Canadian developer Nine Dots Studio has officially announced that Outward 2, the sequel to its 2019 action RPG, will launch in Summer 2026. The announcement was made during the PC Gaming Show – Tokyo Direct livestream, where the studio also unveiled a new trailer and confirmed that the game is now available to wishlist on Steam.
The first Outward gained a dedicated following for its survival-focused approach to role-playing, recently surpassing three million units sold. According to Nine Dots Studio CEO and Creative Director Guillaume Boucher-Vidal, the sequel builds on this foundation while addressing areas the team wanted to refine, including the combat system, immersion, and character creation tools.
As with the original game, Outward 2 places players in the role of an ordinary traveler rather than a legendary hero. At the beginning of the game, players can choose from three distinct starting scenarios and eleven unique backgrounds. Options range from becoming a devout worshipper of Elatt, working as a mine,r to living as a drifter in Simeon’s Bastion. The direction of each playthrough will depend on player choices and circumstances. For example, being defeated in battle does not lead to a simple restart but instead results in different outcomes, such as being rescued, robbed, or waking up injured in town.
One of the major additions in Outward 2 is a full seasonal cycle lasting an entire in-game year. This system will impact gameplay in several ways, such as rivers freezing over in winter to create new paths, merchants relocating between regions, and biomes shifting with seasonal weather. The game world of Aurai will be divided into four regions, each with its own unique landscapes, environments, and challenges.
Combat has been significantly expanded, with each weapon type featuring distinct movesets and animations. This allows for more tactical variety and fluid combat mechanics. Magic will also play a deeper role, requiring ritual-based casting to enhance spells. For instance, placing a fire stone in the air may create a ring of flames that strengthens offensive skills.
Survival mechanics remain central to gameplay. Players will need to manage their inventory carefully, deciding which items are worth carrying. In some situations, dropping a backpack may be necessary to move more effectively in combat. To balance this system, the sequel introduces a mule companion that can help transport additional supplies.
Nine Dots Studio has confirmed that both local split-screen and online cooperative play will return in Outward 2. This feature allows two players to team up, covering each other’s weaknesses and approaching the challenges of Aurai together.
With its release window set for Summer 2026, Outward 2 is shaping up to expand on the mechanics that defined the original game. More details on supported platforms and additional features are expected as development progresses.
Outward 2 is currently available to wishlist on Steam, giving fans the opportunity to track updates ahead of its planned release.
