Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 58 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 51 out of 58
  2. Negative: 1 out of 58
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  1. Nov 5, 2025
    90
    The Outer Worlds 2 is as good as the original game, and dare I say even a little bit better.
  2. Nov 3, 2025
    90
    The Outer Worlds 2 is an unquestionable improvement over the first game. With a much better-written story, more memorable characters, richer combat, a greater variety of environments, and excellently designed dungeons, it stands as one of the best RPGs, if not the best, in Obsidian’s impressive library.
  3. Oct 28, 2025
    90
    The Outer Worlds 2 refines the overall Outer Worlds universe, pulling back on ridiculous and expanding into more human territory, while still keeping its satirical tongue firmly in cheek. Every system in the game has been refined, from greater control over character development to slicker and more impactful combat. This is a great RPG that firmly cements the franchise as a genre leader.
  4. Oct 27, 2025
    90
    In this mix – a subtle, clever humour, a loose but engaging story, and an ample variety of choice in every step – The Outer Worlds 2 is an impressive achievement. It’s a game that frog-leaps its predecessor easily and simply, with a variety of systems all working together to serve a brilliant choose-your-own-adventure experience that allows players to feel like an intrinsic, influential part of its world.
  5. Oct 26, 2025
    90
    If you're a fan of Fallout and Western RPGs, this game is close to the pinnacle of that genre and is the legitimate and spiritual successor to Fallout New Vegas. A powerful experience with a deep story and relatable characters, with dire consequences for every choice and great freedom in every way. Xbox has done a brilliant job in delivering a premium first-party game that will satisfy RPG fans.
  6. Oct 23, 2025
    90
    Funny, cruel, and painfully perceptive, The Outer Worlds 2 marks Obsidian’s triumphant return to the top of the RPG genre. Beneath a few minor technical blemishes lies a work of remarkable coherence and freedom, where every choice matters and every laugh stings. A brilliant, deeply humanist, and unmissable RPG that constantly reminds us why we love video games. And once it’s over, there’s only one thing you want to do: start all over again. Isn’t that the mark of a truly great game?
  7. Oct 23, 2025
    90
    Outer Worlds 2 is a smartly written, sophisticated RPG with its tongue firmly planted in its cheek. It’s hard not to see the parallels to real-world events played out thousands of light-years away, against a backdrop that is both at turns ludicrous but weirdly grounded, presided over by a cast of likable characters and a bevy of ingenious systems and branching paths that make for wildly different adventures Let me put it this way, I’m already planning my next trip to Arcadia.
  8. Oct 23, 2025
    90
    The Outer Worlds 2 is a more expansive, more choice-heavy, and more satisfying western RPG that stands above most of its recent peers.
  9. Oct 23, 2025
    90
    While the occasional technical hiccup is disappointing and the lack of a New Game+ mode is a bummer, The Outer Worlds 2 still provides an excellent action-RPG experience that will greatly appeal to Fallout fans and those who enjoyed the original game. The Outer Worlds 2 is yet another great RPG from Obsidian and is a brilliant way to cap off what has been an incredibly impressive year for the studio.
  10. 90
    If Avowed didn't scratch the RPG itch for you earlier this year, The Outer Worlds 2 surely will. This is a confident and ambitious sequel that feels like Obsidian's vision has been fully-realised. It isn't without many of the issues that plague modern RPGs today, but ultimately makes for an experience that's all too easy to sink many an hour into.
  11. Oct 23, 2025
    90
    Obsidian returns to its role-playing roots and, after Avowed, which focused on combat mechanics, and the brilliant Grounded 2, which focused on survival and exploration, recaptures that special something that made us fall in love with New Vegas. A capital-letter RPG that offers a multitude of options when it comes to creating our character, following our path, and achieving the best ending based on our tastes and decisions. Its improved combat, more than stable performance, and character and level design on par with its multiple stories put the finishing touch on a sequel that improves on its predecessor in every way.
  12. Oct 23, 2025
    90
    The Outer Worlds 2 comes together to deliver a fantastic journey. Despite some narrative hiccups, the worlds, organizations and individual players encounter, and sometimes kill, are always engaging and frequently fun.
  13. Oct 23, 2025
    90
    A confident sequel that finally gives the series its own identity, but The Outer Worlds 2 feels like an evolution of ideas rather than something new.
