When The Outer Worlds 2 was announced, I hoped Obsidian would build on the humor and sharp storytelling that made the first game stand out. After spending time with the PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro versions, I can say that the sequel absolutely captures the studio’s trademark satire and dialogue-driven freedom. It also delivers some of the most stylish Unreal Engine 5 visuals yet, though performance holds it back from feeling perfectly smooth on Sony’s hardware.
The sequel keeps the same retro-futuristic charm that defined Halcyon but expands the setting into new colonies run by the same corporate overlords. The writing is quick, biting, and filled with that Obsidian wit that pokes fun at bureaucracy and capitalism in space. Characters are a highlight once again. Companions have layered personalities and plenty of reactive dialogue that reflects your decisions. Conversations feel organic, and quest choices lead to satisfying moral dilemmas.
Combat feels familiar yet slightly heavier than before. Gun handling is better, and the new skill perks allow more creative playstyles. Melee weapons hit harder, and the time-dilation mechanic returns for precision shots. The progression system ties character growth to faction reputation, encouraging careful dialogue choices rather than brute force. Exploration is semi-open, letting you roam smaller planetary zones packed with secrets instead of vast empty terrain. The result is focused and enjoyable, with far less filler than many larger RPGs.
The musical score alternates between jazzy exploration themes and sweeping orchestral cues during combat. Voice acting is consistently strong, with returning voice talent giving new life to familiar factions. Ambient sounds such as humming generators or distant machinery fill each location and make the colonies feel alive.
Playing The Outer Worlds 2 on both the PlayStation 5 and PS5 Pro, I found the presentation striking at first glance but technically uneven. On the standard PS5, Performance mode aims for 60 frames per second and generally feels smooth in quieter moments, though heavy combat and populated areas cause brief drops and minor tearing. The image can look softer during motion, suggesting a resolution close to 1080p.
Quality mode improves clarity and texture detail. It renders at a higher internal resolution that upscales cleanly to near-4K, giving the world extra depth and stronger lighting. The trade-off is a 30 fps target that does not always remain stable. Even small stutters stand out during exploration and larger battles.
On the PS5 Pro, the visual output appears sharper thanks to the new upscaling system, yet bright outdoor scenes sometimes show light shimmer and flicker. Performance is similar to the base PS5, holding steady in most areas but dipping during effects-heavy encounters. Load times are almost instant, and the DualSense feedback adds a welcome layer of tension during firefights and subtle vibration cues when sprinting or taking hits.
The lighting system powered by Unreal Engine 5 gives every settlement a vivid glow. Interiors are warm and densely packed with props, while outdoor zones mix neon signs with dust-covered wastelands. Texture work on armor and machinery is outstanding. The aesthetic walks a fine line between pulpy and polished, never losing that retro flair. Even with a few shimmering artifacts, the PS5 version remains an attractive showcase of the game’s visual style.
If you want a broader look at how The Outer Worlds 2 performs on other platforms can check out our main review, which was played on the Xbox Series X version. My own experience on PS5 echoes much of that praise for the writing and world-building, but technical inconsistencies and a few visual hiccups kept me from rating it quite as high.
The Outer Worlds 2 on PlayStation 5 delivers the clever writing, player choice, and satire fans expect from Obsidian. The gameplay is satisfying, the world is a joy to explore, and the humor lands more often than not. Technical issues hold it back from perfection, particularly the inconsistent frame rates and occasional flicker on the PS5 Pro, yet these flaws rarely ruin the experience.
For PlayStation players, this is still an entertaining and smart RPG that rewards curiosity and experimentation. It might not run quite as smoothly as its counterpart on other platforms, but its heart, humor, and character remain unmistakably Obsidian. In many ways, it delivers the kind of grounded, story-driven space adventure that PlayStation fans have been missing since Starfield, where I believe The Outer Worlds on PS5 Is the Starfield Experience You Actually Wanted.
Played on the Playstation 5 and Playstation 5 Pro, review code provided by Microsoft.
The Outer Worlds 2 (PS5)
The Outer Worlds 2 on PS5 delivers Obsidian’s signature humor, sharp writing, and rewarding player choice. While performance isn’t as stable as on other platforms, its charm and personality shine through. A clever, compact space RPG that PlayStation fans shouldn’t miss.
The Good
- Fast load times
- DualSense feedback
The Bad
- Frame-rate drops and minor stutters
