It’s the news every fan of satirical sci-fi RPGs has been waiting for: Game Informer has confirmed they have their hands on The Outer Worlds 2 and are deep into playing it. The magazine has announced that its official review will go live on Thursday, October 23, but they haven’t made us wait for the big details. As part of their exclusive cover story, they’ve released a flood of new information and gameplay footage, and it all points to one thing: this sequel is aiming to be everything the original promised, and much more.
The first game was a quirky, clever, and solid RPG, but it wasn’t without its critics. Now, with the backing of Microsoft and more development time, Obsidian Entertainment seems to have taken that feedback to heart. The early consensus is that this isn’t just a new coat of paint-it’s a ground-up improvement that makes the original feel like a prologue.
First Stop: Paradise Island
Game Informer’s demo took place on Paradise Island, the game’s first major open-world biome after the prologue. And despite the name, it’s anything but a vacation spot. The lush, tropical environment is crawling with hostile creatures and corporate drones, providing the perfect playground to test out the sequel’s biggest upgrades.
Based on their hands-on time, here are the key improvements that have early previews buzzing:
- A Major Leap in Combat: The gunplay has been completely overhauled. Previewers have described it as feeling much tighter and more responsive, even drawing comparisons to best-in-class shooters like Destiny. It’s a significant upgrade that makes combat feel dynamic and fun, rather than just a means to an end.
- Smarter Level Design: The environments are now designed with multiple playstyles in mind. Whether you prefer to go in guns blazing or stick to the shadows, the levels offer more routes and options. Stealth, in particular, has been given a major boost with more viable paths and sneak-attack opportunities.
- A Stunning New Look: Simply put, the game is gorgeous. Obsidian is flexing its artistic muscles, and Paradise Island’s vibrant blues and greens are a testament to that. Game Informer even noted that this could be Obsidian’s prettiest RPG to date.
- You Can Pet the Aliens: In what might be the most important news of all, the developers confirmed that you can have creature-like pets in the game, and yes, you can pet them.
Still the Same Irreverent Charm
While the gameplay has seen a major glow-up, fans will be happy to hear that the soul of the game is very much intact. The signature irreverent humor and sharp, anti-capitalist satire are back and as biting as ever. The dialogue and choice-and-consequence elements that made the first game so memorable have also been deepened, promising an even more branching and reactive story.
It seems Obsidian’s goal was not to reinvent The Outer Worlds, but to fully realize the vision they had from the start. As one of the developers told Game Informer, the sequel is filled with cool ideas that they had to cut from the first game due to time and budget. Now, they finally have the resources to make the game they always wanted to.
The Community is Cautiously Optimistic
On forums like Reddit, the reaction has been largely positive, though with a healthy dose of caution. Some players who found the first game a bit underwhelming are waiting for the final reviews before getting hyped. However, the open display of gameplay and the clear, substantial improvements have won over many skeptics. It’s a promising sign that Obsidian is confident in what they’ve built.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the review for The Outer Worlds 2 coming out?
- Game Informer will publish its review on Thursday, October 23, 2025.
- What are the biggest improvements in the sequel?
- The most significant upgrades are in the combat and gunplay, the level design which now better supports stealth, and the overall visual fidelity.
- What platforms will The Outer Worlds 2 be on?
- The game is confirmed for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.
- Does the game still have the same sense of humor?
- Yes, all previews confirm that the game retains its signature satirical humor and sharp writing.
- Is The Outer Worlds 2 a fully open-world game?
- Like the first game, it features large, open-world-style zones or biomes, such as Paradise Island, that players can explore freely, rather than one single, contiguous map.
- Do I need to play the first game to understand the sequel?
- While it will certainly enhance the experience, The Outer Worlds 2 is expected to feature a new protagonist and a new story, making it accessible to newcomers.
Conclusion
All signs point to The Outer Worlds 2 being a stellar sequel. Obsidian seems to have carefully listened to player feedback, addressing the first game’s weaker points while doubling down on its strengths. The result looks to be a deeper, more polished, and more engaging RPG that is poised to be one of the standout releases of the year. The final verdict is still a week away, but for now, the hype feels justified. Get ready to return to the Halcyon colony-it seems the corporations have been busy.