Summary
- The Outer Worlds 2 features parkour and dynamic combat with grenades and new enemy AI, inspired by Destiny.
- Players can customize their character with abilities impacting gameplay, recruit companions, and shape the colony's reactions.
- Obsidian's highly anticipated sci-fi RPG sequel has a 2025 release date, with day-one availability on Game Pass platforms
Obsidian has revealed a first look at The Outer Worlds 2’s combat system, showing how players will defeat their opponents in melee and at a distance. The footage shows how Obsidian is evolving the combat systems of its sci-fi RPG, ahead of The Outer Worlds 2’s official release later this year.
The Outer Worlds 2 is the highly anticipated standalone sequel to Obsidian’s 2019 sci-fi RPG, setting players in a brand-new solar system with a new cast of characters. As an Earth Directorate Agent, players will have to uncover the mystery behind rifts that threaten to destroy the Arcadia star system. Just like its predecessor, The Outer Worlds 2 features branching story paths that change the game depending on players' choices. Obsidian’s upcoming sci-fi RPG is set to release in 2025 on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, with day-one availability for Game Pass subscribers.
The Outer Worlds 2: The Argument For and Against a Level Cap
In hindsight of how controversial it was in the original game, The Outer Worlds 2 may want to completely avoid having a level cap.
In a recent interview with IGN, Obsidian shared more information about The Outer Worlds 2’s combat system. The game will feature parkour, letting players climb or slide on nearby elements and granting better mobility. Combat is more dynamic than in the 2019 game, with grenades, broader combo options, and an overhauled enemy AI that can now use cover. Players can customize their gameplay experience, whether using stealth to kill enemies before engaging in combat, leading companions to battle, or using gadgets and tools against their opponents. Obsidian looked at other games like Destiny to refine The Outer Worlds 2’s gunplay and make the combat system smoother, bringing new weapons and armor types.
The Outer Worlds 2 Combat System Is More Dynamic Than Its Predecessor
The Outer Worlds 2’s character customization plays a key role in Obsidian’s sci-fi RPG. Players can build their character with abilities that directly impact their playstyle, with a skill tree system that enhances gameplay. According to the developer, the colony will react to players’ choices, giving everyone a unique experience. Moreover, like its predecessor, The Outer Worlds 2 will let players recruit various companions with unique traits, backgrounds, and goals to assist them in combat and bring more depth to their adventures.
Despite the wealth of new combat and progression details, Obsidian has yet to announce a specific release date for The Outer Worlds 2. So far, the company has only revealed a 2025 release window, with no additional details. Since The Outer Worlds 2 is published by Xbox Game Studios, Obsidian may reveal more information during the June Xbox Showcase event. Meanwhile, players can rediscover the original The Outer Worlds, which ranks among the best futuristic open-world games.
The Outer Worlds 2
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 82 /100 Critics Rec: 87%
- Released
- October 29, 2025
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Intense Violence, Blood and Gore, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Obsidian Entertainment
- Publisher(s)
- Xbox Game Studios