  14. Oct 23, 2025
    90
    The Outer Worlds 2 doesn't reinvent the wheel, but delivers a more refined version of a formula that worked. Better exploration and combat buoy a tight role-playing experience that feels crunchy and isn't afraid of cutting off branches depending on player skills. The overarching story is a bit more self-serious than its predecessor, but the numerous side quests still lean comedic. A few bugs aside, it's not a game to miss.
  15. Oct 23, 2025
    90
    The Outer Worlds 2 expands on everything that made the original great, sharp writing, satisfying combat, and real player choice. Despite a clunky UI and some rough edges, this witty space RPG delivers a rich, reactive world that’s truly yours to shape.
  16. Oct 23, 2025
    90
    The Outer Worlds 2 is a fantastic RPG that lets me just run around freely, discovering the world and resolving its issues in my own time. The world is great, the dialogue is fantastic, and it's very hard to put down.
  17. Oct 23, 2025
    90
    The Outer Worlds 2 is exactly everything we could have hoped to see in the sequel to the title that made our hearts race back in 2019. Technically almost flawless, with gameplay improved in every respect and a world increasingly realistic in its satire of our own reality, The Outer Worlds 2 is a pure RPG, capable of offering practically everything that can excite a true role-playing purist.What truly surprises is the depth of the choices our character can make, and how many elements can change based on them. Personal relationships, power struggles among factions, and even the future of the Arcadia star system—everything might be affected by what we do.Add to all this a meticulously crafted script and an art direction of rare beauty, and you’ve got the perfect combination. A few bugs can’t scare a real space captain, nor can the vast amount of text to read (all in Italian) needed to fully grasp the game’s lore.To sum it all up in one sentence: The Outer Worlds 2 is a true RPG, the kind we rarely see anymore.
  18. Oct 23, 2025
    90
    The Outer Worlds 2 is Obsidian at its finest — a deep, witty, and beautifully crafted RPG that expands on everything that made the first game great. With sharper writing, better combat, and stunning performance on Xbox Series X, it’s a masterclass in choice-driven storytelling.
  19. Oct 23, 2025
    90
    The sequel utterly revels in the absurdity of its satire on capitalism, government, authoritarianism, and individuality – even if it takes a bit longer to get situated than the first game.
  20. Oct 23, 2025
    90
    A deep, funny, and systemically complex role-playing game, built around wry satire and a far-reaching sense of consequence, where conversation is at least as important as combat.
  21. Oct 23, 2025
    90
    The Outer Worlds 2 is a confident and evolved sequel that deepens Obsidian's signature blend of player agency, narrative impact, and dark satire. Set in a galaxy divided by ideology and shaped by choice, it refines nearly every system from its predecessor while introducing dynamic flaws, factional politics, and layered exploration that rewards curiosity. Though some visuals and early customization options fall short, its storytelling, companion design, and flexible mission structure shine across dozens of hours.
  22. Oct 23, 2025
    90
    The Outer Worlds 2 does not significantly alter its combat or exploration. Yet it greatly expands the RPG aspects of the experience, offering a title filled with multiple paths to choose from, impactful decisions that shape the narrative, and extensive freedom for players to become whoever they wish to be. All of this unfolds within a visually stunning and captivating galaxy, albeit with the occasional glitch scattered throughout.
  23. Oct 23, 2025
    90
    The Outer Worlds 2 is a confidently made game. It is perfectly scoped, with excellent gameplay, writing, and voice acting. The combat and movement are the biggest step up over the original. Whether you have played that title or not, if you want a choice-heavy, narrative-rich adventure in a far-off solar system, then this game is worth a download or Game Pass or buying outright.
  24. Oct 23, 2025
    88
    Despite some of the technical difficulties that required a workaround, I couldn't put The Outer Worlds 2 down. The expansive worlds, the near infinite choice options, and storytelling that is arguably some of the best in the business really encapsulates everything Obsidian has managed to do right for over two decades. For fans of the genre, The Outer Worlds 2 is the quintessential RPG this year. Just keep in mind that despite it's abundant strengths you'll still be dealing with some flaws.
  25. Oct 23, 2025
    87
    This sequel represents a bigger and better take on what we already knew. The Outer Worlds 2 is a solid, deep, and fun experience, although we expected a bigger leap forward with the next generation of the series.
