[Play Report] From Today, You're a Space Ranger! Traverse the Stars Packed with Black Humor and Face the Cosmic Crisis in "The Outer Worlds 2"

Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/577/G057743/20251024065/

Writer: Tsumo Kaiten | 2025/10/28 04:00 (UTC)

On October 30, 2025, Xbox Game Studios will release “The Outer Worlds 2” (available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S). This game is a science fiction RPG developed by Obsidian Entertainment, serving as the sequel to the 2019 title “The Outer Worlds.” It’s Obsidian’s latest entry in the genre and highly anticipated by fans of the original—but notably, it introduces a completely new setting and cast of characters. Even if you haven’t played the first game or have forgotten its details entirely, there’s no need to worry.

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Previously, 4Gamer published an impression article covering only the early stages (tutorial section) of the game. This time, we’ve received a version equivalent to the final release for PC from Microsoft. While this piece touches on aspects such as introduction and protagonist abilities, readers are encouraged to also check out our earlier report.

PC Xbox Series X|S PS5 Preview Report

Preview: First Look at the Early Stages of “The Outer Worlds 2.” The Skilled Agent Returns, Facing Cosmic Crises by Leveraging Skills and Personality (As Expected)

Obsidian Entertainment’s action RPG “The Outer Worlds 2” is the long-awaited sequel to the original, arriving approximately six years after its predecessor. With a chance to experience early missions ahead of its October release, we’re excited to share our report.

[September 27, 2025, 10:00 PM]

Official Website for “The Outer Worlds 2”

[EarthGov Agent Lands on the Colony “Arcadia,” Ruled by a Totalitarian Regime]

The setting of this game is one of many space colonies: “Arcadia.” Arcadia is governed by an authoritarian regime known as the “Imperial Patriarchate,” where citizens are forced to live like perfect cogs in society, stripped of job or lifestyle freedom. Punishment often leads to a procedure called “Mental Refreshment”—a routine manipulation of memory and mind—making the colony appear, from outside, as nothing short of a “terrorist empire.”

A scene from an EarthGov agent-themed drama shown at the beginning of the game. While EarthGov’s influence may be debatable, the story clearly resonates with audiences Image Gallery No.002 thumbnail / [Preview] From Today On, You’re Also a Space Ranger! Traverse Star-Studded Worlds Filled With Black Humor and Confront Cosmic Crises in “The Outer Worlds 2” Image Gallery No.003 thumbnail / [Preview] From Today On, You’re Also a Space Ranger! Traverse Star-Studded Worlds Filled With Black Humor and Confront Cosmic Crises in “The Outer Worlds 2”

In this colony, a major crisis emerges: an unknown rift in spacetime has been created by a warp engine developed locally. If left unchecked, this rift could make warp travel impossible, endangering the entire human civilization that entered the space age.

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During the tutorial, players can witness a speech from the Patriarch of the Imperial Government. However, in the main story, this figure vanishes entirely due to circumstances Image Gallery No.005 thumbnail / [Preview] From Today On, You’re Also a Space Ranger! Traverse Star-Studded Worlds Filled With Black Humor and Confront Cosmic Crises in “The Outer Worlds 2”

To address the crisis, EarthGov agents—those working to ensure healthy colony operations—are called into action. The protagonist (the player) is a seasoned operative tasked with investigating what went wrong with the Imperial Government’s engine. With fellow agents, they attempt to infiltrate a research facility at the heart of enemy territory—this forms the introductory mission.

A minor spoiler: unfortunately, this mission fails badly and results in significant damage. But even so, the protagonist’s journey never stops. A full-scale adventure across the entire Arcadia colony begins with the goal of resolving the crisis.

