Is the new game from Obsidian worth a playthrough? Or is it good enough for at least three separate ones, like with any other good RPG? The Outer Worlds 2 review will explore what makes the game click and where it lacks. I’ve played every Obsidian game ever to compilation, so naturally, I have a little biased opinion about the studio’s work. However, even I can put aside my love for Western RPGs and nitpick Outer Worlds 2’s shortcomings.
Table of Contents
Outer Worlds 2 Review – A Real RPG
I’m tired of RPGs letting me max out every stat. It was great back in 2011, but now it’s diluting the role-playing elements for me. Outer Worlds 2 forces you to focus on what makes your character strong. Focus on guns and hacking, and you cannot max out lockpicking or sneak skills. The restriction results in characters that feel wildly different from each other. Yes, I restarted the game three times to get the perfect build for my sneaky-assassin girl boss.
It may feel counterintuitive, and honestly, might turn off some people who don’t want to leave any loot behind. As a fan of Ubisoft’s “clear the base” formula, it was hard for me to leave loot behind locked doors. But once I accepted that I cannot see everything Outer Worlds 2 has to offer in one playthrough, I started enjoying the game a lot more.
Specific skills and perks can only be obtained if you have a high enough level in a particular category. While yes, a lower gun level can mean you won’t deal serious raw damage, but a science person will have other ways to deal with enemies. The changes to the leveling, skills, and perks system are good, but I also understand why someone used to other RPGs might not like them.
Outer Worlds 2 Review – The Story
The story in Obsidian’s latest RPG is not going to blow you away with twists and turns; it’s the path you take yourself that’s going to impress. While I didn’t find the overall story particularly great, the side missions, the characters, and the world were good enough for me. I feel Obsidian could’ve done a lot more with it, though.
I liked the companions in Outer Worlds 2 as well. They are interesting; however, I didn’t find any Parvati-level companion in the game. Their side missions were also shorter and brisk, especially if you’ve leveled up somewhat. The banter between your companions is good to hear; it fleshes out the world more. Each companion is from some faction in the game, so naturally, they have their own likes and dislikes. Lean towards a faction more, and you might face consequences.
The side missions are well-designed and fun to play. Some critical loot is hidden behind quests, so I recommend you at least play through the side missions once to know what you need for your next playthrough. Overall, the writing and voice acting are good, and I don’t have any complaints. The game has a more serious tone than the first. There are plenty of funny moments, but the story is grounded and sometimes even dark. It’s a nihilistic space world, and it shows.
The Outer Worlds 2 Review – The Mechanics
The flaw mechanic in Outer Worlds was unique but not quite ready for prime time. Outer Worlds 2, however, comes out swinging with the flaws, and the rewards are great for a particular type of character, too. In the habit of compulsively reloading weapons even if you only fired one shot? The game offers you the Overprepared flaw, which increases magazine size but penalizes you with a -40% damage reduction for 8 seconds if you empty the magazine.
I didn’t like the armor/clothing system, though. They are OK at best and no longer give skill points. So, outside of standard leveling, you won’t be able to increase your skill level to engage with skill checks during conversation and missions. The worst part? The companions no longer give skill positives or help you outside of combat. An expert hacker just looks at the floor, while you can’t open a door by hacking.
The gunplay is vastly improved from the last game. It is not at the same level as Doom, but it is not as wonky as the previous game or Fallout 76. The slow-motion ability helps with landing shots, especially at range. The guns vary and have unique animations. Weapons also have an impact, and enemies react to the hits. Outer Worlds 2 review has to give props to the developers for stepping up their combat.
Conclusion
Outer Worlds 2 is a worthy successor to the first game. Fans of Obsidian will love the world, the RPG elements, and the characters in the game. Obsidian had a busy 2025, with Avowed releasing earlier in the year. The developers are pros at making RPGs, though, and they delivered worthy experiences. Despite its few shortcomings, the game delivers an experience worth playing. Just like any other good RPG, I immediately started my second “evil” run after the credits. Our Outer Worlds 2 review gives the game a glowing recommendation.
Overall Rating: 9/10
