Outlast 2

Its trial and error gameplay is going to irritate plenty of players, but once Outlast 2 has you, it's a nightmare that you won't be able or want to wake up from.

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In Outlast 2, players step into the role of Blake Langermann, a cameraman investigating a mysterious murder in a remote Arizona desert. The search leads to the secluded and cult-like town of Temple Gate, where Blake and his wife, Lynn, become trapped in a terrifying world of fear and madness. With only a camcorder to document the horrors, players must navigate the darkness and uncover the town's sinister secrets while evading the cult's murderous members. This intense survival horror game is a sequel to the acclaimed Outlast and offers a new, nightmarish journey into the human psyche.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

85%

Audience ScoreBased on 8,595 reviews

story904 positive mentions

grinding72 negative mentions

story
3,080 mentions
29 % positive mentions
61 % neutral mentions
10 % negative mentions
The story of Outlast 2 has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it intriguing yet convoluted. While some appreciate the deeper psychological themes and character backstories, particularly the flashbacks to Blake's childhood, others criticize the narrative for being disjointed and difficult to follow without collecting numerous documents. Overall, the game is noted for its dark and disturbing themes, but many feel it lacks the cohesive storytelling that made the first game compelling.
- “The story of Outlast 2 is actually one of its strongest qualities.”
- “The game's story ties into the lore established by the first game in an interesting and surprising way, and eagle-eyed players will find plenty of secret documents and connections linking the goings-on.”
- “The story is interesting, the presentation is beautiful, and the overall experience is something that any horror fan would enjoy.”
- “This game's story and playthrough were horrible.”
- “Honestly a bit disappointing now that I've finished it; the story is all over the place and it feels like playing two different games at times with the constant back and forth between flashbacks and reality.”
- “The story is nothing special and the core of it revolves around the Christian religion and all the negatives that come from the concept of sin and the forbidden actions according to God.”
gameplay
1,354 mentions
22 % positive mentions
68 % neutral mentions
10 % negative mentions
The gameplay of *Outlast 2* retains the series' signature stealth and exploration mechanics while introducing new elements like a microphone for detecting enemies and a bandage system for healing. However, many players find the gameplay repetitive and frustrating, often relying on trial-and-error during chase sequences, which can detract from the overall horror experience. While the graphics and atmosphere are praised, the gameplay mechanics are seen as inconsistent and less engaging compared to the original game.
- “It builds on the core mechanics of its predecessor while also introducing a couple of new ones to keep things fresh and frightening for returning players.”
- “The gameplay remains true to the series’ roots, focusing on stealth and exploration rather than combat.”
- “The gameplay mechanics build on the foundation laid by the original game, with a few key improvements that heighten the sense of vulnerability and desperation.”
- “The gameplay is immensely frustrating.”
- “The gameplay is very inconsistent, and honestly I thought that the school chapters were way better than the main game.”
- “The gameplay revolves more around a trial & error chasing simulator than a stealth-based progression as was Outlast.”
graphics
1,065 mentions
59 % positive mentions
40 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The graphics in "Outlast 2" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning detail and atmospheric design, significantly surpassing those of its predecessor. Players have noted the game's ability to create a haunting environment through impressive visuals, realistic lighting, and grotesque imagery, although some feel the excessive graphic violence can detract from the overall horror experience. Overall, the game's graphics are considered one of its strongest aspects, contributing to an immersive and chilling atmosphere.
- “Outlast 2 also benefits from a graphical overhaul, looking much sharper than the first game and truly letting its environments and characters pop with renewed life and vigor.”
- “The graphics are stunningly realistic, bringing every grotesque detail of the game's environments to life.”
- “The graphics, audio, and music were all done so well individually, but in concert, they really brought the game to life.”
- “However, much of the game leans too heavily on disturbing and grotesque visuals, which can feel excessive rather than terrifying.”
- “The game has a pretty solid atmosphere and I think it nails the creepy cult town aesthetic, but at a point it seems to try so hard to be gory and graphic that it just loses that effectiveness and becomes unappealing.”
- “The graphics, the music, and the atmosphere were amazing, though I cannot say the same thing about the performance or the plot of the game.”
atmosphere
652 mentions
50 % positive mentions
47 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in "Outlast 2" is widely praised for its immersive and unsettling qualities, with many reviewers noting the effective use of sound design, lighting, and environmental details to create a sense of dread and tension. While some players feel it lacks the sheer terror of the first game, others appreciate its psychological horror elements and the haunting settings, particularly in the school and village environments. Overall, the game is recognized for its ability to evoke fear and maintain a gripping atmosphere throughout the experience.
- “The atmosphere is absolutely terrifying, keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire game.”
- “The use of lighting and shadows is particularly effective, creating an oppressive atmosphere that constantly keeps you on edge.”
