Outer Wilds

 PC
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 782 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 650 out of 782
  2. Mixed: 55 out of 782
  3. Negative: 77 out of 782

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  1. The_Eleatic
    Jun 3, 2019
    10
    This is very nearly a perfect game: beautifully designed and executed, intelligently written, and engaging from beginning to end.

    The setting is a miniature solar system in which the planets are subject to something like realistic orbital mechanics. Each planet may be small - on the scale of hundreds of meters in diameter - but together they offer up a wide variety of dynamic and    This is very nearly a perfect game: beautifully designed and executed, intelligently written, and engaging from beginning to end.

    The setting is a miniature solar system in which the planets are subject to something like realistic orbital mechanics. Each planet may be small - on the scale of hundreds of meters in diameter - but together they offer up a wide variety of dynamic and visually striking environments. At moments, the imagery is breathtaking.

    The aesthetic is stylized, but consistent - and consistently appealing. (I'm tempted to say: "you know, like a game published by Annapurna.")

    The game-play mechanics are well crafted: navigation - in ship or in suit - and walking work smoothly, and all the tools the player has available function as they should.

    As for the writing, this game should be held up as the very model of how to integrate a tight, coherent narrative into an open-world setting. You really can explore in any direction and in any order you like, following one line of clues or another. All the clues fit together, though, and all lead to the same place . . . when you're ready for them to do so.

    The clues left behind by long-dead alien visitors provide a glimpse into their lives and hopes and loves - and their disagreements as to how far their experiments should go - without ever being heavy-handed about it.

    In terms of story and game play, the 22-minute loop has a lot of appeal. Most of the time, it means you can be really relaxed about exploration, knowing there will always be another loop ahead of you. Sometimes, though, it gives you license to take outrageous risks in exploration, burning all your bridges behind you, confident that you'll be back at the launch pad at home soon enough.

    ----

    Postscript: The thing about the controls is that this is one of the few space-based SF games that takes Newton's laws of motion seriously: you know, an object in motion remains in motion, and so on. If you hit one thruster, your ship starts moving in that direction . . . and keeps going in that direction unless you counteract it with another thruster. If you hold your finger on the button for a thruster, you will continue to accelerate in that direction.

    It also takes seriously the law of gravity: if you are near a planet, you will start accelerating toward that planet unless you counteract that acceleration with a thruster blast in the opposite direction.

    Most other SF games with a flying mechanic seem to assume that spaceships in a vacuum work just like airplanes in an atmosphere. They don't.

    So, yes, the controls in Outer Wilds take some getting used to, but they are manageable with practice. Also, the developers have included an autopilot and a velocity-matching mechanic that can help you out of tight spots . . . though sometimes you do have to abort the autopilot if it plots a course through the sun. There is no substitute for your own judgment in such situations.    … Expand
  2. 123wil812
    May 31, 2019
    10
    I highly recommend this game, It an incredible and unique experience. The game is filled with interesting and engaging mechanics and lore on top of a beautiful art style.
  3. sh4dow
    May 31, 2019
    6
    What a shame. I find the idea of those small planets that kind of work like Russian dolls incredibly charming. As well as the overall whimsical presentation. Music, although rare, is great too (Some bits sound like folksy post rock. Very interesting and enjoyable...).
    But the mechanic of a time limit of 22 minutes per run has lead to a lot of frustration for me. One too many times, I    What a shame. I find the idea of those small planets that kind of work like Russian dolls incredibly charming. As well as the overall whimsical presentation. Music, although rare, is great too (Some bits sound like folksy post rock. Very interesting and enjoyable...).
    But the mechanic of a time limit of 22 minutes per run has lead to a lot of frustration for me. One too many times, I FINALLY managed to get to a place that I wanted to go to, only to be caught by the time limit and ending up with yet another "There is more to explore here" note in my ship's log. (Everything you discover is stored in your ship's log permanently).
    And so I've decided that I won't put up with it any more. Especially since at least personally, I didn't find the story too engaging. It takes itself way too seriously compared to the otherwise cartoony nature of everything. And I don't really care about that mysterious alien race that died out and some weird "Eye of the Universe". What did speak to me was uncovering new areas and things (which are all really well designed) on the various planets. But as already mentioned - the time limit ruined that experience for me.    … Expand
  4. tibzoid
    Jun 1, 2019
    4
    Ugh the controls are terrible and the kiddie style is so off-putting. Got a refund.
  5. Vengie
    Dec 18, 2019
    10
    It started slow, forced myself quite a lot for first couple hours thanks to recommendations,
    and then it "ticked" - every system has a place, every thing has a purpose and a meaning
    After finished was not able to put it off my mind for a while. Alas you cannot forget it all and repeat the journey
  6. pospulsar99
    Jan 23, 2021
    10
    Honestly, I can't give this game less than a score of 10 - I'd heard the music for it in the past on Spotify and thought "that sounds great.", and then was able to grab it during an Epic Holiday sale for a ridiculously low 5$.

