Editing The Outer Worlds

{{short description|2019 video game}}
{{Distinguish|Outer Wilds{{!}}''Outer Wilds''}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2024}}
{{Infobox video game
| title      = The Outer Worlds
| image      = The Outer Worlds cover art.png
| developer  = [[Obsidian Entertainment]]{{efn|[[Virtuos]] developed the Switch version and the ''Spacer's Choice Edition''.}}
| publisher  = [[Private Division]]
| director   = {{Unbulleted list|[[Leonard Boyarsky]]|[[Tim Cain]]}}
| producer   = Eric DeMilt
| designer   = Charles Staples
| programmer = Mark DeGeorge
| artist     = Daniel Alpert
| writer     = Leonard Boyarsky
| composer   = Justin E. Bell
| engine     = [[Unreal Engine 4]]
| platforms  = {{Unbulleted list|[[PlayStation 4]]|[[Windows]]|[[Xbox One]]|[[Nintendo Switch]]|[[PlayStation 5]]|[[Xbox Series X/S]]}}
| released   = {{Collapsible list|title={{nobold|October 25, 2019}}|{{Unbulleted list|'''PS4''', '''Windows''', '''Xbox One'''|October 25, 2019|'''Nintendo Switch'''|June 5, 2020|'''PS5''', '''Xbox Series X/S'''|March 7, 2023}}}}
| genre      = [[Action role-playing]]
| modes      = [[Single-player]]
}}

'''''The Outer Worlds''''' is a 2019 [[action role-playing game]] developed by [[Obsidian Entertainment]] and published by [[Private Division]]. Set in an [[alternate future]], the game takes place in Halcyon, a distant star system colonized by [[megacorporations]]. In the game, the player assumes control of a passenger from a lost colony ship, who is revived by a mad scientist and tasked to rescue their fellow colonists and take down the corporations responsible for the colony's downfall. The game is played from a [[first-person perspective]], and players can use combat, stealth, or dialog (persuasion, lying and intimidation) options when encountering potentially hostile [[non-playable character]]s. The player can make numerous dialog decisions which influence the game's branching story.

Led by [[Tim Cain]] and [[Leonard Boyarsky]], the creators of the ''[[Fallout]]'' series, the development of the game began in April 2016. ''[[Firefly (TV series)|Firefly]]'', ''[[Futurama]]'', ''[[Deadwood (TV series)|Deadwood]]'' and ''[[True Grit (2010 film)|True Grit]]'' all inspired the game's world and characters. The team used striking color to depict its game world, and the team was influenced by the [[Art Nouveau]] style and the works of [[Alphonse Mucha]] and [[Jean Giraud|Moebius]]. The game was envisioned to be narrower in scope compared to other role-playing games although a number of locations and characters were still cut due to time and budget constraints, as well as the team's unfamiliarity with [[Unreal Engine]]. The game was announced at [[The Game Awards 2018]] and then released for [[PlayStation 4]], [[Windows]], and [[Xbox One]] in October 2019, with the [[Nintendo Switch]] port released in June 2020. Obsidian supported the game with two downloadable content packs, and a remastered version of the game was released in March 2023 for [[PlayStation 5]], [[Windows]] and [[Xbox Series X/S]] as '''''The Outer Worlds: Spacer's Choice Edition'''''.

''The Outer Worlds'' has received generally positive reviews. Critics generally praised the game's writing, characters, freedom of choice, and art direction, though its combat was criticized for being bland. Many critics noted the game's similarity to the ''Fallout'' series. The Switch version was criticized for its technical issues. It was nominated for several end-of-year accolades, including Game of the Year at [[The Game Awards 2019]]. The game was a commercial success, selling over four million units by August 2021, surpassing expectations. A sequel, ''The Outer Worlds 2'', was announced by Obsidian and its parent company [[Xbox Game Studios]] in June 2021.

== Gameplay ==
[[File:The Outer Worlds pre-release gameplay screenshot.jpg|thumb|left|In this gameplay screenshot, the player character is exploring the outskirts of Edgewater with [[Parvati Holcomb]], one of the game's companions.]]

''The Outer Worlds'' is an [[action role-playing video game]] played from a first-person perspective. At the beginning of the game, the player creates their avatar. They are also given six attribute points to distribute across six categories (strength, dexterity, intelligence, perception, charm and temperament).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/outer-worlds-guide-walkthrough/21280947/attributes-stats-skills-perks-flaws-build-character-creation|title=The Outer Worlds guide: Attributes, skills, and perks|first=Jeffery|last=Parkin|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=June 4, 2020|accessdate=June 10, 2024|archive-date=June 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240610051009/https://www.polygon.com/outer-worlds-guide-walkthrough/21280947/attributes-stats-skills-perks-flaws-build-character-creation|url-status=live}}</ref> These attributes determine the character's baseline ability in combat, stealth, and engaging in interactions with other [[non-playable character]]s (NPCs). For instance, a character with points in strength has additional inventory space, while a character with points in charm and perception gains additional dialog options.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/the-outer-worlds-character-creation-attributes-skills-aptitude|title=The Outer Worlds Character Creation - Which Attributes, Skills, and Aptitude should I pick?|first=James|last=Billcliffe|work=[[VG247]]|date=October 24, 2019|accessdate=June 10, 2024|archive-date=June 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240610051008/https://www.vg247.com/the-outer-worlds-character-creation-attributes-skills-aptitude|url-status=live}}</ref> Players also choose from one of 15 aptitudes which give minor gameplay bonuses. The chosen attributes and aptitude cannot be changed after character creation but the player will get more attribute points as the game progresses.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/outer-worlds-guide-walkthrough/21280981/aptitude-bonus-skills-how-to-choose-character-creation|title=The Outer Worlds aptitude guide|first=Jeffery|last=Parkin|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=June 4, 2020|accessdate=June 10, 2024|archive-date=June 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240610051017/https://www.polygon.com/outer-worlds-guide-walkthrough/21280981/aptitude-bonus-skills-how-to-choose-character-creation|url-status=live}}</ref>

A spaceship named ''The Unreliable'' serves as the player's hub of operation. The player does not fly the ship directly, but selects destinations to [[fast travel]] to in order to access the different planets of the Halcyon system.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/108855/the-outer-worlds-preview-flaws-in-the-system|title=The Outer Worlds preview: Flaws in the system|first=Ozzie|last=Meija|work=[[Shacknews]]|date=December 7, 2018|access-date=December 7, 2018|archive-date=May 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190519210329/https://www.shacknews.com/article/108855/the-outer-worlds-preview-flaws-in-the-system|url-status=live}}</ref> Each location in the game is a large, open space which can be explored freely.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/outer-worlds-small-maps/|title=The Outer Worlds' small zones are like a warm hug for an obsessive quest completer|first=Connor|last=Sheridan|work=[[GamesRadar]]|date=November 14, 2019|accessdate=June 10, 2024|archive-date=June 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602065221/https://www.gamesradar.com/outer-worlds-small-maps/|url-status=live}}</ref> Players encounter various NPCs who offer side quests and optional objectives and reward them with [[experience (gaming)|experience]] and "bits", the in-game currency, which are used to purchase weapons and other items from vendors.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/114650/how-to-get-bits-in-the-outer-worlds|title=How to get bits in The Outer Worlds|first=Sam|last=Chandler|work=[[Shacknews]]|date=October 25, 2019|accessdate=June 6, 2024|archive-date=June 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602065226/https://www.shacknews.com/article/114650/how-to-get-bits-in-the-outer-worlds|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="pickpocket">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/the-outer-worlds-tips/|title=The Outer Worlds tips: 11 things to know before exploring Halcyon|first=Ford|last=James|work=[[GamesRadar]]|date=January 17, 2020|accessdate=June 10, 2024|archive-date=June 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602065227/https://www.gamesradar.com/the-outer-worlds-tips/|url-status=live}}</ref> Players make numerous [[dialogue tree|dialog decision]]s which influence the game's branching story. They can respond to NPCs in various ways, such as acting heroically, maniacally, or even moronically if their character's intelligence attribute is set to below average.<ref name="IGNPrev">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/12/07/the-outer-worlds-is-bringing-fun-back-to-science-fiction|title=The Outer Worlds Is Bringing Fun Back To Science Fiction|first=Brandin|last=Tyrrel|work=[[IGN]]|date=December 7, 2018|access-date=December 7, 2018|archive-date=June 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626204107/https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/12/07/the-outer-worlds-is-bringing-fun-back-to-science-fiction|url-status=live}}</ref> Players also need to manage their reputation among the different factions in the game. Helping a faction increases reputation, while committing crimes or killing members of a faction decreases it. High reputation with a faction provides benefits such as vendors offering discounts. Very low reputation results in members of that faction attempting to kill the player on sight.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/the-outer-worlds-reputation-factions-6050|title=The Outer Worlds Factions and Reputation explained: How to find Factions and gain Reputation|first=Connor|last=Makar|work=[[Eurogamer]]|date=November 1, 2019|accessdate=June 5, 2024|archive-date=June 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240610051010/https://www.eurogamer.net/the-outer-worlds-reputation-factions-6050|url-status=live}}</ref>

