The Outer Worlds 2 Cover Story

Even before The Outer Worlds shipped in 2019, Obsidian Entertainment already knew the improvements it would make in a follow-up. While the acclaimed developer behind hits like Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II, Fallout: New Vegas, and the Pillars of Eternity series (which includes this year’s Avowed) felt it had accomplished what it wanted to do within the game’s limited scope – garnering positive reviews as a result – it knew the ways its fledgling RPG could not only be a better game, but a superior role-playing experience. If given the chance, a sequel could feature larger worlds, more reactive interactions, improved gunplay, deeper character building, and more meaningful consequences to player choice. Obsidian has high hopes that The Outer Worlds 2 will realize the original’s latent potential, and after playing a few hours, including exploring a previously unrevealed zone, I’m inclined to believe it will pull it off. 

Building on a Foundation

I’m flooded by Obsidian’s impressive 22-year history from the moment I step into its office lobby. I’ve visited more sparsely decorated waiting areas of other studios with one or two posters to prove they’re a game developer and not a dentist. You couldn't mistake Obsidian for anything else. Developer-signed framed posters for titles like South Park: The Stick of Truth, Tyranny, Pentiment, and Alpha Protocol adorn the walls. An imposing statue of a Power Armor-wearing gunslinger from Fallout: New Vegas guards the entryway to the studio’s inner offices. A glass case is chock full of awards and memorabilia, ranging from Dungeon Siege III to Grounded. There’s even a pedestal of an actual chunk of obsidian; allegedly, the very rock that inspired the studio’s name. Obsidian is a studio proud of its RPG history and expertise, and that pride shines in The Outer Worlds 2.