Best Perks Guide

Character Creation Guide

The Outer Worlds 2 Review

Patch Notes ♦ DLC ♦ Controls ♦ Combat ♦ Difficulty Settings ♦ FAQ ♦ All Choices and Consequences ♦ Codex

Stats ♦ Character Creation ♦ Backgrounds ♦ Perks ♦ Skills ♦ Traits ♦ Flaws ♦ Reputation ♦ Builds ♦ Buffs and Debuffs

Weapons ♦ Unique Weapons ♦ Armor ♦ Unique Armor ♦ Workbench ♦ Items ♦ Mods

Locations ♦ Quests ♦ Companions ♦ NPCs ♦ Enemies ♦ Factions ♦ Lore ♦ Maps ♦ Incognito Ship ♦ Ship Pets ♦ Vending Machines ♦ Rift Anomalies

Walkthrough ♦ Game Progress Route  ♦ Trophy & Achievement Guide ♦ Getting Started Guide ♦ All Science Adventures Quarterly Locations ♦ All Mural Fragments Locations ♦ Character Creation Guide ♦ Builds ♦ Endings

What is The Outer Worlds 2?

The Outer Worlds 2 is the sequel to the critically acclaimed The Outer Worlds, a single-player open world RPG, with first-person tactical shooter elements akin to the Fallout franchise. The original game was set in a distant alternate future where mega-corporations have dominated society and have begun colonizing space. You play the role of a colonist known as the Stranger, who awakens on a colonist ship that was lost in transit to Halcyon, the newest and furthest colony from Earth, where a conspiracy is brewing and threatening to destroy the galaxy. As the world's power-hungry factions vie for supremacy, the Stranger is thrust into action, with their choices determining the fate of Halcyon and its denizens. In the corporate equation for the colony, you are the unplanned variable.

The Outer Worlds 2 is set to retain many aspects  and systems from the original game, including its first-person tactical shooter-style gameplay, but will feature an all-new story, protagonist, cast of characters and will take place in an entirely new star system within the Outer Worlds universe. Expected to make a return are mechanics such as Attributes, Skills, Perks and Flaws, with special and unique Weapons and Armor, as well as a variety of Mods and Crafting. Other trademark aspects of the series are a single-player and story-driven narrative game, with many Quests and Factions to explore as you discover new alien species and uncover new plots. Important decision-making elements which affect the world, storyline outcomes and endings are also expected to make a return.

When was The Outer Worlds 2 announced?

The Outer Worlds 2 was announced on July 13, 2021 during the Xbox and Bethesda joint presentation at E3. The announcement was made with a very self-aware trailer that poked fun at the concept of videogame trailers, utilizing common cliches to effectively reveal that the game is in development — but not much else. The narrator humorously incorporates into the trailer that "the developers have not finished the design, finished the story, or finished any gameplay that's actually ready to show". As a sequel to The Outer Worlds, however, it's safe to say that The Outer Worlds 2 will follow in the footsteps of the original game, retaining its open world RPG/tactical shooter elements with an emphasis on a player-driven story. The game's official tagline revealed via Twitter and Obsidian's website states "New star system. New crew. Same Outer Worlds.", implying an entirely new story taking place in new locations within the same Outer Worlds universe.

The Outer Worlds 2 PC System Requirements

Recommended Specs

• Requires a 64-bit of processor and operating system
• OS: Windows 10/11
• Directx Version: TBC
• Processor: TBC
• Memory: TBC
• Graphics Card: TBC
• Storage: TBC

Minimum Specs

• Requires a 64-bit of processor and operating system
• OS: Windows 10/11 with updates
• DirectX Version: Version 12
• Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 2600 / Intel i5-8400
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• Graphics Card: AMD RX 5700 / Nvidia GTX 1070 / Intel Arc A580
• Storage: 110 GB available space
  • Additional Notes: SSD Required. Performance will improve on higher specs.

Niles

Niles is an agent who is torn between choosing loyalty and morality. In The Outer Worlds 2, Niles represents the Earth Directorate faction. And players will have the option to force him to be a loyal companion or become someone who is in favor of reform. Niles will have his own unique abilities, motivations, equipment, backstory, and faction. Players will have the option to recruit Niles in their party or crew, who will aid them during combat, conversations, and influence, so they can unfold Nile's story and where he is coming from.