Several NPCs can also join the player's party as a companions and participate in combat. Each companion has their own individual skills and special attacks, and they can develop their own skill specialization over the course of the game. Each companion also has an optional quest line that can be completed. While exploring, players can bring up to two companions while the rest stay on the ship. The presence of a companion may unlock additional dialog options, and give players a passive bonus to their stats. Players can also manually direct the companions and adjust their combat AI. Each companion has their own weapons and armor, though they can be changed by the player.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-outer-worlds-companions-guide-where-to-find-them-and-how-to-unlock-companion-quest-perks|title=The Outer Worlds Companions guide - where to find them and how to unlock companion quest perks|first=Ollie|last=Toms|work=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]|date=December 6, 2019|accessdate=June 10, 2024|archive-date=June 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602065228/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-outer-worlds-companions-guide-where-to-find-them-and-how-to-unlock-companion-quest-perks|url-status=live}}</ref> The player and companions have a limited carrying capacity (based on the strength stat), and can enter a state of "encumbrance" if they carrying too many items or wear armor that is too heavy. In this state, characters can no longer sprint or fast travel.<ref>{{cite web |last=Parkin |first=Jeffery |date=June 4, 2020 |title=The Outer Worlds beginner's guide |url=https://www.polygon.com/outer-worlds-guide-walkthrough/21280976/beginners-decisions-adapt-hints-loot-encumbrance-weight-gear |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240610051010/https://www.polygon.com/outer-worlds-guide-walkthrough/21280976/beginners-decisions-adapt-hints-loot-encumbrance-weight-gear |archive-date=June 10, 2024 |accessdate=June 9, 2024 |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref> 

===Combat===
Players can play offensively by using the game's assortment of firearms and melee weapons. Some weapons have unique damage types, allowing players to inflict elemental damage on enemies. Weapons are divided into rarity; the rarer the weapon, the stronger they are. Weapons break down with use but they can be repaired at workbenches with weapon parts. They can be further customized and upgraded to further improve their efficiency.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-outer-worlds-weapons-the-best-weapons-revealed-damage-types-and-special-effects-explained|title=The Outer Worlds weapons - the best weapons revealed, damage types and special effects explained|first=Ollie|last=Toms|work=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]|date=November 15, 2019|accessdate=June 10, 2024}}</ref> Weapons and armor, which boosts the player's defense, is collected through exploring the game world, looting enemy corpses, or purchasing from vendors.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-outer-worlds-will-have-a-survival-mode/|title=The Outer Worlds will have a survival mode|first=Fraser|last=Brown|work=[[PC Gamer]]|date=March 4, 2019|accessdate=June 10, 2024|archive-date=June 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602065227/https://www.pcgamer.com/the-outer-worlds-will-have-a-survival-mode/|url-status=live}}</ref> There are also five unique "Science Weapons" with special and unusual effects.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/the-outer-worlds-science-weapons-explained-prismatic-hammer-gloop-gun-shrink-ray-6050|title=The Outer Worlds - Science Weapons explained, including the Prismatic Hammer, Gloop Gun and Shrink Ray|first=Lottie|last=Lynn|work=[[Eurogamer]]|date=January 6, 2024|accessdate=June 10, 2024|archive-date=June 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240610051008/https://www.eurogamer.net/the-outer-worlds-science-weapons-explained-prismatic-hammer-gloop-gun-shrink-ray-6050|url-status=live}}</ref> In combat players can enter a ''Tactical Time Dilation'' (TTD) state, which briefly slows down time and reveals opponents' health statistics. Targeting specific parts of an enemy during ''TTD'' enables players to inflict status ailments. For instance, an enemy will become crippled if their legs are attacked.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-outer-worlds-ttd-debuffs-how-to-use-tactical-time-dilation|title=The Outer Worlds TTD debuffs - how to use Tactical Time Dilation|first=Dave|last=Irwin|work=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]|date=October 25, 2019|accessdate=June 10, 2024|archive-date=June 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602065230/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-outer-worlds-ttd-debuffs-how-to-use-tactical-time-dilation|url-status=live}}</ref> 

Players can use [[stealth game|stealth]] tactics, such hiding in long grass and avoiding enemy's line of sight to not be detected.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-outer-worlds-guide-25-tips-that-beginners-need-to-know|title=The Outer Worlds guide - 25 tips that beginners need to know|first=Ollie|last=Toms|work=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]|date=November 22, 2019|accessdate=June 10, 2024|archive-date=June 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602065228/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-outer-worlds-guide-25-tips-that-beginners-need-to-know|url-status=live}}</ref> Investing in stealth skills allows players to lockpick,<ref name="intimdation">{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/outer-worlds-guide-walkthrough/21280978/tips-lockpick-hack-loot-dialog-lie-persuade-intimidate-fast-travel-companions-armor|title=Six surprising tips for The Outer Worlds|first=Jeffery|last=Parkin|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=June 4, 2020|accessdate=June 5, 2024|archive-date=June 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240610051008/https://www.polygon.com/outer-worlds-guide-walkthrough/21280978/tips-lockpick-hack-loot-dialog-lie-persuade-intimidate-fast-travel-companions-armor|url-status=live}}</ref> pickpocket other NPCs,<ref name="pickpocket"/> and wear a disguise to infiltrate otherwise restricted areas.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-outer-worlds-gameplay-preview/|title=In The Outer Worlds, the best weapon is being able to lie about everything|first=Christopher|last=Livingston|work=[[PC Gamer]]|date=August 2, 2019|accessdate=June 10, 2024|archive-date=June 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602065226/https://www.pcgamer.com/the-outer-worlds-gameplay-preview/|url-status=live}}</ref> Players can also use persuasion, lying or intimidation to avoid combat altogether.<ref name="intimdation"/> A large number of quests in the game can be resolved in a non-violent ways,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/11/8/20954992/the-outer-worlds-pacifism-supernova-kill-everyone-obsidian|title=The Outer Worlds fan beats game without killing anyone on highest difficulty|first=Patricia|last=Hernandez|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |date=November 8, 2019|accessdate=June 10, 2024|archive-date=June 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240610051017/https://www.polygon.com/2019/11/8/20954992/the-outer-worlds-pacifism-supernova-kill-everyone-obsidian|url-status=live}}</ref> though it is also possible to complete the game despite killing all NPCs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/the-outer-worlds/killing-npcs|title=You can complete The Outer Worlds even if you kill literally everyone|first=Richard|last=Scott-Jones|work=[[PCGamesN]]|date=August 2, 2019|accessdate=June 10, 2024|archive-date=June 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240610051018/https://www.pcgamesn.com/the-outer-worlds/killing-npcs|url-status=live}}</ref> As players progress in the game, they gain experience, allowing them to [[Experience point|level up]]. They can then unlock perks which grant single bonuses or effects and spend points on seven different skill trees (Melee, Ranged, Defense, Dialog, Stealth, Tech and Leadership). Once sufficient points are invested in a skill tree, the player upgrades individual skills in each skill tree, and receives threshold benefits that further boost the player's ability.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-outer-worlds-skills-attributes-guide-character-creation-overview-5|title=The Outer Worlds skills & attributes guide - character creation overview|first=Ollie|last=Thomas|work=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]|date=November 12, 2019|accessdate=June 10, 2024|archive-date=June 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240610051018/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/the-outer-worlds-skills-attributes-guide-character-creation-overview-5|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-outer-worlds-dialog-skills-speech/|title=Dumping all your skill points into speech works pretty darn well in The Outer Worlds|first=Christopher|last=Livingston|work=[[PC Gamer]]|date=October 24, 2019|accessdate=June 9, 2024|archive-date=June 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602065221/https://www.pcgamer.com/the-outer-worlds-dialog-skills-speech/|url-status=live}}</ref> The player may also opt to gain flaws, which provide a debuff to the player, in exchange for an additional perk point. These can be obtained when the player fails certain gameplay segment repeatedly or engages in harming behaviors such as alcohol abuse or frequently falling from height.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-outer-worlds-looks-a-lot-like-fallout-but-that/1100-6463757/|title=The Outer Worlds Looks A Lot Like Fallout, But That's Only Half The Story|first=Peter|last=Brown|work=[[GameSpot]]|date=December 7, 2018|access-date=December 7, 2018|archive-date=June 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190611205625/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-outer-worlds-looks-a-lot-like-fallout-but-that/1100-6463757/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-outer-worlds-flaws/|title=Weaponise your character's fear with these Outer Worlds Flaws|first=Jordan|last=Oloman|work=[[PC Gamer]]|date=October 24, 2019|accessdate=June 10, 2024|archive-date=June 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602065225/https://www.pcgamer.com/the-outer-worlds-flaws/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Synopsis ==
=== Setting ===
The game is set in an [[Alternate history|alternate future]] that diverged in 1901, when U.S. President [[William McKinley]] is not [[Assassination of William McKinley|assassinated]]. As a result, [[Theodore Roosevelt]] never succeeded him, and the great business trusts of the era were never broken up, leading to a hyper-corporate, class-centric society dominated by the power of [[megacorporation]]s. In the distant future these megacorporations begin to colonize space and [[Terraforming|terraform]] alien planets with varying results.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fallout-new-vegas-devs-share-lore-detail-about-the/1100-6465339/|title=Fallout: New Vegas Devs Share Lore Detail About The Outer Worlds|first=Steve|last=Watts|work=[[GameSpot]]|date=March 8, 2019|access-date=August 3, 2019|archive-date=October 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027162654/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fallout-new-vegas-devs-share-lore-detail-about-the/1100-6465339/|url-status=live}}</ref> Thousands of Earth residents, lured by the promise of a fresh start, sign up for the chance to travel to this new frontier.

