When Starfield launched exclusively on Xbox and PC, PlayStation players were left watching from afar. For years, Sony’s console lacked a true sci-fi RPG that combined space exploration with meaningful choice. That changes with The Outer Worlds 2 on PS5, a game that might not stretch across a thousand planets but delivers something even better: focus, personality, and heart.
When I reviewed Starfield, I admired its ambition and the wonder it inspired across its massive universe. It was a technical marvel that left me lost in its scale, even if its pacing sometimes felt uneven. The Outer Worlds 2 captures that same feeling of discovery but channels it through Obsidian’s trademark wit and precision.
Obsidian Entertainment’s sequel builds on everything that made the first game special. It expands the series’ universe into new colonies filled with sharper satire and stronger player agency. For PlayStation fans who missed out on Starfield, The Outer Worlds 2 is a reminder that good writing and clever design can be just as satisfying as scale.
A Universe That Feels Alive
While some space RPGs aim for endless exploration, The Outer Worlds 2 thrives on intention. Every planet you visit feels handcrafted, filled with quests that react to who you are and how you speak. Companions debate your choices, factions remember your alliances, and no dialogue feels wasted. It’s not about visiting as many worlds as possible, but about making each one matter.
On PS5, the game feels fast, fluid, and immersive. Load times are nearly instant, the DualSense controller adds subtle resistance to weapons and movement, and the visual presentation shines with Unreal Engine 5’s lighting. The performance isn’t perfect, minor frame dips and flicker appear in busy area, but the overall experience is smooth enough to appreciate the game’s style and pacing.
The Outer Worlds 2 also benefits from the PS5’s crisp HDR and faster response times. Combat feels tighter, traversal more responsive, and world transitions practically seamless. It’s a polished version of Obsidian’s design philosophy which includes rich characters and moral dilemmas delivered without the clutter of endless maps and menus.
Smaller Scale, Bigger Personality
Obsidian doesn’t chase the idea of infinite space. Instead, it fills smaller environments with sharp storytelling and distinct identity. The satire lands hard, the choices feel impactful, and the characters manage to be both tragic and hilarious. It’s the kind of RPG that makes you stop mid-quest just to talk to a companion, or think twice about the morality of a mission.
Where Starfield often leans into structure and spectacle, The Outer Worlds 2 keeps its focus grounded in human (and corporate) absurdity. Every system, from its perk trees to its faction dynamics, serves the story rather than distracting from it. It’s a refreshing contrast for players who value purpose over scope.
For PlayStation fans who never got Starfield, this feels like poetic balance. The Outer Worlds 2 captures the same spirit of discovery while trimming away the excess. It’s witty, fast-moving, and filled with character-driven moments that stick with you long after the credits roll. It’s not about how far you can travel in space, it’s about what you bring back from the journey.
Obsidian’s latest proves that a great RPG doesn’t need to be enormous to be meaningful. The Outer Worlds 2 on PS5 stands out as one of the sharpest, most enjoyable sci-fi adventures available on the platform. Its technical performance might not match Xbox’s smoother frame rates, but its writing, tone, and creative energy make it a must-play for anyone craving a space odyssey that values choice and consequence over size.
If you’ve ever wished Starfield came to PlayStation, this is the next best thing, and in many ways, it might be the one you actually wanted. For a closer look at how it plays and performs on PS5, check out my full review of The Outer Worlds 2.
