In 2021, players learned thatThe Outer Worlds 2had officially begun development. This announcement came in the form of a hilariously sarcastic reveal trailer from Obsidian Entertainment. Though the reveal was exciting, it would go on to explain that the only thing that was finished about the game is its title.
The claim that nothing aboutThe Outer Worlds 2being developed outside the name is likely an exaggeration. Very soon after the release of the first game or perhaps even during it,TheOuter Worlds 2was in pre-production. The reveal trailer came two years after this fact, making it likely that there is some sort of early build that had already been made. With this and other things in mind, the trailer may have given players a rough estimate for its release.
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A Rough Estimate of The Outer Worlds 2 Release Date
Obsidian Entertainment likely emphasized that only the title had been complete because not everything is set in stone and many things are probably subject to change. This includes gameplay elements such asThe Outer Worlds' character specializationsand certain aspects of the story. But just because the game is further along than many believe, doesn’t mean it’ll come any sooner than games such asThe Elder Scrolls 6. The game could also be much larger in scope than its predecessor, meaning it could take many more years of development before the developer event hints at an official release date.
At the time of the reveal trailer, Obsidian Entertainment was also very much focused on other games such asGroundedandAvowed. These games likely took up a large part of their manpower, meaningThe Outer Worlds 2wasn’t and may not be in full development.Avoweditself is most likely going to release much sooner thanThe Outer Worlds 2,meaning players may see it as far down the line asThe Elder Scrolls 6.This is probably a good thing, considering that it would completely avoidStarfield’s release date.Starfield and The Outer Worlds share a few traits, such as being narrative-driven games that take place in space. Having release dates that are too close to each other could have negative effects on their sales. However, its narrative nature may see it overlapping with the widely-anticipatedThe Elder Scrolls 6, which certainly wouldn’t be good news forThe Outer Worlds 2.
Thankfully, overlapping release dates may be more unlikely than many think.Obsidian Entertainment and Bethesda Games Studios are both owned by Microsoft, meaning they likely are working together to have a release schedule that results in the most profit. Even if that isn’t the case, the developers would likely avoid each other’s release dates in fear that one could negatively affect the other.
This later release date can be seen as a great thing for the franchise. With the firstThe Outer Worlds, criticism from that game is likely being used to further refine the next game. The same thing will likely be able to be said forAvowed, as developers will be able to see what works with audiences and what doesn’t. Also, having previously used Unreal Engine 4 for its first installment,The Outer Worlds 2could use Unreal Engine 5to accomplish bigger and better things. The game has the opportunity to put Obsidian Entertainment’s experience with open-world RPGs from recent years to use while also inheriting next-gen technology.
With all of that in mind,The Outer Worlds 2could really become a game that is really out of this world. Withhumor that makesThe Outer Worldsstand out as a franchise, to the ability to traverse various worlds while putting particular skill sets to use, the game already has a head start in terms of quality. It is only a matter of time before players get to experience it.
The Outer Worlds 2is currently in development.
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