  26. Oct 23, 2025
    87
    The Outer Worlds 2 returns with a far more ambitious vision, refining many of the aspects that felt unfinished in the first game — including a revamped combat system, improved companion management, and other key mechanics. It’s classic Obsidian: full of moral choices, complex characters, and a story that adapts to every decision you make. Technically, it surpasses the original (and even Avowed), though there’s still room for improvement. It’s one of those games where no two playthroughs will ever feel the same.
  27. Oct 23, 2025
    86
    It's clear that Obsidian thoroughly considered community feedback during development. The result is a motivating sci-fi adventure that takes the core strengths of its predecessor and improves on it in almost every respect. The scope has practically doubled, the combat gameplay feels significantly more engaging, the mission options are even more varied, and the presentation is clearly superior to that of the first game. It's a shame, however, that the resources – despite support from publisher Xbox Game Studios – weren't sufficient for romantic relationships and German voice acting this time around. The developers also need to improve the stealth gameplay, which didn't feel as immersive as hoped in the test version.
  28. Oct 23, 2025
    85
    The Outer Worlds 2 is an RPG that retains the strengths of the original but presents them on a larger scale, with more variety and a more direct impact on gameplay and choices. For both fans of the first game and newcomers, The Outer Worlds 2 offers a challenging, clever, and humorous sci-fi experience that, despite minor imperfections, is well worth exploring - and revisiting in a potential next playthrough.
  29. Oct 23, 2025
    85
    A deeper, more engaging sequel that enhances the original without losing its soul. Not perfect, but essential for every action-RPG fan.
  30. Oct 23, 2025
    85
    This sophomore entry in the science fiction series punches above its weight in crafting a wide-ranging story of adventure, choice, and consequence. With a widened scope for their satirical take on society in the space age, deep RPG systems, and a finale that hints at even grander aims for the series, it is hard not to be excited for the future of The Outer Worlds. While some minor issues hold it back, Obsidian has carefully crafted yet another RPG banger.
  31. Oct 23, 2025
    85
    While its shooting system is traditional, The Outer Worlds 2 shines when it comes to customization and role-playing. Obsidian has created an adventure that feels alive, adapting to your style in real time. Each confrontation has multiple approaches, and it's always interesting to find less obvious routes, all depending on your style and goals. While The Outer Worlds 2 doesn't revolutionize the genre, it does offer a first-class experience that all fans of these experiences can't afford to miss, even if the end result isn't as impressive as Avowed.
  32. Oct 23, 2025
    85
    There are few ways in which The Outer Worlds 2 doesn't improve on the first game. It's bigger, deeper, and more complex. The story and characters are more satisfying. Combat has been refined. It takes its time and demands players be patient and engage in all its systems and overlook some technical issues that pop up somewhat frequently. I can't imagine a world -- Outer or not -- in which fans of the original won't enjoy this new experience.
  33. Oct 23, 2025
    85
    The Outer Worlds 2 improves upon its predecessor in mission design, combat, and meaningful player choice, offering a solid sci-fi RPG experience. However, it unfortunately falters in its narrative, with a lackluster story and unconvincing companions that fail to engage, leaving a technically proficient but less inspired adventure.
  34. Nov 12, 2025
    80
    None of these game design decisions are particularly revolutionary, of course, and there is a slight sensation of sequel ennui about Outer Worlds 2. But Obsidian has assembled a deliciously moreish RPG in which the perks and skills trees just beg to be exploited for crazy combinations.
  35. Nov 9, 2025
    80
    Retro-futuristic in its art direction, The Outer Worlds 2 is more retro than futuristic in its approach to the RPG genre. While it boasts a host of accessibility options and incredibly responsive controls, this Microsoft-published title is primarily aimed at Obsidian fans who see certain aging RPG mechanics as a strength rather than a weakness. That said, the numerous improvements over the first installment, along with the choices that have real consequences, make it a shame to miss out on this excellent sci-fi epic with its unique tone, whether you're a fan of the young franchise or not.
  36. Oct 24, 2025
    80
    The Outer Worlds 2’s collection of medium-sized immersive sim-like sandboxes are brimming with detail and avenues for creative exploration. There are some minor missteps, however, namely in moments where the pacing slows down to a trudge, making for uneven momentum in how the adventure plays out. Like Obsidian’s finest games, its latest offering teems with brilliant, witty dialog, strong anti-capitalist themes, and a plot where your decision-making can lead you down truly unpredictable paths.