On this frontier is Halcyon, a small, six-planet [[star system]]. Traveling to Halcyon requires both the usage of advanced spacecraft with a [[faster-than-light]] skip-drive and a ten-year [[cryosleep]] for the colonists. In 2285, two colony ships were dispatched to colonize Halcyon — the ''Hope'' and the ''Groundbreaker''. While the ''Groundbreaker'' successfully arrived in Halcyon and proceeds to colonize the planets Terra 1 (later renamed Monarch) and Terra 2, the ''Hope'' and its cargo disappeared in transit, slipping into myth among the citizens of Halcyon. The ''Groundbreaker'', meanwhile, goes into permanent orbit near Terra 2, with the original crew and their descendants converting the ship into an independent port and armored citadel.

=== Plot ===
In 2355, the ''Hope'' is discovered drifting on the outskirts of the Halcyon system by mad scientist Phineas Vernon Welles, who manages to safely revive one of the passengers, the Stranger. Welles informs the Stranger that the Halcyon colonies have fallen on hard times due to the incompetence and greed of the megacorporations (referred to collectively as "The Board") that govern every aspect of life in Halcyon. Welles tasks the Stranger with securing the resources needed to revive the remaining ''Hope'' colonists, and jettisons the Stranger in an escape pod onto Terra 2, where a smuggler, Alex Hawthorne, is waiting. The Stranger's pod inadvertently lands on Hawthorne, killing him instantly. The Stranger then takes over Hawthorne's ship, the ''Unreliable'', which is piloted by an [[artificial intelligence]] named ADA. As the Stranger repairs their ship and starts to explore Halcyon, they learn that Welles is wanted by the Board for acts of alleged terrorism and illegal experimentation, and must make another choice: continue helping Welles or betray him to the Board and assist with his capture.

After leaving Terra 2, the Stranger is instructed to head to Monarch, a colonized moon orbiting the gas giant Olympus, where an information broker holds the location of a batch of ''dimethyl sulfoxide,'' a chemical Welles needs to revive the remaining colonists. Because landing on Monarch is prohibited due to a Board [[trade embargo]], the Stranger must first retrieve a passkey from the ''Groundbreaker''. The Stranger helps the Broker regain control of Monarch's airwaves so he can collect the intel. With the Broker's intel, Welles directs the Stranger to Halcyon's wealthy capital Byzantium, where the Minister of Earth, Aloysius Clarke, has just signed for a shipment of ''dimethyl sulfoxide''. Tracking down Clarke to his townhouse, the Stranger learns that Clarke has been placed under [[house arrest]] by Board Chairman Charles Rockwell, the true recipient of the chemicals. 

In Rockwell's private quarters, the Stranger discovers a video in which Rockwell announces the "Lifetime Employment Program"; the Board is conspiring to place most colonists in indefinite cryosleep, ostensibly in order to save humanity but in actuality to hoard the remaining food supplies for the wealthiest citizens. In order to store these frozen workers, the ''Hope'' colonists will be ejected into space, with the ''Hope'' turned into a vast cryogenic warehouse. The ''dimethyl sulfoxide'' is being used on human test subjects to attempt to recreate Welles' formula, in the hope that workers can be repeatedly pulled out of extended periods of suspended animation. The Stranger retrieves the chemicals, with or without killing the test subjects in the process.

Welles suggests using ADA and the ''Unreliable''{{'}}s power to "skip" the ''Hope'' into the inner Halcyon system, placing it in orbit near his laboratory above Terra 2 so that he can begin the revival process. Sophia Akande, the Adjutant for the Board, instead proposes that the Stranger skip the ''Hope'' to Tartarus, a planet home to the Board's infamous Labyrinth prison complex, so that the Board can apprehend Welles and begin killing the colonists. The Stranger infiltrates the ''Hope'' and learns of what occurred during the ill-fated voyage; the ''Hope''{{'}}s skip drive developed an unforeseen fault, extending the planned 10-year mission to 60 years. As food rations ran out, some of the crew turned to cannibalizing the frozen colonists in order to survive, before staging a mutiny. The Stranger also discovers that they were not the first colonist Welles attempted to reanimate; he actually tried at least twelve times prior with fatal results for the colonists involved.

Wiring ADA through to the ''Hope''{{'}}s control system, the Stranger skips the ''Hope'' either to Terra 2 or to Tartarus. Depending on where the ''Hope'' arrives in Halcyon, the ending diverges:

* If the Stranger chooses to skip the ''Hope'' themselves rather than ask ADA to do it, and the game has been played with low-intelligence settings, the game ends here. The ''Hope'' is launched straight into Halcyon's Sun, destroying the ship and killing everyone aboard.
* If the ''Hope'' is skipped to Terra 2, the Board will apprehend Welles at his base and take him to the Labyrinth on Tartarus. The Stranger then fights their way through the prison to negotiate with his captor, forcing them to release him either peacefully or by force.
* If the ''Hope'' is skipped to Tartarus, an enraged Welles will travel to Tartarus himself and start a riot in the Labyrinth, taking Akande hostage in a bid to get to the ''Hope'' and her colonists. The Stranger must reach Welles and confront him, forcing him to release Akande either peacefully or by force.

Regardless of the outcome, the Stranger is informed that contact with Earth has been lost, and that a Board troopship traveling back to earth mysteriously disappeared in transit. The Stranger is offered leadership of the Halcyon colonies and allowed to shape humanity's future however they see fit. With Halcyon free of Earth's influence, the colony is free to shape its own destiny, either under the Board's Lifetime Employment Program or under the freedom brought about by the loss of the Board's influence.

==Development==
{{multiple image |caption_align=center |header_align=center |align=right |total_width=300
|footer=Cain and Boyarsky, the creators of the ''[[Fallout]]'' series, served as the game's directors.
|image1=Timothy-cain-gdc2010 cropped.jpg|caption1=[[Tim Cain]]
|image2=Leonard Boyarsky- Fallout 20 year reunion dinner (cropped).jpg|caption2=[[Leonard Boyarsky]]}}
''The Outer Worlds'' was developed by [[Obsidian Entertainment]], the developer behind ''[[Fallout: New Vegas]]''. [[Tim Cain]] and [[Leonard Boyarsky]], two creators of the ''[[Fallout (franchise)|Fallout]]'' series, served as the game's directors. Both worked together at [[Interplay Entertainment]] and [[Troika Games]] before departing for other studios. Cain joined Obsidian in 2011, and when he was given the opportunity to create a new [[intellectual property]] for the company in April 2016, he invited Boyarsky to join him as his co-director.<ref name="Noclip overview"/><ref name="inspiration"/> 

===Gameplay===
A prototype was put together six months after development began, showcasing the three pillars of gameplay: combat, stealth and dialog.<ref name="Noclip overview">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MRxaqbcVn0|title=The Outer Worlds: From Concept to Creation - Documentary|work=[[Noclip]]|date=April 10, 2020|accessdate=July 1, 2024|archive-date=June 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602065222/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MRxaqbcVn0|url-status=live}}</ref> The game is a [[character class|classless]] role-playing game, as the team wanted players to build and optimize their character as they see fit.<ref name="classless"/> The upgrade system allows players to create "hybrid" characters, who excel at two of three ways of gameplay. For instance, a combat/stealth character may use a [[sniper rifle]] to take out enemy from afar while remaining concealed, while a stealth/dialog character can make use of disguises to infiltrate restricted areas and then talk their ways out if they are caught. The team also introduced "Leadership" skills, which allowed companions to help out or further boost a player's attributes, though these had to be rebalanced at one point as companions became too powerful and players could complete the game without ever engaging in combat. Originally the player character had access to special abilities, though they were later moved to companion skills so the companions would be more involved in combat and as a way to further highlight their personalities.<ref name="player choice">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azprPzBSQAQ&list=PL-THgg8QnvU6_HSs9x4S86dVq0izton1P&index=6|title=How Obsidian Designed Player Choice in The Outer Worlds|date=April 24, 2020|accessdate=July 1, 2024|work=[[Noclip]]}}</ref> The team also designed options for players who favor combat over dialog, and developed alternative ways for players to obtain essential information should the NPCs involved in quests be killed. A pacifist way of completing the game was planned, although this was scrapped because it created many unforeseen technical issues.<ref name="Noclip overview"/>

