Outward! A Gritty Survival RPG That Will Test Your Mettle and Make You Question Everything

Outward! A Gritty Survival RPG That Will Test Your Mettle and Make You Question Everything

Outward isn’t your typical “save the princess” RPG. In fact, it throws that trope out the window along with any preconceived notions you have about fantasy games. Developed by Nine Dots Studio and published by Deep Silver, this open-world survival RPG plunges you into a world called Aurai, where even traversing the land itself can be a monumental task. Forget sprawling, idyllic landscapes – imagine harsh environments teeming with danger, scarce resources demanding careful management, and brutal combat that will make you appreciate every hard-earned victory.

Outward’s core gameplay revolves around three interconnected pillars: exploration, survival, and progression.

  • Exploration: The world of Aurai beckons with its diverse biomes, each harboring unique flora, fauna, and challenges. From the sun-scorched deserts to the perilous frozen peaks, traversing this unforgiving land requires careful planning and preparation. Ancient ruins hold forgotten secrets and valuable loot, while bustling cities offer opportunities for trade and interaction with intriguing NPCs – though beware of bandits and other unsavory characters lurking in the shadows.

  • Survival: Food, water, sleep – these aren’t mere stat bars in Outward; they are essential elements driving your every action. Hunger pangs will weaken you, thirst can lead to dehydration, and a lack of sleep will cloud your judgment in combat. You must constantly scavenge for resources, hunt for food, and find safe havens to rest and recharge. Crafting plays a vital role, allowing you to create tools, weapons, armor, and even consumables to aid your survival.

  • Progression: Unlike many RPGs where level grinding reigns supreme, Outward’s progression system is tied to your skills and abilities. Performing actions like hunting, crafting, or combat proficiency directly improves your character’s prowess in those areas. This means there are no pre-defined classes – you forge your own path based on your playstyle and preferences. Want to be a stealthy archer? Hone your archery and evasion skills. Prefer charging into battle with a massive axe? Focus on strength and melee combat.

Outward’s unique mechanics contribute to its distinctive gameplay experience:

The Weight of Reality: Every item you carry has a weight, forcing you to make strategic decisions about what to bring on your adventures. Overburdening yourself can lead to exhaustion, slowing your movement and making combat more challenging.

Dynamic Weather System: Aurai’s weather patterns are not merely cosmetic; they directly impact gameplay. Rainstorms can hinder visibility and increase the risk of hypothermia, while scorching deserts demand constant hydration.

Permadeath: This optional but highly rewarding feature adds a layer of tension to every decision. Death in Outward is permanent, forcing you to start anew with a fresh character. This encourages careful planning, resource management, and calculated risks.

Multiplayer Cooperative Mode: Team up with friends online to tackle the challenges of Aurai together. Share resources, strategize attacks, and support each other through perilous encounters.

Let’s delve into some key aspects that make Outward stand out from the crowd:

The Unforgiving Nature

Outward doesn’t shy away from its brutal reality. Enemies are relentless, requiring you to master timing, positioning, and resource management in combat. You can’t simply button mash your way through encounters – each fight demands calculated maneuvers and thoughtful utilization of skills and items.

Even the environment itself poses a constant threat. Hunger, thirst, and exhaustion are ever-present concerns that demand attention. You’ll need to find food and water sources, build campfires for warmth and cooking, and secure shelter from the elements. This emphasis on survival mechanics creates a truly immersive experience that sets Outward apart from other RPGs.

A World Rich in Lore and Mystery

Aurai is steeped in lore and ancient secrets waiting to be uncovered. Explore forgotten temples, decipher cryptic inscriptions, and encounter enigmatic NPCs who hold pieces of the puzzle. The world’s history unfolds gradually as you journey through its diverse landscapes, revealing a complex narrative woven with themes of ambition, betrayal, and the struggle for survival.

Outward: A Detailed Look at Gameplay Mechanics

Feature Description
Combat System Requires strategic timing and positioning; utilizes various weapons, spells, and skills.
Survival Mechanics Hunger, thirst, exhaustion, and temperature are crucial factors demanding careful management.
Crafting Essential for creating tools, weapons, armor, and consumables using gathered resources.
Skill Progression Skill-based leveling system allows you to customize your character based on playstyle.
Exploration Vast open world with diverse biomes and hidden secrets waiting to be discovered.

Outward is not a game for the faint of heart. It demands patience, resourcefulness, and a willingness to embrace its challenges. But for those seeking a truly immersive and rewarding RPG experience, Outward offers a world unlike any other. Prepare to be tested, humbled, and ultimately exhilarated by this unforgiving yet captivating journey.