The countdown is nearly over. Obsidian Entertainment is set to deliver another dose of darkly humorous, anti-corporate sci-fi role-playing with the highly anticipated launch of The Outer Worlds 2 on October 29. Promising an adventure that is “bigger, bolder, and more unpredictable than ever,” the sequel invites players back into a universe where unchecked capitalism has spiraled into galactic absurdity, this time taking the fight to the brand-new colony of Arcadia.
Players will step into the boots of an Earth Directorate agent—a fresh face and a most likely handsome Commander—tasked with investigating a galaxy-spanning crisis: devastating rifts threatening to tear reality apart. This investigation leads directly to Arcadia, a colony steeped in factional warfare, where the powerful totalitarian regime of The Protectorate is locked in a three-way struggle for control with the rebellious religious order, The Order of the Ascendant, and the newly merged mega-corporation, Auntie’s Choice.
Early details from Obsidian confirm that The Outer Worlds 2 is doubling down on its RPG roots, channeling the spirit of classic role-playing with deeper systems and greater player freedom. The familiar, flexible approach to conflict remains: players can talk their way, sneak their way, or blast their way through virtually every situation. However, the combat system has received significant upgrades, including improved gunplay, better mobility like double-jumping and sliding, and the option to switch between first and third-person perspectives.
Perhaps the most exciting return is the expanded Flaw system. Players can once again accept permanent negative attributes—such as “Bad Knees” or “Kleptomaniac”—in exchange for immediate perks, a mechanic that deeply customizes each unique playthrough. Similarly, character building is said to be more impactful, with a greater focus on skills and a wealth of over 90 Perks to shape a Commander to any wild specification, from diplomatic genius to charming simpleton.
Arcadia itself is described as a vast, isolated colony founded by the inventor of skip drive technology. As the player uncovers the truth behind the mysterious rifts, they must navigate the moral—or amoral—maze of the warring factions, each of whom seeks to either close or control the rifts for their own cynical ends. A new crew of six companions, each with their own backstories and agendas, will join the Commander, with player choices drastically influencing their ultimate fates, even allowing for their demise.
The atmosphere of satirical corporate dread is set to be enhanced by a new, Fallout: New Vegas-inspired radio system. Each major faction will boast its own radio station featuring unique music and reactive DJs who will provide biased, in-universe news commentary on the player’s own actions, ensuring the galaxy not only reacts to your choices but spins them for commercial gain. With the game launching simultaneously on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5, and included day one with Game Pass, the galaxy is about to be yours to shape—or shatter—on October 29.
