The Outer Worlds 2: Everything we know so far about Obsidian's new RPG

We just got a ton of The Outer Worlds 2 gameplay and features news from Xbox Game Showcase 2025. The upcoming adventure from Fallout: New Vegas and Avowed developer Obsidian Entertainment follows up on the 2019 original with a litany of tweaks and new additions, from flaws like Bad Knees and Cataracts to an expanded companions system. Not only that, the show also confirmed an Outer Worlds 2 release date straight off the bat - and it's coming this October.

Set to bring us to a new star system with fresh companions to meet and get to know, the deep-dive look at The Outer Worlds 2 following the Xbox Showcase gave us the most in-depth look at the new game yet. We've got plenty of detail on that just below, but if you weren't excited about The Outer Worlds 2 already, suffice to say that the deep dive proved why it's one of the most intriguing (not to mention best-looking) upcoming Xbox Series X games this year.

Happily, the sci-fi RPG will also be landing on Xbox Game Pass and PS5, too. The Outer Worlds 2 isn't the only upcoming Obsidian game coming soon, with Grounded 2 also in the works, but that's a topic for another article. Now read on below to find an overview of everything we know so far about The Outer Worlds 2 following its stellar showcase.

The Outer Worlds 2 release date confirmed

The Outer Worlds 2 release date is set for October 29, 2025.

The release date was officially confirmed during the Xbox Game Showcase 2025, with a new trailer dropping (which you can watch above) ahead of the dedicated Direct. The October date came after we got a 2025 launch window last year during The Game Awards 2024.

While we await its arrival later this year, check out Obsidian's latest release with our Avowed review.

The Outer Worlds 2 trailers

A new Outer Worlds 2 trailer dropped during The Game Awards 2024, and it finally gives us a look at the upcoming RPG's gameplay. With a funny voice-over accompanying the footage, we see some sci-fi player hubs, enemy encounters, tons of new shiny weapons, and some stunning environments. You can watch the clip for yourself above to see all the action play out.

This more action-packed trailer came after the initial Outer Worlds 2 reveal trailer dropped back in 2021, which you can see just below.

The Outer Worlds 2 setting 

The Outer Worlds 2 is set in Arcadia, an "isolated colony" ruled by gangs known as factions. We've been sent here to examine what's going on with the Skip Drives, which are starting to damage space-time in a way that's fast getting out of hand. With Arcadia governed by so many warring factions though, each with their own agenda, we'll have to play our cards right if we want to achieve our mission goal.

On top of the distinct Fallout vibe, The Outer Worlds 2 takes on a World War 1 flavor. Specifically, "World War 1-like setting in space." Arcadia feels militarized, with the game itself taking a step beyond satirizing corporations to put governments under the microscope, too.

The Outer Worlds 2 platforms

The Outer Worlds 2 is set to come to PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PS5. While it was thought to be an Xbox Series X exclusive, Obsidian revealed it will be also be landing PlayStation's console in our first proper look at the upcoming RPG back in December 2024.

The Outer Worlds 2 gameplay

Everything we've seen of The Outer Worlds 2 gameplay shows it as generally bigger and far more fleshed out in scope than the first, especially when it comes to the refined approach to the perks and flaws system. Factions and companions have also received a significant upgrade, with each faction having its own radio station and plenty of reactive adjustments to aid overall immersion in the RPG.

During the extended deep dive following Xbox Games Showcase, Obsidian walked us through its myriad gameplay tweaks - starting with the mechanics of shooting. Guns "feel" better in The Outer Worlds 2 – from recoil and snapping down sights, to sound effects. There are plenty of new weapons in store, too, and plenty of new weapon types - including a gun that blasts tubers which explode like grenades (or get eaten by the player). Your favorites from the first game will be sticking around too though. For example, yes, the shrink ray is back for The Outer Worlds 2. The game will also feature seamless first and third person perspective switches to really allow you to customize your experience.

We also see how there are different approaches in conversation, with certain parameters such as skills in Medicine to pass particular speech checks - not unlike the first game. The quest also involves a puzzle making use of a device known as the N-Ray scanning device, which lets you see through walls to detect enemies. It looks like we're going to have lots of different means to approach situations both in and out of combat, in true Obsidian RPG form.

As detailed in an IGN First preview, The Outer Worlds 2 is set to put a greater focus on Skills over Stats this time around, with 12 different skills in total that speak to your character's strengths - with the likes of Engineering and Hacking being among them. Traits will also be available which act apply permanent effects to your character that work in your favor, or be more negative in nature.

We'll also see the return of Perks and Flaws, with the latter being more responsive to the way you play this time around - with one example given speaking to players that skip dialogue often, which can offer up a flaw that requires you to get through conversations in a set amount of time if you want to avoid a penalty. Another, Bad Knees, sees players moving faster for the duration of the game with the snag that your creaking joints might break your stealth cover at any given time.

Not unlike the first game, it sounds like The Outer Worlds 2 is tapping into some role-play goodness in own signature way, with all of its systems offering up ways to immerse yourself in your character's space boots - and a hefty dose of humor to boot.

While we wait for more The Outer Worlds 2 details, you can read our list of the best RPG games of all time if you fancy playing some classics.