The Outer Worlds 2 Promises a “Darker” Tone than the Original

Oh man, where do I even start? So, I was tuning into this chat with Brandon Adler at Summer Game Fest 2025 about The Outer Worlds 2. And, whoa, things are getting a lot darker this time around. It’s all because of Leonard Boyarsky, who’s pushing the game in this more serious direction. Honestly, can’t say I’m surprised — he’s always had this moody vibe, right?

So, Boyarsky used to tag-team with Tim Cain on Fallout and the first Outer Worlds, but now he’s really the driving force. Tim’s taken a step back, you know? And bam, here comes an edgier sequel.

And hey, guess what? I’m kinda thrilled about this shift. Sure, the first game had its laughs, but sometimes, let’s be real… it pulled me right out of the moment. Like, okay game, I was really trying to take that situation seriously, but nope, there’s a goofy joke thrown in. Ugh. Anyway, dark humor can be ace if done well (Fallout, I’m looking at you).

Maybe this new direction will let the serious scenes have that extra oomph. Those strategically timed dark jokes might pack a punch without overshadowing the plot. At least, that’s the hope.

Oh! And did you catch Brendan Lowry’s piece on the new game features? The factions, the companions — there’s a lot. Three factions are duking it out on this new world called Arcadia. Each one’s got some sketchy stuff going down. Let’s see… there’s The Protectorate — everything’s about order (a tad creepy when you think about it); Auntie’s Choice — selling freedom on a platter like it’s the daily special; and the Order of the Ascendant — they get these math prophecies, believe it or not.

And the companions? Juicy stuff here. Aza, Marisol, and Tristan sound way more intense this time. A cultist with a penchant for violence and an assassin with “unfinished business.” Drama much? Oh, and Tristan — he’s not all sunshine and rainbows either.

This makes me think of Baldur’s Gate 3, where character depth really hooked me. Let’s hope The Outer Worlds 2 lets us mess around with these companions’ dark sides.

Okay, October can’t come soon enough. The plot’s more intense and hopefully less “gotcha” moments that throw off the vibe. Crossing my fingers that this darker turn gives it the punch it deserves. Drops on October 29, 2025, so circle your calendars and all that jazz. It’s out on PC, Xbox, PlayStation 5, and hey, Xbox Game Pass too. Exciting stuff!