Essential Tips and Tricks for The Outer Worlds 2

With the highly anticipated release of The Outer Worlds 2 by Obsidian Entertainment, players are ready to embark on a new chapter in this compelling space-faring saga. To enhance your gameplay experience in this dystopian setting, this guide will provide essential tips and tricks to ensure your survival and success in the vast universe.

Rest assured, I will refrain from revealing any story spoilers throughout this guide. If you seek a more comprehensive analysis, please check out my full review of The Outer Worlds 2.

Essential Tips and Tricks for The Outer Worlds 2

Maximize Your Looting Potential

Raptidon Matriarch Grafting Specimen item menu in a cave setting with selection options. — The Outer Worlds 2.

In The Outer Worlds 2, there is no limit to how much you can carry. Thus, it’s crucial to loot everything that crosses your path. Collect items from all sources—you never know what may come in handy. Whether it’s abandoned corpses, locked boxes, or safes, make the most of the environment.

However, exercise caution when picking up items that are marked as ‘Stolen.’ If you’re caught in the act, you may face repercussions, such as losing standing with the associated faction. Although the initial consequences may seem minor, accumulating negative standing can make interactions in towns increasingly hostile.

The Importance of Speech Skills

Corporate Trooper Coetze in a conversation screen with dialog options visible in a game setting. — The Outer Worlds 2.

Character customization is a core feature of The Outer Worlds 2, allowing you to invest in various skills as you progress towards the level cap of 30. Each level grants you two Skill Points, which you can allocate across your skillset.

One key recommendation is to prioritize the Speech skill. Communication is integral to the game, comprising nearly half of the overall experience. By leveling up your Speech skill, you unlock more diverse conversation options and solutions to conflicts that can often avoid violence.

Harness Elemental Damage: Shock and Plasma

Raptidon Monarch being attacked in a cave setting, with a map display showing 728m. — The Outer Worlds 2.

The variety of weapons available in The Outer Worlds 2 is vast, and customizing your loadout will be vital to your success. Instead of focusing solely on weapon damage output, pay close attention to elemental damage types, particularly Plasma and Shock.

Weapons featuring Plasma damage can outperform those with higher base damage due to the stacking effects and damage-over-time capability of Plasma. Shock damage is particularly effective against mechanical enemies, making its utilization strategically advantageous.

Choose Your Companions Wisely

Character Niles in a futuristic setting with text: It's easy to focus on all that's gone wrong, but wins oughta be celebrated, too. — Niles in The Outer Worlds 2.

Throughout your adventure, you’ll meet six unique companions, each offering different forms of assistance, whether in combat or exploration. Choosing the right companions, especially who accompanies you outside your ship, can significantly impact your journey.

Among these companions, Niles stands out as particularly valuable. While he excels in combat as a distraction, Niles’s true strength lies in his crafting capabilities. He can create ammo, weapon mods, and armor upgrades on the go, thus eliminating the need to return to a Workbench frequently. This is especially crucial in the early stages of the game when resources may be limited.

Inhale Strategically for Sustained Health

Video game scene with player interface showing map, health bar, Niles, and sci-fi environment with a mounted weapon. — The Outer Worlds 2.

While I do not advocate for drug use in reality, within The Outer Worlds 2, your Inhaler functions as a critical healing tool. It’s essential to keep a tally of your Inhaler Charges, as having none will leave you vulnerable in combat. Remember, you cannot consume food for health during battles; your Inhaler is your lifeline.

To optimize your survival rate, prioritize crafting a sufficient number of Inhaler Charges or gather resources to maintain a steady supply. From the game’s outset, you can stockpile as many charges as your resources permit, enabling you to endure any confrontation. Additionally, seek armor that accelerates toxicity drain, allowing you to utilize your Inhaler more frequently during fights.

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