    It feels like.... 'Myst' meets 'Edge of Tomorrow'? Theoretically, you could look a couple things up and beat the game in 10 minutes, starving yourself of all    Honestly, I can't give this game less than a score of 10 - I'd heard the music for it in the past on Spotify and thought "that sounds great.", and then was able to grab it during an Epic Holiday sale for a ridiculously low 5$.

    It feels like.... 'Myst' meets 'Edge of Tomorrow'? Theoretically, you could look a couple things up and beat the game in 10 minutes, starving yourself of all fun... OR... you can spend like... 20-30 hours exploring and just being delighted at what they've set up here.

    I loved it. It was unique in all the right ways, and totally tickled my fancy.    … Expand
  7. Fliff
    Dec 14, 2019
    10
    This is the type of game that is much better going in blind. It's an incredible exploration game, layered with intricate puzzles, fun movement, beautiful art design, and at times genuinely unsettling settings.

    This game is the antithesis of handholding, you essentially go into this solar system blind, and as you discover things you gain new ways of exploring the world. In that way, it's    This is the type of game that is much better going in blind. It's an incredible exploration game, layered with intricate puzzles, fun movement, beautiful art design, and at times genuinely unsettling settings.

    This game is the antithesis of handholding, you essentially go into this solar system blind, and as you discover things you gain new ways of exploring the world. In that way, it's like a metroidvania where progression isn't gated by an item, but by the player's knowledge.

    Everything in this game just meshes togetger into such a magical experience.    … Expand
  8. Serock
    Jan 27, 2020
    10
    This is such a mind blowing and unique game, it took my by storm. Suddenly i have this urge to play space simulation games that i've never felt before, it has awakened something inside me.
  9. serotoninzero
    Feb 25, 2020
    10
    One of the most beautiful, yet terrifying gaming experiences I've ever had. The game is not scary in the traditional sense, but it did such a great job making me feel helpless.
  10. Chasew2017
    Jun 23, 2020
    10
    One of the best games I've ever played. The exploration and mystery aspect are superb. Saving is connected to a certain mechanic in the game. If you don't have time for a 22-minute time loop then that is your problem, not the game's. Highly recommend playing this one, you won't regret it.
  11. DrownedDrone
    Mar 7, 2020
    10
    This game felt nearly perfect for me. The premise of the game itself is simple yet brilliant- the only problem is that revealing it is a little spoiler by itself. The execution, surprisingly, was flawless as well. The planets, the mechanics and the story, all worked great. The graphics and the music were also beyond my expectations.

    And, probably the most important, the puzzles: I think    This game felt nearly perfect for me. The premise of the game itself is simple yet brilliant- the only problem is that revealing it is a little spoiler by itself. The execution, surprisingly, was flawless as well. The planets, the mechanics and the story, all worked great. The graphics and the music were also beyond my expectations.

