, Ghostrunner is a 3D platformer action game where your life is precious and hardcore enemies can take you out in one hit. Set within a cyberpunk tower city, resources are running low and the population is in utter chaos. It’s up to you to lead the people using your amazing speed and skill with katana blades. Ghostrunner has a gorgeous design style that oozes dystopian futurism.

Observer: System Redux - PlayStation Plus

Remade for the ray-tracing generation, Observer: System Redux is a beautiful, if brutal, look at a cyberpunk world filled with brooding darkness in every corner. You take on the role of an Observer on the hunt for answers in a criminal case. You must take advantage of the technology around you and dive into the dreams of members of society, hacking into their thoughts, and looking for clues. Anything they saw, or felt, can be used to aid your case.

Observer

Citizen Sleeper - Xbox Game Pass

Another narrative adventure, Citizen Sleeper plays via decisions and choices weighed up against dice rolls to determine the outcome. Inspired by various TTRPGs, you play as a Sleeper, a digitised consciousness inside a fabricated body. You’re not trusted by the many and your creator wants you back. Despite this, you attempt to thrive in a space station driven by money and power in a vacuum of poverty and people trying to get by. Expect a terrific story driven by brilliant writing.

Dead Space - Xbox Game Pass

Remake number two on our list is Dead Space which, given its sci-fi backdrop, is perfect for this collection of bleak, technology-driven worlds. Of course, this is a horror where, rather than augmented humans vying to destroy you, it’s many limbed monsters filled with gnashing teeth. The original release of Dead Space was a terrific journey through space where everything wants to kill you, the remake is all of that but with much shinier graphics and glistening gore. Whether you love horror or not, this is one to play.

Dead Space

Everspace 2 - Xbox Game Pass

Space epic Everspace 2 puts you in the cockpit of a starfighter with a ton of space exploration ahead of you. With a deep story to enjoy, this is a one-two punch of wonderful narrative and delightfully hand-crafted space battles. Discover alien species, rare treasures, and outlaws who aim to rule the galaxy. Combat here is fast-paced and bombastic, while still staying accessible for those not used to hurtling through space.

Ghostwire Tokyo - Xbox Game Pass

Ghostwire Tokyo deserves its place on this list because of Tokyo itself. In this often rain-soaked vista, Tokyo gleams with neon, several areas bulking with technology, it’s a city that always feels ahead of the curve or on the cusp of new tech. This is your chance to fully explore a city that never sleeps, except the population has disappeared and it’s down to you to combat unsightly horrors and discover a dark, ghostly underworld. Plus there are dogs to pet, which is nice.

Ghostwire

Mass Effect Legendary Edition - Xbox Game Pass

Reliving this, almost perfect, spacefaring RPG is an unmissable opportunity. Not only is it a superb game with a genuinely terrific story, but it’s a chance to see BioWare at its very best. Combining romance options (which will always bring out the fanboys and fangirls) with dramatic sci-fi adventures, might be the peak of sci-fi storytelling in gaming. Mass Effect Legendary Edition is the finest way to enjoy Mass Effect as it brings all of the DLC and wraps it in a shiny bundle.

The Outer Worlds - Xbox Game Pass

One more sci-fi adventure for the road. Well, the stars. The legendary developer, Obsidian, known for their deep RPGs, brought us a jaunt through space in The Outer Worlds. Fancy waking up after decades of sleep only to find yourself in the middle of a conspiracy threatening to destroy a colony. You can create any type of character and have them investigate members of society across the stars. This is a player-driven story where your choices and relationships dictate the adventure.

Outer Worlds