Different planets offer varied landscapes and natural features—but behind their beauty lie vicious bandits and dangerous wildlife Image Gallery No.006 thumbnail / [Preview] From Today On, You’re Also a Space Ranger! Traverse Star-Studded Worlds Filled With Black Humor and Confront Cosmic Crises in “The Outer Worlds 2” Image Gallery No.007 thumbnail / [Preview] From Today On, You’re Also a Space Ranger! Traverse Star-Studded Worlds Filled With Black Humor and Confront Cosmic Crises in “The Outer Worlds 2” Image Gallery No.008 thumbnail / [Preview] From Today On, You’re Also a Space Ranger! Traverse Star-Studded Worlds Filled With Black Humor and Confront Cosmic Crises in “The Outer Worlds 2”

As mentioned in our earlier preview, this game continues the tradition of previous titles by featuring a series of open-world-style planets. Players control their avatar—the Commander—and follow the “spacetime rift” storyline across these worlds. The camera view can be switched freely between first-person and third-person perspectives at any time; we personally played mostly in third-person.

Planet destinations unlock gradually, with new areas becoming accessible after each chapter Image Gallery No.009 thumbnail / [Preview] From Today On, You’re Also a Space Ranger! Traverse Star-Studded Worlds Filled With Black Humor and Confront Cosmic Crises in “The Outer Worlds 2”

Adventure areas are divided into specific planets and locations, each not overly large but also avoiding the need to traverse vast empty spaces. As a result, gameplay density remains high, and walking becomes enjoyable rather than tedious—something many players will likely appreciate. Travel between planets is done via spaceship, with accessible destinations expanding as main quest progress advances. Unlike the previous game, planet names aren’t revealed at first, so new players have no idea what kind of journey lies ahead.

Conversations allow gathering various information; spontaneous events may occur during travel Image Gallery No.010 thumbnail / [Preview] From Today On, You’re Also a Space Ranger! Traverse Star-Studded Worlds Filled With Black Humor and Confront Cosmic Crises in “The Outer Worlds 2” Image Gallery No.011 thumbnail / [Preview] From Today On, You’re Also a Space Ranger! Traverse Star-Studded Worlds Filled With Black Humor and Confront Cosmic Crises in “The Outer Worlds 2”

Therefore, the main quest—which serves as a trigger for progression—feels particularly significant. While some open-world games suffer from “main story being ignored,” this isn’t the case here. On the flip side, this also means player freedom is somewhat limited. Still, players can move freely within planets and return to previously visited ones; thus, actively pursuing main quests remains a recommended approach.

Image Gallery No.012 thumbnail / [Preview] From Today On, You’re Also a Space Ranger! Traverse Star-Studded Worlds Filled With Black Humor and Confront Cosmic Crises in “The Outer Worlds 2” Image Gallery No.013 thumbnail / [Preview] From Today On, You’re Also a Space Ranger! Traverse Star-Studded Worlds Filled With Black Humor and Confront Cosmic Crises in “The Outer Worlds 2”

[Use Your Skills to Conquer Challenging Quests! But Skills Are Always in Short Supply]

The core system of this game remains the familiar quest-clearing format common in open-world RPGs. Main quests update as progress continues, while side and collection quests exist independently. While not particularly innovative, quest markers are generally displayed across a broad area rather than pinpointed, giving exploration an edge.

Still, there’s no need to comb every corner obsessively—simply wandering around the area often leads naturally to discovering people or objects of interest. This appears to be an effort to balance guidance with discovery; personally, I find this approach quite enjoyable.

Progress quests by convincing others through speech or skill checks, and manipulating objects using skills. A familiar system—but even though abilities are needed, some options remain irrelevant for progression Image Gallery No.014 thumbnail / [Preview] From Today On, You’re Also a Space Ranger! Traverse Star-Studded Worlds Filled With Black Humor and Confront Cosmic Crises in “The Outer Worlds 2” Image Gallery No.015 thumbnail / [Preview] From Today On, You’re Also a Space Ranger! Traverse Star-Studded Worlds Filled With Black Humor and Confront Cosmic Crises in “The Outer Worlds 2”

As with the previous game, quest completion offers various options based on skills, personality traits, or playing style—extremely RPG-like and very satisfying. For instance, a mission requesting “more medical staff” involved three unique candidates: a robotic doctor, a taxidermist, and a sewer manager. The recruitment process required different methods depending on the target: hacking skill, completing mini-quests, or using medical or speech skills. You can recruit just one—or all of them—making it impossible to predict exactly when each skill will prove useful.