You must also remember that in order for Niles to stick with your side, your goals should align with Niles's, or he might leave your party or crew hanging if he finds your choices and decisions not favorable on his side. You must understand what motivates Niles in order to maximize his abilities and equipment builds. When it comes to Nile's combat fight style, he is more of a tactical support and dialogue-driven influencer. And based on the Trailer that was released at Gamescom 2025, Niles will have Pros and Cons. Niles will be having Pros: Can fix your s**t and Cons: Can't Commit to a Hobby.

Val

Val or Valerie is a type of advanced automech drone, which almost has the same function just like SAM in the previous franchise, which is The Outer Worlds. Val is the representation of the Earth Directorate when it comes to technological advancement. Val offers several unique support abilities, AI driven personality that makes her efficient and effective during combat. Like all other Companions in the game, Val will also have her own unique abilities, background, equipment preferences, as well as her faction alignment. You will have the option to shape Va's story based on your choices, decisions, combat, and dialogues.

Val is going to be an excellent choice for players who rely on tech-based builds, as Val specializes in hacking, disabling enemy techs, and providing buffs during combat. Val's combat style also complements heavy weapons or even range builds, which will provide you with a tech backbone during your offensive approach. During the trailer that was released at Gamescom 2025, Val is going to have her own Pros and Cons. Val will be having Pros: Healing and Damage Reduction, and Cons: Using Big Needles and Poor Bedside Manner.

Marisol

Marisol is one of the most intruiging Companions in The Outer Worlds 2, as she is known as the deadly mathematician and also an assassin that is tied to the Order of the Ascendant faction. Marisol also provides unique skills, gear preferences, and moral priorities to her crew or party in the game. Same with the other Companions in the game, you will have the option to bring Marisol to your aid when it comes to crucial battles and conversations. You will uncover Marisol's backstory based on your decisions and choices. But also keep in mind that if ever Marisol finds your decisions and choices not aligned with her goals, she will not blindly follow your orders and may leave your crew or party during critical moments. And for you to make the most of Marisol's strength, try to equip her with builds that will complement and align with her values.

And when it comes to Marisol's combat fight style, she is more of a range type or an assassin that deals high damage to single-target enemies. Marisol is a great choice for players who are stealthy in certain ranges and perform melee kills, or a high burst of damage once they bring Marisol to the party. And based on the trailer that was released at the Gamescom 2025, Marisol will have her own Pros and Cons. Marisol will be having Pros: Torpifies Enemies and Cons: Withering World-Weary Wit.

Aza

Aza is tied with The Glorious Dawn faction, which provides her with one of the darkest and mysterious backstories in The Outer Worlds 2. Aza's story will be shaped based on your decisions and choices, you can push Aza to be more on the violent side or make her choose the pacifist path. Just like with your other Companions, Aza will have her own unique motives, skills, gears, equipment preferences, and loyalties. And when it comes to your choices and decisions, these will greatly affect Aza's loyalty, as your decisions can make her stick with your side or leave your part or crew when you make bad decisions that will lead to her betrayal in the process. So, you must understand and evaluate Aza's goals in order to optimize her abilities and capabilities, which will make her very crucial and effective during battles.

When it comes to Aza's role and her abilities, her combat fighting style is more focused on melee attacks, specializing in sword or dagger-type weapons, so she can inflict maximum damage to her enemies. Aza is also a great choice for players who prefer melee combat, as Aza can wield brutal melee power, which makes her very effective and efficient in close combat encounters. And based on the trailer that was released at the Gamescom 2025, Aza will also have her own Pros and Cons. Aza will be having Pros: Bloodthirsty Pychosis and Cons: Bloodthirsty Psychosis.

Inez

Inez is someone who survived Auntie Cleo's brutal experiments, wherein they are trying to combine exotic animal parts into their soldiers so they can become more powerful. This makes Inez a hybrid human that has the traits of certain animals. And when Inez survived the experiments, she sought out the people responsible for those brutal experiments and wanted to get her revenge on them. Inez will be providing a mix of healing and offensive abilities that will aid you during combat, making her a very valuable ally.

