Review of The Outer Worlds 2 – To infinity and beyond

We analyze the new RPG from Obisdian, nothing more and nothing less than the sequel to The Outer Worlds.

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I confess: I had high expectations for The Outer Worlds 2. The first game was already a small gem in my eyes, and given Obsidian’s recent trajectory, it was easy to think that this sequel would live up to the hype. What I didn’t expect was for it to be so well-rounded. I’ve been playing on Xbox Series X, and from the first minutes, it’s clear that this studio is on a roll, especially after Avowed earlier this year and now, The Outer Worlds’ sequel.

Obsidian had it easier, yes. The foundation of the first The Outer Worlds was already excellent, and it just needed some fine-tuning to shine. But instead of stopping there, the studio chose to evolve everything: the tone, combat, exploration, role-playing, conversations… and the result is a more complete, immersive, and above all, more ambitious game. At times, I’d dare say that The Outer Worlds 2 feels more “space-like” than Starfield on its own turf.

This new installment doesn’t aim to reinvent the wheel, but to perfect it. Obsidian has managed to make the experience of being a ship commander and managing a crew feel alive, with missions that intertwine naturally and characters that exude charisma. The narrative retains the sarcastic and critical touch that characterizes the studio, but also knows when to get serious. And that, in an RPG, is worth its weight in gold.

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Technical Aspect

Technically, The Outer Worlds 2 looks great on Xbox Series X. The graphical leap from the first game is evident: scenarios are wider and more detailed, lighting effects are well-crafted, and the art direction remains unmistakable, with that B-series sci-fi feel that Obsidian uses so well.

Facial animations have improved significantly, weapons have more visual weight, and environments are richer in details, especially in urban areas and laboratories. The work on planetary density is also noticeable: there’s more life, more movement, and a sense of scale that’s more accomplished.

Performance on Xbox Series X is excellent. The game maintains a stable 60 frames per second in almost every moment, without significant drops, even in combat-heavy scenes with many particles or when using special abilities. In quality mode, the resolution reaches native 4K, and the texture sharpness is outstanding.

Another highlight is the audio optimization. The sound design is sensational: weapons sound impactful, explosions have a realistic echo, and character voices fit the game’s tone perfectly. The dubbing is in English, but with Spanish texts and also Latin American Spanish localization, which players on both sides of the Atlantic will surely appreciate.

Overall, the technical aspect conveys that sense of a polished product that Obsidian has achieved in its maturity. It’s not a game that seeks to dazzle with its packaging, but one that bets on artistic coherence and stability, and it succeeds in both areas, also running smoothly on Unreal Engine.

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Gameplay

Gameplay is where The Outer Worlds 2 demonstrates that Obsidian remains one of the big names in RPGs. From character creation, you can already perceive a leap in ambition. The new editor allows designing a build with many more possibilities, and the skill and specialization system offers genuine freedom to shape your playstyle.

You can be a persuasive diplomat, an engineer who hacks systems and avoids conflicts, or a sniper who solves things their way. And the best part is that decisions feel real: each conversation can lead to a different outcome, each choice has consequences, and each mission can be resolved in multiple ways.

Conversations are once again one of the game’s strong pillars. They remain witty, full of nuances, and with that sense of humor so characteristic of the studio. There are dialogues that remind you of the best moments of Fallout: New Vegas, and others that surprise with their humanity. Moreover, the number of alternative options for resolving conflicts has increased, making each player’s experience unique.

Combat has taken a significant leap. It still has the foundation of the original, but everything feels more agile and organic. Shootouts are more intense, the use of abilities has real weight, and enemies are more varied. There are more weapons, more effects, and an AI that responds better to your actions. The sense of control is immediate, and it’s clear that Obsidian has worked to make each shot feel more precise.

Companions have also gained more prominence. Each has their own story, motivations, and special abilities that can change the course of combat or conversations. Forming a balanced team and getting to know them well is an essential part of the experience, and their personal development is much more cared for than in the first game.

The Outer Worlds 2’s structure remains semi-linear, with planets and areas connected to each other. It’s not an open world in the strict sense, but a universe that invites exploration and experimentation, with missions that intertwine and reward curiosity. It’s a game that’s enjoyed without haste, absorbing each conversation, each decision, and each corner of the map.

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Duration

In terms of duration, The Outer Worlds 2 doesn’t aim to overwhelm with hundreds of hours of empty content, but to offer a dense, coherent, and well-paced adventure. Depending on your playstyle, the main campaign can last between 20 and 30 hours, although it’s easy to exceed 50 hours if you get lost in side quests and let yourself be carried away by the companions’ stories.

There’s no “ideal duration,” because this type of RPG is enjoyed at the pace of each player. The structure by planets and factions makes sure you always have something interesting to do, and you rarely feel lost or disconnected from the main plot. Moreover, important decisions invite replaying, which many will undoubtedly do.

Progress feels natural: weapon upgrades, skill development, and companion evolution provide a constant sense of advancement without resorting to repetition. It’s an RPG that rewards exploration, observation, and patience, not rushing to the end.

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Conclusion

The Outer Worlds 2 is not just a sequel; it’s the confirmation of Obsidian’s talent. They’ve taken everything that worked in the original and perfected it with criteria, care, and palpable ambition. It’s a game that feels made by people who love RPGs, who understand what it means to make decisions, and who know how to balance humor, social criticism, and science fiction with their own style.

It’s a title that doesn’t aim to compete with the big ones in size or scale, but in narrative quality, rhythm, and coherence. And in that, it wins by a landslide. I’ve enjoyed every conversation, every decision, and every combat. Obsidian has managed to make the sequel not just repeat the formula, but expand the universe, improve gameplay, and reinforce its identity. In a year packed with releases, this game has all the cards to become one of the essentials.

The Outer Worlds 2 is one of the great RPGs of 2025. If you liked the first one, you’ll love this. And if you didn’t play it, this is the best entry point possible. Obsidian shines again, and it does so with a game that demonstrates that good RPGs still have a lot to say.

We thank Xbox Spain for the material provided to make this analysis possible.