  37. Oct 23, 2025
    80
    If The Outer Worlds 2 had a combat system that played more to my tastes, menus that were less clunky, it would be verging on RPG perfection...These worlds are well worth exploring and the characters are well worth getting to know. If you’re into Fallout-style RPGs, this will scratch that itch perfectly. Just be careful along the way that you don’t make any choices you’ll regret.
  38. Oct 23, 2025
    80
    A sci-fi role-playing game designed with a lot of passion, featuring a great narrative universe, flamboyant characters, many solutions for individual missions and a consistently successful presentation.
  39. Oct 23, 2025
    80
    The Outer Worlds 2 boasts better-crafted, more deliberate storytelling alongside a wide scope for meaningful player choice. While there are undoubtedly problems with polish, and the combat system still needs some work, The Outer Worlds 2’s writing and commitment to world-building are enough all on their own. The depth of customisability will draw you back in, asking you how you might save the day next time around.
  40. Oct 23, 2025
    80
    The Outer Worlds 2 is a glorious outing that provides some of the best RPG mechanics that I have experienced in a while. Its world, exploration, and combat are perfectly executed, providing a sequel fans will be overjoyed to sink their time into. While it has a few flaws in terms of story and companion depth, you'll find few RPGs that deliver such a robust and addictive experience.
  41. Oct 23, 2025
    80
    The Outer Worlds 2 is a solid, engaging and enjoyable follow-up to the original game. It changes its dynamic and tone enough that it can potentially turn off people who really loved the original. At the same time, it feels like something that might work better for those who prefer their RPGs to be less goofy. There's a varied and interesting set of character builds available, and it's easy to imagine playing the game multiple times to see distinctly different outcomes for various quests. If you're looking for a solid RPG with some good meat on its bones, The Outer Worlds 2 does everything it needs to do.
  42. Oct 23, 2025
    80
    The Outer Worlds 2 is a classic role-playing game from Obsidian Entertainment, as well as the excellent sequel to a series that we now hope will continue further. What most satisfies in this new adventure among the stars is the freedom of action offered to the player — both in character management and in the variety of approaches allowed in missions, dialogues, combat, and virtually every other aspect of the game.Like many other titles from the Californian studio, it’s not an experience without flaws, which are especially noticeable from a technical standpoint. Nonetheless, the overall quality of the adventure is such that any issues easily fade into the background. Ultimately, The Outer Worlds 2 is a role-playing game — and a remarkably well-crafted, rewarding sci-fi adventure. It will satisfy both those who simply wish to complete the main missions, taking around thirty hours, and those who prefer to dig deep, uncovering and savoring every fine detail of the elaborate role-playing system crafted by the studio.
  43. Oct 23, 2025
    80
    The Outer Worlds 2 is bigger and better than the original, but, alas, plays it much safer. Overall is a more solid effort from Obsidian, and has much more content than the first game, but the surprise effect from the 2019 is gone. Still, a solid and very fun RPG from one of the most talented teams around in creating worlds, interactions and dialogues.
  44. Oct 23, 2025
    80
    The Outer Worlds 2 feels like the series coming into its own, carried by flexible combat options and great role-playing progression. The first Outer Worlds felt like Obsidian trying to recapture the magic of Fallout's apocalyptic future in a new spacefaring context. The Outer Worlds 2 cements this setting as its own identity that can exist alongside its sci-fi contemporaries to deliver something that is familiar, but also distinctly its own.
  45. Oct 23, 2025
    80
    It’s immersive, delightful fun and it’s packed with little moments that should see it resonate with a big audience. Whatever Obsidian decides to do next, they should look back on this release as one where they really got all the big calls right.
  46. Oct 23, 2025
    80
    The Outer Worlds 2 is a thoroughly enjoyable sequel, boasting an injection of adrenaline-fuelled gameplay compared to the original. We can't help but feel like it's lost a little bit of its soul when it comes to choice and consequence, but that doesn't take away from the overall experience. Just temper your expectations.
  47. Oct 23, 2025
    80
    The Outer Worlds 2 is for better and worse still fluffy gaming comfort food, but it is significantly improved and better than its predecessor in almost every way.
  48. Oct 23, 2025
    80
    Once you get past a weak first act, The Outer Worlds 2 sharpens Obsidian’s RPG formula with smarter writing and better combat.
  49. Oct 23, 2025
    80
    If you enjoyed The Outer Worlds and were one of those who thought it ended too soon, then The Outer Worlds 2 is for you. It may be bigger and different from the first game, but there is no doubt that this is still, thankfully, The Outer Worlds.