Inez is a mercenary type of character who is great at using long-range weapons during combat. Just like with the other Companions, Inez also offers unique combat abilities, faction ties, and moral boundaries. Inez can be a powerful companion during your battles, however, she may also leave your crew or party if she finds your choices and decisions not aligned with hers. You must understand and keep in mind that mastering Inez's motivations and equipping her with the right gear will keep her on your side. During Gamescom 2025, it was revealed that Inez will be having Pros and Cons. Her Pros: Field Medicine, Formidable Graft, and Cons: Didn't Take Hippocratic Oath. The trailer also shows that Inez is going to be a long-range type companion who wields sniper rifles, which will make her very effective when it comes to long-range battles.

Tristan

Tristan will serve as a lawful powerhouse for the Protectorate faction, who acts as the judge, jury, and executioner. Tristan, being a tanky and melee-heavy companion, is best suited for players who need a frontliner that can absorb and deal damage all at once. Tristan will also be the one who provides order and will act as your justice companion, and depending on your decisions and choices, he may side with your goals or leave you hanging, and in order to keep Tristan with your side, your goals must always align with him, so you must understand where he is coming from and wha motivates him.

Just like with the other Companions in the game, Tristan will also have his own distinct backstory, role in combat, and moral motivations. When you battle enemies and negotiate peace, Tristan will react depending on your choices and decisions, which can make him stick or leave your crew if his beliefs are not aligned with your goals. In order for Tristan to stick with your side, you must understand his motivations and goals, as this can make a big difference when it comes to getting a loyal ally or a companion that will leave you behind. When it comes to Tristan's role and abilities, he is going to be more of a tank rather than someone who deals high damage to enemies. Tristan is an excellent choice, especially if you pair him with Ine,z, which complements her healing abilities, providing balance to your party. Based on the trailer that was released at the Gamescom, Tristan will also have his own Pros and Cons. Tristan will be having Pros: Blunt (like his hammer) and Cons: Holier-Than-Thou Attitude. With Tristan's tanking capabilities, he will be more effective and efficient for long battles.

Fewer Skills but More Perks

In The Outer Worlds 2, there will be fewer Skills to choose from compared to TOW 1. However, according to the developers, Obsidian Entertainment, they deliberately designed it to condense the skills to the core essence, which streamlines the gameplay. Skills are also more impactful than ever- points that are used for the Skills will give higher value compared to small percentage changes. Skills also unlock related Perks, that are exclusive to it. This means that having a single point in just one skill can open up a lot of opportunities and interactions in the world.

The Perks in TOW 2 are inspired by the Perk System in Fallout: New Vegas. Perk Points are acquired every two (even) levels and these are used to level up or increase certain Perks. There may also be additional Perk types like Companion Perks, Special Perks, Regular Perks, etc.

Important Choices in Character Creation

When making a character in The Outer Worlds 2, the player will make important choices that will affect their core gameplay. The following are:

• Traits
• Skill
• Perks

These choices are made at the start, especially Traits. Traits determine the type of character you will be playing as, and will deeply affect your starting point and gameplay. There are also two types of Traits: Positive and Negative. Traits also have connection to other traits, wherein choosing one trait may affect others. The biggest example of this is "Dumb", a negative trait. Choosing this trait will lock out 5 of the 12 available skills, but this option will also open up a whole new way of gameplay that is unique to "Dumb" trait. Your next choice is Skills. These skills allow the player to build up on their preferred playstyle (Traits) and will affect the player character's approach to completing quests and solving problems.

Skills are also improved continually as players progress in the game, and a chosen skill will also become a "specialization", which will open up new perks and abilities for the player character. Developers also confirmed that there will be no respec in the game.

The Outer Worlds 2: A Continuation But Better

The Outer Worlds 2 continues the stage that was set by the prequel, Outer Worlds, having all elements in an RPG: Diverse characters, deep history and lore, creativity, choices, and reactivity. In Outer Worlds 2, the game will have even more of the same features and improve on those. Players will be given more options in terms of solving problems, completing tasks, and delivering quests. The trailer shows the current situation, 1,027 days after the Arcadia Invasion, where a brand new yet-to-be-named colony is engulfed in a factional war between a religious order and a corporate invasion.