    And, probably the most important, the puzzles: I think this is the first time when playing this kind of game that I was stuck for hours solving a problem and wasn't even slightly tempted to search the solution online. This was true because how fun exploration was, how many things were left to explore, and how much I trusted the solution to be fair and logical.    … Expand
  12. ablindpoet
    Jul 23, 2020
    10
    Love this game so much. I really hope you check it out yourself. It’s so much fun to play.
  13. Codex
    Oct 17, 2021
    10
    You need to play this game. Do not look up anything before hand. This masterpiece is best when you go in blind. Cherish this experience. This is a MUST PLAY
  14. Rotrigo
    Feb 20, 2021
    10
    I've never written a review here but this game deserves it. This might be the best game that I've ever played. The adventure and how the game works it's just out of this world, I can't recommend this enough.
  15. lord_raccoon
    Sep 17, 2020
    10
    Absolutely insane game. I believe this game deserves its GOTY title. Its something that changed my mind about everything around, about the universe. It is absolutely another level of plot and lore in the videogames sphere. Cant wait for something new from those developers. Thank you, guys.
  16. TacoLord424
    Nov 24, 2020
    10
    As I slowly drift away into the dark of space from the planet that houses my ship, I take a minute to breathe. It's incredibly relaxing. I've died over and over and over again and this time will be no different. This is how my current loop will end. As I look out across the solar system, I pull out my signal scope and just listen. I listen to all the different instruments. I listen to allAs I slowly drift away into the dark of space from the planet that houses my ship, I take a minute to breathe. It's incredibly relaxing. I've died over and over and over again and this time will be no different. This is how my current loop will end. As I look out across the solar system, I pull out my signal scope and just listen. I listen to all the different instruments. I listen to all the songs being played. As my oxygen reaches critical levels, as I'm about to take my last breath, the planets align, and I'm left with one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. It sends shivers down my spine. I reminisce about my current loop. I've been shot into space by a tornado and fell back down into the sea, I've jumped into the geysers on my home planet, I've miraculously survived over and over again, I jumped into a black hole and lived, I drifted in space, I breathed, I felt alive. And just like that, my loop restarts. Death is inevitable in Outer Wilds, and it's beautiful. I will probably never complete this game, and I don't want to, I want to stay here forever.… Expand
  17. Did-
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    Oh my Science.

    This game is amazing. The context, the environments, the physics, the story, the music, the graphical style, the level design, the game design, the freedom it gives. I loved everything. This game lets you explore the world how you want it. The initial objective is very quickly attained: land on the Moon. Then, you are on your own and you can go anywhere you want, and    Oh my Science.

    This game is amazing. The context, the environments, the physics, the story, the music, the graphical style, the level design, the game design, the freedom it gives. I loved everything.

    This game lets you explore the world how you want it. The initial objective is very quickly attained: land on the Moon. Then, you are on your own and you can go anywhere you want, and whatever your decision, you'll find something of interest and learn something new. In any case, you'll always have to go back and forth between planets to understand how they work and unveil their mysteries.

    Speaking of learning, it's the point of the game: to learn how it works, and what's the story behind it and its previous species. Everything is taught through the environment and text pieces from older civilizations. There are no upgrades or keys, only your knowledge will unlock new paths.

    Technically speaking, it's amazing. The whole solar system is one physics simulation, constantly running, wherever you are, whatever you do. All planets, every physics objects, is following the same principal physics rules. Even the Moon has a small effect on the Planet it’s orbiting around, and can even make you jump higher if it's above your. I got some rare freezes here and there, but otherwise everything runs smoothly.

    The world is satisfying to explore, times and times again, and I loved driving my ship and be able to land it anywhere I want. I left this solar system with the same feeling of awe I originally felt the first time I took off my native planet.

