Chris InglisObsidian Entertainment returns to satirical sci-fi with The Outer Worlds 2, delivering a sequel that is more polished, refined, and engaging than the 2020 original. The action shifts from the Halcyon colony to the sprawling, corrupted star system of Arcadia. The core strengths of the first game return with sharp writing and deep companion relationships, but many of the gameplay systems have been refined to feel like you are more in control of progression and what and who you engage with.
You play as an agent of the Earth Directorate, dispatched to Arcadia to investigate a catastrophic rift event that has isolated the colony from the rest of the galaxy. After the prologue mission, you end up on a world on the brink. Three major factions of Auntie’s Choice, the Protectorate and the Order of the Ascendancy are all vying for control. The main quest is a blend of political intrigue and revenge, with your choices shaping not just the fate of Arcadia, but the lives of everyone you encounter. The writing balances wit and humour with a darker tone, giving the satire a razor-sharp edge and making every conversation and decision feel impactful.
You’ll start The Outer Worlds 2 by customising your character’s appearance and selecting a background. such as ex-convict, scientist, or gambler which unlocks unique dialogue options and influences how NPCs react to you. Next you can choose up to two positive traits, however If you pick two, you must also select a permanent negative trait. I whimped out on that option and whichever options you choose will provide you with dialogue options and alternate methods to solve environmental challenges and puzzles.
As you level up, the game will offer you additional negative traits based on your gameplay style. Take enough damage from a certain enemy type and you might be offered a flaw that makes you more vulnerable to them in exchange for a positive perk. This system means you can fully craft a character that reflects your choices and playstyle giving you creative control to bolster the storylines being played out around you.
Companions in The Outer Worlds 2 are a highlight, each with their own backstories, motivations, and unique abilities. You begin your journey with Niles, a fellow Directorate agent whose engineering skills allow you to craft and modify gear from anywhere. This means I wasn’t constantly returning to towns or hunting around for workbenches. Valerie is an automech support drone that provides healing and damage reduction.
All companinons have a special skill that has a cooldown that can help you get out of the many pickles you will find yourself in, especially if you try to sneak into areas too soon. As you progress the game, you will recruit four more companions, each representing different factions and philosophies. Your choices can influence their loyalty, and companions may even confront or leave you if your actions clash with their values.
Combat is vastly improved with a huge arsenal of customisable weapons from pistols and SMGs to rifles and melee weapons. Modular attachments and new mobility options like slowing down time makes firefights frantic and satisfying. Stealth mechanics have been expanded, and the game now enforces real consequences for going loud. If you trigger hostility with a faction, this can last up to 3 days and you could find yourself with a bounty on your head, turning future visits into tense stealth missions. You can even find enhancements for your healing inhaler that will give you buffs and other advantages.
Arcadia’s worlds are vast, vertical, and exploration is always rewarded with loot, side quests and vistas that caused me to pause for a screenshot often. Detours lead to random encounters, and terminals or devices that contain clues for future quests or unlock new dialogue options. This sense of discovery makes every journey feel important, and the abundance of loot and resources ensures you’re always finding something useful or intriguing.
The voice acting is superb with every character delivering believable performances that bring the area around them to life. The companions are standouts with witty banter and emotional depth. The music, composed by Justin E. Bell, is atmospheric and expertly placed, shifting seamlessly from tense exploration to frantic combat and back again. Sound design, from ambient noises to the satisfying clunk of a modded rifle, further immerses you in Arcadia’s beauty and the premise of the characters met.
Overall, The Outer Worlds 2 exceeded my expectations with meaningful character progression, rewarding exploration, and top tier writing and voice acting. This is far and above one of the best RPGs I have played this year. Whether you are looking for the wit and satire, the engaging story, or the freedom to shape your own character and those you meet, Arcadia is a world worth losing yourself in.
This review utilised an Xbox key provided by Microsoft and The Outer Worlds 2 launches on October 29, 2025, on Steam, Xbox and PlayStation 5.
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Johnny