The Outer Worlds

83%
Game Brain Score Based on 17,515 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
The Outer Worlds Game Cover
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"The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition is the ultimate version of the award-winning RPG, including the base game and all add-on content. This remastered edition offers optimized gameplay and the chance to play as the best or worst version of your character. Players who already own the base game and DLC on Steam can upgrade to this edition at a reduced price."

  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Cloud
  • NVIDIA GeForce NOW
  • Play​Station
  • Tablet
  • Xbox
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Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

83%
Audience ScoreBased on 17,515 reviews
story3,221 positive mentions
optimization102 negative mentions
  • story9,877 mentions

    The story of "The Outer Worlds" is characterized by its satirical take on corporate capitalism, featuring a mix of quirky characters and dark humor. While many players appreciate the engaging dialogue and the impact of choices on the narrative, some criticize the main storyline for being short and linear, often reduced to fetch quests. The companion quests add depth to the experience, but overall, the game is seen as lacking the complexity and emotional weight found in previous Obsidian titles like "Fallout: New Vegas."

    • “It's got that same Obsidian magic—great storytelling, tough choices, and a world full of quirky characters and dark humor.”
    • “The story drops you right into the chaotic corporate dystopia of Halcyon, where every decision feels like a mix of clever satire and pure ridiculousness.”
    • “Its themes, characters, and overlapping storylines come together in an emotionally triumphant way, and offer the player food for thought that applies to the real world.”
    • “The main mission is boring, the characters aren't interesting nor are they vastly different from one another; all forgettable.”
    • “The game is very satirical RPG which is trying to get you immersed in its space adventure but with the constant lightening of dark topics, annoying non-human companions, and preachy NPCs, it feels so inconsistent that I cannot be invested in the story or in the RPG elements.”
    • “The story is extremely boring and very linear.”
  • gameplay2,643 mentions

    The gameplay of "The Outer Worlds" has received mixed reviews, with many players noting its similarities to the Fallout series, particularly in its mechanics and overall structure. While the time dilation mechanic adds a tactical layer to combat, many find the core gameplay to be repetitive and lacking depth, with limited enemy variety and basic quest designs. Despite these criticisms, the game is praised for its engaging story, humor, and character interactions, making it enjoyable for those who prioritize narrative over gameplay complexity.

    • “The time dilation mechanic makes combat much more interesting and tactical than I'd expect from a FPS, which adds to the fun, and the writing and characters are nuanced and multifaceted.”
    • “Gameplay-wise, this game somehow captured the same feeling I get when I play New Vegas, and I know Obsidian is probably so tired of hearing about Fallout, but I haven't been this enthralled in a game since then!”
    • “The gameplay is fun and that is all that kept me playing.”
    • “The gameplay is dull.”
    • “The gameplay is bog-standard for a western-style RPG - you travel to a few different locations, kill a lot of people and monsters (of which there's not a whole lot of variety), pick up various weapons (of which there's also not a lot of variety), recruit some companions (who are mostly interchangeable), upgrade your skills, rinse and repeat.”
    • “The core gameplay is really built around shooting without the charm or atmosphere of Fallout: New Vegas.”
  • graphics1,809 mentions

    The graphics of "The Outer Worlds" have received mixed reviews, with many praising its vibrant, retro-futuristic aesthetic reminiscent of titles like "Bioshock" and "Borderlands." While some players appreciate the unique art style and colorful environments, others criticize the graphics for being cartoonish or dated compared to contemporary standards, noting issues like low NPC detail and performance optimization problems. Overall, the visuals are generally considered appealing, though opinions vary widely on their execution and impact on gameplay.

    • “The graphics are absolutely beautiful, the worlds, the monsters, the guns, the cities, and pretty much everything you see is top tier.”
    • “The graphics are stunning, the music is understated but good.”
    • “The graphics are gorgeous, and the scenery is jaw-dropping.”
    • “I genuinely hate how this game looks aesthetically too.”
    • “The graphics are difficult to focus on, due in part to the steampunk style, but the cartoonish nature of them ruins it.”
    • “The graphics are just so bad.”
  • humor1,430 mentions

    The humor in "The Outer Worlds" is a defining feature, characterized by sharp, dark satire that critiques capitalism and corporate culture. Players appreciate the witty dialogue and quirky character interactions, often finding themselves laughing at the absurdity of the game's scenarios. However, some reviews note that the humor can feel forced or repetitive over time, leading to mixed feelings about its overall effectiveness. Despite this, many agree that the game's comedic elements contribute significantly to its charm and enjoyment.