One particularly amusing side quest was gathering doctors (or so they seemed). Not a single human doctor existed, and even those approached were visibly shocked. Typical black humor fitting the game’s tone Image Gallery No.016 thumbnail / [Preview] From Today On, You’re Also a Space Ranger! Traverse Star-Studded Worlds Filled With Black Humor and Confront Cosmic Crises in “The Outer Worlds 2” Image Gallery No.017 thumbnail / [Preview] From Today On, You’re Also a Space Ranger! Traverse Star-Studded Worlds Filled With Black Humor and Confront Cosmic Crises in “The Outer Worlds 2”

However, because of this flexibility, skills are never quite enough—most often, you’ll end up looking at options you can’t use every time you go somewhere. Of course, you can always return after acquiring new skills—but personally, I found myself constantly wishing for “more power” in my abilities.

Since we’re discussing skills: as mentioned in our earlier preview, let’s clarify the protagonist’s ability system. The character creation process divides attributes into four categories: “Background,” “Traits,” “Skills,” and “Special Abilities.” There is also an optional “Flaw” feature.

While the first game included a trait-based stat system similar to Fallout: New Vegas’ S.P.E.C.I.A.L., this one has been simplified, removing that layer for clarity.

Skills can be freely selected upon leveling up—so you don’t need to stress about choices during character creation. Instead, carefully consider your Background and Traits Image Gallery No.018 thumbnail / [Preview] From Today On, You’re Also a Space Ranger! Traverse Star-Studded Worlds Filled With Black Humor and Confront Cosmic Crises in “The Outer Worlds 2” Image Gallery No.019 thumbnail / [Preview] From Today On, You’re Also a Space Ranger! Traverse Star-Studded Worlds Filled With Black Humor and Confront Cosmic Crises in “The Outer Worlds 2”

Background and Traits shape the protagonist’s backstory and personal strengths or weaknesses. But in actual gameplay, Background influences dialogue choices more than expected, while Traits directly impact gameplay through consistent advantages or disadvantages. Whichever you choose at the start is permanent—so take your time to find one that fits your preferred playstyle.

Meanwhile, Skills and Special Abilities increase with leveling (2 points per skill level; 1 point every two levels for special abilities). This can be seen as straightforward power progression. Unlike previous games, skills have been streamlined into a more intuitive design: direct combat options are now limited to “Melee Weapon” and “Gun,” while stealth-related functions from before—like hacking or lockpicking—are split into dedicated categories.

Gradually build your own character by acquiring different Skills and Special Abilities. Even if you delay leveling up, health increases with each level, so you’ll still grow stronger regardless Image Gallery No.020 thumbnail / [Preview] From Today On, You’re Also a Space Ranger! Traverse Star-Studded Worlds Filled With Black Humor and Confront Cosmic Crises in “The Outer Worlds 2” Image Gallery No.021 thumbnail / [Preview] From Today On, You’re Also a Space Ranger! Traverse Star-Studded Worlds Filled With Black Humor and Confront Cosmic Crises in “The Outer Worlds 2”

As noted earlier, skills are frequently needed during conversations and object interaction checks. In contrast, Special Abilities see less use in skill checks but grant powerful passive benefits or significantly improve combat efficiency—making them the unsung heroes behind the scenes. However, strong Special Abilities often require high skill thresholds, suggesting they’re intended to define a character’s unique edge.

