The Outer Worlds 2: Guide to Choosing the Best Flaws
Anticipation is at a fever pitch for The Outer Worlds 2, the highly-awaited sequel to the beloved sci-fi RPG. While developer Obsidian Entertainment is keeping specific details about the new star system under wraps, fans are eagerly speculating about the return of one of the original game's most innovative features: the Flaws system. This unique mechanic offered players a tough choice: accept a permanent character debuff in exchange for an immediate perk point.
Assuming this brilliant system makes a return, preparing a strategy ahead of time will be crucial for optimizing your character build. This guide breaks down what we expect from the Flaws system in The Outer Worlds 2 and offers a strategic framework for deciding which ones might be the "best" to accept on your journey.
What is the Flaws System?
For those new to the Halcyon colony—or whatever new system we're exploring—the Flaws system is a dynamic role-playing mechanic. As you play, the game monitors your actions and misfortunes. If you repeatedly get burned by plasma fire, take too much fall damage, or get consistently beaten up by a certain type of creature, the game may pause to offer you a Flaw.
For example, if you’re constantly getting roughed up by security mechs, you might be offered the "Robophobia" Flaw. Accepting it would grant you one perk point instantly, which you can use to unlock a powerful new ability. The catch? You'll now have a permanent debuff, such as reduced Dexterity and Perception, whenever you are near automechanicals.
The choice is always optional, but once you accept a Flaw, it's with you for the rest of the game. This risk-reward loop adds a fascinating layer of personalization and challenge to each playthrough.
The Strategy: Choosing Your Weaknesses Wisely
Not all Flaws are created equal. While the specific Flaws in The Outer Worlds 2 remain to be seen, we can categorize them based on the original game to build a strategic approach. The "best" Flaw is always one that gives you a perk point for a penalty you will barely notice.
The "Free" Perk Point: Situational Flaws
These are often the most appealing Flaws to accept. They apply a penalty only under very specific or easily avoidable circumstances.
- Environmental Flaws: A fear of heights, for example, might lower your stats when you're near a deadly drop. For a careful player who avoids risky platforming, this is essentially a free perk point. We expect to see new Flaws based on the unique planetary environments of the sequel.
- Consumable-Based Flaws: The original game featured Flaws tied to addictions to certain chems. If you rarely use stimulants, accepting a Flaw that makes you addicted is an easy choice. You suffer no penalties as long as you don't use the substance you're "addicted" to.
When offered a situational Flaw, ask yourself: "How often will I actually be in this situation?" If the answer is "rarely," you should strongly consider taking the deal.
Build-Defining Flaws: Leaning Into Your Playstyle
Some of the smartest Flaw choices are those that penalize a playstyle you have no intention of using. This requires you to have a clear vision for your character build from the start.
- Melee vs. Ranged: If you are building a silver-tongued sniper who never gets into close-quarters combat, a Flaw that reduces your melee weapon damage is an obvious choice. Conversely, a brute-force character who only uses two-handed hammers won't care about a penalty to handgun accuracy.
- Companion-Focused Builds: If you plan to rely on your companions for damage, a Flaw that slightly reduces your personal weapon damage might be a worthwhile trade-off for a perk that boosts your whole squad's effectiveness.
Before accepting a Flaw that affects combat or skills, consider if it impacts your primary, secondary, or even tertiary approach to problems. If it only affects a method you plan to ignore, grab that perk point.
High-Risk, High-Reward: Statistical Flaws
These are the most dangerous Flaws and should only be considered by veteran players who understand the game's systems inside and out. These Flaws often apply a direct penalty to your core attributes (like Strength, Perception, or Temperament) in certain common situations.
For example, a "Paranoid" Flaw might reduce your mental attributes whenever you're in a town or restricted area. While you get a perk point, this can severely hinder your ability to pass speech checks or use certain skills when you need them most. Accepting these requires a deep understanding of how you can build your character to compensate for the statistical loss. For most players, it's best to decline these offers.
What New Flaws Could We See in The Outer Worlds 2?
With a brand-new star system comes the potential for brand-new problems. Based on the sequel's promise of a new crew and new worlds, we can speculate on some exciting new Flaws:
- Alien-Specific Phobias: Expect to encounter bizarre and terrifying new alien creatures. A Flaw that makes you less effective against a specific, fearsome species could add a fun challenge.
- Zero-G Sickness: If the sequel features more extensive travel in space or on low-gravity moons, a Flaw that penalizes your character during zero-G combat or traversal seems like a perfect fit.
- Technophobia: Given the franchise's satirical take on corporate technology, a Flaw that gives you the shakes when using hyper-advanced "Sponsored" gear would be thematically brilliant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will The Outer Worlds 2 definitely have the Flaws system?
While not officially confirmed with a detailed breakdown, the Flaws system was a signature, critically-acclaimed feature of the first game. It is highly anticipated that it will return in the sequel, likely in an expanded and refined form.
Can you turn off or remove Flaws?
Based on the design of the original game, it is almost certain that any Flaw you accept in The Outer Worlds 2 will be a permanent part of your character. The weight of this choice is what makes the system so compelling.
How many Flaws can you accept?
In The Outer Worlds, the number of Flaws you could accept was limited, often between three and five depending on the game's difficulty setting. We expect a similar limit to be in place for the sequel to maintain game balance.