The Outer Worlds 2 Looks to Destiny, Call of Duty for Big Combat Improvements

The Outer Worlds 2 is set to deliver a significantly more comprehensive combat experience, according to lead combat designer Rob Donovan and head systems designer Kyle Koenig.

In a recent conversation with IGN, the duo emphasized some noteworthy enhancements that should elevate gameplay for the spacefaring sequel far beyond that of its forerunner, primarily due to improvements in movement and shooting mechanics.

To begin with, Obsidian aims to incorporate much greater environmental interaction throughout combat scenarios. Players can now “parkour,” as Donovan describes it, enabling them to ascend to elevated positions and slide swiftly between cover. Essentially, this offers enhanced movement options overall, potentially introducing a more dynamic aspect to encounters.

Furthermore, the addition of grenades and other ability-based tools can be utilized by both characters and adversaries. This extra layer of strategy aims to challenge players, especially when facing multiple enemies.

Intriguingly, the development team cited shooters like Destiny and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare as influences for the gun mechanics in The Outer Worlds 2. The aim is to enhance the overall feel of firefights, with more impactful weaponry and quicker access to various firearms.

Koenig specifically pointed out that the game avoids making players grapple with ineffective weapons. Unlike other RPGs that require skill points to manage recoil or weapon spread, The Outer Worlds 2 is designed so that guns feel satisfying to use right from the outset.

Additionally, it seems enemy AI has undergone a revamp. Human adversaries will actively seek cover, whereas more monstrous opponents may try to corner players against walls.

All things considered, while the combat in the initial game wasn’t deemed poor (it was adequate, in our humble view), there’s ample opportunity for enhancement — and Obsidian appears to recognize this.

Combine all this with an emphasis on deeper RPG systems, and this first-person adventure could potentially be exceptional.

The Outer Worlds 2 still lacks a confirmed launch date, but we anticipate that information will arrive shortly. In the meantime, share your excitement about battling nefarious sci-fi villains in the comments below.