Outward and Outward 2: Survival RPGs That Redefine Adventure

Written By Ryan Hayden

Introduction

Most RPGs cast you as the chosen hero, destined to save the world. Outward (Nine Dots Studio, 2019), however, flipped that expectation on its head. Instead of being a legendary warrior, you were just an ordinary adventurer, vulnerable to hunger, exhaustion, and the harsh realities of survival. That is what made me enjoy the first game: every journey felt earned, every victory hard‑won.

Now, with Outward 2 in development and playtests underway, Nine Dots Studio is doubling down on that philosophy. The sequel promises to be even more unforgiving, more immersive, and more rewarding for players who embrace the challenge.

Outward: The First Game

When Outward launched in 2019, it stood out in a crowded RPG market.

  • Survival Systems: You had to manage food, water, fatigue, and even weather. Forgetting a tent or waterskin could mean death.

  • Consequences of Death: Instead of a simple “game over,” failure led to dynamic outcomes. You might wake up captured by bandits, rescued by strangers, or stranded in the wilderness.

  • Combat: Inspired by souls‑like mechanics, combat was deliberate and punishing. Stamina management mattered more than flashy skills.

  • Co‑op Play: Many players, myself included, found the grind more rewarding with a friend.

The Definitive Edition (2022) improved visuals and bundled expansions, but the core remained uncompromising. Critics noted its clunky mechanics, yet fans praised its immersion and realism (Kaganath, 2024; Saviour 3.0, 2025).

Outward 2 Playtest Impressions

Jumping into the Outward 2 playtest, I immediately saw how Nine Dots Studio is refining its vision.

Character Creation

Trait selection and profession choices determine your stats and even influence dialogue. While the character creator felt laggy, it already hints at replayability through different builds.

Survival Needs

Water, food, and sleep are critical. Death without permadeath enabled does not end the game outright; instead, it triggers unpredictable outcomes. You might be rescued by a guard, imprisoned, or forced to flee. This system reinforces the idea that survival is never certain.

Combat & Encounters

Combat is basic but functional, requiring preparation and stamina management. Sleeping outdoors carries real risk: you can be ambushed by bandits or attacked by creatures. Magic is not a given thing; it must be earned, making it feel like a reward rather than a default skill.

Atmosphere & World

The world feels dangerous and alive. Every journey carries risk, and exploration is never safe. That tension makes even small victories meaningful.

Bugs & Playtest State

As expected in a pre‑release build, bugs are present, from lag in character design to occasional glitches. However, they do not overshadow the core systems being tested.

Why It Matters

Creative director Guillaume Boucher‑Vidal has emphasized that Outward 2 will not be “any less cruel” than its predecessor (Bea, 2025). For players like me who enjoyed the realism of the first game, this is exciting. The sequel builds on what made Outward unique: survival as the core challenge, not a side mechanic.

Pros & Cons Snapshot

On the positive side, Outward 2 already demonstrates impressive depth in its survival systems. The need to manage food, water, and sleep creates constant tension, while dynamic death outcomes add unpredictability and immersion. Trait and profession choices not only affect stats but also influence dialogue, giving players meaningful replayability. Magic progression feels rewarding because it must be earned rather than granted at the start, and the dangerous, immersive world ensures that every journey feels significant.

On the other hand, the playtest revealed several drawbacks. Bugs are present throughout the build, ranging from lag during character creation to occasional gameplay glitches. Combat, while functional, still feels basic compared to other RPGs, and the laggy character creator can be frustrating. The game’s high difficulty may deter casual players, and its punishing systems demand patience and preparation. These challenges are part of the design philosophy, but they may limit the appeal to a broader audience.

Conclusion

Outward redefined survival RPGs by stripping away the fantasy of being a chosen hero and replacing it with the harsh reality of being an ordinary adventurer. I enjoyed how the first game demanded preparation and punished carelessness.

Outward 2 continues that tradition, adding trait‑driven character creation, earned magic, and unpredictable death consequences. Bugs aside, the playtest shows a world where danger is everywhere, and survival is never guaranteed.

For me, that is what makes Outward special. It is not about being the strongest hero. It is about surviving, adapting, and carving out your own story in a world that does not care if you live or die.

References

 

Ryan Hayden
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