    This is one of the 10 best games I've ever played in my entire life, and I've played quite a bunch, over 750 games. This game is why I continue to play daily, to be amazed when one of those inspiring experiences pop up.    … Expand
  18. Julpyz93
    Jul 18, 2020
    10
    It just becomes one of my favorite game ever. It's so unique and the world's and the story is a masterpiece
  19. Clockworknait
    Feb 3, 2020
    10
    This game is so amazing! I get a feeling in the pit of my stomach everytime i discover something new. The puzzles are great too just challenging enough. I could see how some people with a lower intelligence might not like this game though,theres no shooting and mainly exploring and melancholy despair lol
  20. 611Machine
    Dec 14, 2019
    10
    A masterpice. Truly a brilliant puzzle game with a smart story and beautiful ending. Love the music.
  21. IsshinAshina
    Feb 2, 2020
    10
    Incredibly unique and interesting game. The computer generated physics that make it all function are incredible to behold.
    It doesn't have exciting, skill based gameplay. But it's not trying to be that kind of game either. It's an exploration game, where you're like an archaeologist on a quest to find answer to very grand questions.
    If you're the kind of person who'd perhaps enjoy this    Incredibly unique and interesting game. The computer generated physics that make it all function are incredible to behold.
    It doesn't have exciting, skill based gameplay. But it's not trying to be that kind of game either. It's an exploration game, where you're like an archaeologist on a quest to find answer to very grand questions.
    If you're the kind of person who'd perhaps enjoy this kind of game, just get it. The less you know about it, the better.    … Expand
  22. Khiro
    Feb 3, 2020
    10
    First of all I will make it clear, it is a masterpiece and one of the best indie games of 2019, if not the best, I have to admit that the first 30 minutes seemed somewhat boring, but despite that I continued playing, and from the first moment that you go out into space, everything changes completely, the game has a world that feels, alive, not like in many other games, things happen aroundFirst of all I will make it clear, it is a masterpiece and one of the best indie games of 2019, if not the best, I have to admit that the first 30 minutes seemed somewhat boring, but despite that I continued playing, and from the first moment that you go out into space, everything changes completely, the game has a world that feels, alive, not like in many other games, things happen around you, the planets change, break, interact with each other, as if from a Real universe is involved, all the predefined events of the game are perfectly orchestrated to surprise, there are people who leave very negative reviews simply by the fact that when they die they restart, but it is the mechanics of the game, and it has a meaning in the story, apart from the fact that although everything is lost, in each game you learn something, which will make you be closer to the end in your next game, those who criticize it for things like the restart, it shows that they have not dedicated more than 1 hour to the game , if you want a game or innovative that I hooked you with an addictive plot, intriguing and with great mysteries to solve, this is your game, I already said it at the beginning, but I have to say it again, this game is a masterpiece, I have nothing more to say respect, if you give it a well-deserved opportunity you will be pleasantly surprised… Expand
  23. Valdirkz
    Jan 9, 2022
    10
    One of the best games I have ever played in my life.
    I can't put in words how much I loved it from the beginning to the very end.
    Thanks for everyone involved from bringing such an incredible piece of art.
    It will be remembered for the rest of my life.
  24. DWojt
    Feb 23, 2020
    10
    Ci co dawali złe komentarze pod tą grą widać, że w nią nie grali. Opcja zakończenia pętli jest, lecz trzeba ją odblokować. Jeśli chcecie oceniać daną grę to ją najpierw kupcie, lub poznajcie trochę informacji o niej.
  25. spencerplewe
    Jul 16, 2020
    10
    Mind...Blown. Outer Wilds is the most SUPERB space exploration game I've ever played, combining excellent space flight simulation; addictive lore to uncover; and a bizarre, frightening, and captivating sense of adventure.
  26. szarywilq
    Jun 15, 2021
    9
    This is really impressive that it took me 20 hours to solve a game that can be beaten in 20 minutes. No cheats, no level progression - just knowledge and understanding you learn as a player.

    I completed the game.

    Gameplay: B+
    Story: A
    Graphic: C
    Audio: B+
    Lenght: 20h
  27. 1-2-RKcubed
    Apr 16, 2020
    10
    I don't usually feel the need to review games. Usually I find a game that looks neat, plays it, enjoys it, and move on. Sometimes the game is really good and I talk to my friends about it or get involved in its community. And then sometimes a game is so stunning, so meaningful, and so impactful to me that I have to share it. This is one of those games. Outer Wilds is a game that left me inI don't usually feel the need to review games. Usually I find a game that looks neat, plays it, enjoys it, and move on. Sometimes the game is really good and I talk to my friends about it or get involved in its community. And then sometimes a game is so stunning, so meaningful, and so impactful to me that I have to share it. This is one of those games. Outer Wilds is a game that left me in tears many times throughout my playthrough. It also left me confused, in awe, terrified, excited, and most of all, curious. Curiosity drives this game through and through. If you aren't the kind of person who gets so invested in a story that you can't help but read chapter after chapter, watch episode after episode or play hour after hour, then this game isn't for you. While the puzzles in this game are amazing and unendingly creative, they still serve as a vessel for the story and its subtext. This game speaks to a lot of things and if you pay attention you might just walk away from it with a new appreciation for a few aspects of our existence. If you think that you might enjoy this game, avoid all spoilers and play it for yourself. This is a game about discovery and it is not one that you will soon forget.… Expand
  28. Gaybol
    Jun 25, 2020
    10
    Essa foi a primeira vez que eu chorei não só por um jogo, mas isso abrange também filmes e séries. Eu nunca chorei consumindo nenhuma dessas coisas. Outer Wilds junta absolutamente tudo o que eu amo, além de ter um final INCRÍVEL.

