In The Outer Worlds 2, character creation is a crucial aspect that immerses players in the vibrant RPG world. Players must navigate a wealth of choices, including background, traits, skills, and perks, each integral to how they experience the game. While the menus and tutorial tips provide comprehensive explanations, making decisions can still feel daunting, especially for players who struggle with overwhelming options.
To alleviate some of that uncertainty, this guide will break down all 12 skills available for leveling throughout your journey in The Outer Worlds 2. You’ll have the opportunity to choose two skills to upgrade right at the start, so let’s dissect those decisions to set you on the right path.
It’s essential to note that these skills have a direct impact on which perks you can unlock and enhance later in the game—though you won’t get to see these perks until later in the introduction. Focusing on specific skills, particularly those listed towards the end of this guide, can significantly benefit your gameplay experience.
All skills offer unique advantages, and while each choice yields some benefit, certain perks stand out as more valuable than others. Without further ado, let’s explore the skills ranked from less to more advantageous.
12 Leadership
With Friends Like These

The Leadership skill enhances your companions’ effectiveness in combat, boosting their damage and health with each level gained. While this can prove helpful, especially during some missions, focusing on your combat capabilities tends to be a more rewarding strategy early in the game. After all, developing your character’s power is essential to ensure you can tackle challenges as effectively as possible.
11 Explosives
Good For Situationships

This skill increases damage from explosives like grenades and mines, offering a boost of 10% damage per rank. While these tools can be fun and effective, many players tend to prioritize other weapon types for their versatility and efficiency. Unless you have a penchant for explosive chaos, consider allocating points to more commonly used skills instead.
10 Melee
Enter The Fist

Melee skills grant access to a variety of close-combat weapons, which can be particularly useful during intense battles or when ammunition is running low. Although ranged weapons dominate the gameplay, having reliable melee options in your arsenal ensures you’re prepared for any situation that arises.
9 Medical
Not Covered By Your HSA

The Medical skill primarily affects the effectiveness of your Medical Inhaler, which is your key to healing during gameplay. While it enhances your healing frequency, its direct impact isn’t game-changing if you navigate encounters skillfully. However, advancing in Medical can unlock valuable perks, such as taming creatures, making it a worthy investment if you tend to incur damage frequently.
8 Sneak
If You’re BORING

While Sneak provides a 35% damage boost to sneak attacks, it greatly depends on your playstyle. It offers strategic advantages for stealthy players; however, many gamers will find themselves resorting to all-out gunfights. If your approach leans more towards aggression, consider other skills more suited to your combat style.
7 Observation
A Whole New World

The Observation skill enhances loot visibility, increasing the number of items available for collection and allowing you to extract useful information from various objects. Moreover, it adds a damage boost to enemy weak spots. Thus, if you value acquiring loot and maximizing your damage potential, investing in Observation is highly beneficial.
6 Hack
What Some People Call My Writing

The Hack skill opens up numerous opportunities to manipulate technology throughout The Outer Worlds 2. By enabling you to hack vending machines and automechs, this skill adds a crucial layer of tactical gameplay. Moreover, it increases your damage against automechs, making it an invaluable skill for tech-savvy players. Being able to hack offers strategic advantages during combat and exploration.
5 Science!
What She Blinded Me With

The Science! skill introduces a similar mechanic to Fallout’s V. A.T. S., allowing players to slow down time during combat. While this skill is not as powerful as V. A.T. S., its potential to turn the tides in battle is significant. It also enhances the effectiveness and duration of gadgets, making it a smart choice for players who focus on gadget-based strategies.
4 Lockpick
The RPG Staple

Lockpicking is a classic RPG skill and remains essential in The Outer Worlds 2. By leveling up this skill, you gain access to various locked items and containers, unlocking better loot and pathways that facilitate easier quest progression. It enhances your overall experience, making it a vital aspect of gameplay.
3 Engineering
Outstanding In Your Field

At first glance, the Engineering skill may seem bland, but its functions become valuable as players progress. By improving armor and damage reduction, this skill directly enhances your survivability. As you advance, Engineering provides access to even more beneficial perks, making it one of the best skills to prioritize for both defense and utility.
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