The Outer Worlds 2 is the new action RPG from Obsidian, the same studio that also brought us Avowed and Grounded 2. It's all about having the freedom to decide how you want to save the universe as an Earth Directorate agent while promising to introduce us to a new lineup of companions, and with a host of improvements.
First confirmed back in 2021 with a short teaser, trailers and gameplay deep-dives have only built on the hype and meant it's one the most exciting new games for 2025, which you can get a better sense of in our Outer Worlds 2 review.
This guide to The Outer Worlds 2 was updated on October 30 to adding our review and guides coverage.
Outer Worlds 2 basics
If you're hoping to get in on some Outer Worlds 2 Game Pass then we've all the information you need there. And you might want to check out our how long to beat the Outer Worlds 2 guide to see how long it lasts if you're thinking of just dipping into Xbox's subscription service to play it.
Outer Worlds 2 character creation
Obviously building your character is key to this space faring action RPG so and there's a lot of things you can play with to create the hero you want to be:
And, if you're not sure about your choices then there's not great news about the Outer Worlds 2 Respec options. So choose wisely.
Outer Worlds 2 walkthroughs and choices
There's obviously a lot to do in Outer Worlds 2 and lots of ways to go around it. Things start almost immediately when you have to find the Outer worlds 2 commanders credentials. And there's a steady stream of objectives, choices and more. Like whether to use the intercom in The Outer Worlds 2? Or deciding whether you should go to security ops or central dispatch in The Outer Worlds 2. And, later, options like a Outer worlds 2 Milverstreet or Kaur choice to think about.
The Outer Worlds 2 trailers
There's been plenty of trailers to give you a look at the RPG's gameplay. The two we have here show off sci-fi player hubs, enemy encounters, tons of new shiny weapons, and some stunning environments. While the trailer below is a little more of an action-packed demonstration of what to expect.
The Outer Worlds 2 setting
The Outer Worlds 2 is set in Arcadia, an "isolated colony" that's run by authoritarian faction called the Protectorate. As explained in The Outer Worlds 2 Direct, the faction's dictatorship is said to be thematically based around the question of "how much freedom people give up for security and luxury". Founded by the inventor of the skip drives, the Protectorate is incredibly wealthy too.
As an Earth Directorate agent, we've been sent here to examine what's going on with the aforementioned Skip Drives, which are starting to damage space-time in a way that's fast getting out of hand and causing rifts. Every faction has a different reason for closing the rifts for their own separate agendas.
The Outer Worlds 2 platforms
The Outer Worlds 2 is set to come to PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PS5. While it was thought to be an Xbox Series X exclusive, Obsidian revealed it will be also be landing PlayStation's console in our first proper look at the upcoming RPG back in December 2024.
The Outer Worlds 2 gameplay
The Outer Worlds 2 is bigger and far more fleshed out in scope than the first Outer Worlds in almost every respect, from the refined approach to the perks and flaws system to the scale of the star system we'll be venturing to. Factions and companions have also received a significant upgrade, with each faction having its own radio station and plenty of reactive adjustments to aid overall immersion in the RPG.
During the extended deep dive Direct following Xbox Games Showcase, Obsidian walked us through its myriad gameplay tweaks - starting with the mechanics of shooting. Guns "feel" better in The Outer Worlds 2 – from recoil and snapping down sights, to sound effects, and there will be vast array of different ways to approach combat depending on the skills, flaws, and perks you pick that allow you tailor your style - whether the be gung-ho with goopy explosives, going stealthy, and much more.
The sequel also feature larger environments, with Obsidian setting out to "encourage exploration with improved mobility across the board". With the ability to run, slide, double-jump, and essentially parkour our way across "nooks and crannies" of the world. The game also features seamless first and third person perspective switches to really allow you to customize your experience.
The Outer Worlds 2 also sets a greater focus on Skills over Stats this time around, with 12 different skills in total that speak to your character's strengths - with the likes of Engineering and Hacking being among them. Traits will also be available which apply permanent effects to your character that work in your favor, or be more negative in nature.
it's all about options this time. There are different approaches in conversation, for example, with certain parameters such as specific skills and traits to pass particular speech checks - not unlike the first game. Or devices like the N-Ray scanning device, which lets you see through walls to detect enemies.
Obsidian has revealed there will be over 90 different perks, but, as mentioned above, you won't be able to respec your character because your choices "are permanent", so that you really have to "double down" on your character and commit to the decisions you make.
Flaws on the other hand develop as you play and give you the option to double down on something at a cost. For example, skipping text might offer up a flaw that requires you to get through conversations in a set amount of time to avoid a penalty. While Bad Knees lets you move faster, with the snag that your creaking joints might break your stealth cover at any given time.
Creative director Brandon Adler also spoke on the inspirations behind The Outer Worlds 2's gameplay in an interview with us here at GamesRadar+. As well as touching on the obvious influences of one of Obsidian's most beloved RPGs, Fallout: New Vegas, Adler also points to "the newer Deus Ex games".
For more, be sure to check out our The Outer Worlds 2 hands-on preview.
The Outer Worlds 2 NPCs
This trailer shows off the full roster of characters who will be joining us during our adventures. With six different companions, each follower is tied to a different faction and will have their own perspectives and opinions about the actions we take in the RPG.
- Niles, a fellow Earth Directorate agent
- Aza, a cultist rogue of The Glorious Dawn
- Valerie, a little robot who's tied to the Earth Directorate faction
- Marisol, a scientist who's connected to the Order of the Ascendant
- Tristian, a hammer-wielding member of the Protectorate
- Inez, a member of Auntie's Choice who uses a rifle
The Outer Worlds 2 weapons
Gunplay has been improved in "every way" for The Outer Worlds 2, Obsidian has revealed it did a full breakdown of Destiny" and got advice from the Halo team to make it feel even better this time around. There's a suite of improvements for aiming, reloading, and sound effects and throwables have been introduced for the first time, with the likes of smoke grenades, distraction devices, and science grenades that can levitate enemies.
Favorite weapons from the first game will be sticking around, too, with the Shrink Ray coming back - only instead of making an enemy smaller for a set amount of time, they'll stay downsized, which allows you kick or crush them.
New weapon types are in the game, too, with a roster of inventive and wonderfully weird guns and melee weapons to wield in the sci-fi corporate-run universe. Various examples were given for some of the unique weapons we'll get to mess around. Here's a taster of what you can expect:
- The Boarst Blaster - A big gun that fires out tumors that explode like grenades or be consumed for additional health
- Rookie's Reward - A rifle-like gun that levels up the more you use it throughout the game, and each time it levels, it will shoot out confetti in a "fun fanfare" celebration
- The Pop-Up Gun - Fires out ad drones to distract enemies with corporate slogans and jingles, and the drones can also be exploded
- The Armageddon - A science weapon that fires out little arms that stick to surfaces or people and continue to hit what they've landed on
- The Spectrum Dance Saber - a sword-like melee weapon that sees you attack to a musical beat and earn addition bonus for each hit you land in time
- The Big Bang - A big gun that uses material harvested from rifts to shoot out a giant ball of energy that vaporizes everything in its path (ammo is extremely rare)
- Bullet Blender - a gun that draws ammo directly from your inventory, so it doesn't need to reload. Uses every kind of ammo type you can get your hands on, which one it uses will change how it shoots.
- Gary - living science armor. When wearing Gary, he will lash out at foes
While we wait for more The Outer Worlds 2 details, you can read our list of the best RPG games of all time if you fancy playing some classics.
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