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Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a 2022 Japanese-Polish anime series set in the world of Cyberpunk and based on CD Projekt Red’s Cyberpunk 2077.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a 2022 Japanese-Polish anime series set in the world of Cyberpunk and based on CD Projekt Red’s Cyberpunk 2077. It is a standalone prequel story about a street kid, David Martinez, who becomes an edgerunner in Night City. The series was produced by Studio Trigger and released on Netflix in September 2022.

Premise

The series follows David Martinez, a financially struggling student whose life changes after a personal tragedy. He joins a crew of edgerunners and is drawn deeper into Night City’s violent underworld.

Production

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners was created through a collaboration between CD Projekt Red and Studio Trigger. It was produced as a ten-episode anime series for Netflix.

Setting and relationship to Cyberpunk 2077

The series is set in the Cyberpunk universe created by Mike Pondsmith and functions as a prequel to Cyberpunk 2077. It takes place in Night City, the fictional setting shared with the game.

Reception and legacy

The series gained recognition as an award-winning Netflix anime and helped expand interest in the Cyberpunk franchise. Its popularity also led to later announcements of further Edgerunners-related production.

Key facts

  • The series is a standalone story and prequel to Cyberpunk 2077.
  • It follows David Martinez, a student who enters Night City’s criminal underworld.
  • Studio Trigger animated the series in collaboration with CD Projekt Red.
  • The show premiered on Netflix on 13 September 2022.
  • Edgerunners are cybernetically enhanced mercenaries who take illegal or quasi-legal jobs.
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Canadian context

The series is available to Canadian viewers through Netflix and is part of the globally distributed Cyberpunk franchise.

Frequently asked questions

What is Cyberpunk: Edgerunners?
It is a Japanese-Polish anime series set in the Cyberpunk universe and based on Cyberpunk 2077.
Is Cyberpunk: Edgerunners a prequel?
Yes. It is described as a standalone prequel to Cyberpunk 2077.
How many episodes does it have?
The series has 10 episodes.
Who produced Cyberpunk: Edgerunners?
It was made through a collaboration between CD Projekt Red and Studio Trigger.
Where was it released?
It premiered on Netflix on 13 September 2022.
Who is the main character?
The story centres on David Martinez, a student who becomes an edgerunner in Night City.

References

  1. Cyberpunk.net / CD PROJEKT RED — https://www.cyberpunk.net/en/edgerunners
    Supports: Official description of the series as a standalone 10-episode Netflix anime created with TRIGGER.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyberpunk:_Edgerunners
    Supports: Premise, setting, release date, episode count, and relationship to Cyberpunk 2077.
  3. Wikipedia (Portuguese) — https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyberpunk:_Edgerunners
    Supports: Studio Trigger production credit, Netflix premiere date, and prequel status.
  4. The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction — https://sf-encyclopedia.com/entry/cyberpunk_edgerunners
    Supports: Independent confirmation of the series as a Polish/Japanese animated TV series, Studio Trigger production, creators, and 10-episode format.
  5. Anime News Network — https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=25775
    Supports: Synopsis details including David, the edgerunners crew, and the series’ narrative focus.