Skills and Special Abilities also contribute greatly to combat strength; neglecting upgrades may lead to struggles in battles Image Gallery No.022 thumbnail / [Preview] From Today On, You’re Also a Space Ranger! Traverse Star-Studded Worlds Filled With Black Humor and Confront Cosmic Crises in “The Outer Worlds 2” Image Gallery No.023 thumbnail / [Preview] From Today On, You’re Also a Space Ranger! Traverse Star-Studded Worlds Filled With Black Humor and Confront Cosmic Crises in “The Outer Worlds 2”

Lastly, Flaws are passive abilities that combine strengths and weaknesses—acquired spontaneously under certain conditions. They grant benefits in exchange for drawbacks. For example, “Inattentive” increases skill points gained per level but severely limits which skills can be allocated—a very niche ability.

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Selected Flaws become permanent traits—but you can reject them entirely, removing all drawbacks. If practicality is your priority, simply choose only those that seem useful. There are many different Flaw types; for instance, some appear based on specific actions like crouching during stealth—suggesting accumulated behaviors influence unlock conditions.

As previously mentioned, overall the game feels more streamlined and intuitive compared to its predecessor. The real challenge remains: which skills to choose? I hope many players will find themselves as puzzled as I did.

[Companions Are True Embodiments of Individuality. Work Together—While Keeping an Eye on Organizational Reputation—to Confront Cosmic Crises]

To advance the adventure, you’ll rely heavily on diverse abilities—but saving the universe alone is nearly impossible. The help of companions (party members) becomes essential. Like in the first game, up to six companions can join your ship at once, and two can be taken into the field simultaneously.

Each member is highly unique. While the initial pair are EarthGov agents and a robot—similar to the protagonist—the roster quickly expands with varied characters: a cybernetically enhanced former executive from “Auntie’s Approval” (a faction), a special agent from the Imperial Patriarchate, members of a cult religion, and more—all differing in ideology, background, and outlook.

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Their abilities are equally unique. EarthGov’s Nilez, who joins early, shines with the ability to act as a workstation anytime, anywhere. The Imperial Patriarchate’s Tristan charges enemies head-on at battle start, wielding a massive hammer like a bull—delivering an overwhelming impact.

Each character also has a special skill that activates when their gauge fills up, usable at any moment—a powerful tool tied directly to their personality and proving crucial in tight situations.

Companions grow stronger after clearing events, unlocking unique abilities. It’s worth the effort Image Gallery No.027 thumbnail / [Preview] From Today On, You’re Also a Space Ranger! Traverse Star-Studded Worlds Filled With Black Humor and Confront Cosmic Crises in “The Outer Worlds 2” Image Gallery No.028 thumbnail / [Preview] From Today On, You’re Also a Space Ranger! Traverse Star-Studded Worlds Filled With Black Humor and Confront Cosmic Crises in “The Outer Worlds 2”

Additionally, as the protagonist levels up, they gain special abilities; completing companion quests enhances gear—making companions truly dependable allies. Best of all, you don’t need to prepare equipment—you can just jump in without extra hassle.

That said, enemies are tough with high durability and often employ annoying tactics: rapid movement, quick dodging, or even invisibility. So while your companions grow strong, don’t underestimate the foes.

Using a companion’s ability to restore health. The two white bars at the bottom center of the screen represent the companion’s special ability gauge—fill it up and activate anytime Image Gallery No.029 thumbnail / [Preview] From Today On, You’re Also a Space Ranger! Traverse Star-Studded Worlds Filled With Black Humor and Confront Cosmic Crises in “The Outer Worlds 2”

Relationships with organizations remain important in this game as well. Let’s briefly explain: “Faction Reputation” affects benefits and drawbacks, just like in the first game—but since the colony setting differs, so do the factions involved.

Only three major factions are relevant. “Spacer’s Choice” and “Cleo Auntie,” previously separate corporate entities, have merged into one massive corporation called “Auntie’s Approval.” The underground network controlling supply chains and information is “Subroza.” And finally, the “Ascensionist Order,” which reveres predictive calculations above all else in pursuit of their grand design.

Smaller organizations are now streamlined dramatically.