The game was designed to be accessible to all play styles. The Tactical Time Dilation system, which briefly slows down time during combat, was designed to prevent new players from being overwhelmed, while also giving veteran players more options to defeat their opponents. Weapons in the game vary in level as well as branding. For instance, Spacer's Choice provides clunky guns at a cheap price, while other brands provide additional modification slots.<ref name="fun to extend">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/exclusive-video/2019/02/11/exclusive-combat-gameplay-and-details-for-the-outer-worlds|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213054727/https://www.gameinformer.com/exclusive-video/2019/02/11/exclusive-combat-gameplay-and-details-for-the-outer-worlds|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 13, 2019|title=Exclusive Combat Gameplay And Details For The Outer Worlds|first=Ben|last=Hansen|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|date=February 11, 2019|accessdate=July 1, 2024}}</ref> The game also features a number of "Science Weapons".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2019/02/13/the-wildest-weapons-in-the-outer-worlds|title=The Wildest Weapons In The Outer Worlds|first=Joe|last=Juba|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|date=February 13, 2019|access-date=July 1, 2024|archive-date=June 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602070729/https://www.gameinformer.com/2019/02/13/the-wildest-weapons-in-the-outer-worlds|url-status=dead}}</ref> These weapons were designed to be wacky, outlandish and unconventional, and the ideas for some of them originated from [[software bug|gameplay bugs]].<ref name="player choice"/> ''Flaws'' were introduced as a permanent debuff to the player in exchange for an additional point in a stat. They were designed to alter the game's difficulty without fundamentally changing the overall experience.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-outer-worlds-the-familiarity-and-flaws-of-spac/1100-6466079/|title=The Outer Worlds: The Familiarity And Flaws Of Space|first=Steve|last=Watts|work=[[GameSpot]]|date=April 8, 2019|accessdate=July 1, 2024|archive-date=June 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602065223/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-outer-worlds-the-familiarity-and-flaws-of-spac/1100-6466079/|url-status=live}}</ref> Character creation in the game was significantly streamlined compared to other RPGs. The team wanted players to customize their characters as they progress, and did not want to overwhelm them with information early in the game. The game also actively prevents players from specializing until later in the game, with a system that allows multiple attributes to be upgraded at once.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/tim-cain-and-leonard-boyarsky-s-design-lessons-from-i-the-outer-worlds-i-|title=Tim Cain and Leonard Boyarsky's design lessons from The Outer Worlds|first=Bryant|last=Francis|work=[[Game Developer (website)|Game Developer]]|date=November 14, 2019|accessdate=July 1, 2024|archive-date=June 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602075232/https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/tim-cain-and-leonard-boyarsky-s-design-lessons-from-i-the-outer-worlds-i-|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Story and characters===
Boyarsky led the writing team and placed a large emphasis on developing the game's characters.<ref name="more on characters"/> The player character and Phineas Welles were created early in the game's development. Inspired by ''[[Fallout]]'', the player character was a frozen colonist who was not familiar with the new world. As player progresses in the game, they learn more about the Halcyon colony and its inhabitants alongside the protagonist.<ref name="Noclip overview"/> The player character therefore, is considered to be an unknown variable in a world where everyone has become accustomed to corporate rule, and they have the option to side with different factions.<ref name="inspiration 2">{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2019-06-13-the-outer-worlds-e3-demo-sense-of-humor.html?guccounter=1|title=Where 'The Outer Worlds' gets its sense of humor|first=Chris|last=Ip|work=[[Engadget]]|date=June 13, 2019|accessdate=July 1, 2024}}</ref> The main character is a [[silent protagonist]] as the team preferred a blank state character whose action and personality is completely shaped by the player as they play.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/why-the-outer-worlds-is-a-dream-project-for-fallou/1100-6463779/|title=Why The Outer Worlds Is A Dream Project For Fallout Creators Cain And Boyarsky|first=Peter|last=Brown|work=[[GameSpot]]|date=December 8, 2018|accessdate=July 1, 2024}}</ref> Welles, who was compared to a "mad scientist" by the team, was inspired by Rick from ''[[Rick & Morty]]'' and [[Walter Bishop (Fringe)|Walter Bishop]]'s performance in ''[[Fringe (TV series)|Fringe]]''.<ref name="more on characters"/>

According to the team, the companions are "more involved" in the story of ''The Outer Worlds'' compared with Obsidian's previous games like ''Fallout: New Vegas''. They had their own opinions and will react to player's choices and interject during conversations with other NPCs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/as-fallout-strays-further-from-its-roots-the-outer-worlds-looks-to-fill-the-void|title=As Fallout strays further from its roots, The Outer Worlds looks to fill the void|first=Emma|last=Kent|work=[[Eurogamer]]|date=June 26, 2019|accessdate=July 1, 2024}}</ref> Most of the companions in the game were based on "basic archetypes" with the exception of Ellie and Felix, who originally were placeholder companions in the [[vertical slice]] of the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blog.playstation.com/2019/11/13/the-outer-worlds-devs-discuss-bringing-the-universe-to-life/|title=The Outer Worlds Devs Discuss Bringing the Universe to Life|first=Justin|last=Massongill|work=[[PlayStation Blog]]|date=November 13, 2019|accessdate=July 1, 2024}}</ref> These characters were usually deeply involved in a conflict, and once the conflict is resolved, the narrative designer responsible for writing the character will be free to take them to any direction.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/what-makes-an-interesting-npc-the-outer-worlds-dev/1100-6471072/|title=What Makes An Interesting NPC? The Outer Worlds Devs Reveal Tricks Of The Trade|first=Peter|last=Brown|work=[[GameSpot]]|date=November 1, 2019|accessdate=July 1, 2024|archive-date=June 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602065230/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/what-makes-an-interesting-npc-the-outer-worlds-dev/1100-6471072/|url-status=live}}</ref> The game originally featured six human companions, but one replaced with the janitor robot SAM due to time constraints.<ref name="more on characters">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n31HEWJIzRQ|title=Writing the Characters & Companions of The Outer Worlds|date=April 15, 2020|accessdate=July 1, 2024|work=[[Noclip]]|archive-date=March 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314094529/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n31HEWJIzRQ|url-status=live}}</ref> Ellie was described as being a "professional pirate" with a dubious moral compass; Parvati was considered to be a "sweet" and "naive" mechanic who did not fit into the hyper-corporate society well; Felix was described as a "rebel without a cause" who only wanted to "smash the system"; Nyoka was envisioned as being a "tough huntress", and Max was designed as a "travelling priest".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2019/02/21/everything-we-know-about-companions-in-the-outer-worlds|title=Everything We Know About Companions In The Outer Worlds|first=Joe|last=Juba|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|date=February 21, 2024|access-date=July 1, 2024|archive-date=November 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115042750/https://www.gameinformer.com/2019/02/21/everything-we-know-about-companions-in-the-outer-worlds|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="more on characters"/>

While discussing the moral choices featuring in the game, Boyarsky said that the game provides options for how players wanted to shape their character, be it heroic, evil, or dumb. The choices featured in the game are often morally grey, and the game informs players of the consequences of their actions, and it is up to them to decide "what [they] care about".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2019/02/15/how-the-outer-worlds-lets-you-play-your-way|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220062633/https://www.gameinformer.com/2019/02/15/how-the-outer-worlds-lets-you-play-your-way|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 20, 2019|title=How The Outer Worlds Lets You Play Your Way|first=Joe|last=Juba|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|date=February 15, 2019|accessdate=July 1, 2024}}</ref> The Board is not depicted as a completely antagonistic figure. Representatives from the Board attempt to persuade the player to join their cause because they feel that what they are doing is ultimately good for the colony.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.redbull.com/int-en/obsidian-the-outer-worlds|title=Obsidian on freedom of choice and space travel in The Outer Worlds|first=Jamie|last=Stevenson|work=[[Red Bull]]|date=May 17, 2019|accessdate=July 1, 2024|archive-date=May 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502011530/https://www.redbull.com/int-en/obsidian-the-outer-worlds|url-status=live}}</ref> The game ends with the player siding with either Welles or the Board, but it provides ample opportunities for the players to [[Double cross (betrayal)|double cross]] anyone.<ref name="noclip quest"/><ref name="ending"/> Smaller decisions in each location affect the state of the world and the fate of other non-playable characters.<ref name="ending">{{cite web|url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/obsidian-explains-how-different-endings-work-in-the-outer-worlds/|title=Obsidian explains how different endings work in The Outer Worlds|first=Andy|last=Robinson|work=Video Games Chronicle|date=July 1, 2019|accessdate=July 1, 2024|archive-date=June 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602065219/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/obsidian-explains-how-different-endings-work-in-the-outer-worlds/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===World design===
[[File:Diesel Forces.jpg|thumb|200px|The environments and art style of the game were inspired by [[dieselpunk]] art.]]
Art director Daniel Alpert described the game's aesthetics as the "Old West" set in the future. Since the core premise of the game revolves around [[space colonization]], Halcyon was envisioned to be a "frontier kind of space colony" with a "strong element of heavy machinery". The art team utilized the [[Art Nouveau]] style to depict the corporations and the "elitist" large cities in the game. ''The Outer Worlds'' uses vibrant colors to depict its game world, and the team was inspired by works of [[Alphonse Mucha]] and [[Jean Giraud|Moebius]]. The use of striking color also helped the world to feel more "alien". Since the game is set in a space colony, the team wanted Halcyon to be "familiar, but also slightly different".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/exploring-new-frontiers-of-color-with-the-outer-worlds|title=Exploring new frontiers of color with The Outer Worlds|first=Brandon|last=Sinclair|work=[[Gameindustry.biz]]|date=February 4, 2020|accessdate=July 1, 2024}}</ref> The game's [[loading screen]]s features propaganda images made by the Board to depict the consequences of the player's action.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamereactor.eu/the-outer-worlds-loading-screens-are-based-on-your-actions/|title=The Outer Worlds' loading screens are based on your actions|first=Lisa|last=Dahlgren|work=Gamereactor|date=February 23, 2019|accessdate=July 1, 2024}}</ref> Each corporation also has its own color scheme, so that players can identify various company towns easily. Boyarsky has said that the environments and art style of the game were inspired by [[dieselpunk]] art.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2019/02/20/the-story-behind-the-outer-worlds-amazing-art|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221065102/https://www.gameinformer.com/2019/02/20/the-story-behind-the-outer-worlds-amazing-art|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 21, 2019|title=The Story Behind The Outer Worlds' Amazing Art|first=Joe|last=Juba|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|date=February 20, 2019|accessdate=July 1, 2024}}</ref>

