Exclusive Gameplay of The Outer Worlds 2: 11 Minutes Revealed by IGN First

Welcome to our latest IGN First, a month-long exclusive coverage event in April, focusing on the highly anticipated *The Outer Worlds 2*. This is your first glimpse into real-time gameplay, showcasing a thrilling quest where you infiltrate the N-Ray Facility. This quest not only demonstrates several new features and mechanics but also highlights how the game is rethinking level design. What particularly stands out is the enhanced depth of the RPG experience, with developer Obsidian drawing inspiration from its past works and even borrowing elements from immersive sims like *Deus Ex* and *Dishonored*.

Compared to its predecessor, *The Outer Worlds 2* introduces more sophisticated systems, including a true stealth system and enhanced tools that make stealth viable. You'll find effective melee weapons and skills for silent takedowns. A notable feature is the health bar above enemy heads, which now includes a purple-colored readout indicating the potential damage of a stealth attack. This helps you decide whether a one-hit kill is possible or if engaging the target is even worth it. Additionally, enemies can detect dead bodies and alert others, but with the right skill, you can quickly disintegrate the bodies to avoid detection.

The Outer Worlds 2 Gameplay - Screenshots

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Later in the quest, you'll acquire the N-Ray Scanner, a crucial tool for seeing through walls to spot objects, NPCs, and enemies. This device is essential for solving environmental puzzles and plays a significant role in both stealth and combat. Enemies in the N-Ray Facility can cloak themselves, becoming invisible to the naked eye but not to the N-Ray Scanner. Failing to use this gadget diligently can lead to unexpected encounters with cloaked adversaries, adding a new layer of strategic depth to the gameplay.

The game's interlocking systems further enhance the RPG elements, allowing for diverse character builds. Stealth and immersive sim mechanics are just part of the broader expansion in gameplay. Obsidian has also focused on improving gunplay, drawing inspiration from *Destiny* to ensure it feels satisfying. Although *The Outer Worlds 2* isn't turning into a pure shooter, the gunplay is much closer to what you'd expect from a modern first-person game.

During a guns-blazing approach to the N-Ray Facility, you'll notice tweaks to movement that complement the gunplay. You can now perform action-hero moves like sprint-sliding while aiming down sights. The return of Tactical Time Dilation (TTD) enhances the bullet-time fantasy, making it an integral part of your combat strategy. Throwables, such as grenades, add another layer to your arsenal. You can even toss a grenade, activate TTD, and shoot it midair to cause devastating explosions among enemies.

While details about the story are sparse, the gameplay video shows slight tweaks to conversations in the sequel. For instance, during an encounter with an NPC named Exemplar Foxworth, who's survived a cultist takeover, you can choose to help her based on your Medical stat or respond based on your Guns or Melee stats. This segment also introduces a new companion, Aza, a former cultist who joins you to help rectify past actions.

While many of these elements were present in the original *The Outer Worlds*, the sequel aims to fully realize the vision laid out by Obsidian. Conversations with the team provided insight into new features and the driving vision behind the game. Obsidian is keen on leveraging its RPG heritage while exploring what a modern first-person RPG can be, often citing *Fallout: New Vegas* as a touchstone. This has certainly raised my expectations for *The Outer Worlds 2*.

This is just the beginning of what we'll cover in this month's IGN First. We'll delve into character builds, the new flaws system, the array of unique weapons, and the expanded scope of the sequel. Stay tuned for interviews with key figures like original *Fallout* developer and creative director Leonard Boyarsky, game director Brandon Adler, and design director Matt Singh. Keep checking back at IGN throughout April for more exciting updates!