To improve reputation, complete quests and events issued by factions. However, raising it quickly proves difficult Image Gallery No.030 thumbnail / [Preview] From Today On, You’re Also a Space Ranger! Traverse Star-Studded Worlds Filled With Black Humor and Confront Cosmic Crises in “The Outer Worlds 2” Image Gallery No.031 thumbnail / [Preview] From Today On, You’re Also a Space Ranger! Traverse Star-Studded Worlds Filled With Black Humor and Confront Cosmic Crises in “The Outer Worlds 2”

While the system of gaining reputation through quests remains unchanged from the previous game, positive and negative reactions are now combined into a single score. As before, better relations bring benefits like favorable trading terms—but even “Auntie’s Approval,” despite appearing as a massive corporation, turns out to be an utterly dysfunctional black company (just like in the first game). Each organization has its own distinctive edge—so choose your alliance based on personal preference or roleplay style.

The “Auntie” of “Auntie’s Approval,” seen early in the game. The person and her company are one and the same Image Gallery No.032 thumbnail / [Preview] From Today On, You’re Also a Space Ranger! Traverse Star-Studded Worlds Filled With Black Humor and Confront Cosmic Crises in “The Outer Worlds 2”

[Solid, Obsidian-Style Worldbuilding: A Safe Bet If You’re Not Seeking a Blockbuster]

This game truly lives up to its title as the straightforward sequel to the original. While it builds upon previous systems, refinements and simplifications have been implemented—though not dramatically innovative.

What I personally liked includes: the addition of a mini-map in the UI for better situational awareness; removal of item weight (reducing inventory management); freely switchable camera perspectives; companions becoming more reliable allies; elimination of equipment durability; and enemy locations appearing immediately on the minimap after defeat—among many other small but meaningful improvements. Though individually minor, these changes collectively shape a far more enjoyable experience.

The “Tactical Time Dilation” ability remains intact—it’s still easy to use, and you can redirect gadget energy for alternative purposes Image Gallery No.033 thumbnail / [Preview] From Today On, You’re Also a Space Ranger! Traverse Star-Studded Worlds Filled With Black Humor and Confront Cosmic Crises in “The Outer Worlds 2” Image Gallery No.034 thumbnail / [Preview] From Today On, You’re Also a Space Ranger! Traverse Star-Studded Worlds Filled With Black Humor and Confront Cosmic Crises in “The Outer Worlds 2” Image Gallery No.035 thumbnail / [Preview] From Today On, You’re Also a Space Ranger! Traverse Star-Studded Worlds Filled With Black Humor and Confront Cosmic Crises in “The Outer Worlds 2”

That said, freedom of choice isn’t particularly high—it’s more linear; your area expands only as the main quest progresses. If you expect a typical “open-world RPG,” you may feel disappointed.

Still, plenty of choices remain across many scenarios: solve problems through brute force, skill-based tactics, or strategic planning with prior research—players can choose their preferred style.

Double-jump is unlocked relatively early; it’s frequently useful given the abundance of platforms to leap between Image Gallery No.036 thumbnail / [Preview] From Today On, You’re Also a Space Ranger! Traverse Star-Studded Worlds Filled With Black Humor and Confront Cosmic Crises in “The Outer Worlds 2”

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In many skill-based games, persuasion skills can become overly dominant when dealing with human NPCs—but this game avoids that trap. For example, in health-related situations, medical skills are genuinely required, showing a balanced distribution of needed abilities across various scenarios.

Hence, as mentioned repeatedly: you’ll inevitably want every single skill available.

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Also, since this was a pre-release version, minor issues like protagonist animation glitches, typos in text, and some untranslated UI elements were still present. But overall, the game shows high polish, with stable localization quality.

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While fans of the original are obviously in for a treat, even newcomers who haven’t played the first game can enjoy this title—it stands independently. Though slightly smaller in scale compared to AAA blockbusters, I found myself deeply immersed. Whether you stand by justice as an EarthGov agent confronting corruption—or go wild just because nothing’s being stopped—there’s room for your own style. So take up your role and start building your life as a space agent!