"The Outer Worlds 2" Played: A Familiar Departure into the Unknown
Obsidian is hitting the right notes with "The Outer Worlds 2". Rarely has a sequel been so close to the original and yet so much better.
Obsidian Entertainment is delivering more for action RPG fans with "The Outer Worlds 2". Has the return to the satirical sci-fi universe been successful?
(Image: Obsidian Entertainment)
After about 25 hours, one could have almost played through Obsidian's “The Outer Worlds” from 2019 twice. The sci-fi adventure from the makers of “Fallout: New Vegas” was more of a short, albeit tasty, snack for role-players. With “The Outer Worlds 2,” that is now set to change. Larger areas, deeper character systems, more sophisticated action, and above all, more role-playing—Obsidian and Xbox have announced it, and yes, there is indeed more of everything. After 25 hours, we have experienced only half of the game if that. Fortunately, Obsidian has really thought about where it's worth expanding the game.
Play Me the Song of Uncontrolled Capitalism
The new setting, Arcadia, a remote galaxy at the center of ideological upheaval, serves as the starting point in “The Outer Worlds 2” for a story about space-time anomalies, competing factions, and moral dilemmas. While players in the first part were thrown out of cryosleep as unknowing settlers into the Wild West of the universe, occupied by colonizing corporations, in the second part they begin as trained commanders of the righteous Earth Directorate. However, a secret mission to investigate mysterious dimensional rifts does not go according to plan, and they are once again sent into a cryo-pod.
The Outer Worlds 2 (5 Bilder)
Obsidian Entertainment
)Ten years later, the galaxy is at war between two power blocs: the authoritarian Protectorate and the all-consuming mega-corporation “Auntie's Choice,” a fusion of the competing “Spacer's Choice” and “Auntie Cleo” from the first part. “The Outer Worlds 2” also satirizes the excesses of uncontrolled capitalism with a healthy dose of satire. However, the overarching plot about the interplanetary war scenario is somewhat darker overall. The two central factions not only differ visually and ideologically but can also actually be influenced. Our decisions affect our reputation with these groups, which in turn can change their attitude towards us, the outcome of individual quests, or even the course of the story. Choosing one side clearly excludes other options.
Companions also play a larger role. They all come from different factions, react directly to decisions, comment on events, and pursue their own goals. Those who constantly violate the principles of their team members must be prepared for loud arguments, even permanent separation. The characters differ greatly from each other, do not always agree, and are significantly more interesting than the bland cutouts of their big sci-fi RPG sibling “Starfield.” In combat, the six companions also perform well and, if assembled correctly, can noticeably compensate for one's own weaknesses.
Finally More Role-Playing
In terms of gameplay, decisions also carry more weight. The very first mission can be solved in multiple ways—whether through dialogue, violence, or technology. Compared to the first part, combat feels more direct and fluid. Weapon switching is faster, hit feedback is noticeably crisper, and the sound design contributes to a better gameplay experience. Those who specialize in ranged combat will find a system that has noticeably evolved. At the same time, the game offers new movement options, such as fast sliding, double jumps, and vertical exploration of rooftops or hidden paths. In addition, there are useful gadgets for time manipulation—V.A.T.S. from the “Fallout” series comes to mind—for making bodies disappear, or a scanner that detects invisible enemies or power lines for environmental puzzles. Players who enjoy trying out different playstyles and solutions will particularly appreciate this new variety.
Despite all the action, “The Outer Worlds 2” remains a role-playing game at its core, which is particularly evident in character creation. At the beginning, there are six backgrounds such as “Ex-Convict,” “Professor,” or “Gambler” to choose from, which primarily affect dialogue options. In combination with a positive trait—such as “genius,” which grants an additional starting skill, or “witty,” which triggers a certain basic popularity with all factions—the unchangeable part of the character sheet is set. In addition, there are twelve skills, into which more and more points can be invested with increasing experience. Players can thus develop into a rhetorically skilled thief, a lock-picking brawler, or a scientist with leadership qualities, depending on their preferences.
A lot of dedication is required when building such “builds,” as redistributing all skill points is not intended. Furthermore, the game rewards specialization, as high levels are required early on to utilize the advantages of individual skills in dialogues and puzzles. Another important aspect for role-players are the over 90 unlockable perks, which are often tied to specific skill levels or behaviors. This allows players to partially compensate for weaknesses in their build, for example, by improving combat or stealth skills with passive bonuses or adding new character traits.
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The weakness system adds additional spice. The game reacts to recurring peculiarities of our playstyle. For example, if I constantly spend all my money, the companion robot will manage finances in the future and profitably invest most of the “Bits” found for me. Although I now have less funds available, I can look forward to a real windfall later in the game. If, on the other hand, I constantly read all data logs and notes, I develop into an introverted “bibliomaniac.” While I will generally have more health points, I will be so overwhelmed by social interactions that my health bar will be reduced for two minutes after conversations. These “flaws” are optional. Once accepted, however, they remain forever and noticeably affect the gameplay experience.
Not Always Beautiful, But Appealing
“The Outer Worlds 2” is based on the Unreal Engine 5—and it shows. Light reflections, textures, explosions, and character models appear significantly more detailed than in the first part. However, the retro-futuristic style with its satirical undertone is still unmistakable. Fans of the first part will feel right at home due to the almost identical color palette alone. Ironically, the first area around Paradise Island is comparatively uninspired. The landscape appears lifeless, the sky like a static wallpaper, and the city feels recycled to those familiar with the series. This improves significantly in later sections and on other planets, but it does not leave an optimal first impression. Nevertheless, Obsidian always manages to awaken the urge to explore in me in the open areas.
Even if I tell myself time and again to concentrate on the main quests for a few hours, the game world always distracts me. Not because the map spits out a thousand question marks at me, but because the game environment is interestingly designed and sets stimuli in the right places. Sometimes alien creatures lurk behind a hill, luring us into a mysterious cave; sometimes a strange tower looms on the horizon, or a stranger calls for help. This leads to bigger or smaller adventures, but it has never felt like a waste of time so far.
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Conclusion: An All-Around Better Game
Compared to the first part, Obsidian is turning the right knobs in “The Outer Worlds 2” and noticeably enhancing both the action and role-playing components. However, it takes a few hours for the game to truly blossom. Both the story and the gameplay need some time to get going. The open-world sections are large enough to awaken the urge to explore, but not so large that they overwhelm players.
Deductions are made for the technology, which, although significantly improved compared to its predecessor, still appears somewhat dated overall—especially when considering that the . In addition to the sluggish facial expressions and sometimes flat textures, many movement animations also appear stiff. Obsidian could have also saved itself the clunky third-person perspective.
Despite minor weaknesses, it is clear that Obsidian has taken the criticism of its predecessor seriously. The new faction dynamics, the expanded character system, and the significantly improved combat controls could make “The Outer Worlds 2” a true highlight of the 2025 role-playing year.
“The Outer Worlds 2” will be released on October 29, 2025, for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC at a price of 70 Euros. Buyers of the 20 Euro more expensive Premium Edition can play starting October 24. The age rating is 18 years.
(joe)