The universe of the game was inspired by ''Fallout'', ''[[Firefly (TV series)|Firefly]]'', and ''[[Futurama]]''.<ref name="inspiration"/> The corporations in the game were inspired by [[mining town]]s in the early 20th century which exerted a large influence on common commodities.<ref name="Noclip overview"/> Boyarsky described the Halcyon system as a "corporate utopia, where they can control every aspect of people’s lives". In the game's world, people are "trained from birth to put the company first".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2019/02/18/the-universe-of-the-outer-worlds|title=The Universe Of The Outer Worlds|first=Matt|last=Miller|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|date=February 18, 2019|access-date=July 1, 2024|archive-date=June 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602070728/https://www.gameinformer.com/2019/02/18/the-universe-of-the-outer-worlds|url-status=dead}}</ref> While the game explores themes such as [[capitalism]] and [[bureaucracy]], the game was not intended to be "politically charged" and the team did not want to lecture players on these topics.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-outer-worlds-co-director-says-it-will-be-political-but-not-politically-charged/|title=The Outer Worlds co-director says it will be political, but not 'politically charged'|first=Andy|last=Chalk|work=[[PC Gamer]]|date=July 5, 2019|accessdate=July 1, 2024|archive-date=June 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602065228/https://www.pcgamer.com/the-outer-worlds-co-director-says-it-will-be-political-but-not-politically-charged/|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite the game's dystopian setting, it has a humorous tone. Cain and Boyarsky felt that the subject matter was too grim and the experience would become monotonous and depressing without a change in tone. They described the tone as "the combination of [Boyarsky's] dark morbidity and Tim's silliness", and they hoped to seek a balance between silliness and drama when creating the game's tone and narrative<ref name="PCGPre">{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/obsidians-the-outer-worlds-blends-firefly-and-fallout-into-a-bold-open-ended-sci-fi-rpg/|title=Obsidian's The Outer Worlds blends Firefly and Fallout into a bold, open-ended sci-fi RPG|first=Wes|last=Fenlon|date=December 7, 2018|access-date=December 7, 2018|work=[[PC Gamer]]|archive-date=April 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424061942/https://www.pcgamer.com/obsidians-the-outer-worlds-blends-firefly-and-fallout-into-a-bold-open-ended-sci-fi-rpg/|url-status=live}}</ref> so that the juxtaposition between the game's dark themes and its lighthearted delivery will create more "emotional resonance" with their audience. According to Cain, the game becomes progressively dark towards the end of the story.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/exclusive-video/2019/02/22/creating-the-dark-comedy-in-obsidians-the-outer-worlds|title=Creating The Dark Comedy In Obsidian's The Outer Worlds|first=Ben|last=Hansen|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|date=February 22, 2019|access-date=July 1, 2024|archive-date=June 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602070729/https://www.gameinformer.com/exclusive-video/2019/02/22/creating-the-dark-comedy-in-obsidians-the-outer-worlds|url-status=dead}}</ref> The writing team was also inspired by ''[[Deadwood (TV series)|Deadwood]]'', ''[[Brazil (1985 film)|Brazil]]'', ''[[True Grit (2010 film)|True Grit]]'', and the works of [[Coen brothers]] and [[Wes Anderson]] (such as ''[[The Grand Budapest Hotel]]'' and ''[[The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou]]'').<ref name="inspiration">{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/outer-worlds-was-influenced-by-futurama-firefly-1218331/|title='Outer Worlds' Co-Director Says Game Was Influenced by 'Futurama,' 'Firefly'|first=Patrick|last=Shanley|date=June 14, 2019|accessdate=July 1, 2024|work=[[Hollywood Reporter]]|archive-date=September 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220905214721/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/outer-worlds-was-influenced-by-futurama-firefly-1218331/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="PCGPre"/>

