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

Welcome to our latest IGN First, where we'll be diving deep into The Outer Worlds 2 throughout April. This exclusive coverage kicks off with the first real-time gameplay reveal, showcasing a thrilling quest where you infiltrate the N-Ray Facility. This quest serves as a perfect demonstration of the game's new features, mechanics, and a fresh approach to level design. One of the most striking aspects of The Outer Worlds 2 is its enhanced depth as an RPG. Developer Obsidian Entertainment is drawing from its rich history and taking inspiration from immersive sims like Deus Ex and Dishonored to enrich the gameplay experience.

The Outer Worlds 2 introduces more sophisticated systems compared to its predecessor, including a true stealth system. Players now have better tools at their disposal to make stealth viable, such as effective melee weapons and skills for silent takedowns. A notable feature is the purple-colored health bar above enemy heads, which indicates the potential damage from a stealth attack. This allows players to assess whether they can achieve a one-hit kill or if engaging the target is worthwhile. Moreover, enemies can detect dead bodies, prompting an alert to nearby guards, but players with the right skill can disintegrate bodies instantly to avoid detection.

The Outer Worlds 2 Gameplay - Screenshots

25 ImagesAs the quest progresses, you acquire the N-Ray Scanner, a device that enables you to see through walls to spot crucial objects, NPCs, and enemies. This tool is essential not only for solving intricate environmental puzzles but also for maintaining stealth and gaining an edge in combat. The N-Ray Facility is home to cloaked enemies who are invisible to the naked eye, making the N-Ray Scanner indispensable for spotting them before they can ambush you.

The game features several interlocking systems that influence gameplay, allowing for varied character builds and enhancing the RPG experience. Stealth and immersive sim elements are just part of the equation; Obsidian has also focused on improving gunplay, taking cues from Destiny to ensure satisfying firearm mechanics. Although The Outer Worlds 2 isn't solely a shooter, it aims to deliver a more refined first-person shooting experience.

During the approach to the N-Ray Facility, you can witness the enhanced movement mechanics designed to complement the gunplay. Players can now sprint-slide while aiming down sights, adding an action-hero flair to combat. The return of Tactical Time Dilation (TTD) allows for bullet-time strategies, and the introduction of throwables like grenades offers new tactical options. For instance, you can toss a grenade, activate TTD, and shoot it midair to cause an explosive surprise for enemies.

While there's limited information on the story and the specific context of the N-Ray Facility quest, the gameplay video shows how conversations have evolved in the sequel. In one scene, you encounter an NPC named Exemplar Foxworth, who's bleeding out after a cultist takeover. Depending on your Medical, Guns, or Melee stats, you can choose to help her or respond differently. This segment also introduces a new companion, Aza, a former cultist who joins you to help rectify past actions.

Many of these features echo elements from the original Outer Worlds, but The Outer Worlds 2 aims to fully realize the vision Obsidian set out to achieve with its predecessor. My conversations with the team at Obsidian provided insights into the game's new features and the overarching vision for the sequel. They're keen on blending the studio's RPG heritage with modern first-person RPG elements, drawing inspiration from classics like Fallout: New Vegas.

This is just a glimpse of what's in store with The Outer Worlds 2, and we'll be covering it all in this month's IGN First. Stay tuned for detailed breakdowns of character builds, the new flaws system, the array of unique weapons, and insights into the game's expanded scope through 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 throughout April for more!