If you’re eyeing The Outer Worlds 2 and wondering whether you have homework, the short answer is no. The sequel is built as a standalone entry. You can jump straight in without touching the 2019 original.
What carries over (and what doesn’t)
The Outer Worlds 2 shifts the action to the Arcadia system with a new playable lead tied to the Earth Directorate and a new set of companions. The central conflict is fresh as well, centered on emerging rifts and a factional war. There’s no story continuation from Halcyon and no required save import. You’re not missing critical plot context by skipping the first game.
Mechanically, it keeps the series’ core mix of first-person shooting, stealth, and branching dialogue. The sequel also introduces the option to play in third-person—something the first game didn’t offer beyond limited moments—alongside refinements across combat and conversation systems.
Quick comparison: Outer Worlds 1 vs. 2 (what matters for continuity)
| Aspect | The Outer Worlds (2019) | The Outer Worlds 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Halcyon system | Arcadia system |
| Player character | Newcomer to Halcyon | Earth Directorate agent (new lead) |
| Main conflict | Corporate-dominated colony on the brink | Factional war amid mysterious rifts |
| Companions | Unique to this game | Entirely new roster |
| Perspective | First-person only (outside limited sequences) | First-person with optional third-person |
| Narrative continuity | Self-contained | Self-contained; no required saves or prior plot knowledge |
| Universe links | Establishes tone and factions | References shared universe themes and evolutions |
Why you might still play The Outer Worlds (2019) first
Even though it isn’t required, there are a few reasons to start with the original:
- Worldbuilding context: The series leans into corporate satire and competing ideologies. Playing the first game gives you a stronger baseline for recurring themes and universe tone.
- Universe callbacks: The sequel references broader setting elements and corporate consolidation (for example, legacy brands merging into new power blocs). Those nods land more cleanly if you’ve seen Halcyon up close.
- Taste test: The games share structure and systems. If you bounce off the first, you’ll know early; if you like it, you’ll likely enjoy the sequel’s expanded take.
Note: If you plan to play both, doing the original first avoids the common “downgrade” feeling when returning to earlier systems after experiencing newer quality-of-life changes.
Reasons to start with The Outer Worlds 2
If your goal is to play only one, or you want the most up-to-date version of the series’ ideas, start with the sequel:
- Self-contained narrative: New star system, new protagonist, new companions. There’s no plot homework.
- Broader playstyles: Third-person support and system tweaks make builds and traversal feel more flexible.
- Stronger iteration: Dialogue choices, faction routes, and companion moments are designed to offer broader outcomes while still respecting player agency.
If time is tight or you simply want the fuller, more refined package, jumping into 2 is the practical move.
So, should you play 1 before 2?
If you love diving into a universe’s roots and you’ve got the time, the first game adds texture to the sequel’s satire, faction politics, and brand evolutions. If you want the most polished entry point or plan to play only one, go straight to The Outer Worlds 2. You won’t be lost, and you won’t miss crucial plot details.
The key takeaway: play 1 for context, 2 for the current best version of the formula. Either path works—pick based on your time and what you value most.