The game features a number of locations: Terra-1 is a feral, lawless planet whose occupants staged an uprising against the Board, while Terra-2 is more refined and more influenced by [[corporatism]]. Roseway and its quests were among the first to be created in the game, and served as a guide for the creation of other locations. Each region in the game had its own narrative while being tied to the overarching story.<ref name="noclip quest">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_4dbG7RVeQ|title=How Obsidian Designed The Outer Worlds' Quests|date=August 16, 2020|accessdate=July 1, 2024|work=[[Noclip]]|archive-date=June 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607061103/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_4dbG7RVeQ|url-status=live}}</ref> The team avoided creating a large continuous environment, because that would not generate "the space opera fantasy/pulp sci-fi fantasy feel" that the team was aiming for.<ref name="classless">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/i-said-to-the-team-i-hope-this-becomes-your-fallout-the-directors-of-the-outer-worlds-discuss-its-development/|title="I said to the team, 'I hope this becomes your Fallout'": The directors of The Outer Worlds discuss its development|first=Josh|last=West|work=[[GamesRadar]]|date=October 22, 2019|accessdate=July 1, 2024|archive-date=June 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602065225/https://www.gamesradar.com/i-said-to-the-team-i-hope-this-becomes-your-fallout-the-directors-of-the-outer-worlds-discuss-its-development/|url-status=live}}</ref> Several locations in the game were cut early in development, such as an overworld region in Terra-2 that would connect various settlements such as Byzantium and Edgewater, partly due to budget constraints and partly due to the team's unfamiliarity with the [[Unreal Engine 4]].<ref name="Noclip overview"/> This resulted in the critical path of the game being shorter than expected. Some of the scrapped content was integrated into a location set on an asteroid (Scylla), which was created quickly since it had no settlement and did not require intricate art design. The game's length is comparable to ''[[Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II]]'', which takes players between 15 and 40 hours to complete depending on their playstyle.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/exclusive-video/2019/02/08/will-the-outer-worlds-live-up-to-fan-expectations|title=Will The Outer Worlds Live Up To Fan Expectations?|first=Ben|last=Hansen|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|date=February 8, 2019|access-date=June 15, 2024|archive-date=June 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602070729/https://www.gameinformer.com/exclusive-video/2019/02/08/will-the-outer-worlds-live-up-to-fan-expectations|url-status=dead}}</ref> The game's smaller scope allowed the team to focus more development time on developing alternate paths and narrative choices.<ref name="Noclip overview"/><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/exclusive-video/2019/02/25/inside-the-development-history-of-the-outer-worlds|title=Inside The Development History Of The Outer Worlds|first=Ben|last=Hansen|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|date=February 25, 2019|access-date=July 1, 2024|archive-date=June 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602070731/https://www.gameinformer.com/exclusive-video/2019/02/25/inside-the-development-history-of-the-outer-worlds|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Release==
In December 2017, [[Private Division]], an independent publishing division under [[Take-Two Interactive]], announced the project as their first slate of games to publish.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-12-14-obsidians-new-rpg-is-being-published-by-take-twos-new-label-private-division|title=Obsidian's new RPG is being published by Take-Two's new label Private Division|first=Robert|last=Purchese|work=[[Eurogamer]]|date=December 14, 2017|access-date=December 7, 2018|archive-date=October 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027164242/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-12-14-obsidians-new-rpg-is-being-published-by-take-twos-new-label-private-division|url-status=live}}</ref> It was officially announced at [[The Game Awards 2018]].<ref name=Alexander2018>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/12/6/18126614/fallout-new-vegas-obsidian-developer-teaser-reveal-game-awards-2018|title=Obsidian's The Outer Worlds looks like sci-fi Fallout|first=Julia|last=Alexander|work=[[The Verge]]|date=December 6, 2018|access-date=December 7, 2018|archive-date=December 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209124334/https://www.theverge.com/2018/12/6/18126614/fallout-new-vegas-obsidian-developer-teaser-reveal-game-awards-2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Though Obsidian was in the process of being acquired by [[Microsoft Studios]] at the time of the game's announcement, the project had been under development before that point, and Take-Two secured the publishing rights prior to Microsoft's acquisition offer.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2018/12/7/18130594/the-outer-worlds-obsidian-microsoft | title = The Outer Worlds isn't a Microsoft game, even though it's buying Obsidian | first = Charlie | last = Hall | date = December 7, 2018 | access-date = December 7, 2018 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-date = October 27, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191027163021/https://www.polygon.com/2018/12/7/18130594/the-outer-worlds-obsidian-microsoft | url-status = live }}</ref> ''The Outer Worlds'' was released for [[PlayStation 4]], [[Windows]], and [[Xbox One]] on October 25, 2019.<ref name="Fingas2019">{{cite web |last1=Fingas |first1=Jon |title=Obsidian's 'The Outer Worlds' launches on October 25th |url=https://www.engadget.com/2019/06/09/the-outer-worlds-october-25/ |website=Engadget |date=June 9, 2019 |access-date=10 June 2019 |archive-date=October 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027164609/https://www.engadget.com/2019/06/09/the-outer-worlds-october-25/?guccounter=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> In March 2019, it was announced that the game would release exclusively on the [[Epic Games Store]] and [[Microsoft Store]], with its original [[Steam (service)|Steam]] release being delayed until October 23, 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-outer-worlds-and-control-will-launch-on-the-epic-store-not-steam/|title=The Outer Worlds and Control will launch on the Epic Store, not Steam|first=Tyler Wilde|last=Evan Lahti|work=PC Gamer|date=March 20, 2019|access-date=March 21, 2019|archive-date=October 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027164926/https://www.pcgamer.com/the-outer-worlds-and-control-will-launch-on-the-epic-store-not-steam/|url-status=live}}</ref> Fan response to the announcement was negative.<ref name="responseavellone24">{{cite news |author1=Chris J Capel |title=Chris Avellone calls The Outer Worlds exclusivity deal with Epic "a cash grab" |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/the-outer-worlds/chris-avellone-epic-games-store |access-date=April 20, 2019 |work=[[PCGamesN]] |date=March 24, 2019 |archive-date=October 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027165338/https://www.pcgamesn.com/the-outer-worlds/chris-avellone-epic-games-store |url-status=live }}</ref> A [[Nintendo Switch]] version was originally scheduled to be released on March 6, 2020, but was delayed to June 5 due to issues caused by the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ign.com/articles/the-outer-worlds-will-release-on-switch-this-june |title=The Outer Worlds Will Release On Switch This June |last=Purslow |first=Matt |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=March 31, 2020 |access-date=April 1, 2020 |archive-date=March 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331174430/https://www.ign.com/articles/the-outer-worlds-will-release-on-switch-this-june |url-status=live }}</ref> The Switch version was developed by [[Virtuos]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/games/the-outer-worlds-switch-port-delayed-by-coronavirus-outbreak-in-china/|title=The Outer Worlds' Switch port delayed by coronavirus outbreak in China|first=Mike|last=Minotti|work=[[VentureBeat]]|date=February 6, 2020|accessdate=July 1, 2024|archive-date=September 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925185533/https://venturebeat.com/games/the-outer-worlds-switch-port-delayed-by-coronavirus-outbreak-in-china/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The game's first piece of [[downloadable content]] (DLC), ''Peril on Gorgon'', was released on September 9, 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-outer-worlds-first-dlc-expansion-will-add-a-substantial-amount-of-content/|title=The Outer Worlds' first DLC expansion will add 'a substantial amount of content'|first=Andy|last=Chalk|work=[[PC Gamer]]|date=July 23, 2020|access-date=August 8, 2020|archive-date=August 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808070931/https://www.pcgamer.com/the-outer-worlds-first-dlc-expansion-will-add-a-substantial-amount-of-content/|url-status=live}}</ref> The DLC pack added a new location, a new story campaign, and three new science weapons.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Marshall |first1=Cass |title=The Outer Worlds' first DLC adds a new planet to the main story |url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/7/23/21334688/the-outer-worlds-dlc-peril-on-gorgon-details-campaign-companions |access-date=13 August 2020 |publisher=Polygon |date=23 July 2020 |archive-date=August 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200816155656/https://www.polygon.com/2020/7/23/21334688/the-outer-worlds-dlc-peril-on-gorgon-details-campaign-companions |url-status=live }}</ref> In this pack, the player must investigate a science outpost located on an asteroid and uncover the mystery behind a failed science project.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2020/07/23/obsidian-announces-the-outer-worlds-peril-on-gorgon-dlc|title=Obsidian Announces The Outer Worlds: Peril On Gorgon DLC|first=Ben|last=Reeves|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|date=July 23, 2020|access-date=July 1, 2024|archive-date=January 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129000209/https://www.gameinformer.com/2020/07/23/obsidian-announces-the-outer-worlds-peril-on-gorgon-dlc|url-status=dead}}</ref> The second DLC, titled ''Murder on Eridanos'', was released on March 17, 2021. In this pack, the player must solve the murder case of a famous actress named Halcyon Helen. Both DLC packs were included in the game's [[season pass]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/the-outer-worlds-murder-on-eridanos-dlc-releases-march-17/|title=The Outer Worlds: Murder on Eridanos DLC releases March 17|first=Hope|last=Bellinghem|work=[[GamesRadar]]|date=March 12, 2021|accessdate=July 1, 2024|archive-date=January 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104130539/https://www.gamesradar.com/the-outer-worlds-murder-on-eridanos-dlc-releases-march-17/|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 7, 2023, a remastered version of the game called ''The Outer Worlds: Spacer's Choice Edition'', also developed by Virtuos, was released for [[PlayStation 5]], PC, and [[Xbox Series X/S]].<ref name="EG_Spacer">{{cite web |last1=Nightingale |first1=Ed |title=The Outer Worlds: Spacer's Choice Edition criticised by players for poor performance |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/the-outer-worlds-spacers-choice-edition-criticised-by-players-for-poor-performance |website=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |access-date=9 March 2023 |date=9 March 2023 |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309203903/https://www.eurogamer.net/the-outer-worlds-spacers-choice-edition-criticised-by-players-for-poor-performance |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Spacer's Choice Edition'' has updated visuals and a higher [[level cap]],<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kuhnke |first1=Oisin |title=The Outer Worlds: Spacer's Choice Edition brings the RPG to new-gen consoles next week |url=https://www.vg247.com/the-outer-worlds-spacers-choice-edition-revealed |website=[[VG247]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |access-date=8 March 2023 |date=27 February 2023 |archive-date=March 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308153539/https://www.vg247.com/the-outer-worlds-spacers-choice-edition-revealed |url-status=live }}</ref> and includes the base game and all downloadable content. The remaster has been criticized for introducing stutter to the game and generally performing worse than the original.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wolens |first1=Joshua |title=The Outer Worlds' new version is getting slammed on Steam—'Spacer's Choice Edition: now with 200% more performance issues!' |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-outer-worlds-new-version-is-getting-slammed-on-steamspacers-choice-edition-now-with-200-more-performance-issues/ |website=[[PC Gamer]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |access-date=8 March 2023 |date=8 March 2023 |archive-date=March 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308152943/https://www.pcgamer.com/the-outer-worlds-new-version-is-getting-slammed-on-steamspacers-choice-edition-now-with-200-more-performance-issues/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Archer |first1=James |title=Something is terribly wrong with The Outer Worlds: Spacer's Choice Edition's PC performance |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/something-is-terribly-wrong-with-the-outer-worlds-spacers-choice-editions-pc-performance |website=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |access-date=9 March 2023 |date=9 March 2023 |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309175026/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/something-is-terribly-wrong-with-the-outer-worlds-spacers-choice-editions-pc-performance |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="EG_Spacer"/>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| MC = PC: 82/100<ref name=MCPC>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-outer-worlds/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=The Outer Worlds for PC Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=October 22, 2019 |archive-date=October 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022114413/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/the-outer-worlds |url-status=live }}</ref><br />PS4: 85/100<ref name=MCPS4>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-outer-worlds/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=The Outer Worlds for PlayStation 4 Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=April 6, 2020 |archive-date=October 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022114415/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/the-outer-worlds |url-status=live }}</ref><br />XONE: 85/100<ref name=MCXONE>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-outer-worlds/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=The Outer Worlds for Xbox One Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=October 22, 2019 |archive-date=October 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022114412/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/the-outer-worlds |url-status=live }}</ref><br />NS: 66/100<ref name="MCSwitch">{{Cite web|url = https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-outer-worlds/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch|title = The Outer Worlds|website = [[Metacritic]]|access-date = June 20, 2020|archive-date = June 20, 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200620183206/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/the-outer-worlds|url-status = live}}</ref>
| GI = 9.25/10<ref name="GIRev">{{cite magazine |last=Juba |first=Joe |date=October 22, 2019 |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/review/the-outer-worlds/the-outer-worlds-review-good-company |title=The Outer Worlds Review – Good Company |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |access-date=October 22, 2019 |archive-date=October 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022155026/https://www.gameinformer.com/review/the-outer-worlds/the-outer-worlds-review-good-company |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| GSpot = 9/10<ref name="GSpotRev">{{cite web |last=Tran |first=Edmond |date=October 22, 2019 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-outer-worlds-review-over-the-moon/1900-6417345/ |title=The Outer Worlds Review - This Is My Space Jam |work=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=October 22, 2019 |archive-date=October 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022155813/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-outer-worlds-review-over-the-moon/1900-6417345/ |url-status=live }}</ref><br/>(Switch) 6/10<ref name="GSpot Switch">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-outer-worlds-for-nintendo-switch-review-cosmic/1900-6417479/|title=The Outer Worlds For Nintendo Switch Review - Cosmic Haze|first=Edmon|last=Tran|work=[[GameSpot]]|date=October 25, 2019|accessdate=August 14, 2024}}</ref>
| GRadar = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="GRadarRev">{{cite web |last=Avard |first=Alex |date=October 22, 2019 |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/the-outer-worlds-review/ |title=The Outer Worlds Review: "Obsidian operating at the top of its game" |work=[[GamesRadar+]] |access-date=October 22, 2019 |archive-date=November 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105010052/https://www.gamesradar.com/the-outer-worlds-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| IGN = 8.5/10<ref name="IGNRev">{{cite web |last=Stapleton |first=Dan |date=October 22, 2019 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/10/22/the-outer-worlds-review |title=The Outer Worlds Review |work=[[IGN]] |access-date=October 22, 2019 |archive-date=October 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022153213/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/10/22/the-outer-worlds-review |url-status=live }}</ref>
| PCGUS = 79/100<ref name="PCGRev">{{cite web |last=Senior |first=Tom |date=October 22, 2019 |title=The Outer Worlds Review |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-outer-worlds-review/ |work=[[PC Gamer]] |access-date=October 22, 2019 |archive-date=October 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022153215/https://www.pcgamer.com/the-outer-worlds-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| TG = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="TGRev">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2019/oct/24/the-outer-worlds-review-obsidan-entertainment|title=The Outer Worlds review – a planet-sized helping of fun|first=Steve|last=Boxer|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=October 24, 2019|accessdate=July 1, 2024}}</ref>
| VB = 91/100<ref name="VBRev">{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/games/the-outer-worlds-review-even-the-final-frontier-cant-hide-from-corporate-greed/|title=The Outer Worlds review — Even the final frontier can't hide from corporate greed|first=Jason|last=Wilson|work=[[VentureBeat]]|date=October 22, 2019|accessdate=July 1, 2024|archive-date=October 1, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001231829/https://venturebeat.com/games/the-outer-worlds-review-even-the-final-frontier-cant-hide-from-corporate-greed/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| VG247 = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="VG247Rev">{{cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/outer-worlds-review|title=The Outer Worlds review: a genuinely funny RPG straight out of cryostasis|first=Matt|last=Martin|work=[[VG 247]]|date=October 23, 2019|accessdate=July 1, 2024|archive-date=May 21, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521210811/https://www.vg247.com/outer-worlds-review|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}