  50. Oct 23, 2025
    75
    The Outer Worlds 2 is a fun return to the satirical universe created by Obsidian, maintaining its sharp humor and criticism of corporate capitalism. The game succeeds in offering freedom of choice, good dialogue options, and a setting that balances sci-fi aesthetics with a playful tone, delivering a solid campaign, charismatic characters, and varied missions that guarantee hours of exploration and laughter. However, technical issues still weigh negatively on the experience: bugs, glitches, and even crashes disrupt immersion, even with the promise of future fixes. The main story may not be as memorable as that of other Obsidian titles, but the work as a whole is still convincing.
  51. Oct 23, 2025
    75
    The Outer Worlds 2 retains the strengths of the first title, with rich dialogue and storytelling, while surpassing it on almost every technical level. The dialogue and choices available remain the main strengths of this sequel, while other aspects prove uneven and not always very convincing, such as combat or the omnipresence of skill requirements, for example. Compared to other recent big RPGs, this sequel unfortunately doesn't measure up, unless you're keen to play a 3D Fallout in space.
  52. Nov 6, 2025
    70
    There’s good depth to the role-play elements, weapons, combat and character development, including the introduction of character flaws as well as positive attributes. And the outer worlds look beautiful and lush on screen. A good game, with a wonderful style to it, but nothing you really haven’t played before.
  53. Oct 23, 2025
    70
    It’s in old pots that the best soups are made. At least, that’s what my grandmother used to say whenever she wanted to make us eat her old soup. Here’s a formula that works, pushed to its absolute limits, and sprinkled with the excellent universe of The Outer Worlds. The result is an adventure that will be ideal for the biggest fans of the genre, despite its imperfections, inconsistencies, and sometimes rough system balancing.
  54. Oct 23, 2025
    70
    The Outer Worlds 2 is a fantastic modern RPG. The emphasis on player choice and customization, the great dialogue and characters, exceptional worldbuilding, and fun gameplay mechanics make it one of Obsidian's best games in years. However, that excitement is hindered by frustrating navigation mechanics, constant glitches, and characters that lack depth due to the absence of romances and natural speech options. While this is a great return to form for the genre, you may be better off waiting for all of the issues to be fixed in a post-launch update before buying.
  55. Apr 6, 2026
    60
    The Outer Worlds 2 has little in common with Obsidian’s best RPGs. It’s not exactly a bad game, but you certainly won’t miss it if you skip it.
  56. Jan 21, 2026
    60
    With solid technical aspects but disappointing gunplay, repetitive encounters, and other flaws, all the good stuff ends up falling flat.
  57. Oct 27, 2025
    60
    The Outer Worlds 2 tries to be a great space RPG, but falls by the wayside. It has good ideas, lots of freedom and fun moments, but the story is confusing and the world feels empty. It's a game full of potential, but which never really lives up to it. An RPG that wanted to be a shooter, or maybe the other way around?
  58. Oct 26, 2025
    40
    There are scattered elements that veer the story away from having to bootlick for progress, but they’re few and far between.
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  1. Oct 23, 2025
    The Outer Worlds 2 is one of my favorite RPGs released this year, and it's so close to greatness. It has practically everything I wanted in a game (enough that I could have considered it even better than Mass Effect), but Obsidian just missed the mark with its tone. Who knows, maybe the company will figure it out with the third game in the series.
  2. Oct 23, 2025
    The Outer Worlds 2 was a delight to explore, and I can’t wait to dip back into the game to build a character that’s the polar opposite of my first one. Arcadia felt both rewarding and dangerous to venture through, and the story stayed consistently entertaining throughout. Fans of the original should get a kick out of it, but new fans of the series will enjoy it, too.
  3. Nov 3, 2025
    The Outer Worlds 2 is not an untouchable masterpiece, but it is an excellent RPG that successfully combines narrative depth, gameplay freedom and biting humour. Its flaws – a slow start, a limited variety of enemies, a few bugs – are offset by its strengths: captivating side quests, a bold skill and penalty system, unforgettable companions and spot-on social satire. Ultimately, The Outer Worlds 2 is a game that deserves to be discovered and, above all, replayed, because it is in its multiple possibilities, different endings and surprising mechanics that it reveals the full scope of its treasures. An old-school RPG, but one that has evolved to offer a modern, challenging and deeply satisfying experience.