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Game Information

Game Title: The Outer Worlds 2

Platforms:

• Xbox Series X/S (Oct 29, 2025)
• PC (Oct 29, 2025)
• PlayStation 5 (Oct 29, 2025)

Trailer:

• The Outer Worlds 2 - Official Story Trailer | Xbox Games Showcase 2025

Developer: Obsidian Entertainment

Publisher: Xbox Game Studios

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 82 average - 90% recommended
Metacritic - 85 average (Xbox version)

Critic Reviews


ACG - Jeremy Penter - Buy

Outer Worlds 2 has a large number of improvements but it also has some open world bloat in the form of long sprints doing absolutely nothing. Also the writing can feel as if a bit of the charm is gone, where laughing from the outside worked in the original title, in the sequel it almost feels like the laughing is gone, replaced with a smirk at most. Fun shooting though!"

AltChar - Asmir Kovacevic - 85 / 100

The Outer Worlds 2 is a deeply engaging RPG shooter that excels in storytelling, character development, and immersive world-building. Its narrative depth, branching choices, and amazing companion system make it a game that can fully captivate anyone willing to invest the time. It improves on the original with better gunplay, larger scope, prettier visuals and meaningful player decisions, offering a rewarding experience that stands on its own merits.

It has some flaws, like the dull open-world environments, an abundance of text that can hamper the pacing and punishing permanent perk choices, but these are minor drawbacks that do little to overshadow the game's many strengths.

I think this one is worth your money, and it's a no-brainer if you're a Game Pass subscriber.

Atarita - Eren Eroğlu - Turkish - 82 / 100

Although The Outer Worlds 2 has its shortcomings, it was still a highly enjoyable RPG experience in which I loved spending time in its world and exploring its universe.

CNET - Oscar Gonzalez - Unscored

The Outer Worlds 2 is one of my favorite RPGs released this year, and it's so close to greatness. It has practically everything I wanted in a game (enough that I could have considered it even better than Mass Effect), but Obsidian just missed the mark with its tone. Who knows, maybe the company will figure it out with the third game in the series.

Chicas Gamers - Sergio Diaz - Spanish - 8.6 / 10

The sequel to this space-based action RPG returns with a much more interesting, straightforward story that doesn't get bogged down in trivialities. It improves on many aspects of the previous game to make The Outer Worlds 2 a well-rounded installment.

Console Creatures - Bobby Pashalidis - 9 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 is an odd game. It's bigger than its predecessor, more absurd, and fires on all cylinders, but it's also a game developed by a studio now run by a megacorporation. For all its inherent themes, it's bizarre seeing them transposed with the ongoing issues at Microsoft over the last several months. This is a game that is made by some of the best in the business, but you can deliver hit after hit and still face the chopping block. If The Outer Worlds 2 is Obsidian's swan song (which I doubt it is), then know that it's easily the studio's best game since Fallout: New Vegas and one of this year's best video games.

Dexerto - Jessica Filby - 3 / 5

After waiting six years for another crack at The Outer Worlds, it feels disappointing to be met with a sequel that is so promising but marred by a poor first half and frustrating Flaws. But the game isn't a total flop, saved by its whimsical charm, vivid dystopian subject matter, and the classic, slower, and more explorative design that Obsidian games have perfected.

Digitale Anime - Raouf Belhamra - Arabic - 9 / 10

"An RPG Masterpiece That Redefines Freedom"
The Outer Worlds 2 proves that Obsidian remains at the pinnacle of its creative game. The game doesn't reinvent the formula, but it refines it with stunning mastery. With its blend of humor and drama, complex choices, and distinctive graphics, it delivers a complete RPG experience that blends philosophy and fun. An intellectual and aesthetic journey in a corporate-controlled world, it captures the essence of Obsidian games: giving players the freedom to think and act.

Digitec Magazine - Domagoj Belancic - German - 5 / 5

"The Outer Worlds 2" is Obsidian's magnum opus. All the elements that make the studio's role-playing games so unique are implemented better than ever in the second installment of this satirical space epic. The game impresses with its graphically stunning worlds, complex game mechanics, and a great deal of flexibility. Controlling my character feels great, the weapons are wonderfully crazy, and the new gadgets are a useful addition to the already excellent combat system. It's fun to see how the game world and its inhabitants react to my decisions and sometimes even exclude me from important game content.
The relatively compact playing time is a matter of taste – it didn't bother me. On a technical level, the role-playing game performs amazingly well. The only annoying things are the menus and UI elements, which suffer from some annoying problems and bugs.