=== Critical reception ===
''The Outer Worlds'' received "generally favorable" reviews from critics for most platforms, with the exception of the Nintendo Switch version which received "mixed or average" reviews, according to [[review aggregator]] website [[Metacritic]].<ref name="MCPC" /><ref name="MCPS4" /><ref name="MCXONE" /><ref name="MCSwitch"/> The Switch version was criticized for its downgraded visuals and technical limitations.<ref name="IGNRev"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2020/06/outer-worlds-on-switch-a-monumental-messy-conversion-to-weak-hardware/|title=Outer Worlds on Switch: A monumental, messy conversion on weak hardware|first=Sam|last=Machkovech|work=[[Ars Technica]]|date=June 4, 2024|accessdate=August 14, 2024}}</ref><ref name="GSpot Switch"/>

Many critics noted its similarity to ''[[Fallout (franchise)|Fallout]]'' games. Sam Machkovech from ''[[Ars Technica]]'' wrote that the game was a "dizzying, dense shot at reclaiming the indisputable glory of ''[[Fallout: New Vegas]]''".<ref name="ATRev">{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2019/10/the-outer-worlds-review-fall-deeply-into-the-best-fallout-like-game-in-years/|title=The Outer Worlds review: Fall deeply into the best Fallout-like game in years|first=Sam|last=Machkovech|work=[[Ars Technica]]|date=October 22, 2019|accessdate=July 1, 2024|archive-date=May 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527075834/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2019/10/the-outer-worlds-review-fall-deeply-into-the-best-fallout-like-game-in-years/|url-status=live}}</ref> Adam Rosenberg from ''[[Mashable]]'' also remarked that ''The Outer Worlds'' was essentially a ''Fallout'' game but one with its own distinct sense of identity.<ref name="mashrev">{{cite web|url=https://mashable.com/article/outer-worlds-game-review|title='The Outer Worlds' is like a Fallout game that never was|first=Adam|last=Rosenberg|work=[[Mashable]]|date=October 22, 2019|accessdate=July 1, 2024|archive-date=December 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213220804/https://mashable.com/article/outer-worlds-game-review|url-status=live}}</ref> The free-form character building was strongly praised by critics for allowing each player to have a distinct experience, encouraging them to experiment with different gameplay styles, and increasing the game's replayability.<ref name="GRadarRev"/><ref name="VBRev"/><ref name="ATRev"/> Joe Juba from ''[[Game Informer]]'' wrote that the game's flexibility made the game "satisfying" to play for supporting various play styles, and compared its space-faring narrative to ''[[Mass Effect]]''.<ref name="GIRev"/> Its use of [[Unreal Engine]] was praised by ''[[GameSpot]]''{{'}}s Edmond Tran for making exploration and combat feel better than those from ''Fallout'' games.<ref name="GSpotRev"/> Some critics felt Obsidian played too safe with the title, with ''[[Eurogamer]]''{{'}}s Edwin Evans-Thirlwell calling the game forgettable.<ref name="VG247Rev"/><ref name="EuroGRev">{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/the-outer-worlds-review-an-inward-looking-genre-piece-that-never-stretches-the-imagination|title=The Outer Worlds review - RPG comfort food that never stretches the imagination|first=Edwin|last=Evans-Thirwell|work=[[Eurogamer]]|date=October 28, 2019|accessdate=July 1, 2024|archive-date=May 21, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521185043/https://www.eurogamer.net/the-outer-worlds-review-an-inward-looking-genre-piece-that-never-stretches-the-imagination|url-status=live}}</ref>

Gameplay was considered to be serviceable, with several critics noting the lack of enemy variety.<ref name="ATRev"/><ref name="VBRev"/> Alex Award from ''[[GamesRadar]]'' found it to be rudimentary and compared it unfavorably with other [[first-person shooter]]s,<ref name="GRadarRev"/> while ''[[VentureBeat]]''{{'}}s Jason Wilson found the combat to be bland and the choice of weapons to be unimaginative.<ref name="VBRev"/> Several critics wrote that the gameplay was too easy in its standard difficulty mode.<ref name="ATRev"/><ref name="mashrev"/> Matt Martin from ''[[VG247]]'' felt that combat was uninteresting and an obstacle for exploration,<ref name="VG247Rev"/> Tom Senior from ''[[PC Gamer]]'' felt that its system were uncomplicated and generally lacked depth,<ref name="PCGRev"/> while Steve Boxer, writing for ''[[The Guardian]]'', praised the game not being too "complicated" to play.<ref name="TGRev"/> Tran praised the combat system for being fast-paced and hectic, and liked how the game offered numerous opportunities for players to progress.<ref name="GSpotRev"/> Dan Stapleton from ''[[IGN]]'' also wrote that Obsidian distinguished ''The Outer Worlds'' with "clever" adjustments such as the skills and perks systems, and original features such as flaws, and remarked the TTD system enabled faster and more precise gameplay.<ref name="IGNRev"/> The game's environment diversity and art style were praised by critics for further enhancing its worldbuilding and making the experience feel consistently fresh.<ref name="ATRev"/><ref name="GRadarRev"/><ref name="GSpotRev"/><ref name="IGNRev"/><ref name="PCGRev"/>

The narrative received generally positive reviews. Boxer strongly praised the game's writing, calling them "razor-sharp", and enjoyed the game's comedic tone. He further praised the game's characters for being emotionally resonant.<ref name="TGRev"/> Avard also called the characters "the most well written, multi-faceted, intelligent and human NPCs" he had ever encountered in a video game, and liked the morally grey choices players had to make in the game.<ref name="GRadarRev"/>  Wilson wrote that humor was the best part of ''The Outer Worlds'', describing it as a "funny and an effective critique of corporate culture",<ref name="VBRev"/> though Machkovech and Evans-Thirlwell found the game's depiction of capitalism and usage of stale sci-fi tropes to be monotonous and one-dimensional.<ref name="EuroGRev"/><ref name="ATRev"/>  While the writing was praised, the story received mixed opinions.<ref name="TGRev"/> Avard described it as a "masterfully constructed branching narrative" and Stapleton, despite remarking that the game was not as big as those from [[BioWare]] and [[Bethesda Game Studios]], wrote that the game nonetheless "packs in a large portion of flexible quests and conflicts" within its smaller locations.<ref name="GRadarRev"/> Several critics found the opening segment of the game to be slow and aimless, as the wider overarching story faded into background.<ref name="IGNRev"/><ref name="ATRev"/> Juba criticized the outdated quest design as choices always involved siding with one of two factions or finding an optimal third option through completing side quests.<ref name="GIRev"/> Fraser Brown, also from ''PC Gamer'', called the game Obsidian's "most conservative RPG", and that decisions made by players rarely felt impactful. He compared the game unfavorably to ''[[Disco Elysium]]'', which was released in the same month.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/disco-elysium-has-ruined-the-outer-worlds-for-me/|title=Disco Elysium has ruined The Outer Worlds for me|first=Fraser|last=Brown|work=[[PC Gamer]]|date=October 29, 2019|accessdate=July 1, 2024|archive-date=June 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602065219/https://www.pcgamer.com/disco-elysium-has-ruined-the-outer-worlds-for-me/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Sales ===
In the UK, it was the fourth best-selling game at retail in its week of release.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/modern-warfare-tops-black-ops-4-launch-to-dethrone-fifa-on-uk-chart/|title=Modern Warfare tops Black Ops 4 launch to dethrone FIFA on UK chart|first=Tom|last=Ivan|work=Video Games Chronicle|date=October 28, 2019|accessdate=July 1, 2024|archive-date=May 23, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523072912/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/modern-warfare-tops-black-ops-4-launch-to-dethrone-fifa-on-uk-chart/|url-status=live}}</ref> It was the second best-selling video game in the US, behind only ''[[Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019 video game)|Call of Duty: Modern Warfare]]'' (2019).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/business/october-2019-npd-call-of-duty-and-outer-worlds-deliver-solid-month/|title=October 2019 NPD: Call of Duty and Outer Worlds deliver solid month|first=Jeff|last=Grubb|work=[[VentureBeat]]|date=November 14, 2019|accessdate=July 1, 2024|archive-date=September 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230924172404/https://venturebeat.com/business/october-2019-npd-call-of-duty-and-outer-worlds-deliver-solid-month/|url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2019, Take-Two Interactive revealed that the game had been a commercial success, significantly exceeding the company's expectations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/the-outer-worlds-take-two-success-exceeding-expectations|title=The Outer Worlds is a commercial success, exceeding publisher expectations|first=Sherif|last=Saed|work=[[VG247]]|date=November 8, 2019|accessdate=July 1, 2024|archive-date=May 21, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521210359/https://www.vg247.com/the-outer-worlds-take-two-success-exceeding-expectations|url-status=live}}</ref>

