Badlands

The Badlands are the vast plains just outside of Night City. Sparsely populated by Nomads, they make the city proper seem like a lush oasis in comparison.

Still, this place’s got plenty of life left in it, as well as heaps of golden opportunities for those in the know. Wherever you choose to head out here, you’re bound to run into quite a few surprises — unless they run into you first.

You see, Nomads aren’t the only ones who call Badlands their home. Wraiths, a gang made up of exiles from local tribes and families also live here, and are the main reason behind the disappearances of many a corporate transport. Everybody knows that crossing into their territory without an armed escort — and a small army — is just asking for trouble.

Unchecked resource extraction and derelict oilfields dominate in the north. The east, wastelands full of chemicals and landfills reign supreme. Acid rains resulting from the massive pollution guarantee nothing will ever grow here anytime soon, perhaps ever, while the winds carrying the unbearable stench make sure that Night City doesn’t forget this place exists.

Finally, there’s the desert to the south. It owes its much less apocalyptic vibe to the many Biotechnica protein farms, as well as the Jackson Plains power plant. You might even go as far as to think it’s safe around here, but let your guard down for a second and it’ll eat you up alive.

The Eastern Wastelands.