Outward 2

Outward 2 is an action RPG with survival elements, developed by Nine Dots Studio and published by Nine Dots Publishing, with Gamersky Games also named as publisher. Steam lists it for February 7, 2027, in Early Access. It is set in Aurai, a land most people never leave their town walls to see.

How it plays

You are not a chosen hero. Hunger, thirst, exhaustion and bad weather can end a trip as surely as a monster can, so you pack, plan and read your map before leaving. The studio says encounters are not scaled to your level and that nothing holds your hand. You can play alone, online with a friend, or in split screen on one machine.

The good side

Few RPGs treat travel itself as the challenge, and fewer still offer split screen co-op. The minimum PC is modest, with a GTX 960, and the studio adds a lower Potato mode for weaker machines. Full controller support is listed, and the language list is wide.

The watch-outs

It launches in Early Access, so it will be unfinished at first. The design is harsh on purpose, and players who want a guided story may bounce off it. No price is listed yet. The page carries a warning for frequent violence and mature content.

For players in Asia

Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese are supported in text. Voice audio is English and French. Steam gives a date only, so the unlock hour in Asia time (GMT+8) is not confirmed.

NEXTARCA's take

Outward 2 is for players who like to earn every step. Bring a friend if you can, because shared hardship is where this kind of game is at its best. We would wait to see how complete the Early Access build is.