The early access launch of Outward 2 has been delayed from July 7, 2026 to 2027, following beta tester feedback. An open beta is currently live on PC.
Nine Dots Studio's survival action RPG Outward 2 entered an open beta phase in June 2026 after the end of its closed beta. The studio released new gameplay footage alongside the announcement, and the open beta went live immediately. The early access version was originally scheduled for July 7, 2026, on Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG.com.
On June 16, 2026, the studio delayed the early access launch to 2027. CEO Guillaume Boucher-Vidal said the decision came after beta testers requested more development time, and that sticking to the original plan risked delivering a product that does not meet expectations. The game remains planned for PC via the same storefronts.
Outward 2 is an action RPG where players control ordinary people surviving in the harsh world of Aurai. It builds on the 2020 original with enhanced character creation and growth systems, and supports local and online two-player co-op. Environmental effects tied to seasonal changes, backpack weight management, and ritualistic magic casting are said to refine the survival elements from the first game. A community contest called '#ExploreAurai' is also underway, where participants can submit screenshots or videos taken in the beta version for a chance to win two early access keys.
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Jun 16
Nine Dots Studio has delayed the early access release of 'Outward 2' from July 7, 2026 to 2027, following feedback from an open beta that began on June 8. The studio announced the delay on June 16, citing a risk that sticking to the original schedule would deliver a product that does not meet user expectations. CEO and Creative Director Guillaume Boucher-Vidal called the delay 'a defeat scenario' but said the team would return better prepared. The open beta, which runs until June 22, gave players a chance to try the game early, and many participants requested more development time before release. 'Outward 2' is the sequel to the 2019 survival action RPG 'Outward', which sold over 1.3 million copies. The new game retains the series' focus on an ordinary person surviving a harsh open world, with systems for hunger, thirst, and fatigue, and adds improved NPCs that react to the environment. Players choose from three starting scenarios and customize their background and traits, affecting equipment, aptitudes, and dialogue. The game supports solo play and online or local split-screen co-op for two players. A specific release date has not been announced, but the Steam store page now lists 2027. The game will launch on PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG.com, with Japanese display support.
Jun 7
Nine Dots Studio announced on June 8, 2026, that the closed beta for the PC action RPG 'Outward 2' has ended and the game is moving to an open beta test. The studio released new gameplay footage alongside the announcement. The open beta is now live. The early access version is scheduled to launch on July 7, 2026, on Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG.com. 'Outward 2' is an action RPG where players control ordinary people, not chosen heroes, surviving in the harsh world of Aurai. It builds on the 2020 original 'Outward' with enhanced character creation and growth systems, and supports local and online two-player co-op. Environmental effects tied to seasonal changes, backpack weight management, and ritualistic magic casting are said to refine the survival elements from the first game. A community contest called '#ExploreAurai' is also underway, where participants can submit screenshots or videos taken in the beta version for a chance to win two early access keys. Details are available on the Steam store page.