- “With its atmospheric storytelling, immersive environments, and unapologetically terrifying moments, Outlast 2 is a worthy entry in the survival horror genre, best suited for those seeking a visceral and unforgettable fright.”
- “The atmosphere is very frustrating.”
- “The game fails to properly establish a terrifying atmosphere because of the chasers that are constantly after you and instead of scaring the player it really exhausts him and some portions are straight-up boring.”
- “The story is messed up and I find the atmosphere in this one to be scarier in some aspects.”
music
399 mentions
41 % positive mentions
56 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The music in Outlast 2 has received mixed reviews, with many praising its ability to enhance the game's eerie atmosphere and heighten tension during chase sequences. While some players appreciate the haunting and immersive soundtrack composed by Samuel Laflamme, others criticize it for being overly loud and predictable, detracting from the overall horror experience. Overall, the sound design is noted as a strong point, contributing significantly to the game's unsettling ambiance, despite some frustrations regarding volume control.
- “The soundtrack, with its eerie, discordant tones, perfectly complements the game's dark themes and keeps your pulse racing throughout.”
- “The atmosphere is amazing and the sound design is some of the best I've heard when it comes to horror games; the soundtrack is so good!”
- “The music and sound design are on point, fitting perfectly with the game's atmosphere and enhancing the overall experience.”
- “In terms of scares, Outlast 2 does manage to get the adrenaline pumping, but it relies heavily on loud sound effects, music cues, and jump scares rather than building a truly suspenseful plot.”
- “Honestly, they actually ruined a bunch of scares in my opinion by having the predictable blast of music at times that really didn't need it.”
- “The music in some areas of the game, during certain sequences, is way too loud and distracting.”
grinding
97 mentions
3 % positive mentions
23 % neutral mentions
74 % negative mentions
The reviews consistently highlight that the grinding aspect of the game is overwhelmingly tedious and frustrating, often requiring excessive repetition and trial-and-error gameplay. Many players feel that the mechanics and pacing detract from the overall experience, making encounters feel uninteresting and the gameplay a chore rather than an engaging challenge. While some appreciate certain settings and moments, the general consensus is that the game relies too heavily on tedious sequences, diminishing its horror elements and enjoyment.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “A lot of grinding.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “It's just repetitive, annoying, and tedious.”
- “All these problems wouldn't be so much of an issue if the core gameplay itself was fun, but as it stands, the whole game is just a tedious chore of running away from enemies over and over without knowing where to go most of the time.”
- “Unfortunately, Outlast 2 isn't as good as Outlast 1, and that's because it's plagued with extremely tedious and unnecessary dream sequences, repetitive level design, and unpolished gameplay.”
emotional
75 mentions
99 % positive mentions
-3 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game elicits a wide range of responses, from deep connections with characters and poignant storylines to feelings of distress and discomfort due to its heavy themes. While some players find the narrative and character arcs profoundly moving, others criticize the emotional manipulation and simplistic storytelling. Overall, the game successfully creates an intense emotional experience, blending horror with moments of genuine heartwarming and heartbreaking storytelling.
- “It's quite emotional and metaphorical in a way, especially during the end.”
- “The plot might be simple, but the depth within it is so abysmal... the world building, the setting, the atmosphere, the lore of the NPCs and enemies, the backstory of our protagonist... and not only that, the realism in which his trauma and all the psychological damage of the rest of the villagers is portrayed so realistically and emotionally that it moved me to tears.”
- “The true story behind Outlast 2 is very deep and emotional; and maybe it's just events in my personal life, but I really felt a connection with Blake.”
- “I found the emotional aspects of the game to be overwhelming, but not in a good way. The mechanics were frustrating and the story felt tedious.”
- “The game tries to evoke emotions, but it ends up being more stressful than engaging due to its unclear objectives.”
- “I was hoping for a deep emotional experience, but instead, I encountered a boring narrative and annoying gameplay mechanics.”
optimization
75 mentions
56 % positive mentions
37 % neutral mentions
7 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is highly praised, with many players reporting smooth performance even on older hardware, achieving stable frame rates at high settings. While some users experienced minor stuttering or frame drops in specific areas, the majority found the graphics to be well-optimized and visually impressive. The game is considered a strong example of effective optimization, making it accessible to a wide range of systems.
- “The graphics are great, the game is well optimized and you can enjoy the smooth gameplay that is not capped at 60 fps anymore.”
- “The game is very well optimized for low-end systems, so I reckon a fairly weak computer could run this well at the lowest settings.”
- “It's absolutely terrifying, well written, well voice acted and well optimized.”
- “I had some frame stuttering issues when I played, which made the mouse movement feel very annoying.”
- “With a newer CPU, you might have a way easier time hitting 60 fps, but 144+ fps might still be tough due to UE3's terrible optimization for open areas.”
- “Oh, and for all the running you do and how linear they are, you'd think the areas would be optimized for it... they aren't.”
