An Adventure Simulator Like No Other! New Trailer for Outward 2 Debuts During IGN Fan Fest 2026!
Today, Nine Dots Studio shared an exclusive gameplay overview as part of IGN Fan Fest 2026, offering players a deeper look at Outward 2. The brand-new gameplay video offers a glimpse into what players may encounter along their unique journeys and how the immersive, grounded action-RPG encourages them to think and prepare before taking on the challenges they will face.
“In Outward 2, we pull no punches, but we give you all the tools to fight back,” says Nine Dots CEO, Founder, and Creative Director, Guillaume Boucher-Vidal, as he narrates the overview. “So many games out there will hold your hand… we won’t. You will earn your victories through cleverness and grit.”
Building on what made Outward a beloved RPG, Outward 2 doubles down on foundational elements that set it apart as the definitive adventure simulator: a world that doesn't revolve around you, consequences that matter, and the satisfaction of overcoming challenges through careful planning and adaptability. Players will once again step into the role of an ordinary adventurer, exploring both familiar and new locations in the unforgiving lands of Aurai. Every decision, down to what you pack-or even how quickly you can drop your backpack so you can move quickly in combat-can mean the difference between victory or finding yourself on the sharp end of a spike.
What does it mean to be an adventure simulator? One key element is that there’s weight to every choice you make. The Fan Fest overview shows future adventurers a handful of the impactful choices they’ll need to consider, some that would only be casually considered in other RPGs. Want to attack creatures from a distance instead of risky melee combat? Long-range guns and traps are available to those who prefer a more strategic approach. Do you want to wield magic instead? Not only will you have to sacrifice a portion of your health for mana, but players will have to practice and master the game’s ritual magic system, which has distinct recipes and casting steps. These elements are just a few examples of what makes Outward 2 the definitive adventure simulator, and we’re only just scratching the surface.
Outward 2 Key Features:
An Average Joe On A Remarkable Journey - You’re not a hero of legend. Shape your modest and meager beginnings through three distinct starting scenarios and eleven backgrounds, which will determine where to start in this brutal world. If you’re knocked out, your journey continues, and you must live with the consequences.
A Living, Evolving World - A full-year seasonal cycle transforms the world of Aurai and its four distinct areas. Regions will feature their own biomes, seasons, and specific gameplay.
Growth Through Mastery - Every factor in Outward 2 molds your playstyle. Your tactical choices as a player, from the weight and material of your armor to particular weapons you use, are reinforced by the new Exercise system, where passive skills will spark and grow based on how you play. Seek out special trainers scattered around Aurai, who will teach you how to survive the most brutal encounters for a fee.
Ritual Spellcasting & Tactical Combat - Cast spells through rituals, like sending a fire stone into the air to create a ring around you that allows you to empower your skills with deadly flames. Challenging combat, where every weapon has its own distinct moveset, is further enhanced in the sequel with a larger variety of tools and weapon combinations, along with animations that bring more fluidity and control to players. Major combat improvements were cultivated based on extensive player feedback from the original.
Intentional Inventory Management -Your backpack is your lifeline, and every space within is worth its weight in gold. Pack provisions, potions, weapons, and camping gear for an expedition, but manage it carefully as you gather more along the way, though not all will be worth taking up space. In a fight, you may want to drop your backpack to attack and evade more deftly. The sequel adds a mule you may earn to carry your wares throughout your journey, but its vulnerability may influence your path as well. Weigh each decision carefully.
Two-Player Split Screen & Online Co-op - Aurai is a grueling place, but you mustn’t go alone. Plan and prepare alongside a friend, covering each other’s weaknesses and marrying your strengths. Teamwork expands the opportunities and options for tackling the many challenges you will face in Outward 2.