The Outer Worlds 2 Enhances RPG Character Customization - IGN First

After getting a firsthand look at *The Outer Worlds 2*, it's evident that Obsidian Entertainment is doubling down on deeper RPG elements. While the original game offered a more streamlined approach to character building, the sequel aims to break away from the one-size-fits-all mold, encouraging players to explore unconventional playstyles. This isn't complexity for its own sake; *The Outer Worlds 2* is designed to inspire creativity and specialization, pushing players to embrace unique choices throughout their journey.

According to design director Matt Singh, the team is eager to "incentivize the player to experiment with different builds, either traditional or non-traditional." This approach is reflected in the revamped RPG mechanics, where Skills, Traits, and Perks are intricately woven to create dynamic and synergistic character builds. Our exclusive 11-minute gameplay showcase highlighted new elements like gunplay, stealth, gadgets, and dialogue, but our focus here is on the detailed overhaul of these systems and what players can anticipate from them.

Lead systems designer Kyle Koenig explained that the first game often resulted in players becoming proficient in everything, which diluted the personal experience with their characters. To address this, Obsidian has shifted from grouped Skill categories to individual Skills with more pronounced differences. "We wanted to focus on making each individual level-up and investment really important," Koenig stated. This change allows players to specialize more effectively, knowing exactly which Skills to prioritize for their desired playstyle, whether it's focusing on guns and medical devices or something entirely different.

Singh emphasized the versatility of this new system, saying, "There's more than just a traditional stealth-focused build, combat-focused build, or speech-focused build. There's a lot of blending of concepts, playing with other systems and incorporating those into a pretty broad, but unique range of different player profiles." This includes Skills like Observation, which can reveal hidden environmental elements, offering new paths and interactions.

The Outer Worlds 2 Character Creation - Screenshots

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While individual Skills might seem standard in RPGs, *The Outer Worlds 2* uses this revised system to foster greater diversity in character builds, particularly in conjunction with the new Perks system.

The Perks of Getting Experimental

Obsidian's focus on specificity is evident in the expanded Perks system, which now includes over 90 unique Perks, each requiring specific Skills to unlock. Koenig highlighted the Perk "Run and Gun," ideal for players using shotguns, SMGs, and rifles, allowing them to fire while sprinting or sliding, and integrating Tactical Time Dilation (TTD) for bullet-time action. Another intriguing Perk, "Space Ranger," enhances dialogue interactions and boosts damage based on your Speech stat.

Singh pointed out that the game also caters to non-traditional playstyles, such as a build focused on eliminating NPCs, supported by Perks like "Psychopath" and "Serial Killer," which reward players with permanent health boosts for such actions. "Especially in an Obsidian game where we allow you to kill anybody – the game's going to respond, it's going to roll with it, and you're going to still be able to complete the game," Singh noted, suggesting this approach could add a fun twist to subsequent playthroughs.

For those preferring traditional combat, Koenig discussed builds that leverage elemental damage types, allowing players to mix and match effects like plasma for healing, shock to control enemies, or corrosive to strip armor and deal critical hits.

Singh further highlighted the game's encouragement of experimental builds, suggesting players could opt into detrimental effects to enhance other aspects of their character. He posed the question, "How do I construct a build where I'm actually incentivized to get in there and take damage so that I can then do other things effectively?" This design philosophy, which was part of the original game, is now a central theme in *The Outer Worlds 2*, particularly with Traits and Flaws.

The Positive and Negative Traits

Koenig reminisced about the original game's Flaws system, which allowed players to accept permanent negative effects in exchange for extra Perk points. In *The Outer Worlds 2*, this concept is expanded with a system of Positive and Negative Traits. Players can choose a negative Trait like "Dumb," which prevents investing in five Skills, or "Sickly," which lowers base health and toxicity tolerance, to gain access to additional positive Traits such as "Brilliant" for extra Skill points or "Brawny" for enhanced melee capabilities.

The Outer Worlds 2 Gameplay - Screenshots

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The sequel introduces more creative and sometimes humorous Flaws, which are now dynamically generated based on player behavior. While players can opt into these Flaws, they become a permanent part of their character, adding another layer of complexity and personalization.

Guiding Players and Ditching Respec

With the increased complexity of *The Outer Worlds 2*, Obsidian aims to make the game's mechanics clear and accessible. From character creation, the game provides detailed explanations and short videos demonstrating the impact of Skills. Players can also mark Perks as favorites before unlocking them, aiding in planning and progression.

A significant change is the absence of respec options post-introductory sequence, as Koenig explained, "By removing respec, we really incentivize it to be your experience. It is a part of your experience that no one else had, and I think that's really special about RPGs and something that respec tends to lessen." Singh reinforced this philosophy, stating, "All of your choices should matter. They should be meaningful changes to your gameplay experience. This is just one of those ways where we're asking you to make a choice, stick to it, and see how that plays out in interesting and fun ways."