This game contains adult content
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.

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.

  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox

Reviews

80%
Audience ScoreBased on 17,244 reviews
story1,820 positive mentions
grinding145 negative mentions
  • story6,185 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 protagonist's flashbacks to his childhood, others criticize the narrative for being disjointed and difficult to follow without extensive exploration of collectibles. The game is noted for its dark and disturbing content, but the reliance on notes and documents to convey the story has left some players feeling unsatisfied and confused, especially in comparison to the more straightforward narrative of the first game. Overall, while the atmosphere and horror elements are praised, the story's execution has been a point of contention among players.

    • “Finally, 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 of Mt.”
    • “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 convoluted and does not have anything to do with the first game if I am remembering correctly but I still wanted to see how it will end.”
  • gameplay2,726 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, leading to mixed reviews overall.

    • “It builds on the core mechanics of its predecessor while also introducing a couple 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 a little repetitive, but I really like that it can review all the footage and give comments.”
    • “The gameplay is immensely frustrating.”
    • “The gameplay revolves more around a trial & error chasing simulator than a stealth-based progression as was outlast.”
  • graphics2,140 mentions

    The graphics in "Outlast 2" receive widespread acclaim for their stunning realism and detail, significantly surpassing those of its predecessor. Players appreciate the atmospheric visuals, which enhance the horror experience, although some find the excessive gore and disturbing imagery overwhelming. Overall, the game's graphics are considered a major highlight, contributing to its immersive and unsettling environment.

    • “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.”
    • “With its stunning visuals, tense gameplay, and gripping narrative, it's a must-play for fans of the genre.”
    • “However, much of the game leans too heavily on disturbing and grotesque visuals, which can feel excessive rather than terrifying.”
    • “The game is worth nothing, garbage graphics, not scary, audio sounds terrible on my 2k surround sound, glad I paid 5 bucks for it/garbage!”
    • “The graphics are pretty, but it is all rendered useless by all the forced gore and shadowy places, and the horrible writing.”
  • atmosphere1,308 mentions

    The atmosphere in "Outlast 2" is widely praised for its immersive and unsettling qualities, effectively utilizing sound design, lighting, and environmental details to create a sense of dread and tension throughout the game. While many players appreciate the game's ability to evoke fear through its atmospheric storytelling and haunting visuals, some feel it lacks the same level of terror as its predecessor, often attributing this to the increased focus on chase sequences and less on psychological horror. Overall, the game is recognized for its strong atmospheric elements, making it a compelling experience for horror enthusiasts, despite some criticisms regarding pacing and gameplay mechanics.

    • “The atmosphere is absolutely terrifying, keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire game.”
    • “The game's atmosphere is full of dread, enhanced by its haunting visuals and chilling sound design.”
    • “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.”
    • “Game feels very linear, it isn't scary and lacks the atmosphere.”
    • “The main storyline is weak and overall an adequately 'scary' atmosphere is lacking - save for the flashbacks.”
  • music799 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 distracting, often overshadowing important sound cues. Overall, the soundtrack is seen as a significant element that contributes to the horror experience, though its execution may detract from gameplay for some players.

    • “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, as with Outlast one.”
    • “It relies on cheap jump scares, very loud music when things are chasing you and the nonstop disgusting 'props' around you.”
    • “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 - the music is undoubtedly the most annoying part of this game.”
  • grinding195 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game has been widely criticized for being excessively tedious and repetitive, with many players feeling that it detracts from the overall experience. Players report frustration with long cinematics, confusing navigation, and trial-and-error mechanics that disrupt the flow of gameplay, leading to a sense of boredom and annoyance. While some appreciate certain settings and moments, the overwhelming sentiment is that the game requires a significant time investment for minimal reward, making it feel like a chore rather than an engaging experience.

    • “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.”
  • emotional150 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 horror. While some players find the narrative and character arcs profoundly moving, others criticize the emotional manipulation and simplistic storytelling. Overall, the game is noted for its ability to evoke strong feelings, whether through heartwarming moments or traumatic themes, leaving players either emotionally shaken or deeply engaged.

    • “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.”
    • “Surprisingly emotional ending, that's for damn sure.”
    • “And then at the end of the game, oh my gosh... I am just going to admit it; I cried over Blake.”
    • “Do not recommend if you don't want to be stressed out by annoying mechanics, unclear goals, and a boring story.”
  • optimization150 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 well-optimized and visually impressive. The game is considered a strong example of effective optimization, making it accessible for 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, 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.”
  • humor114 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, especially compared to the first installment. Overall, the game is seen as a mix of grotesque humor and ridiculous plot points, leading to a unique but uneven comedic experience.

    • “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 way enemies freeze mid-action when the 'wary' sound cue plays - hilarious!”
    • “It gets extremely annoying that some enemies find you no matter where you are, and it gets worse if you play it on the hardest difficulty, which can lead you to really hate the gameplay (the AI developers mainly). At this point, you can only play it if you memorize the position of the enemies in order to run away from them (not funny at all).”
  • replayability98 mentions

    The replayability of "Outlast 2" is generally viewed as limited, with many players noting that while the game offers some replay value through different difficulty levels and achievements, the linear and scripted nature of the gameplay diminishes the incentive to replay. Some players found it worthwhile for a single playthrough, but overall, the consensus is that it lacks significant replayability, making it more of a one-time experience rather than a game to revisit frequently.

    • “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.”
    • “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.”
    • “Finally, so much of this game is linear and scripted that it has no replay value at all.”
  • stability66 mentions

    The game's stability has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting bugs and glitches, such as getting stuck on geometry, frame drops, and issues with AI behavior. However, some users noted that their experience was largely glitch-free, praising the game's optimization and performance on various hardware setups. Overall, while there are notable stability issues, the game still delivers a generally enjoyable experience for many 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.”
    • “After troubleshooting around I couldn't find the issue, so unfortunately I had to uninstall and ask for a refund.”
  • character development36 mentions

    Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players noting a lack of depth compared to the first installment, while others appreciate the main character's growth and memorable personalities. Although the character designs are praised for their detail and variety, many feel that the overall narrative suffers from unanswered questions and a weak plot. Ultimately, while the atmosphere and gameplay are compelling, the character development is seen as inconsistent and less impactful.

    • “This game is so good, guys! 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.”
    • “Final score: 8.00. Outlast 2 tells a horrific story about religion while building massive character development through psychological horror and memories.”
    • “The story was stale, so many unanswered questions after finishing the game, lackluster atmosphere, 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.”
  • monetization14 mentions

    The monetization model of the game is primarily free-to-play with microtransactions, which some users view as a potential cash grab, though opinions vary on its execution. Many reviewers also commented on the game's advertising, noting it as highly effective, albeit sometimes overwhelming. Overall, the monetization strategy has sparked mixed feelings among players.

    • “The game is free to play, but it does include microtransactions.”
    • “It's a free game, though it features microtransactions.”
    • “While the game is free, it does offer microtransactions.”
    • “If this is a cash grab, then it's the laziest cash grab I've ever seen.”
    • “10/10 to the advertising team for advertising this game so well that I didn't even know it released yesterday.”
    • “Free, but has microtransactions.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Buy Outlast 2

Play time

8hMedian play time
7hAverage play time
7hMain story
13hCompletionist
5-9hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 72 analyzed playthroughs

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