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Outer Worlds 2: Companions, Consequences, and Obsidian's Legacy

Last Updated: November 20, 2025

The Outer Worlds 2 key art featuring a vast, vibrant alien landscape.

The Halcyon colony is a distant memory, but a new star system brimming with corporate chaos and dark humor awaits. As development on The Outer Worlds 2 continues at Obsidian Entertainment, the potential for a deeper and more treacherous companion system remains a compelling prospect. While concrete details are still emerging, Obsidian's history suggests that player choices will carry significant weight, potentially turning allies into adversaries.

Obsidian Entertainment has a reputation for crafting worlds where reputation matters and actions have lasting consequences. In contrast to many games where companions remain steadfastly loyal, Obsidian's approach often involves volatile individuals whose loyalty must be earned and maintained. This design philosophy is likely to evolve in The Outer Worlds 2, creating a dynamic where crewmates are not just combat assets but complex characters with their own agendas.

A Legacy of Consequence

The original The Outer Worlds laid the groundwork for meaningful companion interactions that went beyond simple dialogue trees. The crew aboard the Unreliable were not just combat archetypes; they were individuals with their own beliefs, allegiances, and breaking points.

This was evident in how they reacted to player reputation with various factions:

  • Faction Allegiance: Angering a companion's favored faction could lead to disapproval, and pushing too far could result in them leaving the crew permanently.
  • Moral Red Lines: Certain characters possessed strong moral compasses. Parvati Holcomb, for example, could abandon the quest if the player made choices that violated her empathetic nature during her personal questline.
  • Ideological Clashes: Felix Millstone would leave if the player's allegiance to the Board became too strong, viewing it as a betrayal of his ideals.

This system ensured players considered the human element of their decisions, focusing on maintaining trust. The sequel has the opportunity to not just repeat this system but expand upon it significantly.

How Betrayal Could Evolve

While companions leaving the party was a powerful consequence in the first game, The Outer Worlds 2 has the opportunity to take this a step further. The concept of an ally actively turning on the player opens up narrative and gameplay possibilities.

Imagine a scenario where a companion deeply loyal to a specific corporation doesn't just walk away but begins feeding information to your enemies. Or consider a crewmate who, after witnessing morally questionable choices, decides to sabotage your mission from within "for the greater good."

This would elevate companions from passive followers to active agents, forcing players to be acutely aware of how their actions are perceived by their crew, making every major decision a calculated risk. Will helping one faction alienate the best sniper on your team? Will taking a corporate bribe put a target on your back from your own idealistic medic? These are the kinds of difficult, engaging choices that define an Obsidian RPG.

No Romance, All Consequence

One of the defining features of the companion system in The Outer Worlds was the absence of romance options. This decision allowed the developers to focus on building deep, platonic friendships and professional relationships. It's expected that this philosophy will continue in the sequel.

By removing romance, the writers can explore different kinds of loyalty and betrayal. The sting of a trusted friend turning on you can be just as potent as a romantic partner's betrayal. It allows the narrative to focus squarely on ideology, morality, and trust, which are central themes of the franchise. This approach ensures that companion relationships are built on a foundation of mutual respect and shared goals—a foundation that can crumble dramatically when those goals diverge.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Outer Worlds 2

  • When is The Outer Worlds 2 coming out? Obsidian Entertainment has not announced an official release date for The Outer Worlds 2. The game is confirmed to be in active development.
  • Will The Outer Worlds 2 be on PlayStation? Following Microsoft's acquisition of Obsidian's parent company, ZeniMax Media, The Outer Worlds 2 is expected to launch on Xbox Series X|S and PC, and will be available day one on Xbox Game Pass.
  • Can you romance companions in The Outer Worlds 2? While not officially confirmed for the sequel, the development team has previously emphasized a focus on platonic relationships over romance. It is highly unlikely that romance options will be a feature, allowing the game to focus on other complex forms of interpersonal dynamics.