During the recent PC Gaming Show – Tokyo Direct broadcast, Quebec-based independent studio Nine Dots Studio revealed expanded information and a preview for Outward 2. The action RPG follow-up is slated for launch in Summer 2026, with pre-release listings now accessible via Steam.
In a statement, Guillaume Boucher-Vidal, Nine Dots Studio’s Creative Director and CEO, emphasized the sequel’s goals:
Outward 2 allows us to fully realize our original ambitions for a genuine adventurer simulator. We’ve preserved core mechanics while refining combat, immersion, and customization. Launched in 2019 as a passion project with limited resources, the first title defied expectations, selling over three million copies. Player feedback from the base game and expansions directly shaped this sequel. Visual upgrades, deeper role-playing systems, and enhanced survival mechanics now elevate the grounded fantasy experience.
Gamers step into the role of ordinary wanderers rather than prophesied champions, with three unique origin stories and eleven possible backgrounds influencing their path. Choices like impoverished miner or deserting soldier dictate early challenges. Defeat carries lasting repercussions—players might awaken injured in hostile territory, discover stolen gear, or face unexpected alliances.
The evolving world of Aurai introduces dynamic seasonal shifts across four distinct areas. Winter freezes rivers into pathways, while nomadic NPCs migrate with weather patterns. An adaptive Exercise system tailors character growth through equipment choices and playstyle, with specialized trainers offering rare survival techniques for resourceful travelers.
Combat emphasizes precision, featuring weapon-specific combos and expanded tactical options. Magical abilities demand ritual preparation, such as igniting aerial projectiles to create flaming skill-boosting zones. Inventory space requires careful planning—players must abandon packs mid-battle for increased mobility, though pack animals now assist with cargo limits.
Local split-screen or online co-op allows duo expeditions, enabling partners to compensate for individual weaknesses. Survival hinges on preparation, adaptability, and calculated risk-taking across Aurai’s unforgiving landscapes.