Play as an Earth Directorate in A New Colony

The Outer Worlds 2 player now has a role: You are an Earth Directorate under the rule and order of the Arcadia. Your responsibilities are to protect the colony and secure this brand-new location that you are assigned to. However, you will create a character that will suit your playstyle most, from the Background, to Traits, Skills, and of course, their Appearance. The Outer Worlds 2 will not dictate how you play the game, and the decision on how to approach or solve various scenarios is entirely up to you.

Choose Your Traits Wisely

During the Character Creation mode, one of the important choices that you're going to make is deciding the Traits of your character. There are 2 kinds of Traits: Positive and Negative traits. Positives will give you different advantages in different aspects of the game, like Combat, Exploration, and NPC Interactions, whereas the Negatives will unlock different approaches to different situations. One of the most beloved traits, Dumb, is returning to Outer Worlds 2. Your chosen traits will ultimately define how your character will behave in the world and how you can interact with the situation around you.

Your Fight, Your Weapons

In Outer Worlds 2, the Earth Directorate's arsenal receives an expansion. Matt Singh, the Gameplay Director in Obsidian mentioned briefly about classes and their possibly assigned Equipment. There are weapon specialists or Gunslingers, stealth killers like Rogues, experimental gadgets for Mad Scientists, and others. This points to a gameplay in Outer Worlds 2 that may feature Equipment that is tied to certain gameplay. 

Factions in The Outer Worlds

The story of The Outer Worlds will take a few Earth years after the first game's ending. In Arcadia Day 1,027, you will be playing as an agent of the Earth Directorate, whose responsibility is to ensure the safety of Arcadia and to solve the problems arising from the rifts that are causing a disturbance. Aside from the Earth Directorate, there are also other factions that are vying for control or have other plans for these rifts. The Protectorate wants to close the rifts that are cutting off the trade routes between other colonies. The Order of the Ascendant wants to close it for the greater good, while the capitalists, or better known as Auntie's Choice in the game, want to harness these rifts to gain control over the trade routes (and profit from it).

There are also smaller factions like the one that Aza belongs to, which are worshippers of the rift. They hold the rifts at a higher regard and believes that they are sacred.

Companion Quests and the Main Story

There are 6 Companions in The Outer Worlds 2, and each of them will represent the factions that they belong to and introduce a quest that's unique to them. Similar to the first game, a Companion will have a unique personality, objectives, perks, and abilities. The player character can affect the companion's progression through their choices, actions, and non-actions. According to the creators of The Outer Worlds 2, they made the Companion Quests to be more integrated into the main story, which could mean more involvement of these companions when you make certain decisions that are related to them. 

Depending on which companion is active on the player's game, these characters will have a unique reaction and dialogue in response to what's happening.
 

Play Outer Worlds 2 Your Way

"Shoot your way through it, talk your way through it, sneak your way through it..." Outer Worlds 2 focused on creating a game experience where players can play the same game, and yet play differently to obtain the same results. This caters to the RPG elements that were first built by the original game, and which will be improved in Outer Worlds 2. Right from the very start, players will already have control of their characters by fully deciding their appearance, Skills, Traits, and Backgrounds. A Skill gives you an edge over certain activities (even criminal ones), Traits give you a defining characteristic that sets you differently from the others, while Backgrounds is the story of who your character is before becoming the Earth Directorate. Options range from an uptight Lawbringer, a successful Professor, a Renegade, or maybe even an Ex-Convict.

Fewer Skills than Outer Worlds 1

The Outer Worlds 2 Skill set has been simplified to the Core and Essence of the gameplay, but each point will be more impactful than ever. This means that your Skills can advance more if you focus on certain activities that fit your gameplay. Skills also unlock additional Perks (similar to a skill but are only unlocked after you reach certain conditions or a level of the related Skill), but Perks are not to be underestimated because they do so much more than basic stuff. There are unique perks like a Serial Killer, which gives you a permanent health increase by collecting the heart of your slain enemies. But of course, there are also Flaws. These are the counterparts to the Perks, where your character will have a quirk or a negative characteristic that changes their core gameplay. Some Flaws present are Kleptomania, a perk that allows you to take stuff whenever, but can also get you in trouble, or Sungazer, which gives you a blurry vision, but you get the ability to heal when getting some sun. 

