The Outer Worlds 2

Although it is set in the same universe as The Outer Worlds, The Outer Worlds 2 is set in a different location. Players take on the role of an Earth Directorate agent and must uncover the source of the devastating rifts that are threatening to destroy all of humanity. In this respect, the game is already more epic than its predecessor. The investigation leads to Arcadia, home to skip drive technology and many other mysteries. The colony is engulfed in a civil war, with the benevolent rule of the Protectorate being challenged by a religious order of scientists (the Order of the Ascendant) and a corporate entity (Auntie's Choice), the latter of which links control with consumption. As destructive rifts spread across the colony, each faction fights to control or close them for its own ends. In this turbulent world, where criticism of capitalism is rife (corporate power vs. individualism), players hold the fate of the Colony in their hands. Everything depends on the decisions they make and the factions they choose to trust.

The starting point is where players create their own character, and it is here that it becomes clear that the character system has been significantly refined. There are six selectable backgrounds – Ex-Convict, Gambler, Lawbringer, Professor, Renegade and Roustabout – that influence dialogue options, as well as a new traits system featuring positive characteristics such as 'heroic' or 'innovative', and negative characteristics such as 'dumb' or 'sickly'. The skills and perks (of which there are over 90) are more targeted, offering greater specialisation and impact. Character development forces players to make compromises, meaning they can't be good at everything, which makes every decision more meaningful. Depending on their actions in the game world, factions react and offer different options, including in dialogue. The Outer Worlds 2 has clearly improved in this area compared to its predecessor, especially since there are multiple solutions for missions and moral dilemmas. Relationships with the six companions are also important as they can become hostile or renegade depending on your decisions, although their facial expressions could be improved.

"Build your character with the abilities and choices that reflect your playstyle. The colony reacts to your every move, crafting a narrative that’s yours to own—whether you're a disciple of diplomacy, an astute strategist, a crusader for chaos, or something different altogether. And yes, you can dumb!" - Obsidian Entertainment

The dialogue is often witty and humorous, ranging from the mildly amusing to hilarious. There are numerous decision options that influence the course of the game. Hallmarks of the game include sarcastic remarks, eccentric characters and plenty of room for player interaction. Targeted wordplay and biting comments ensure that things remain entertaining. The decisions players make have a visible impact on the story, factions and world. Quests can be solved in various ways, such as through diplomacy, stealth, combat or technical skills. Gunplay has become more dynamic and responsive, offering solid hit feedback, though it's not quite as polished as in Cyberpunk 2077. However, the game scores points with an optional third-person perspective and many accessibility options, as is typical for Xbox. There are four open planets with open worlds containing main and side quests. The latter feature interesting characters and exciting mini-stories that bring the universe to life. However, this is not enough to conceal a certain open-world monotony, even if there are incentives to explore here and there. After completing the main quest, there is little more to experience in the world, although two DLCs have already been announced. It's also commendable that The Outer Worlds 2 doesn't feel overly bloated, with side missions taking 40–50 hours per playthrough.

Visually, the game has been significantly enhanced. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, planets, space stations, and mega-corporations' over-the-top advertising posters shine in a new splendour, all in the unique retro-futuristic art style for which the game is known.

The Outer Worlds 2 is Obsidian Entertainment's third release this year, following the RPG Avowed in February and the survival sandbox Grounded 2 (Early Access) in July. The original game, The Outer Worlds, was released in October 2019 in collaboration with Private Division, Take-Two Interactive's now defunct "indie" division for small to mid-sized studio partners. Work on the project began in 2016 under the direction of Fallout creators Tim Cain and Leonard Boyarsky. Despite Microsoft's acquisition of Obsidian Entertainment in November 2018, The Outer Worlds and its remastered edition, The Outer Worlds: Spacer's Choice Edition, were both published by Private Division. The latter was released in March 2023 in collaboration with Virtuos Games. Meanwhile, development of The Outer Worlds 2 had already begun in earnest, with Obsidian Entertainment starting pre-production on the sequel in 2019. Brandon Adler is the game director (production director on Pillars of Eternity), Matthew Singh is the design director and Leonard Boyarsky is the creative director. Tim Cain, the former co-director of the first game, is involved as a creative consultant, having left Obsidian Entertainment in 2020.

The Outer Worlds 2 was the highlight of the Xbox Holiday Release Offensive. Keeper (Double Fine Productions) was released on 17 October 2025, followed by Ninja Gaiden 4 (PlatinumGames, Team Ninja, Koei Tecmo) on 21 October and The Outer Worlds 2 (Obsidian Entertainment) on 29 October. Then, on 4 November 2025, the Age of Empires IV expansion, Dynasties of the East, will be released.

The Outer Worlds 2 will launch on 29 October 2025 for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC, PlayStation 5, Battle.net and Steam, priced at €69.99. It will be available on day one with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. A Premium Edition is also available for €99.99. This grants up to five days of Advanced Access beginning on 24 October and contains a DLC pass for two future story expansions. It also includes the Moon Man's Corporate Appreciation Premium Prize Pack, access to The Outer Worlds 2 digital artbook and original soundtrack, and the base game.

With the release of The Outer Worlds 2, Microsoft/Xbox actually wanted to raise the price of AAA productions to €80. This would have made it the first game in this price category, based on market conditions and the rising cost of development. However, after facing significant backlash from the gaming community (given that the role-playing game is anti-capitalist), Microsoft responded by reducing the price to the standard €70. The company also stated that all full-priced Xbox holiday releases would not exceed €70 in price, with the exception of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, which is published by Activision, not Xbox.

Conclusion

The Outer Worlds 2 is a well-made, typical sequel that maintains the tone of the original while expanding the game in many areas, particularly in terms of freedom of choice, approaches, and dialogue.