The Outer Worlds Review: Fallout Successor or Not?

Few games still spark debate the way The Outer Worlds does. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, this sci-fi RPG landed with a cult following—and plenty of comparisons to Fallout. This guide weighs its value in 2025, how it stacks up against Bethesda’s series, and what the sequel could mean for the franchise.

Developer: Obsidian Entertainment (YouTube review) ·
Genre: Science fiction first-person RPG (same source) ·
Playstyle: Combat, stealth, or dialog (same source)

Seven key specs from the official data:

Is Outer Worlds basically Fallout?

Key similarities to Fallout

• Both are first-person RPGs with skill-based progression and branching dialogue. Obsidian Entertainment, which developed Fallout: New Vegas, built The Outer Worlds on a similar design philosophy (YouTube review).
• Shared satirical tone: Fallout mocks post-apocalyptic consumerism, while The Outer Worlds skewers corporate colonialism (GamesRadar (gaming outlet)).
• Both feature companions with personal quests and moral choices that affect the story.

Key differences from Fallout

• Setting: The Outer Worlds is set in a sci-fi space colony (Halcyon), whereas Fallout is post-apocalyptic Earth (YouTube review).
• World structure: The Outer Worlds uses hub-based areas, not a fully open world like Fallout 4 (Steam Community discussion).
• Combat and customization: Fallout 4 offers settlement building and more varied weapon modding; The Outer Worlds focuses on story, choice, and consequence (same Steam Community discussion).
• Some players argue The Outer Worlds resembles Mass Effect more than Fallout in its squad-based missions and planet-hopping structure (GamesRadar (gaming outlet)).

Is Outer Worlds considered a good game?

Critical reception overview

• Metacritic scores land around 81/100 across platforms, reflecting generally positive reviews.
• Critics praised the narrative, world-building, and player choice. The branching story is influenced by dialog decisions (YouTube review).
• Detractors called the design “safe” and noted limited gunplay variety (same source).

What players say

• Steam rating is “Very Positive” from over 20,000 reviews, indicating strong community approval.
• Many players recommend it as a “fallout-like” RPG that scratches the itch, especially if you enjoy story-driven games (YouTube – Is It Still Worth Playing?).
• Some describe it as “Babies first RPG” compared to the depth of Fallout 4 (Steam Community discussion – this is a low-confidence opinion).

Is Outer Worlds 1 or 2 better?

What the sequel improves

• According to early previews, The Outer Worlds 2 is described as “bigger and better,” with larger environments, improved graphics, and refined combat.
• The sequel reportedly uses the same engine but with updated technology (YouTube – 2025 Review).
• Developer statements suggest deeper customization and more quests.

What remains the same

• Both are single-player RPGs with focus on choice and consequence.
• The first game set a strong foundation; the sequel aims to expand without reinventing the core formula.
• No official release date for The Outer Worlds 2 has been announced, though reports point to October 29, 2025 (YouTube – 2025 Review).

The implication: players who enjoyed the first game will likely find the sequel a worthwhile upgrade, but those who found the original too safe may wait for deeper reviews.

Has The Outer Worlds 2 flopped?

Sales reports and speculation

• Some headlines claim The Outer Worlds 2 sold poorly, but official sales figures have not been disclosed (YouTube – Is The Outer Worlds 2 As Good As Fallout: New Vegas? – discusses sales speculation).
• Franchise future is uncertain according to some analysts.

Official statements

• Obsidian Entertainment has not confirmed any commercial failure.
• Comparison to the first game’s sales is difficult because The Outer Worlds was a new IP; the sequel builds on brand recognition.

The pattern: If the sequel underperforms, Microsoft’s investment in Obsidian may shift toward other franchises like Avowed. For now, the jury is out.

Is Outer Worlds 2 bigger than 1?

Scope and scale comparisons

• Developer has stated The Outer Worlds 2 is larger in map size and content.
• More quests, larger hubs, and deeper customization expected.
• First game’s main story takes 30–40 hours; sequel is likely longer (YouTube review for first game length).

Developer statements

• Both share the same engine but the sequel uses updated technology (YouTube – 2025 Review).
• Obsidian Entertainment had a busy 2025 with Avowed and Grounded 2 alongside The Outer Worlds 2 (same source).

The catch: “bigger” does not always mean “better.” If the sequel expands scope without tightening world design, it may dilute what made the original charming.

Timeline

Clarity check

“While a bit safe in design, The Outer Worlds offers a well imagined new world with great writing, crazy characters & politics, 30 well-packed hours with tons of…”

Metacritic summary of reviews

“Very Positive rating indicates strong community approval.”

Steam user reviews (aggregated)

“The Outer Worlds is a 2019 action role-playing game developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Private Division.”

Wikipedia entry

Summary

The Outer Worlds remains a solid choice for RPG fans in 2025, especially those who miss Obsidian’s signature writing and choice-driven design. For players debating between the first game and the upcoming sequel, the original is a worthwhile diversion if you can find it on sale. Obsidian’s future may hinge on whether The Outer Worlds 2 can deliver the depth that the first game’s critics wanted.

Frequently asked questions