Echo Boomer - David Fialho - Portuguese - No Recommendation

Mission after mission, The Outer Worlds 2 seems to deliver on its ambitions and on the studio's vision of offering a confident, solid action RPG, with a few genuinely interesting mechanics. And I'll admit, there's a lot to like here, but it started to lost me when, for every good or interesting idea, there are two or three others that makes the game look stuck to the past holding Obsidian back from reaching higher.

Final Weapon - Saras Rajpal - 3.5 / 5

The Outer Worlds 2 is a fantastic modern RPG. The emphasis on player choice and customization, the great dialogue and characters, exceptional worldbuilding, and fun gameplay mechanics make it one of Obsidian's best games in years. However, that excitement is hindered by frustrating navigation mechanics, constant glitches, and characters that lack depth due to the absence of romances and natural speech options. While this is a great return to form for the genre, you may be better off waiting for all of the issues to be fixed in a post-launch update before buying.

GRYOnline.pl - Filip Melzacki - Polish - 6.5 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 is okay, and perhaps that is its biggest flaw – it is unable to match either its powerful rivals or New Vegas, to which it is merely derivative. In a year packed with excellent games, it's hard to justify buying it when there are so many great, cheaper RPGs out there.

Game8 - Aaron Bacabac - 90 / 100

The Outer Worlds 2 expands on everything that made the first game shine — sharper writing, bigger worlds, and richer choices — all wrapped in Obsidian's signature corporate satire. It's funnier, deeper, and far more polished, though the no-respec rule might test your patience. Still, it's a clever, confident sequel that proves refinement can be just as satisfying as reinvention.

GameBlast - Alexandre Galvão - Portuguese - 8 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 is, essentially, a safe sequel. Obsidian retained everything that made the first game so beloved—bitter humor, narrative freedom, and vibrant setting—but without venturing too far into new ideas. The result is a solid RPG, with sharp writing and a still-captivating universe, but one that may feel too familiar for those expecting something bolder.

GameOnly - Michał Marasek - Polish - 7 / 10

Video Review - Quote not available

Gameliner - Rudy Wijnberg - Dutch - 4.5 / 5

The Outer Worlds 2 is a bold, darkly funny sci-fi RPG that builds on its predecessor with richer worlds, sharper combat, and true player freedom—though a clunky interface and minor bugs keep it from perfection.

Gamepressure - Matt Buckley - 8 / 10

Obsidian's brilliant use of their flaws system in The Outer Worlds 2 makes it stand out as one of the best examples of how to encourage roleplaying in video games. Playing through this game really felt like I was breaking out of the shell that most other RPGs put me in. The world, its various factions, and characters all enhance this by encouraging you to make your own choices about who to be and what to do. Ultimately, this makes the game well worth your time, but also flawed in its own way, with occasionally frustrating combat, and a serviceable story to follow.

GamesFinest - Luca Pernecker - German - 8 / 10

With The Outer Worlds 2, Obsidian once again delivers a role-playing game full of freedom, wit, and playful depth. In areas such as quest design, dialogue, and the expanded RPG system, it is even among the best the genre currently has to offer. Unfortunately, technical issues, bland—almost forgettable—companions, and a weak final third with an abrupt ending prevent it from matching the greatness and charm of the first The Outer Worlds. What remains is a great, but not perfect, adventure that could have been a true masterpiece with a little more polish.

HCL.hr - Zoran Žalac - Unknown - 86 / 100

Finally, a proper RPG with action elements, not just an action game with role-playing features. The Outer Worlds 2 showcases impressive narrative adaptability to player choices, lacking only a bit of technical ambition and polish to rank among the best role-playing games of today.

INVEN - Kyuman Kim - Korean - 8.2 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 showcases Obsidian's RPG mastery through meaningful choices and dynamic character building, though the world lacks the vibrancy of modern open-world games.

Just Play it - Aimen TAIB - Arabic - 7.5 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 may not be suitable for all players due to its complex narrative, but it's undoubtedly a fitting choice for those seeking a deep RPG experience that demands thought and analysis. It offers you the freedom to choose a path that aligns with your own direction, both in terms of story and gameplay. However, it still suffers from several issues that need fixing.

Loot Level Chill - Mick Fraser - 9 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 is a deceptively smart Looter-shooter RPG with colourful worlds and entertaining characters, and some really satisfying, malleable combat.

MondoXbox - Giuseppe Genga - Italian - 8.5 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 improves upon its predecessor in mission design, combat, and meaningful player choice, offering a solid sci-fi RPG experience. However, it unfortunately falters in its narrative, with a lackluster story and unconvincing companions that fail to engage, leaving a technically proficient but less inspired adventure.

