Outward: A Surprisingly Brutal and Deeply Engaging RPG Survival Experience!

Stepping into the world of Outward is akin to taking a plunge into the unforgiving wilderness without a map or even a compass, let alone your trusty Minecraft pickaxe. This isn’t your typical RPG where you nonchalantly waltz through dungeons, slaying dragons with impunity and basking in glory. No, sir! Outward, developed by Nine Dots Studio and published by Deep Silver, is an experience designed to test your mettle, push your skills to the limit, and remind you that even a humble campfire can be a beacon of hope in a world shrouded in darkness.
Outward’s core narrative throws you into the shoes of an ordinary traveler who has just graduated from their apprenticeship – congratulations are in order! But alas, your triumph is short-lived as a mysterious ailment begins to plague you. To find a cure for this debilitating condition, you embark on a journey filled with danger and uncertainty across the vibrant yet treacherous lands of Aurai.
But Outward is less about sprawling epic narratives and more about the gritty reality of survival in a world that doesn’t pull punches. Forget slaying mythical beasts right out the gate – your first struggle will likely be finding a decent meal and avoiding pesky wildlife that views you as nothing more than an oversized squirrel. Hunger, thirst, exhaustion – these are the immediate enemies you face, forcing you to prioritize basic necessities before even thinking about conquering dungeons or forging powerful weapons.
The Harsh Realities of Survival: A Breakdown
Let’s delve into what makes Outward’s survival system so compellingly challenging:
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Hunger & Thirst: These aren’t just status bars that replenish with a single potion; they demand constant attention. You must hunt, gather, or purchase food and water regularly, with different types offering varying levels of sustenance and stamina restoration.
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Encumbrance: Forget stashing away mountains of loot – every item you carry adds weight, slowing your movement and making combat more challenging. Carefully considering what to take along becomes a crucial strategic decision.
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Temperature & Weather: Aurai’s environment isn’t static; scorching deserts, icy tundras, and treacherous storms all pose threats. Dressing appropriately for the weather is essential for survival. Freezing in the cold or succumbing to heatstroke will teach you the importance of preparedness.
Combat: Timing, Tactics, and Teamwork
While Outward emphasizes survival, it doesn’t skimp on combat either. Prepare for a system that rewards timing, tactical positioning, and careful execution rather than button-mashing frenzy.
The core mechanics revolve around stamina management, directional attacks, and blocking. Mastering these elements is crucial to overcoming the varied enemies you’ll encounter – from nimble goblins to hulking beasts and cunning bandits.
Cooperative Gameplay: Two Travelers Are Better Than One
One of Outward’s greatest strengths lies in its cooperative gameplay mode. Venturing into Aurai with a friend allows for strategic coordination, sharing resources, and tackling challenging encounters as a team.
Imagine coordinating attacks with your companion, one distracting the enemy while the other delivers a decisive blow. Or, perhaps you specialize in healing while your partner focuses on offense. The possibilities for synergistic gameplay are abundant.
A World to Explore: Crafting, Trading, and Quests
Outward’s world is meticulously crafted, offering diverse biomes ripe for exploration:
Biome | Description | Notable Resources/Challenges |
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The Cierzo: | A dense forest region teeming with wildlife and bandits. | Timber, Herbs, Hunting Prey |
The White Sand: | A scorching desert with hidden oases and treacherous sandstorms. | Rare Minerals, Water Sources |
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Crafting System: From simple bandages to powerful weapons and armor, crafting plays a vital role in your survival. You’ll need to gather resources, learn recipes, and refine your skills to create the equipment needed to face Aurai’s challenges.
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Trading and Economy: Local towns offer opportunities for bartering goods and selling excess loot. Building relationships with merchants can unlock better prices and exclusive items.
A Unique RPG Experience: The Verdict on Outward
In a gaming landscape saturated with traditional RPGs, Outward stands out as a refreshing and undeniably challenging experience. Its emphasis on realistic survival mechanics, strategic combat, and cooperative gameplay creates a world that feels both immersive and unforgiving. While the initial learning curve can be steep (be prepared to die – often), the rewards are immense.
Table of Essential Tips for New Players:
Tip | Description |
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Prioritize Survival Needs: | Always ensure you have sufficient food, water, and warmth before venturing out. |
Learn Crafting Early: | Gather resources and experiment with crafting recipes to create essential gear. |
Travel Light: | Overburdening yourself will slow your movement and make combat difficult. |
If you’re seeking an RPG that pushes the boundaries of the genre, demanding both skill and strategic thinking while offering a richly immersive world to explore, then Outward is definitely worth venturing into. Just remember to pack extra bandages – Aurai isn’t known for its hospitality!