Get To Know New Characters in Outer Worlds 2

Acquaint yourself with the warring factions and the recruitable companions in Outer Worlds 2. You will have a chance to recruit companions with unique Traits, Backgrounds, and Goals, which you can help them achieve, or try to dissuade them from doing so. The presence of Companions in your gameplay will also impact your overall story. 

6 New Companions and Their Factions in Outer Worlds 2

Companions are now more integrated into the core gameplay and main storyline in Outer Worlds 2. Each of the companions also hails from different Factions and with different Backgrounds. Players still have the same level of influence that will allow them to change the story of their companions, based on their decisions and indecisions that will take place throughout the game. 

• Aza - a member of the cult who worships the Rifts
• Anes - A combat medic who survived an experiment in the army
• Niles - Earth Directorate like the player and is in the middle of an important decision: Become a better Earth Directorate or turn against the Protectorate.
• Marisol - a member of the Order of the Senate, and a deadly Mathematician
• Tristan - A Protectorate Arbiter, Judge, and Executioner
• Val - Niles' support drone

New Star System. Same Outer Worlds.

The Outer Worlds 2 leaves the original game's colony of Halcyon to explore new worlds in an entirely new star system within the Outer Worlds universe. Expect to discover new locales and colonies across multiple planets, each with their own inhabitants both human and alien, as well as their own stories and struggles which will tie into the game's narrative.

Player-Driven Story

Keeping with Obsidian tradition, The Outer Worlds 2 will follow a player-driven RPG formula which featured prominently in the first game, allowing players to approach the game how they wish. Interactions and choices made will affect not only how the story develops, but also the world around the player, its inhabitants and their reactions to events unfolding in and around them.

First Person Shooter Combat

The Outer Worlds 2 will likely retain many systems and mechanics from the original game, particularly its First-Person Tactical Shooter-style gameplay inspired by the Fallout franchise and similar titles. Expect to acquire tons of crazy new Weapons, Armor and other equipment, and wield incredible new abilities as you explore vast and dangerous new locations.

New Crew

Along with a new protagonist, The Outer Worlds 2 is expected to feature a new band of misfits that players can recruit to accompany them on their journey. In the original game, the companion system featured fully fleshed-out characters who not only served as combat aids, but also had their own personalities, quirks and their own goals, with their own storylines that players can decide to take part in. This feature is expected to make a return in the sequel, with all-new characters with their own specialties and their own part to play in the adventure.

New Weapons in The Outer Worlds 2

As seen and mentioned in the trailer, The Outer Worlds 2 features brand-new weapons which includes various melee and ranged weapons. A two-handed melee weapon appears to have a wooden handle and a running sawblade used to attack your enemies with, a large fleshy gun that shoots out aliens onto your enemies, and a shotgun that freezes your enemies.

Companions in The Outer Worlds 2

Companions will still be a big part of The Outer Worlds 2, and players will be able to recruit Companions with various traits, backgrounds, and goals. Depending on the player, they will be able to help their Companion achieve their goals or use them for the players' own ambitions and objectives. This could also lead to shaping the Companion's growth or death.

Combat in The Outer Worlds 2

There appears to be enemies that can conceal themselves and can be seen when the player puts on a mask. The enemies appear to be weaing a partially grass suit used for camoflauge in grassy plains as a way to hide themselves to make the area appear empty. Wearing the mask allows players to see their highlighted bodies, allowing you to take them out.

Character Customization in The Outer Worlds 2

It is not known how deep character customization goes, but we know that it will be improved. Players can build their characters with the abilities and choices that reflect their play style. 

New Areas to Explore in The Outer Worlds 2

The trailer shows locations that range in differences, such as a large city hub where players can purchase and sell their items, a dry area with arching wooden and rocky structures that grow upward but curve back down, and a grassy area with large trees that bloom like flowers.

Enemies in The Outer Worlds 2

The enemies seen on the trailer are mostly human enemies in different armor and uniforms, with only one creature that shows. It appears to be the Stheno from the first game but with armor, it possibly means that creature type enemies in this game will be tougher with new enemy appearances.

