Summary
It has now been nearly six years since the release of Obsidian Entertainment’sThe Outer Worlds, which meansThe Outer Worlds 2’s impending 2025 launch is understandably anticipated. Even with that anticipation, however, there may come some skepticism, as the first game might have been quite successful in the end, but not without plenty of flaws, leavingThe Outer Worlds 2to pick up the pieces and offer something better.
One such flaw found withinThe Outer World’s framework was its gunplay, which was criticized for lacking impact and feeling too repetitive. Naturally, this was due to itsFalloutinfluences — particularlyFallout: New Vegas, which Obsidian also developed. EarlierFalloutentries weren’t known for having stellar gunplay, andThe Outer Worldsadopted that. Fortunately,The Outer Worlds 2appears to be moving away fromFallout’s gunplayand targeting Bungie’sDestinyfranchise instead, which is widely considered to have some of the best gunplay in the industry.
The Outer Worlds 2’s Gunplay Might Be Comparable to Destiny
Obsidian Cited Destiny as an Inspiration for The Outer Worlds 2’s Gunplay
Anyone who has playedDestinyor even seen some of its gameplay likely knows just how solid its gunplay is. In fact,Destiny 2arguably has some of, if not, the best gunplay ever implemented in afirst-person shooter. As such, it makes sense that Obsidian might targetDestinyas inspiration forThe Outer Worlds 2’s gunplay, in light of the first game’s lackluster mechanics in that regard.
The Outer Worlds 2appears to be moving away fromFallout’s gunplay and targeting Bungie’sDestinyfranchise instead, which is widely considered to have some of the best gunplay in the industry.
In a recentIGN First preview ofThe Outer Worlds 2, the publication stated, “Improving gunplay was a major focus for Obsidian, citingDestinyas a touchstone for what good gunplay should feel like.” While a direct quote from Obsidian is missing here, it still shows evidence of the developer’s intentions to makeThe Outer Worlds 2’s gunplay feel more likeDestinythanFallout.
The Outer Worlds 2’s Gunplay Emphasizes Feedback, Variety, and Mobility
Based on what has been revealed so far, it seems that Obsidian has truly incorporated thoseDestinyinfluences intoThe Outer Worlds 2’s gunplay for a system that feels more impactful, responsive, diverse, and mobile than it did in the first game. One of the biggest improvements may lie in the sequel’s weapon feedback, which was a core criticism of the first game’s gunplay. While it hasn’t been outright confirmed,guns inThe Outer Worlds 2look like they can hit harder and pack more of a punch than they did in the first game.
Weapon feedback is a significant factor in whyDestiny’s gunplay is often praised, so if Obsidian has been looking at Bungie’s pride and joy for inspiration, it’s only natural that factor would find its way intoThe Outer Worlds 2.
According to the sameOuter Worlds 2preview by IGN, the sequel will let players “be more nimble and do things like sprint-slide while aiming down sights like an action hero.” Sprint-sliding while aiming down sights is a popular move inDestiny 2, particularly in PvP, so that’s a clear sign thatThe Outer Worlds 2is improving the mobility of its gunplay based on Bungie’s best. Furthermore, thegameplay trailer forThe Outer Worlds 2indicated that there will be “more weapons” this time around, with IGN’s preview even referring to them as “wild and wacky.” This hints at greater weapon diversity than the first game, which is also a major component ofDestiny’s gunplay.
From movement options like sprint-sliding to what seems to be stronger weapon feedback and a wider arsenal, everything revealed forThe Outer Worlds 2so far looks great for its gunplay. What makes that better is that it’s not just a change for change’s sake, but a direct response to the firstOuter Worlds' biggest weakness. Whether or not the final product fully captures the feel ofDestinyremains to be seen, but ifThe Outer Worlds 2can even come close, it could finally deliver the kind of first-person shooter combat that matches the strength of its world and writing.