    • “It's funny, smart, and gives you tons of freedom to play how you want.”
    • “The dialogue is sharp, filled with dark humor and clever insights on society, and the characters are well-crafted.”
    • “The outer worlds is a fantastic RPG that offers a lot of freedom, choice, and humor.”
    • “I literally cannot reiterate enough how annoyingly unfunny this game is at times, especially with its insanely on-the-nose parody of corporations, annihilating the tone and ability to actually take any of the in-game factions seriously. It feels like each location belongs in a Rick and Morty fan-fiction or cutaway gag, and I mean that as the biggest insult possible.”
    • “A constant barrage of unfunny, sarcastic jokes and puns written by middle-aged men trying to pander to zoomers.”
    • “Its core concept can very well be boiled down to 'capitalism bad.' Everything in the game is based around an unfunny joke, with every character forcing itself to try and be as witty as possible.”
  • music432 mentions

    The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players praising its atmospheric quality and ability to enhance immersion, while others find it forgettable or lacking in variety. Many appreciate the soundtrack's fit with the game's themes, describing it as beautiful and evocative, yet some note that it can feel minimalistic or repetitive. Overall, while the music contributes positively to the game's ambiance, it may not leave a lasting impression for all players.

    • “The music is fantastic, especially the main theme, and one of the first area themes that you hear slams you over the head with 'this is a space western' and really sets the tone for the first chunk of the game.”
    • “Bell did a marvelous job designing the background music; it sets the tone for the entire game, and you will play it again long after you finish.”
    • “The soundtrack is absolutely fantastic and perfectly fits the mood, enhancing the immersive experience.”
    • “The music is very forgettable and minimalist, with barely any excitement and identity.”
    • “The soundtrack wasn't that great and contained a pretty small and repetitive number of songs that were used throughout the game.”
    • “The music, setting, and storytelling are also amazing.”
  • optimization413 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many players reporting significant performance issues such as constant stuttering, frame rate drops, and poor graphical fidelity, even on high-end systems. While some users noted that the game runs smoothly under certain conditions, the overall consensus is that it is poorly optimized, with many expressing frustration over a recent $10 performance patch that they feel should have been free. Despite its engaging gameplay and story, the technical shortcomings detract from the overall experience for a large portion of the player base.

    • “Great gameplay, perfect graphics, awesome optimization, rare game that has 'soul'.”
    • “I have encountered no bugs in my playthrough, and performance has been great.”
    • “This game was optimized to give a streamlined Fallout experience on a reasonable budget, not revolutionize the genre or blow you away with an insane level of detail.”
    • “I bought this game knowing it had performance and crashing issues, but it turned out much worse than I ever imagined.”
    • “The game is horribly optimized, looks dated, and feels dated by being too safe.”
    • “I really wanted to enjoy this game, but it's plagued with horrible optimization; the game runs like absolute dog shit.”
  • replayability365 mentions

    The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players noting that while it offers diverse playstyles and impactful choices, it falls short compared to titles like Fallout: New Vegas. Some appreciate the potential for multiple endings and character builds, while others feel the linearity and shorter playtime limit the overall replay value. Overall, it has decent replayability, but many agree it doesn't reach the heights of its predecessors in the genre.

    • “A great RPG reminiscent of Fallout, featuring a concise main story but offering high replayability with diverse playstyles for each playthrough.”
    • “The freedom to tackle missions in a non-linear fashion adds replayability and encourages players to embrace different playstyles.”
    • “The game has plenty of content, but the content in its replay value is truly impressive.”
    • “In contrast, Starfield's stated replayability falls flat due to lower quality quests and companions in a procedural meta-game loop that strips narrative agency from the player.”
    • “The main story is short and the writing is mediocre at times; no real weight to your decisions makes the game less replayable.”
    • “The game itself isn't really worth the asking price in my opinion, as you can beat it decently quickly and it doesn't really have much replay value beyond a handful of different quests.”
  • atmosphere228 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and visually stunning environments, drawing comparisons to beloved titles like Fallout and Bioshock. Players appreciate the distinct atmospheres of various planets, the engaging sound design, and the overall world-building that enhances the storytelling experience. However, some critiques highlight moments where the atmosphere feels lacking or inconsistent, detracting from the overall immersion.

    • “Every new biome/planet is just yearning to be explored with the flora and fauna of each world amplifying the atmosphere.”
    • “The atmosphere and visual design combined with the sounds and music give you a perfect world to get lost in.”
    • “The atmosphere of the game is fantastic; I'm personally a huge fan of the rustic-sci-fi feel.”
    • “Unfortunately, it feels really dead, like it has no soul or atmosphere.”
    • “One of my major complaints is the game's atmosphere (and sometimes lack thereof).”
    • “The atmosphere in the 'towns' is too sterile.”
  • stability226 mentions

    The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting a generally smooth experience and minimal bugs, particularly on PC and Steam Deck. However, several users have expressed frustration over persistent glitches, crashes, and performance issues, especially in specific locations or during certain gameplay scenarios. Overall, while some players enjoy a largely bug-free experience, others encounter significant stability problems that detract from their enjoyment.

