Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a 10-episode anime from Studio Trigger and CD Projekt Red, streaming on Netflix. Season 2 premiered on October 20, 2026, as a standalone story with a brand-new crew. If you have never seen it, this guide covers what it is about, who is in it, whether you need to play the game first, and what to expect from the sequel. No major spoilers below.
What is Cyberpunk: Edgerunners?
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is an animated series set in Night City, the neon-soaked city from the video game Cyberpunk 2077. It debuted on Netflix on September 13, 2022, and tells a self-contained story, so you do not need any background to start watching.
The show was produced by CD Projekt Red, the studio behind the game, and animated by Studio Trigger. It was directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi, whose credits include Gurren Lagann, Kill la Kill and Promare.
Quick Facts
| . | Edgerunners (Season 1) | Edgerunners 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Release | September 13, 2022 | October 20, 2026 |
| Episodes | 10 (about 25 minutes each) | 10 |
| Studio | Studio Trigger | Studio Trigger |
| Director | Hiroyuki Imaishi | Kai Ikarashi |
| Story | Standalone | Standalone, new cast |
| Rating | TV-MA | See Netflix for the rating |
| Where to watch | Netflix | Netflix |
What is the story about? (No spoilers)
Season 1 (2022): The series follows David Martinez, a street kid trying to survive in a city obsessed with technology and body modification. After a personal tragedy, he decides to take control of his own life and becomes an edgerunner: a mercenary outlaw who takes dangerous jobs in the underworld of Night City.
Along the way he joins a crew of edgerunners and meets Lucy, a skilled netrunner who wants to escape Night City and her past. The show mixes fast, stylish action with a story about survival, ambition and the cost of chasing power.
Season 1 main characters and voice cast
- David Martinez: the young protagonist. Voiced by Kenn (Japanese) and Zach Aguilar (English).
- Lucy: a talented netrunner who wants out of Night City. Voiced by Aoi Yuuki (Japanese) and Emi Lo (English).
- Maine: the leader of the crew that takes David under his wing. Voiced by Hiroki Touchi (Japanese) and William C. Stephens (English).
- Rebecca: someone close to David. Voiced by Tomoyo Kurosawa (Japanese) and Alex Cazares (English).
- Dorio, Kiwi, Pilar and Falco: supporting characters in the crew’s circle.
These are the characters from the original 2022 series. Season 2 follows an entirely new crew, covered below.
Why Edgerunners became a hit
- The animation. Studio Trigger’s bold colors, exaggerated motion and high-energy action give the show a look of its own.
- A tight story. With only 10 short episodes, there is no filler.
- The music. The score comes from Akira Yamaoka, known for the Silent Hill series, and the opening theme is “This Fire” by Franz Ferdinand.
- Emotional weight. It is stylish and brutal, but what people remember most is how much they care about the characters.
- It helped the game. Cyberpunk 2077 saw a big increase in sales and players after the anime’s release, and the series won Anime of the Year at the 2023 Anime Awards.
Do you need to play Cyberpunk 2077 first?
No. The anime tells its own story and works as a first step into the world. It is set in the same universe as the game and takes place before it, so playing afterward is a bonus rather than a requirement.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2: what to expect
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2 premiered on Netflix on October 20, 2026. Here is what is confirmed:
- Standalone story. Netflix describes it as a standalone, 10-episode story that follows a fresh group of mercenaries voiced by an all-new cast, in a reimagined animation style. It is a chronicle of redemption and revenge.
- New director. Kai Ikarashi, who worked as an artist on the original, directs. Bartosz Sztybor returns as showrunner and Masahiko Otsuka returns to write.
Season 2 new characters and voice cast
Weak Kingsley (King)
A veteran edgerunner living in the shadow of his former glory. Voiced by Kentaro Tone (Japanese) and Clancy Brown (English).
Roman Carax
A young film lover obsessed with documenting other people’s lives. Voiced by Momoka Terasawa (Japanese) and Valeria Rodriguez (English).
Talia Yang:
A former corpo who is drawn toward a life of crime. Voiced by Akari Kito (Japanese) and Kimoy Lee (English).
D:
A vengeful netrunner from the Snake Nation. Voiced by Koki Uchiyama (Japanese) and Nazeeh Tarsha (English).
Where to watch Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
Both seasons are exclusive to Netflix. To avoid spoilers, watch Season 1 before diving into social media discussions about the sequel.
Frequently asked questions
How many episodes is Cyberpunk: Edgerunners?
Season 1 has 10 episodes of about 25 minutes each, so you can finish it in roughly four hours.
Is Cyberpunk: Edgerunners suitable for kids?
No. Netflix rates Season 1 TV-MA, and it contains strong violence, gore and language.
Do I need to watch Season 1 before Season 2?
Season 2 is a standalone story with new characters, so it is not required. Watching Season 1 first will still help you appreciate Night City and the tone of the series.
Is there a Cyberpunk 2077 connection?
Yes. The anime is set in the same world as the game.
Final thoughts
Whether you are coming from the game or have never touched it, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is one of the most talked-about anime of recent years, and Season 2 makes this the perfect time to start. Watch Season 1, then jump into the new crew’s story.
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What did you think of Edgerunners? Tell us your favorite character in the comments.
