The open beta for Nine Dots’ adventure-focused RPG is now available, so the game can be tried shortly before launch.

This July, Outward 2 will take players to Aurai, a harsh world that treats no one gently. We are not the prophesied saviors whose innate power carries them to glory. In this adventure simulator, players take on the role of ordinary adventurers, where critical thinking and preparation are the only path to great experiences. Drop the backpack before combat so we can move freely. Scout the path of a dangerous creature and set traps to weaken it before killing it. Every decision matters, and the consequences are real. Even death offers no rest, as it merely turns the page to the chapter where we must rise from the mud, find our backpack, and continue the journey with renewed strength and sharper insight.

We are not legendary heroes. Three different starting scenarios and eleven backgrounds let us shape our modest and meager beginnings, determining where we start our journey in this brutal world. If we are knocked out, our journey continues, and we must face the consequences. A full-year cycle of seasons transforms the world of Aurai and its four distinct regions. Regions have their own ecosystems, seasons, and unique gameplay. Every factor in Outward 2 shapes our playstyle. Our tactical decisions as players, from the weight and material of our armor to the weapons we use, are reinforced by the new Exercise system, where passive abilities emerge and develop based on how we play. Seek out special trainers scattered throughout Aurai, who will teach us how to survive the most brutal encounters for a fee.

We can cast spells through rituals, such as launching a fire stone into the air to create a ring around us, allowing us to empower our abilities with deadly flames. The challenging combat, where every weapon has its own unique move set, is further enriched in the sequel with a wider variety of tools and weapon combinations, along with animations that give players greater fluidity and better control. The major combat improvements were developed based on extensive player feedback from the original game. Our backpack is our lifeline, and every bit of space inside it is worth its weight in gold. Pack food, potions, weapons, and camping gear for the expedition, but manage them carefully, as we will collect more along the way, though not everything is worth the space it occupies. During combat, it may be worth dropping the backpack so we can attack and dodge more deftly. The sequel introduces a mule that can be acquired to carry our belongings during the journey, but its vulnerability can also influence our path. Weigh every decision carefully.

Aurai is a grueling place, but we should not go alone. Plan and prepare with a friend, covering each other’s weaknesses and combining strengths. Teamwork expands the possibilities and choices for overcoming the many challenges waiting in Outward 2.

Outward 2 will launch in Early Access for PC on July 7 via Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store. Its open beta is available on Steam.

Source: Gematsu, Steam