At the conclusion of the Xbox Games Showcase, fans were treated to a double feature from Obsidian Entertainment, spotlighting two ambitious titles: The Outer Worlds 2 and the newly announced Grounded 2. While The Outer Worlds 2 had already been teased ahead of the event, the reveal of Grounded 2 came as a surprise, quietly added to the schedule and showcased in greater detail during a dedicated post-show Direct.
In this follow-up stream, Obsidian flexed its creative range with two wildly different games, both rich with personality, player agency, and signature humour. Whether you’re navigating the corporate dystopia of Arcadia or surviving the oversized perils of Brookhollow Park, 2025 is shaping up to be Obsidian’s biggest and boldest year yet. Let’s dive into everything revealed in The Outer Worlds 2 and Grounded 2 Direct.
The Outer Worlds 2: Arcadia awaits
Release Date: October 29, 2025
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC, Steam, PS5, Game Pass Day One
The first game we got a look at was Obsidian’s sequel to its cult-favourite action RPG, The Outer Worlds. Obsidian aims to build on everything that made the original memorable—and then some. Seeing all the new content and mechanics added, they look well on their way to deliver on that promise. The Outer Worlds 2 story kicks off on Arcadia, a lawless colony torn apart by space-time rifts, warring factions, and a flood of corporate propaganda. You’re dropped into this mess as an agent of the Earth Directorate, but how you survive—and whose side you’re really on—is up to you.
More player choice in The Outer Worlds 2
This time around, Obsidian is leaning harder into player agency. Want to sneak, sweet-talk, or explode your way through a mission? Go ahead, the choice is yours. Expanded RPG mechanics let you tailor your hero (or villain) to your liking with traits and flaws that evolve based on how you play. There are also some hilarious traits you can choose from that help to buff your character. For example, “Bad Knees” is something you can choose, which helps you stealthily move around, but when you stand up, your knees will make a cracking sound that will alert enemies. This hilarious trait hits really close to home, as a gamer in my 40s. It’s clear with these funny little quirks that Obsidian has put a lot of thought into plenty of details in Outer Worlds 2.
New companion lineup
The new companion lineup brings added narrative weight to the story, with additional combat advantages. You’ll cross paths with six distinct allies—including Valerie, a chirpy floating robot, and Marisol, a stoic killer from the Order of the Ascendant. Be aware, they don’t just follow your lead; they’ll judge it and hold you accountable. Obsidian hinted in the Direct that if you mistreat them, they might turn on you by game’s end. Their perspectives add new depth to every decision, from who lives and dies to which faction might seize control by the end of your adventure.
Outer Worlds 2 offers factions with a side of fanaticism
Obsidian is doubling down on faction dynamics, offering players not just a branching narrative but a complex ideological playground. Three newly introduced factions represent radically different visions for humanity’s future, and your allegiances will shape more than just dialogue trees:
- The Protectorate champions iron-fisted order, enforcing peace through overwhelming military might, demanding unquestioning obedience. They’re the boots-on-the-ground bureaucrats who promise stability, at the cost of personal freedom.
- Auntie’s Choice returns as a twisted corporate utopia—a consumerist cult that wraps its influence in candy-coloured branding.
- The Order of the Ascendant brings the weirdest flavour: a techno-religious group that believes mathematics is divine. They aim to ‘perfect’ humanity through logic, algorithms, and what they claim is spiritual enlightenment.
Each faction offers distinct storylines, companions, perks, and moral quandaries—so expect your alliances to come with far-reaching consequences.
Dynamic environments that evolve
Obsidian isn’t just promising a story-rich sequel; it’s creating a world that feels more alive and responsive to your actions. During the Direct we saw how player decisions ripple through the game’s environments in both visual and systemic ways. Whole towns may change hands depending on your allegiances, storefronts might shut down or thrive, and local economies could shift based on your actions—or inaction. Town colourways, population and graffiti could also shift depending on which faction takes control of the area.
Broadcasting your every move
This narrative reactivity is further enhanced by a trio of dynamic radio stations that track your rise (or fall). These aren’t just background noise; they evolve in real time, with biased DJs spinning in-universe propaganda or hero worship depending on your path. One station might play satirical jingles painting you as a menace, while another glorifies your deeds with customized musical tracks, news bulletins, and colour commentary.
The Outer Worlds 2 gameplay improvements
Movement and combat are also getting a massive overhaul. Parkour, sliding, throwables, and dual perspectives (first- or third-person) make every shootout more fluid. Science weapons return with fan-favourites like the Shrink Ray—now you can stomp on tiny enemies post-shrink which should create some added chaos.
Touted as the biggest game Obsidian has ever made, The Outer Worlds 2 promises an expansive playground of corporate satire, moral ambiguity, and ridiculous sci-fi chaos.
Grounded 2: bigger bugs, bigger world and bolder Kids
Release Date: Game Preview on July 29th, 2025
Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC, Steam and Game Pass Day One
Two years after surviving the dangers of the backyard, the crew from Grounded 2 are back—and so is the chaos. Set in the sprawling Brookhollow Park during the summer of 1992, Obsidian and co-developer Eidos Montréal are levelling up every aspect of their pint-sized survival adventure. Grounded 2 features more story elements, deeper gameplay mechanics, and larger environments to explore.
A larger playground in Grounded 2
This isn’t just more of the same. Brookhollow is three times larger than the original backyard and packed with iconic playground nostalgia. There are some very unique looking areas that we got a peek at during the Direct. For example, you can explore a toppled ice cream cart hiding a frosty cavern, or spelunk an anthill bathed in toxic sludge, and fighting off armoured cockroaches that can block your attacks. With new challenges come new allies to help, enter the buggies.
Mount up: rideable bugs have arrived
One of the most requested features from fans is finally here: mounts, aka Buggies! These rideable insect companions offer more than just speed. For example, Red Ants help you construct towering bases, while Orb Weavers can assist in the heat of battle with web-slinging flair. Each Buggy has unique perks, adding new layers to exploration and strategy. They enhance combat, movement, and building, adding a whole new dimension to Grounded 2’s gameplay. Obsidian alluded to more rideable insects coming in future updates.
Pick your playstyle
Play your way with new combat archetypes: Tank, Rogue, Mage, Ranged, and more. Whether you’re charging into combat or skittering away in stealth, Grounded 2 supports a variety of approaches—and your loadout reflects your playstyle.
Obsidian’s double feature lays exciting groundwork
With The Outer Worlds 2 arriving this fall and Grounded 2 entering Game Preview this summer, Obsidian is putting on a masterclass in genre versatility. Whether you prefer galactic intrigue and consequence-laden dialogue or crafting tools out of bug parts to fight mutant roaches, there’s something here for everyone. Both titles put player expression front and centre—whether that’s building the perfect RPG archetype or crafting a co-op base with your friends (and your Buggies). Today’s double feature made one thing clear: Obsidian isn’t just delivering sequels—they’re evolving the games we already love into something far greater.