    • “Mostly bug free and very stable too, which was very surprising for a game of this genre.”
    • “The game runs 'straight out of the box' and appears to be virtually bug free.”
    • “The gameplay is clean, the mechanics are bug free, and the whole vibe of the game gives Skyrim and Fallout NV nostalgia.”
    • “High hopes were let down very quickly; it started with glitches and lag, moved to 'when does the fun start' to 'I would rather drink cold vomit than continue with this dull and generic game.'”
    • “The game freezes sometimes and there is massive FPS loss in specific locations.”
    • “I have all the requirements to run it, and then some, but it won't open half the time and when it does, the game is a broken, buggy mess.”
  • grinding209 mentions

    The reviews indicate that grinding in the game is often perceived as tedious and repetitive, with many players expressing frustration over the abundance of dull quests and combat encounters. While some appreciate the story and character interactions, the overall gameplay loop is criticized for feeling monotonous and lacking engagement, leading to a sense of boredom and a desire for more meaningful content.

    • “Only played at easier levels, but leveling isn't too grindy and the world scales appropriately.”
    • “Game devs need to understand that games are meant to be fun, not grindy.”
    • “There are multiple avenues of play, the achievements are interesting and not too grindy, and the world is fanciful and fun to explore.”
    • “The game has some nice touches but in general this is a huge grinding wheel with a huge amount of dull missions.”
    • “This game is so tedious; go here, fight through overpowered monsters, endure 10 minutes of pointless badly scripted and acted garbage, rinse and repeat... somehow engineered all the fun out of this game.”
    • “Ultimately, I found it to be a tedious exercise to simply keep engaging with it.”
  • emotional141 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game elicits a mixed response from players, with some praising its ability to balance humor and deeper themes, leading to moments of genuine emotional connection and reflection. However, others criticize the lack of compelling characters and a boring storyline, resulting in a diminished emotional investment. While certain companion interactions and narrative choices resonate deeply, many players feel detached from the overall story and its characters, leading to a varied emotional experience.

    • “Its themes, characters, and overlapping storylines come together in an emotionally triumphant way, and offer the player food for thought that applies to the real world.”
    • “The memorable cast of characters, each with their own distinct personalities and motivations, adds depth and emotional investment to the story.”
    • “I absolutely adored Parvati as a character and her companion quest was so freaking good, cute, and wholesome, and that was the point I genuinely fell in love with this game.”
    • “Difficult game to finish because of a boring story and a silent protagonist.”
    • “Otherwise, it's a snooze-fest with a boring storyline and bland gameplay.”
    • “Outer Worlds takes everything that was wrong with Fallout 4 (clunky combat, dry character interactions, boring factions, annoying companions, dry boring landscapes, glitches, and most importantly a boring story to save your son that the player... just doesn't care about) and flips it on its head!”
  • character development140 mentions

    Character development in the game is a mixed bag, with some players praising the depth and engagement of companion quests, particularly for characters like Vicar Max and Nyoka, while others criticize the overall lack of meaningful growth and impact from player choices. The game offers a robust character customization system, but many feel that the NPCs lack significant development compared to previous titles by Obsidian, leading to a sense of repetitiveness and missed potential. Overall, while there are moments of strong character writing and interaction, the execution often falls short, leaving players wanting more depth and variety in character arcs.

    • “The world-building is intriguing and the character development is well-done, giving players plenty of opportunities to shape their own story.”
    • “I really appreciate the amount of character development for each of the possible companions.”
    • “The story is great, the voice acting and character development is amazing.”
    • “Aside from the gameplay being slow, the story also seemed to have nothing to give up right away to keep me interested with no character development whatsoever and a very unclear agenda.”
    • “Character development is boring; it seems like something interesting in the first place, but it fails to present any depth as the game goes on.”
    • “The character development and modding system is simple and doesn't dive too deep, so I can't see this being a game I will spend another 500 hours on.”
  • monetization90 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the absence of microtransactions and the value of the DLCs, which are seen as worthwhile additions rather than cash grabs. However, there is significant criticism regarding the game's heavy reliance on corporate advertising, which some feel undermines its anti-capitalist themes and contributes to a perception of it being a cash grab. Overall, while the game offers a complete experience without aggressive monetization tactics, its marketing and in-game advertising have drawn scrutiny for being overly pervasive and contradictory to its narrative.

    • “I like that there are no microtransactions, although it's sad that this isn't the norm these days.”
    • “On the positive side, I enjoy the lack of microtransactions and getting a full game for the money I paid.”
    • “A full game at a fair price with no shady monetization.”
    • “The game was massively unfinished, still is and is nothing more than a cash grab.”
    • “Ah yes, the game with an aggressively anti-corporate message now engages in a blatant cash grab.”
    • “The irony of a product with that message being sold for money, relying on advertisement, even going Epic exclusive, was not lost on me.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

29hMedian play time
42hAverage play time
13hMain story
39hCompletionist
18-48hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 220 analyzed playthroughs

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