MonsterVine - Joe Bariso - 3.5 / 5

The Outer Worlds 2 is a serviceable RPG held back from greatness by playing it too safe and small. Too afraid to alienate players and make big swings like the setting deserves.

Nexus Hub - Andrew Logue - 8 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 proves if it ain't broke, make it bigger and prettier - a solid sequel that expands upon the first game in meaningful ways, though some fans might experience a bit of déjà vu.

One More Game - Vincent Ternida - 8 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 is a title well worth exploring, offering accessible gameplay and thoughtful quality-of-life enhancements that cater to both newcomers and returning fans. While it doesn't radically reinvent the formula, it delivers a satisfying action RPG experience that scratches the adventure itch and rewards players who engage with its missions in full.

PPE.pl - Patryk Dzięglewicz - Polish - 8 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 may not revolutionize what we saw in the first installment, but it significantly improves on familiar elements. If you're in the mood for a great space opera with a satirical twist and RPG elements, you should definitely give this shooter a try.

Pizza Fria - Leandro Felippe de Paiva Gomes - Portuguese - 8 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 manages to captivate with its charismatic cast of characters, a world that truly rewards exploration, and a good variety of approaches and choices that generate real consequences in the player's journey.

PlayStation Universe - Timothy Nunes - 9 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 excels on almost all fronts, presenting you with an open RPG that lets you choose how you progress while still keeping you on a clear path. The in-game systems allow you to customize how you play and give you versatility in the choices you make along the way. Combine that with great writing, and you have a recipe for success. Equipment menus are a bit clunky, enemy encounters can be manipulated, and the act of looting takes some getting used to. Still, none of these issues will keep you from enjoying the game. The Outers Worlds 2 is worth every penny of the $70 it asks for.

Saving Content - Scott Ellison II - 5 / 5

Obsidian Entertainment continues to make better sequels, even to their own games, and The Outer Worlds 2 surpasses the prior game in every way. Obsidian has honed in on the tone, and the anti-capitalist dark humor is much more even, and full of laugh out loud moments. Compelling companions, better combat, and rich quests makes everything feels so reactive and symbiotic to your action, or inaction. Decisions are presented to you around every corner, and with so many branching paths, it encourages experimentation and ensures you'll replay it. The Outer Worlds 2 is a stellar sci-fi RPG to be an instant classic.

Sirus Gaming - Kurt John Palomaria - 9 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 is all that I could've ever hoped it would be. Funny, smart, alive. It's packed with memorable characters, sharp writing, and art direction that'll stand the test of forever. And just like how Fallout: New Vegas was the better sequel to its predecessor (spare me the pedantry), this feels like a confident step up, even Auntie Cleo would call it character growth.

Stevivor - Matt Gosper - 8.5 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 is more of everything I liked before in The Outer Worlds, but dialled up to 110% - just like a new and improved offering from Auntie's Choice!

TechRaptor - Ashley Erickson - 7.5 / 10

While there's little wrong with The Outer Worlds 2, it doesn't have a pull that will keep players wanting to devote hours to it.

The Beta Network - Anthony Culinas - 7 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 is a good game, sometimes even a great one. However, it plays things a little too cautiously for a sequel that once promised to push boundaries. It's pretty polished, funny and loaded with charm, yet still feels content to orbit familiar territory rather than charting something truly spectacular. A solid recipe for disappointing your fans.

TheSixthAxis - Gareth Chadwick - 7 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 is a thoroughly enjoyable game, but as sequels go, it's largely more of the same. While the overarching story isn't terribly interesting, the world building around it and the colony of Arcadia is great to explore. What's disappointing is a lack of improvement in too many areas. It looks better and gunplay is better, but old snags and weaknesses from the first game remain and, more importantly, it's not as exciting and new as it was the first time round.

Too Much Gaming - Carlos Hernandez - 4 / 5

The Outer Worlds 2 isn't Obsidian displaying any major advances in game design or unique innovations that would turn heads. This is a game of solid refinement from a studio that believes so deeply in the world they created in 2019. This resulted in a cohesive and entertaining RPG that could very well solidify as one of their best works today.

Worth Playing - Chris "Atom" DeAngelus - 8 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 is a solid, engaging and enjoyable follow-up to the original game. It changes its dynamic and tone enough that it can potentially turn off people who really loved the original. At the same time, it feels like something that might work better for those who prefer their RPGs to be less goofy. There's a varied and interesting set of character builds available, and it's easy to imagine playing the game multiple times to see distinctly different outcomes for various quests. If you're looking for a solid RPG with some good meat on its bones, The Outer Worlds 2 does everything it needs to do.