Aza

A constituent of the Cult that idolizes the Rifts.  

Anes

A medic but has the ability to combat, a survivor from the experiments of the army.

Niles

This character battles conflict in choosing between the sides of Earth Directorate or the sides of Protectorate. With different goals of becoming a better Earth Directorate or rebel against the Protectorate. 

Marisol

An Ordinate of the Senate and a Mathematician whose ideologies are deadly.

Tristan

He is an Arbiter of the Protectorate that embodies trials, verdict as well as sentences and to come up with lethal execution. 

Val

A robotic companion for Niles who acts as a support drone.

When is The Outer Worlds 2 releasing?

It is set to release in October 29, 2025.

What Platforms will The Outer Worlds 2 be available on? Will it come to PlayStation?

The announcement trailer released in July 2021 revealed that The Outer Worlds 2 will be available on Xbox Series X | S, Xbox Game Pass and Windows PC. With the acquisition of Obsidian Entertainment by Microsoft, absorbing the developers into their own Xbox Game Studios. New updates shows that the game will also be release on Playstation 5 as well as on Steam and Battlenet. This time everyone will enjoy The Outer Worlds 2 as it is available on multiple gaming platforms.

What type of game is The Outer Worlds 2?

Just like its predecessor, The Outer Worlds 2 is an open world RPG with first person tactical shooter elements, similar to the Fallout franchise which Obsidian Entertainment is known for. It will have a heavy emphasis on character building and interactions, as well as a narrative driven by player choice. The original game's combat revolved around first person gunplay using a myriad of ranged weapons, some of which were truly out of this world, and The Outer Worlds 2 is expected to follow in this tradition. The original game also involved a lot of humor and quirkiness, similar to the Borderlands series of games, and while nothing has been revealed about the game's story just yet, it is likely that it will take on a similar tone to its predecessor.

Will The Outer Worlds 2 have multiple Planets to explore?

The original The Outer Worlds had players trekking across multiple planets within the Halcyon star system, the furthest colony from Earth. The official tagline for The Outer Worlds 2 states that it will take place in an entirely new star system. It is currently unknown how many planets this star system contains or if players will be able to revisit Halcyon or any other star systems throughout the galaxy.

What type of Weapons will The Outer Worlds 2 have?

The original The Outer Worlds featured a plethora of futuristic ranged weaponry. Many were traditional handguns, shotguns and rifles with space-age functionality. Some had more over-the-top whacky effects such as a gun that shot goop that could levitate targets, a shrink ray that had hilariously devastating effects on local wildlife and a rifle that outright had mind-control abilities. Players also had access to melee weapons for getting up close and personal, as well as mods that can enhance their equipment with varying effects. The Outer Worlds 2 is expected to feature similar weapons systems as the original, but it is likely that we will see some crazier instruments for weaving destruction across the galaxy.

Will Companions make a return in The Outer Worlds 2?

The Companion mechanic was a popular and integral part of the original The Outer Worlds. Companions were a cast of fully fleshed-out characters that the protagonist could recruit into their cause, accompanying them on their journey. Companions not only provided valuable aid in combat, but they also had their own personalities and quirks, goals and storylines that players could choose to invest in. The official tagline for The Outer Worlds 2 states that it will have a "new crew", implying that the new protagonist will come across a band of misfits that will join them on their adventure, allowing for new storylines to unfold and possibly new Companion mechanics to further enrich the gameplay.

Will there be Factions in The Outer Worlds 2?

Factions featured prominently in the original The Outer Worlds, forming groups of individuals with aligned interests and goals that players could gain favor with or outwardly oppose depending on their actions. Earning reputation with certain factions allowed players to take on certain missions, unlock unique rewards, and unlock certain branches of storylines. Factions in the original game were comprised of varying colonist groups, weapons manufacturers and researchers, religious philosophers, as well as the mega-corporations that dominated society. The official tagline for The Outer Worlds 2 states "Same Outer Worlds." confirming that the sequel takes place in the same Outer Worlds universe as the first. It is possible that many of the first game's factions still exist and have reach and influence all throughout the deep space, including the new star system the game takes place in. Factions are a common feature of story-driven RPGs and are expected to return in this sequel.