By February 2020, ''The Outer Worlds'' had sold over two million units.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-02-06 |title=Take-Two: The Outer Worlds Has Sold 2 Million Units, Borderlands 3 Sold 8 Million |url=https://twinfinite.net/2020/02/take-two-the-outer-worlds-has-sold-2-million-units-borderlands-3-sold-8-million/ |access-date=2022-10-18 |website=Twinfinite |language=en-US |archive-date=October 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018032307/https://twinfinite.net/2020/02/take-two-the-outer-worlds-has-sold-2-million-units-borderlands-3-sold-8-million/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By May 2021, the game had sold over three million units.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Outer Worlds Sales Pass 3 Million |url=https://gamingbolt.com/the-outer-worlds-sales-pass-3-million |access-date=2022-10-18 |website=GamingBolt |language=en-US |archive-date=October 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018032309/https://gamingbolt.com/the-outer-worlds-sales-pass-3-million|first=Ravi|last=Sinha |url-status=live }}</ref> By August 2021, it had sold over four million units, becoming one of Private Division's most successful games.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/the-outer-worlds-4-million-copies|title=The Outer Worlds has sold over 4 million copies|first=Sherif|last=Saed|work=[[VG 247]]|date=August 3, 2021|accessdate=July 1, 2024|archive-date=May 21, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521173254/https://www.vg247.com/the-outer-worlds-4-million-copies|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Awards===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year !! Award !! Category !! Result !! Ref.
|-
| rowspan="9" style="text-align:center;" | 2019
| rowspan="4" | [[Game Critics Awards]]
| Best of Show
| {{Nom}}
| rowspan="4" style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite web |last=Nunneley |first=Stephany |date=June 27, 2019 |url=https://www.vg247.com/2019/06/27/e3-2019-game-critics-awards-winners/ |title=E3 2019 Game Critics Awards – Final Fantasy 7 Remake wins Best of Show |publisher=[[VG247]] |access-date=November 20, 2019 |archive-date=August 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190828222159/https://www.vg247.com/2019/06/27/e3-2019-game-critics-awards-winners/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| Best Original Game
| {{Won}}
|-
| Best PC Game
| {{Nom}}
|-
| Best Role-Playing Game
| {{Nom}}
|-
| [[2019 Golden Joystick Awards]]
| Ultimate Game of the Year
| {{Nom}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite web |author=GamesRadar staff |date=October 25, 2019 |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/vote-now-for-your-ultimate-game-of-the-year-in-the-golden-joystick-awards-2019/ |title=Vote now for your Ultimate Game of the Year in the Golden Joystick Awards 2019 |publisher=[[GamesRadar+]] |access-date=November 20, 2019 |archive-date=November 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106042600/https://www.gamesradar.com/vote-now-for-your-ultimate-game-of-the-year-in-the-golden-joystick-awards-2019/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="4" | [[The Game Awards 2019]]
| [[The Game Award for Game of the Year|Game of the Year]]
| {{Nom}}
| rowspan="4" style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite web |last=Winslow |first=Jeremy |date=November 19, 2019 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-game-awards-2019-nominees-full-list/1100-6471564/ |title=The Game Awards 2019 Nominees Full List |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=November 20, 2019 |archive-date=February 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204224234/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-game-awards-2019-nominees-full-list/1100-6471564/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| Best Narrative
| {{Nom}}
|-
| Best Performance (Ashly Burch)
| {{Nom}}
|-
| Best RPG
| {{Nom}}
|-
| rowspan="11" |2020
| rowspan="3" |[[New York Game Awards]]
| Big Apple Award for Best Game of the Year
| {{won}}
| rowspan="3" style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-outer-worlds-wins-game-of-the-year-at-new-york/1100-6472984/|title=The Outer Worlds Wins Game Of The Year At New York Video Game Awards|first=Eddie|last=Makuch|work=[[GameSpot]]|date=January 22, 2020|accessdate=July 1, 2024|archive-date=January 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123042529/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-outer-worlds-wins-game-of-the-year-at-new-york/1100-6472984/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| Statue of Liberty Award for Best World
| {{nom}}
|-
| Herman Melville Award for Best Writing
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[23rd Annual D.I.C.E. Awards]]
| [[D.I.C.E. Award for Role-Playing Game of the Year|Role-Playing Game of the Year]]
| {{Won}}
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite web |last=Chalk |first=Andy |date=January 13, 2020 |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/control-and-death-stranding-get-eight-nominations-each-for-the-2020-dice-awards/ |title=Control and Death Stranding get 8 nominations each for the 2020 DICE Awards |publisher=[[PC Gamer]] |access-date=January 18, 2020 |archive-date=January 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200127070030/https://www.pcgamer.com/control-and-death-stranding-get-eight-nominations-each-for-the-2020-dice-awards/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Van Allen |first=Eric |date=February 14, 2020 |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/untitled-goose-game-wins-top-bill-at-the-2020-dice-awards |title=Untitled Goose Game Wins Top Bill at the 2020 D.I.C.E. Awards |publisher=[[Eurogamer|USgamer]] |access-date=February 14, 2020 |archive-date=February 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200214054731/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/untitled-goose-game-wins-top-bill-at-the-2020-dice-awards |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
| [[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Achievement in Story|Outstanding Achievement in Story]]
| {{Nom}}
|-
| [[20th Game Developers Choice Awards]]
| Best Narrative
| {{Nom}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite web |last=Shanley |first=Patrick |date=January 8, 2020 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/game-developers-choice-awards-full-list-nominees-1268040 |title='Death Stranding' Leads Game Developers Choice Awards Nominees |publisher=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |access-date=January 8, 2020 |archive-date=August 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802201527/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/game-developers-choice-awards-full-list-nominees-1268040 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2" | [[SXSW Gaming Awards]]
| Most Promising New Intellectual Property
| {{Won}}
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite web |author=Grayshadow |date=February 17, 2020 |url=https://www.noobfeed.com/news/9773/2020-sxsw-gaming-awards-nominees-revealed |title=2020 SXSW Gaming Awards Nominees Revealed |publisher=NoobFeed |access-date=February 18, 2020 |archive-date=July 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220710162911/https://www.noobfeed.com/news/9773/2020-sxsw-gaming-awards-nominees-revealed |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Grayshadow |date=March 25, 2020 |url=https://www.noobfeed.com/news/9991/sxsw-2020-gaming-award-winners-revealed |title=SXSW 2020 Gaming Award Winners Revealed |publisher=Noobfeed |access-date=March 28, 2020 |archive-date=March 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328152231/http://www.noobfeed.com/news/9991/sxsw-2020-gaming-award-winners-revealed |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| Excellence in Visual Achievement
| {{Nom}}
|-
| [[16th British Academy Games Awards]]
| Narrative
| {{Nom}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite news |last=Stuart |first=Keith |date=March 3, 2020 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2020/mar/03/death-stranding-and-control-dominate-bafta-games-awards-nominations |title=Death Stranding and Control dominate Bafta games awards nominations |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=March 6, 2020 |archive-date=April 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403202400/https://www.theguardian.com/games/2020/mar/03/death-stranding-and-control-dominate-bafta-games-awards-nominations |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| 2020 [[Nebula Award]]s
| [[Nebula Award for Best Game Writing|Game Writing]]
| {{Won}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite web |last=Liptak |first=Andrew |date=May 30, 2020 |url=https://www.tor.com/2020/05/30/2019-nebula-award-winners-sarah-pinsker-amal-el-mohtar-max-gladstone/ |title=Announcing the 2019 Nebula Awards Winners! |publisher=[[Tor.com]] |access-date=May 31, 2020 |archive-date=January 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120094230/https://www.tor.com/2020/05/30/2019-nebula-award-winners-sarah-pinsker-amal-el-mohtar-max-gladstone/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| [[31st GLAAD Media Awards|GLAAD Media Awards]]
| [[GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Video Game|Outstanding Video Game]]
| {{Won}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite web |last=Daw |first=Stephen |date=July 30, 2020 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/pride/9427494/2020-glaad-media-awards-winners |title=Here Are All the Winners From the 2020 GLAAD Media Awards |publisher=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=August 5, 2020 |archive-date=April 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210409231637/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/pride/9427494/2020-glaad-media-awards-winners/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|}

{{clear}}

==Sequel==
On 13 June 2021, at Xbox and Bethesda's joint E3 presentation, ''The Outer Worlds 2'' was announced for [[Windows]] and [[Xbox Series X/S]].<ref name="OuterWorlds2">{{cite web |last1=Carpenter |first1=Nicole |title=The Outer Worlds 2 announced during E3 |url=https://www.polygon.com/22532162/outer-worlds-microsoft-e3-reveal-announcement |website=Polygon |access-date=16 July 2021 |date=13 June 2021 |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716204244/https://www.polygon.com/22532162/outer-worlds-microsoft-e3-reveal-announcement |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Official website}}

{{Obsidian Entertainment}}
{{GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Video Game}}
{{Portal bar|Speculative fiction|Video games}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Outer Worlds, The}}
[[Category:2019 video games]]
[[Category:Action role-playing video games]]
[[Category:Alternate history video games]]
[[Category:Assassination of William McKinley]]
[[Category:GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Video Game winners]]
[[Category:LGBTQ-related video games]]
[[Category:Nebula Award for Best Game Writing-winning works]]
[[Category:New York Game Award winners]]
[[Category:Nintendo Switch games]]
[[Category:Obsidian Entertainment games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 4 games]]
[[Category:Private Division games]]
[[Category:Retrofuturistic video games]]
[[Category:Science fiction video games]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Space Western video games]]
[[Category:Take-Two Interactive games]]
[[Category:Unreal Engine 4 games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic]]
[[Category:Video games with gender-selectable protagonists]]
[[Category:Video games set in the 24th century]]
[[Category:Video games set on fictional planets]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Xbox Cloud Gaming games]]
[[Category:Xbox One games]]