During the chat with PC Gamer, Summer Game Fest 2025—I was kind of there, virtually—Brandon Adler, the game director for The Outer Worlds 2 (seriously, can’t believe it’s been this long), said something intriguing. They’re going serious this time. Like, you know, darker. Which, honestly, I’m all for. Anyway, Adler mentioned:
“You’ll notice that there’s a little bit of a less silly, darker tone. That’s mainly because of Leonard [Boyarsky]. That’s his kind of vibe.”
Leonard’s style is a bit heavier, apparently. He’s teamed up with Tim Cain before, like on Fallout, which—hey, darker works, remember that? But Tim’s stepped back, so expect a shift with Leonard taking the wheel.
Man, I actually love this switch to a darker narrative. When I played the first one—this is just me—but the humor at times? Yeah, a bit out there, lol. Pulled me right out of some tense moments. Not cool. But dark humor? That hits, right?
Back to the matter—darker themes mean we might see some juicy, eerie moments. Fallout vibes, anyone? Oh, the factions. They seem shady. Protectorate sounds all military and obedience-like. Hmm. Then Auntie’s Choice is that fake corporate freedom. And The Order of the Ascendant? Math-worshipping scientists—didn’t see that coming.
Companions, though. They seem sketchy. Take Aza. She’s all about violence—I mean, how does one casually “become obsessed with violence?” And Marisol, with her unfinished assassin business, though… intrigues me. Even Tristan, the allegedly noble one, feels like he might be ready to snap.
It’s like Baldur’s Gate 3 had that layered companion saga, and hopefully, The Outer Worlds 2 nails it. Just imagine steering your crew into mayhem or redemption. Anyway, October can’t come fast enough. Looking forward to a more serious take, less of that slapstick stuff. Yet, if they manage to squeeze in some clever dark jokes? Not complaining.
The Outer Worlds 2 drops October 29, 2025 (mark that on your calendars, or don’t). Windows, Xbox, PlayStation—it’s gonna be all over. And Xbox Game Pass on day one? Sweet deal.
