Exclusive Gameplay: The Outer Worlds 2 - 11 Minutes Revealed by IGN First

Welcome to our latest IGN First – a month of exclusive coverage in April, dedicated to diving deep into The Outer Worlds 2. We're excited to offer you the very first look at its gameplay in real time, taking you through an engaging quest where you infiltrate the N-Ray Facility. This quest showcases several of the game's new features and mechanics, as well as a fresh take on level design. What really stands out is how The Outer Worlds 2 aims to be a much deeper RPG experience. Developer Obsidian Entertainment is drawing on its rich history and taking inspiration from immersive sims like Deus Ex and Dishonored, enhancing the DNA that has always been part of first-person RPGs.

Compared to the first game, The Outer Worlds 2 introduces more sophisticated systems, such as a true stealth system and enhanced tools to make this playstyle more viable. This includes effective melee weapons and skills for silent takedowns. For instance, a purple-colored readout above enemy heads indicates the damage a stealth attack will do, helping you decide if a one-hit kill is possible or if it's worth the risk. Enemies will detect dead bodies and alert guards, but with the right skills, you can disintegrate bodies on the spot to clean up quickly.

The Outer Worlds 2 Gameplay - Screenshots

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Later in the quest, you acquire the N-Ray Scanner, an invaluable tool that lets you see certain objects and NPCs/enemies through walls. This is crucial not only for solving more involved environmental puzzles but also for enhancing both stealth and combat strategies. Within the N-Ray Facility, you'll encounter enemies who cloak themselves, becoming invisible to the naked eye but detectable with the N-Ray Scanner. Neglecting to use this tool could lead to unexpected ambushes, adding a new layer of complexity to gameplay.

The game features several interlocking systems that influence how you play, leaning heavily into the RPG elements that allow for specific character builds. Stealth and immersive sim sensibilities are just part of the broader gameplay expansion. Obsidian has also focused on improving gunplay, taking inspiration from games like Destiny to refine the feel of firearms in the game. While The Outer Worlds 2 isn't turning into a full-blown shooter, the first-person shooting experience has been enhanced significantly.

This focus on gunplay is evident when approaching the N-Ray Facility with guns blazing. Movement has been tweaked to complement gunplay, allowing for more agile actions such as sprint-sliding while aiming down sights. With the return of Tactical Time Dilation (TTD), the bullet-time feature adds another thrilling dimension to combat. Additionally, the inclusion of throwables, while not revolutionary, adds another layer of tactical depth, enabling players to execute moves like tossing a grenade, activating TTD, and shooting it midair to devastating effect.

Although there isn't much to share about the story yet, the gameplay video showcases how conversations have been tweaked in the sequel. During a moment in the video, you confront an NPC named Exemplar Foxworth, who has survived a cultist takeover. Depending on your Medical, Guns, or Melee stats, you can choose to help her or respond differently. This part also introduces a new companion, Aza, a former cultist who joins your team, adding a unique dynamic to the narrative.

Many of these elements were present in the original Outer Worlds, but where that game laid the groundwork, The Outer Worlds 2 aims to be a fully realized version of Obsidian's vision. Through early gameplay and discussions with Obsidian, it's clear that the game is keen on leveraging the RPG roots from the studio's past while exploring what a modern first-person RPG can be. Frequently citing Fallout: New Vegas as a touchstone, Obsidian's approach to The Outer Worlds 2 raises my expectations significantly.

This is just a glimpse of what's to come with The Outer Worlds 2 and what we'll be covering throughout this month's IGN First. I'll be delving into character builds, the new flaws system, the array of wild and wacky weapons, and the sheer scale of this sequel. Stay tuned for interviews with key figures like original Fallout developer and creative director Leonard Boyarsky, game director Brandon Adler, and design director Matt Singh. Keep checking back at IGN all April long for more exciting updates!