XDA - Tomas Franzese - 9 / 10

It's an expertly written, socially relevant RPG about how those with wealth and power will constantly fight over control of others, even as the universe tears itself apart. Its skills and perks aren't afraid to impact your playthrough in ultra-specific ways, and its hand-crafted planets ensure the entirety of the adventure is memorable.

Xbox Achievements - Dan Webb - 80%

The release of The Outer Worlds in 2019 was one of those occasions where a game totally blindsided me. I knew Obsidian was a solid studio, but TOW, ...

XboxEra - Jesse Norris - 9 / 10

The Outer Worlds 2 is a confidently made game. It is perfectly-scoped, with excellent gameplay, writing, and voice acting. The combat and movement are the biggest step up over the original. Whether you have played that title or not, if you want a choice-heavy, narrative-rich adventure in a far-off solar system, then this game is worth a download or Game Pass, or buying outright.

 

[Sethbacca]

Honestly, mostly better than I'd have expected.

 

[Gamer_By_Proxy]

Damn capitalism!!! Now pay us more to play early!!!

 

[winjer]

 

[Ass of Can Whooping]

30% margin winner right here

 

[Jaybe]

Seems really solid aside from a slow start and some glitches

 

[Loope]

Better than i expected.

 

[Germuso]

Outer wokes, no thanks.,Ninja gayden 4 for men.

The first game is 85 on metacritic, lets see how goes.

 

[MiguelItUp]

Honestly better than I expected. I really couldn't get into the first game though, it just felt like one of the newer Fallouts but without VATS. So, immediately the gunplay felt like it was missing something, lol.

 

[DonkeyPunchJr]

Looks like the insta-death ass poke animation is still there at 4:00 (someone speculated that was just a placeholder in one of the other threads)

 

[Werewolf Jones]

Everyone is gay but it has more RPG elements than Bloodlines 2 is what I'm expecting.

 

[damidu]

not bad
but
outer worlds also has a 85 meta, and is the worst obsidian rpg by quite a margin.
so who knows

 

[analog_future]

Outer wokes, no thanks.

Ninja gayden 4

Are you like 11 years old?

 

[DonkeyPunchJr]

It's scoring about the same as Dragon Age Veilguard and we all saw how that turned out.

Will wait for the dust to settle. Maybe I'll pick it up on sale down the road if it's really a significant improvement over the original.

 

[Baemono]

I was expecting 81 on Metacritic and 85 on Open Critic, not the other way round

 

[Astray]

81 Opencritic is below what I expected tbh. Maybe it will improve as more reviews pour in?

This game really feels like it's up against it too, not only did Microsoft try pulling the $80 price tag on it, they also massively hiked GP prices and limited which tiers get access to the game day 1.

Lots of bad publishing decisions that are messing with a game that looks kinda good whenever I've seen it.

Quite a few reviewers saying they're 30 hours in or whatever, did they get the keys late or was there just too much to review?

 

[Sticks]

Worth 85 bucks

 

[Lucifers Beard]

Going to finally play through the first game on Steam Deck and then see if that's enough for me to want to play the sequel.

 

[Chukhopops]

I'm in. Will be weird to buy a MS game now that GP has expired.

 

[analog_future]

It's scoring about the same as Dragon Age Veilguard and we all saw how that turned out.

Will wait for the dust to settle. Maybe I'll pick it up on sale down the road if it's really a significant improvement over the original.

Also scoring about the same as Death Stranding, Stellar Blade, Lies of P, Helldivers 2, Hogwarts Legacy, Ghost of Tsushima, and Stray, and we all saw how those turned out.

 

[Gamer_By_Proxy]

$55 on instant gaming and loaded (aka cdkeys). Windows version, unfortunately.

 

[ShaiKhulud1989]

Just so you know, Avowed was 80.

But I'll try OW2 regardless.

 

[Sethbacca]

Going to finally play through the first game on Steam Deck and then see if that's enough for me to want to play the sequel.

It's fun enough for what it is, it's basically a less good smaller Fallout but in space.

 

[R3TRO]

Well damn

Good scores

 

[diffusionx]

I assume this game is getting 5-10 points because of the soy writing and characters.

 

[Gonzito]

$55 on instant gaming and loaded (aka cdkeys).

Windows version, not steam

As for the game I didn't like the first one and I am not sure I am trusting reviews here either. I will try it on gamepass but yeah, Obsidian when it comes to writing they are no longer there

 

[Germuso]

Are you like 11 years old?

Yes, but i am not on resetera, sorry.