Will The Outer Worlds 2 feature multiple endings?

While nothing has been confirmed, basing off of the original game and the RPG elements present throughout, it is safe to say that The Outer Worlds 2 will continue to present the player with multiple choices through its many storylines, tasking them with making meaningful decisions that will impact the characters, events and world around them. Whether these factors lead to multiple different conclusions or not is unknown but is very likely.

Will The Outer Worlds 2 feature Multiplayer?

The original The Outer Worlds was a purely single-player game with a heavy focus on player-driven narrative. While unconfirmed, it is very likely that The Outer Worlds 2 will remain a single-player experience. However, this does not mean that you need to travel alone. As stated above, the Companion mechanic is expected to make a return, bringing with it a new cast of NPCs that you can recruit to your cause and bring along on your adventures. The original game's Companions had their own personalities which affected how they reacted to the player's choices and decisions, leading to many interesting interactions. That's not to say that multiplayer will not appear in The Outer Worlds 2 in one form or another, but all signs point toward a strong single-player focus.

What to receive when you pre-order The Outer Worlds 2?

When you purchase the Premium Edition of The Outer Worlds 2 you will get DLC Pass for Story Expansions 1 & 2, Digital Art Book and Original Sountrack, the Corporate Appreciation Prize Pack and lastly the Commander Zane's Battle Pack. You will also have a five day early access when you pre order the game on selected platforms - Steam, Battlenet, Playstation5 and Xbox X|S.

Choosing a background in The Outer Worlds 2

You start off as an Earth Directorate agent in The Outer Worlds 2, from others' perspective they are like space cowboys or space marshals. You could be the good guy, wherein you will go places to fix what's wrong. Or you can be of a different background based on your choosing. Backgrounds are being used for a variety of places especially when interacting with the world, they represent different experiences that you gained through your life.

• Ex-convict - You never cared for the Earth Directorate, and they never cared for you. So much so that they decided it would be best for you to spend much (if not all) of the rest of your life behind bars. However, desperate times call for desperate measures, so you accepted a deal to work for them to clear your record. Or escape while they weren't looking.
• Gambler -  "The Grand Plan." Hah! You know the universe is run by blind luck and chaos, even if you've been riding the winning edge of that chaos for most of your life. Unfortunately, that winning streak came to an end when you lost a bet with an agent who was trying to convince you to utilize your penchant for bucking the odds in the service of the Earth Directorate.
• Lawbringer - a role that experienced hardship and corporate malfeasance. Joined the Earth Directorate and devoted his life to bringing order to the colonies. A champion of the people, whether they liked it or not. The law is something not to toy with, so neither should you.
• Professor - a prominent scientist in the field of archeology, however, your colleagues' jealousy of you finding artifacts thought to be lost cost you your tenure and position. Thankfully, your talent for dealing with unusual artifacts serves you well in the Earth Directorate.
• Renegade - one who has questionable work, and as a result, your former employers are hunting you down. To seek refuge and have a fresh start, you enlisted with the Earth Directorate to escape the problems that your past has created.
• Roustabout - you are looking for any job you can get despite your lack of skills. And after the accidental death of a villain, later you were to be known as a gunslinging Earth Directorate not to be messed with. But still, you find yourself asking if there is a cashier opening.

Traits in The Outer Worlds 2

There are several traits in The Outer Worlds 2 that will help you combat enemies as well as come up with better or poor decisions based on your life choices.

Positive Traits:

• Heroic - Others tend to naturally follow and look up to you.
  
  • -20% Companion Ability Charge Time
• Innovative - You are inventive and crafty, always able to find unique solutions to complex problems. You've found numerous ways to be more efficient when crafting. Various crafting recipes are more effective for you, allowing you to create more items for fewer resources.
• Lucky - You're lucky, things tend to go your way.
  
  • +5% Critical Chance - Certain opportunities are just accessible to you.
• Nimble - You're quick and dextrous, able to move more quickly while stealthing and in combat.
  
  • +25% Crouch Speed
  • +25% Combat Sprint
• Resilient - You can power through even the deadliest of injuries. It requires more than usual to take you down in combat.
  
  • Death is prevented for 3s the first time you would have died each combat.

