After years of anticipation, Obsidian Entertainment has finally delivered The Outer Worlds 2, and it's safe to say the wait was worth it. Released on October 29, 2025, this sequel to the beloved 2019 RPG not only fixes the original's shortcomings but elevates the franchise to new heights with sharper writing, improved combat, and a more expansive universe that truly captures the essence of what made Fallout: New Vegas so memorable.
A Corporate Dystopia That Hits Different
The Outer Worlds 2 continues the story from where the first game left off, throwing players back into the kafkaesque nightmare of corporate-controlled space colonies. If the original game was Obsidian dipping their toes into satirical sci-fi, the sequel is a full dive into the deep end of corporate absurdity. The writing has evolved from clever quips to genuinely thought-provoking social commentary that feels more relevant than ever in 2025.
The narrative follows your character as they navigate a three-way faction war that makes every decision feel consequential. Unlike many modern RPGs that offer the illusion of choice, The Outer Worlds 2 delivers genuine consequences for your actions, whether you choose diplomacy, violence, or the chaotic middle ground that Obsidian games are famous for.
Gameplay That Actually Evolved
Combat Finally Feels Right
The most immediate improvement in The Outer Worlds 2 is its combat system. While the original felt serviceable but unremarkable, the sequel delivers gunplay that rivals dedicated shooters. Weapons now have proper recoil, satisfying sound design, and visual feedback that makes every shot feel impactful.
The arsenal has been significantly expanded with creative weapons like goo pistols and energy scythes, plus grenades that can be detonated mid-air using the game's signature time dilation mechanic. Melee combat has been completely overhauled with dynamic moves, drop-kicks, and brutal finishers that make close-quarters combat a viable and entertaining option.
Stealth Gets the Love It Deserves
Stealth mechanics have received a major upgrade with new takedown animations and silent elimination options that make infiltration missions genuinely engaging. The addition of the N-Ray scanner device allows players to see enemies through walls and detect cloaked opponents, adding tactical depth that was sorely missing from the original.
Exploration Worth Your Time
The Outer Worlds 2 features significantly larger environments that encourage exploration without feeling like empty open-world padding. The improved mobility system, including running, sliding, and double-jumping, makes traversal enjoyable rather than tedious. Each location feels purposeful, with meaningful side quests and environmental storytelling that rewards curious players.
Technical Excellence and Visual Fidelity
Obsidian has clearly learned from the technical issues that plagued the original game's launch. The Outer Worlds 2 runs smoothly across all platforms, with only minor frame hiccups reported in some reviews. The game's retrofuturistic art direction has been refined to create vibrant, detailed worlds that blend sci-fi western aesthetics with corporate dystopian themes.
The seamless transition between first and third-person perspectives allows players to customize their viewing experience, though some reviews note that third-person mode feels less polished than the first-person perspective.
RPG Systems That Respect Your Time
Character Progression Done Right
The perk and flaw system returns with significant improvements. Character builds feel more distinct and meaningful, with skills that dramatically change how you approach challenges. Whether you want to talk your way out of situations, hack every terminal, or simply shoot everything that moves, the game provides viable paths for different playstyles.
Companion Relationships Matter
Your crew aboard the Unreliable feels more integral to both gameplay and narrative. Each companion has their own character arc, unique abilities in combat, and meaningful input during major story decisions. The faction system has been expanded, with each group having its own radio station and reactive elements that make the world feel alive.
What Works Exceptionally Well
The Outer Worlds 2 excels in areas where many modern RPGs falter. The dialogue system offers genuine variety in how you can approach conversations, with skill-based options that feel meaningful rather than cosmetic. The game's willingness to let you kill important NPCs and deal with the consequences creates a sense of freedom that's increasingly rare in the genre.
The humor strikes a better balance than its predecessor, moving beyond simple corporate satire to explore deeper themes about human nature, capitalism, and survival in an uncaring universe. Side quests feel purposeful rather than like busy work, each contributing to the larger narrative or character development.
Areas for Improvement
Despite its many strengths, The Outer Worlds 2 isn't without flaws. Enemy AI, while improved from the original, can still feel predictable and easily exploitable. Some players may find certain areas suffer from open-world bloat, with extended periods of travel that feel less purposeful.
The game's ambitious scope occasionally works against it, with some reviewers noting that certain gameplay elements feel like they could have been pushed further. Additionally, while the third-person mode is a welcome addition, it feels underdeveloped compared to the polished first-person experience.
Performance and Platform Considerations
The Outer Worlds 2 is available on multiple platforms, including day-one access on Xbox Game Pass, making it incredibly accessible for subscribers. PC performance is solid, with most technical issues being minor rather than game-breaking. Console versions reportedly run well, though some minor optimization issues have been noted.
Replayability and Content Value
With over 65 hours of content for completionist players and multiple branching storylines based on faction choices, The Outer Worlds 2 offers excellent value for money. The improved choice and consequence system makes multiple playthroughs feel distinct rather than repetitive.
The faction war system provides genuine replay value, as different allegiances lead to dramatically different story outcomes and gameplay experiences. This isn't a game where you'll see everything in one playthrough, which is exactly what RPG fans want.
Final Verdict: Peak Obsidian
The Outer Worlds 2 represents Obsidian firing on all cylinders. It's the mature, confident sequel that the original deserved to be, fixing nearly every complaint players had while expanding the scope and ambition in meaningful ways. The game successfully captures the spirit of classic Obsidian RPGs while modernizing the formula for contemporary audiences.
Is it worth playing in 2025? Absolutely. Whether you're a returning fan or new to the franchise, The Outer Worlds 2 delivers one of the year's best RPG experiences. It's smart, sharp, and full of heart—exactly what we've come to expect from the creators of Fallout: New Vegas.
With its availability on Game Pass, there's never been a better time to experience Obsidian's vision of corporate space hell. The Outer Worlds 2 doesn't just meet expectations; it exceeds them in ways that remind us why story-driven RPGs remain one of gaming's most important genres.
Final Score: 9/10 - A masterful sequel that elevates every aspect of the original while delivering one of 2025's must-play RPG experiences.