 

[Gamer_By_Proxy]

Windows version, not steam

ewww! ha! didn't look that far into it, not interested in this game.

 

[Nocty]

ooof.. the writing sucking is to be expected but combat being clunky is a dealbreaker..

 

[DonkeyPunchJr]

Also scoring about the same as Death Stranding, Stellar Blade, Lies of P, Helldivers 2, Hogwarts Legacy, Ghost of Tsushima, and Stray, and we all saw how those turned out.

I'm comparing it to the reviews of another story/character-driven WRPG from a studio with strong left political leanings + published by a massive publisher. I think that is a pretty good comparison.

If the point you're making is that it's hard to make a judgment based on an 80-ish aggregate score then yeah I agree with you.

 

[Humdinger]

Also scoring about the same as Death Stranding, Stellar Blade, Lies of P, Helldivers 2, Hogwarts Legacy, Ghost of Tsushima, and Stray, and we all saw how those turned out.

Yeah, most big games seem to score in the mid-80s range. Hard to tell much based on that score alone.

p.s. However, I think it's relevant that the first game also scored the same/similar. I'm someone who thought the first game was mediocre and forgettable, so getting the same score as its predecessor doesn't give me much hope. But if you're someone who liked the first, you'll probably like this, too.

 

[unfashionable]

Wish they went into more detail in the review but am a bit concerned with stealth comments

The stealth system still needs finer balancing at higher levels

 

[BigBeauford]

If Mort, who said DA:V was his GOY, states the companions are a letdown, they must be omega annoying and unfunny.

 

[Darsxx82]

Very solid reviews.

 

[CrimsonTide]

$55 on instant gaming and loaded (aka cdkeys). Windows version, unfortunately.

ouch windows version? wtf HELL NAW

 

[Arachnid]

Veilguard had an 82 from these people. Avowed had an 80s range score too.

Gamepass tryout at best.

 

[Magic Carpet]

If Mort, who said DA:V was his GOY, states the companions are a letdown, they must be omega annoying and unfunny.

The first game had decent companions but it seems all the stories could be comleted in an afternoon of playing. Very short for each of them.

 

[winjer]

Looks like the insta-death ass poke animation is still there at 4:00 (someone speculated that was just a placeholder in one of the other threads)

And he also got several game breaking bugs, that forced him to lose or skip a few side missions.
Combat seems to be very unbalanced. At points to easy, other times very hard and time consuming.
Seems like this game will need several patches to be playable.
And the ending is a disappointment.

 

[sloppyjoe_gamer]

So lots of rainbow stuff, and references to "eViL TrUmP aND CaPiTaLiSm iS BaD GRRRRRRRRRRR" is what im expecting. Sad that you can't trust Western Devs at all anymore.

 

[vaibhavpisal]

Seems a bit higher than I expected.

Doesn't matter, its on gamepass so will try it anyways.

 

[Gamer_By_Proxy]

ouch windows version? wtf HELL NAW

I forgot to check the DRM first . . . I should just save the page with steam filtered or something

 

[phant0m]

I really enjoyed the 1st game, stoked this came out well.

 

[corgiix3]

i wonder if this a veilgaurd and avowed 80s game lol

 

[DonkeyPunchJr]

And he also got several game breaking bugs, that forced him to lose or skip a few side missions.
Combat seems to be very unbalanced. At points to easy, other times very hard and time consuming.
Seems like this game will need several patches to be playable.
And the ending is a disappointment.

First game had some wacky difficulty balance as well. I remember thinking early game was hard + punishing but it kept getting easier. Last 1/3 of the game the combat was painfully boring. I could end any encounter by just charging in and unloading my clip at point blank into the enemy's face.

Anyway I didn't watch the whole video yet, will keep watching.

 

[Punished Miku]

Seems solid enough. Got to wrap up the last of part 1 then start this in a week. Seems about what I expected. Improved over the first, particularly the combat.

After Avowed I knew it would look good and play well. Just was wondering if they stick the landing on story. Seems like its not an exceptional story but decent. Definitely good enough to give it a shot.

 

[digoutyoursoul]

The first game was alright and it's nice to see they put in a third person option this time around , like a lot of Xbox's games in recent times I haven't much urge to play it right away.

 

[MidGenRefresh]

If you enjoy shooting and looting, it's probably an 8. If you're looking for a real RPG, it's most likely closer to a 5.

 

[SmokSmog]

 

[CrimsonTide]

I forgot to check the DRM first . . . I should just save the page with steam filtered or something

It's Steam or nothing unless it's GOG and far cheaper

 

[nani17]

Would have loved if they made another Fallout instead of this but I'll still play it