humor
57 mentions
98 % positive mentions
-4 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is often described as unintentional and absurd, with players finding comedic moments in the game's extreme scenarios and glitches, such as getting stuck on trees while fleeing enemies. While some appreciate the lighthearted breaks from horror, others feel the humor detracts from the overall scare factor, leading to a mix of hilarity and grotesque absurdity. Overall, the humor is seen as a notable aspect, though opinions vary on its effectiveness in enhancing or undermining the horror experience.
- “When it becomes so extreme and weird, I end up laughing.”
- “Funny point: one of the funniest moments for me was when I was running away from enemies and I accidentally ran into a tree, getting stuck and unable to move.”
- “If you are playing with friends, watching this game can be straight-up comical at some parts, which is hilarious after hours of being on edge.”
- “The humor in this game falls flat, making the experience feel more frustrating than funny.”
- “I expected some lighthearted moments, but the jokes are either too forced or just miss the mark entirely.”
- “The attempts at humor often feel out of place and detract from the overall enjoyment of the game.”
replayability
49 mentions
14 % positive mentions
69 % neutral mentions
16 % negative mentions
Overall, "Outlast 2" has mixed reviews regarding its replayability. While some players appreciate the option to replay on higher difficulties or pursue achievements, many feel that the game lacks significant replay value due to its linear structure and scripted events, making it more suited for a single playthrough. The consensus suggests that while there are some avenues for replay, such as difficulty changes and collectibles, the game is primarily an experience rather than one designed for repeated play.
- “Replay value: 'Outlast 2' offers significant replay value for those brave enough to revisit its terrors.”
- “It has potential for replayability; after finishing the game on normal, you could play it on nightmare or try to get all of the achievements.”
- “This game will take around 5-8 hours to complete on the first playthrough (depending on difficulty) and definitely has some replay value with different difficulties and collectibles.”
- “I like this game, too bad it has low replayability.”
- “These moments of total boredom kill the replay value, and hurt the experience since you aren't doing anything.”
- “It's good for one playthrough, the game has no real replay value.”
stability
33 mentions
27 % positive mentions
9 % neutral mentions
64 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players reporting significant bugs, glitches, and optimization issues, particularly on higher-end systems. Others noted a smoother experience with minimal glitches that did not detract from gameplay. Overall, while some users experienced frustrating stability problems, many found the game to run well and praised its performance, indicating a varied experience among players.
- “The game is well optimized; it runs great on older computers as well as high-end ones.”
- “The game runs great, by the way; those extra months definitely allowed Red Barrels to deliver a complete product.”
- “Quick loading times, no glitches so far, so you can tell they have really put the time into this one.”
- “It’s somewhat buggy (there were several occasions I got stuck on geometry) and poorly optimized (I have an i7 and a 3060 and was getting major frame drops).”
- “It freezes on loading screen or simply does not open at all.”
- “A lot like the first one, however in my case I kept running into glitches where the enemies would just randomly appear out of thin air when I knew they were somewhere else.”
character development
18 mentions
33 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
17 % negative mentions
Character development in the game has received mixed reviews; while some players appreciate the memorable personalities and improved main character depth, others criticize the overall narrative and character arcs as lacking compared to the first installment. The character designs are generally praised for their detail and variety, contributing to the game's atmosphere, but many feel that the story leaves unanswered questions and fails to deliver strong character growth. Overall, the game's character development is seen as a notable aspect, yet it does not reach the heights of its predecessor.
- “This game is so good, the ending, character development, and the story are all very good.”
- “There is, I have to say, more character development in the main character, and it leads the player feeling more inclined to carry out the story and see what happens to the main character.”
- “The characters are all memorable when it comes to personality, voice acting, and character design, even though some play more of a larger role than others throughout the story.”
- “The story was stale, so many unanswered questions after finishing the game, lackluster atmosphere, and little to no character development.”
- “Outlast 1 had much better graphics and detail, but much worse plot and character development.”
- “The story itself has very weak character development.”
monetization
7 mentions
29 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
71 % negative mentions
The monetization of the game is primarily based on a free-to-play model that includes microtransactions, which some users view as a cash grab, albeit a well-executed one. Additionally, the game has garnered attention for its extensive advertising, with mixed feelings about the frequency and nature of the ads. Overall, while it offers free access, the presence of microtransactions is a notable aspect of its monetization strategy.
- “The game is free to play, but it does include microtransactions.”
- “It's a free game, but there are microtransactions available.”
- “If this is a cash grab, then it's the laziest cash grab I've ever seen.”
- “Free, but has microtransactions.”
- “10/10 to the advertising team for advertising this game so well that I didn't even know it released yesterday.”