Negative Traits:

• Abrasive - You're hard on the ears and people don't like talking to you. Others have a hard time accepting you into their communities and organizations.
  • Standing with any faction can never increase past Trusted. Limiting discounts, Speech bonuses, and options with factions.
• Dumb - You weren't recruited for your ability to plan or solve problems. You just can't learn some things.
  
  • During skill selection, lock 5 of the 12 available skills. Those skills can never have points added to them.
• Sickly - Your body is weak, prone to breaks, scrapes, and illness. Injuries and crashing form primers are more likely.

Gameplay perspective update in The Outer Worlds 2

There are two ways to enjoy The Outer Worlds 2: you can either play it with a first-person perspective, wherein you will be fully immersed to the its details especially in how the combat works in the game, or you can enjoy it as a third person, so you can see the items you are using like unique armors and weapons in this perspective you can also see how the character moves throughout the game. The good thing is you can swap with these perspectives so you can enjoy The Outerworlds 2 to your liking.

What are the factions in The Outer Worlds 2?

In The Outer Worlds 2 there are three factions to choose from. The question is, who will you side with? These factions are fighting for control and their beliefs, each with different visions as to what humanity should be.

• The Protectorate - is a wealthy and powerful military regime that enforces societal order with strict control. This faction believes that people can be happy if they surrender their free will, operating under the motto: "Order is peace. Obedience is comfort."
• Auntie's Choice - a representation of a faction that focuses on hyper-capitalist corporations, created by combining Auntie Cleo's and Spacer's Choice. With the ideology of masking consumer control as personal liberty. Offering freedom, fulfillment, and a future that is entirely dependent on purchasing their goods.
• The Order of Ascendant - a fanatical cult that began as a group of rogue scientists that has the goal to perfect humanity with the help of the Universal Equation. This faction worships patterns, reads the future through mathematical equations. All for the sake of a better tomorrow. 

Choosing between totalitarian dictatorship, a megacorporation, and a cult of rogue scientists. If their twisted values won't help you pick a side, you may need to pick based on factions' territories, companions, or even their audio-visual design. The Outer Worlds 2 features a dynamic feedback system in which you will see conflict evolve in accordance with your choices. You'll get to observe the radio stations shifting tones and the game's world responding to your decisions, a perfect recipe for multiple playthroughs. You can either be a hero or a villain based on your life choices inside The Outer Worlds 2.

Skills

Skills basically helps you build your playstyle and what your character is up to during the game.

• Leadership
  
  • +15% Companion Damage
  • +15% Companion Health
• Lockpick
  • +1 Difficulty and lower locked chests and containers can be opened
  • +1% Evasion Chance
• Melee
  • +10% Melee Damage
  • -2.5% Damage Received while Blocking
• Medical
  • +7 Toxicity Crash Threshold
  • +10% Damage to Creatures
• Observation
  
  • +1 Difficulty and lower hidden objects can be found
  • +15% Weakspot Damage
• Science
  
  • +7 Gadget Energy Meter Max
  • +10% more stacks of non-Physical Damage Type side-effects
• Sneak
  • +35% Sneak Attack Damage
  • -2.5% NPC Awareness Detection Rate
• Speech
  • +1 Difficulty and lower speech checks can be overcome

Borse Blaster

Fires up tumors, which then explode like grenades. You can consume these tumors to restore health.

Rookie's Reward

This weapon levels up the more you use it throughout the game. During level up, it shoots out confetti.

Pop-up Gun

Shoots out ads and drones to distract enemies with corporate ads and slogans and while your enemies are being distracted, you can shoot them or make these drones explode for additional damage.

Armageddon

Shoots out organic masses that will stick or cover your enemies and continuously attack them until they are killed.

Bigbang

A big gun that shoots out a giant ball of energy, destroying everything on its path.

Distraction devices for a Stealth Attack

Use distraction devices to lure enemies for a stealth attack.

Science Grenades

These grenades can be used to levitate enemies, allowing you to shoot them in the air while they are helpless.

Shrink Ray

It shrinks your enemies to the size of a sprat so you can stamp on them and kill them.

Spectrum Dance Saber

A melee weapon that helps you attack enemies on a musical beat. If you follow the rhythm perfectly, you'll get bonus damage on every hit.