Choosing an Outer Worlds 2 background is the first thing you'll do in character creation. As for what's best, that will largely be up to you and what you think is best - mostly these create some bespoke dialogue options, and can be relevant in some situations, but they're mainly a flavor thing to get your The Outer Worlds 2 role playing of to a structured start. Below I've laid out everything you need to know about the six backgrounds you can pick so that you can make the right choice for your character
All Outer Worlds 2 backgrounds and what they do
Your Outer Worlds 2 background mainly sets up a past and backstory as to how you ended up as a commander within the Earth Directorate. You'll also sometimes get unique dialogue options and skill checks tied to the background you pick that can come in handy.
However, that means there is no real 'best' background to pick as there can be so many options, paths, and choices that it's impossible to say whether being a gambler or professor will be more useful at any given time. You will get options and benefits from whatever you pick but they're very occasional events, dependent on choices and situations.
The Outer Worlds 2 Traits have more obvious gameplay benefits during character creation and, later, the Outer Worlds 2 perks you start unlocking can have a big impact on checks and options. Whatever you go for there are also normally other ways to achieve the same outcome that a background might offer. It's best to think of them as something to help you stay in character, so just pick whatever appeals to you most rather then worrying about what's best or worst! Just bear in mind that there is no way to change your background at any point, even with your Outer Worlds 2 respec opportunity.
Here are the six Outer Worlds 2 backgrounds you can pick for your Earth Directorate Commander:
- Ex-convict: You were put behind bars by the Earth Directorate but accepted a deal to be work with them to clear your record or maybe find a chance to escape.
- Gambler: You're an extremely lucky individual whose luck finally ran out, resulting in a lost bet with agent and now you're also part of the Earth Directorate.
- Lawbringer: Suffering a difficult childhood and corporate wrongdoing growing up led you to the Earth Directorate where you sternly devote your life to bringing order to colonies and fighting for the people.
- Professor: You're an expert archaeologist whose success and questionable methods eventually led to your downfall at the hands of jealous colleagues, though the Earth Directorate scooped you up, seeing that your expertise could be put to good use.
- Renegade: A reckless mercenary with little regard for the local law who may also be on the run from previous employers, now working at the Earth Directorate to solve any past work-related problems.
- Roustabout: An unskilled labourer with greatness and expectations thrust upon them as a gunslinging Earth Directorate agent who can't help but fail upwards.
When you've chosen a background, you'll then get to choose one (or several) of Traits I mentioned, followed by a selection of The Outer Worlds Skills, with perks unlocking later as you level up.
Now that you've created your character, it's mission time, which also means you need to figure out how to use the Outer Worlds 2 intercom. And if you want to know the size of the adventure you're in for, here's how long it takes to beat The Outer Worlds 2.
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