Outward 2 takes place 50 years after the original open-world survival RPG, with Nine Dots stating that there is a significant difference in production value. Once again, players will assume the role of an ordinary adventurer facing a dangerous world.

I had the opportunity to try out a PC demo, and it felt like a highly polished gameplay segment, albeit a bit limited. While it didn’t reveal much about Outward 2’s story or scope, the challenging combat that the series is known for was present. However, I was left feeling unsatisfied, eager to delve deeper into the game.

My journey began in a quarry, where I was unceremoniously thrust into the world without any introduction. The environment was vibrant, detailed, and almost charming in a World of Warcraft dungeon sort of way. Initially, it didn’t seem very threatening, but that perception quickly changed.

Equipped with my starter gear, I strapped on my backpack – a cumbersome item that needed to be removed before combat to avoid being slowed down. As I confidently entered the next area through a gate, a mine pit awaited me with enemies to test my combat abilities.

Exclusive to Hard Mode

A new feature in Outward 2 is the off-hand mechanic; unlike the original game where the left hand could only hold trinkets, players can now equip a shield or a second weapon for more strategic combat options. This allows for different setups to maximize damage against various foes, including the option of equipping two shields for a more defensive approach.

On paper, the combat mechanics may seem like standard RPG fare – dodging, quick attacks, and slower but stronger attacks. However, when faced with a formidable bee-like enemy in combat, I quickly realized that mastering these skills required a steep learning curve. In other words, I died. A lot.

In Outward 2, the enemies are swift, and every defeat means starting over from the beginning of the demo. In reality, I wouldn’t recklessly charge into battle against a massive seven-eyed boar, and the game challenged my assumption that I could just improvise my way through. It became clear that I needed to invest more time than a demo could provide in understanding the behaviour and weaknesses of each enemy.

A new feature being developed for Outward 2 is the introduction of “defeat scenarios.” Instead of just respawning at the last checkpoint, players may suffer consequences like a sprained ankle that hinders dodging or a concussion that increases mana costs. There will be no easy way out of combat failures; players will have to deal with the consequences while they recuperate.

A Touch of Magic

After falling to the monsters in the mine multiple times, I stumbled upon a pile of debris behind a building, where I discovered a one-time use Fire Stone.

For example, to unleash a fireball, I first had to cast a small spark spell. By using the Fire Stone, I created a fiery sigil on the ground. Stepping on the sigil transformed my spark into a fireball, enabling me to inflict significant damage on the enemy before it could reach me. I found myself strategizing mentally, planning my moves before engaging in battles, which contrasted with the fast-paced nature of the encounters.