The Cyberpunk Trading Card Game is set to delve deeper into the world of the anime with its second set, Edgerunners: Burn Bright. Developer WeirdCo officially announced the expansion on Tuesday, confirming that it will feature characters, weapons, cyberware, and scenes from CD Projekt Red and TRIGGER’s Netflix series. The set is slated for a spring 2027 release.
Polygon has obtained exclusive reveals of two new card illustrations, "Caught in the Crossfire" and "Adam Smasher — Story Ends Here." These pieces of art focus on significant and traumatic events from the anime, directly evoking the emotional impact of the show.
The art for "Caught in the Crossfire," created by Studio Grafit, depicts Gloria Martinez, David’s mother, in the immediate aftermath of a highway crash. The image shows her bloodied on the road amidst shattered glass and a burning vehicle, mirroring the tragic event from the anime’s first episode. The perspective closely resembles the viewpoint from the show, as if seen through David’s eyes. This depiction offers a more intimate view of Gloria's face, amplifying the heartbreak of the scene.
Gloria had been working tirelessly to afford David’s enrollment at Arasaka Academy, hoping to secure him a better future. Their car was caught in a random shootout, leading to the crash. Despite the city’s advanced technology, the Martinez family’s lack of funds meant they were not covered by Trauma Team, and Gloria ultimately succumbed to her injuries.
In contrast, "Adam Smasher — Story Ends Here," illustrated by Erik Ly, portrays the notorious Arasaka cyborg amidst smoke and wreckage, with bodies beneath his feet. While the scene shares similarities with Adam Smasher's final confrontation with David in the anime, the artwork suggests it might represent other violent encounters. The card’s title, "Story Ends Here," serves as a stark reminder of Adam Smasher’s role in crushing the aspirations of those who attempt to forge their own legend in Night City.
While the specific card mechanics remain unrevealed, speculation suggests "Adam Smasher — Story Ends Here" could be a Legend card, possibly aligning with the Red color representing raw power. "Caught in the Crossfire" might function as a flexible Program card, potentially in Green for combat manipulation.
According to WeirdCo, Burn Bright will introduce new mechanics, competitive strategies, and a new chase rarity. The expansion will launch in English and French in spring 2027, with Chinese language support to follow. Booster packs, booster displays, and prerelease kits will be available through hobby stores, with prerelease tournaments scheduled a week before the retail launch.