There are few things in gaming that get my attention like a good Obsidian sequel-and The Outer Worlds 2 opening the Xbox Games Showcase was a shot of energy I didn’t see coming. The original was a sharp, subversive take on space-faring RPGs, and seeing its next chapter kick off Microsoft’s biggest event of the year felt like a signal: we’re not done with weird, witty sci-fi just yet.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Obsidian Entertainment / Xbox Game Studios |
| Release Date | October 29, 2025 |
| Genres | Action RPG, Sci-Fi, Satire |
| Platforms | PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S (Game Pass Day One) |
The Outer Worlds 2 showing up first at the Xbox Games Showcase wasn’t just a flex—it was a statement. Obsidian’s first Outer Worlds was a cult hit: it didn’t have the open-world sprawl of a Bethesda RPG, but it nailed the feeling of exploring a corporate-dystopian star system where every ad blared in your face and every “choice” was tinged with cynicism. As someone who played the first game twice for the snarky dialogue alone, I was watching that trailer for two things: would Obsidian double down on the satire, and would they finally make the combat feel less like a budget constraint?
The answer, if the trailer’s anything to go by, is yes to both. The world feels even more absurd and colorful, leaning into that retro-future aesthetic that made the first game pop. Explosions, melee finishers, and a slicker gunplay loop were all on display—clearly a response to feedback that the original’s combat felt a little stiff. And the writing? If Obsidian keeps their irreverent, sharply anti-capitalist edge (think Fallout: New Vegas in space, but with more tongue-in-cheek corporate jabs), then we’re in for more than just another loot shooter.
The other big story here is platform strategy. Microsoft’s been on a developer-buying spree, but The Outer Worlds 2 is still launching on PlayStation 5, not just Xbox and PC. That cross-platform approach is gamer-friendly, even if it’s a little surprising amid the recent “exclusive” posturing. The real win, though, is day-one Game Pass access. As RPGs get bigger (and pricier), being able to jump in without a full $70 commitment is a huge deal for anyone who likes to sample before sinking the hours.
The October 2025 release date is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s great to see a game not getting rushed—Obsidian’s last few launches (Pentiment, Grounded, even Avowed’s previews) have shown they care about polish. On the other, waiting over a year for a sequel when the hype is this fresh feels like torture. Still, I’d rather get another smart, well-written Obsidian RPG than a half-baked shooter with all the edges sanded off. And the fact that The Outer Worlds 2 gets both an intro spotlight and a deeper dive by the end of the showcase hints at real confidence from Xbox in what Obsidian’s cooking.
From a gamer’s perspective, here’s what really matters: The Outer Worlds 2 looks like it’s keeping the series’ trademark wit and dark humor, while finally giving the action the budget and love it deserves. If you liked the first game’s mix of quirky factions and “laugh so you don’t cry” critique of space capitalism, this sequel is shaping up as a must-play. If you bounced off the original because the combat felt wonky or the world felt a bit small, there’s real reason to be optimistic about what’s coming.
The Outer Worlds 2’s first real showing promises bigger explosions, smarter combat, and the same sharp social commentary that put Obsidian on the map. Launching day one on Game Pass is a massive plus for RPG fans who don’t want to gamble sixty bucks on every sequel, and the 2025 date means this one won’t be rushed. If you love games that poke fun at corporate culture while letting you blast robots with a shotgun, circle October 29th on your calendar. This isn’t just another sequel—it could be the next must-play RPG for anyone who likes their sci-fi with a side of biting humor.