Gamescom’s Opening Night Live gave an exciting preview of Obsidian Entertainment’s sci-fi universe with a new trailer for The Outer Worlds 2. This highlight of the event introduced players to six new companions who will join them on their journey. This reveal marks a key moment for the game, which will launch on day one for Xbox Game Pass and is also set for the PlayStation 5. The action moves from the familiar Halcyon to the new colony of Arcadia, where players will find themselves caught in a conflict between the totalitarian Protectorate government and the megacorporation Auntie’s Choice.
The new characters are as varied as the world they inhabit. Among them are Niles, an agent of the Earth Directorate, and Valerie, an automech support drone. The trailer also introduced Marisol, a skilled assassin; Aza, a devoted cultist; and Inez, a combat medic who bears scars from Auntie’s Choice’s corporate experiments. Rounding out the group is Tristan, a Protector arbiter whose role reflects justice—or its absence—in the new system. The team’s makeup suggests a wide range of skills and complex relationships, promising a rich narrative for players to discover.
A particularly funny moment in the trailer included the clear statement that none of these companions can become romantic partners. This tongue-in-cheek comment on a common RPG feature, and a long-standing question from Obsidian fans, highlights the studio’s unique take on character interactions. The focus seems to be on creating platonic, professional, or simply strange dynamics rather than following a traditional romance storyline. This aligns with the studio’s long-held design philosophy.
Developed by Obsidian and published by Xbox Game Studios, The Outer Worlds 2 is set to release on October 29, 2025. Built on Unreal Engine 5, this single-player RPG and shooter is one of three titles from Obsidian in 2025, securing their role as a significant player in Microsoft’s gaming efforts. With the new setting, a fresh cast of allies, and Obsidian’s sharp writing, the game aims to expand on the foundation of its predecessor and become a key part of the next generation of RPGs.