    É inovador, lindo e super fofo. Eu queria ter a experiência de jogar esse jogo dnv, mas ele é uma dessas coisas que você só vai conseguir aproveitar do jeito    Essa foi a primeira vez que eu chorei não só por um jogo, mas isso abrange também filmes e séries. Eu nunca chorei consumindo nenhuma dessas coisas. Outer Wilds junta absolutamente tudo o que eu amo, além de ter um final INCRÍVEL.

    É inovador, lindo e super fofo. Eu queria ter a experiência de jogar esse jogo dnv, mas ele é uma dessas coisas que você só vai conseguir aproveitar do jeito certo só na primeira vez que for jogar.

    Se você tiver como JOGUE!    … Expand
  29. Puumpkin345
    Jun 2, 2020
    10
    One of the best experiences I've had in my life, Outer Wilds is not only an extremely rich exploration game, it brings a genuine feeling of discovery. Unlike other exploration games that are extremely linear, this one gives you the freedom to take the route you want and the story progresses anyway. There is no correct route, there is the best route for you, just decide which one it is.One of the best experiences I've had in my life, Outer Wilds is not only an extremely rich exploration game, it brings a genuine feeling of discovery. Unlike other exploration games that are extremely linear, this one gives you the freedom to take the route you want and the story progresses anyway. There is no correct route, there is the best route for you, just decide which one it is. Outer Wilds made me feel like a child, when you discover something new and for you it is extremely amazing. Thank you very much for the experience.… Expand
  30. NickLink
    Jun 22, 2020
    10
    Outer Wilds is one of the BEST games I've ever played. There is no objective, all that is there to drive you into exploring the game is your own curiosity and the fact that the game trusts that it is enough to make you play it from start to finish is one of the aspects that make the game so amazing.
    Exploring the space in this game is an indescribable experience. Each planet is unique and    Outer Wilds is one of the BEST games I've ever played. There is no objective, all that is there to drive you into exploring the game is your own curiosity and the fact that the game trusts that it is enough to make you play it from start to finish is one of the aspects that make the game so amazing.
    Exploring the space in this game is an indescribable experience. Each planet is unique and they can make you feel emotions that go from dread to happiness. The more you dive into this universe the more you want to know about it and uncovering an ancient civilization's journey adds a great story line to the game.
    For me, the moment when the game shines the most is when it creates unique experiences, which I can't talk about a lot since it would be a spoiler, but the music has a major and awesome role in those moments.
    There's not a lot to say about the game, since it has more to do with the player than anything else. If you haven't played the game yet, go ahead and experience it yourself. You won't regret it.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

21
#21 Best PC Game of 2019
18
#18 Most Discussed PC Game of 2019
1
#1 Most Shared PC Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. GameCritics
    Aug 20, 2019
    65
    Outer Wilds is rife with breathtaking sights and sounds, and at the very least, no one could accuse it of being unambitious. Mobius Digital may be a small team but, almost paradoxically, they achieve a remarkable sense of scope by keeping things modest. However, their work suffers from the glacial pace of progress and a hands-off approach to storytelling. My biggest issues – a lack of combat, direction, or material rewards – are obviously deliberate, bold choices on the part of the devs, and I commend Mobius for them while also chiding the cold, inscrutable product that resulted. I admire Outer Wilds, but I don’t love it.
    Read full review
  2. Games.cz
    Aug 19, 2019
    90
    This temporally unique game adds something new with your every death and moves the story forward beautifully. The environments are breathtaking, the music will soothe you. This is the perfect game for those of you who are, above all, curious.
    Read full review
  3. Adventure Gamers
    Jul 26, 2019
    80
    For those who won’t be deterred by the endless deaths and time-looped backtracking in Outer Wilds, its intriguing mystery and non-linear exploration of an entire solar system will be a novel and deeply engaging experience.
    Read full review
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