Outward! A Brutal Open-World Survival RPG That Will Test Your Mettle and Question Your Sanity

Picture this: You’re flung into a world of unforgiving beauty, where survival hinges on more than just slaying monsters. Outward throws away the comforting handholds of traditional RPGs and plunges you headfirst into a harsh yet captivating reality. This isn’t your typical fantasy adventure where dragons fall at the swipe of a magically imbued sword. Instead, prepare for a world that demands respect, punishes arrogance, and rewards cunning and adaptability in equal measure.
Developed by Nine Dots Studio and published by Deep Silver, Outward broke onto the scene in 2019, immediately capturing the attention of players yearning for a more grounded and challenging RPG experience. The game’s unique blend of survival mechanics, exploration-driven gameplay, and punishing combat system has garnered a loyal following who appreciate its unforgiving yet deeply rewarding nature.
A World on the Brink: Exploring the Lore of Outward
Outward unfolds in the war-torn world of Aurai, a realm grappling with the repercussions of a forgotten cataclysm. Ancient evils stir beneath the surface, threatening to engulf the land in eternal darkness. You are tasked with restoring balance, but unlike traditional heroes destined for greatness, you begin as a simple traveler caught in the web of fate.
The lore of Outward is presented subtly, woven into conversations with weary villagers, crumbling scrolls discovered in forgotten ruins, and enigmatic encounters with powerful beings who seem to exist outside of time. As you traverse Aurai’s diverse landscapes - from sun-drenched deserts to frost-covered mountains and dense, ancient forests - the world slowly reveals its secrets.
Key Features of Outward’s Lore: |
---|
Ancient Cataclysm: A primordial event that shattered Aurai, leaving behind remnants of forgotten civilizations and powerful artifacts. |
The Corrupted: Mysterious beings corrupted by a force known as the “Black Sigil,” spreading chaos and destruction across the land. |
Hidden Gods: Ancient deities who once ruled Aurai, their presence now felt only through whispers and cryptic prophecies. |
Embracing the Harsh Reality: Survival Mechanics in Outward
Outward’s core gameplay revolves around its brutal yet rewarding survival mechanics. This isn’t just about collecting loot and leveling up; it’s about managing your hunger, thirst, exhaustion, and even your mental state. Forget healing potions and infinite mana – everything in Outward comes at a cost.
Here’s a glimpse into the survival challenges that await:
- Hunger & Thirst: Forget endlessly feasting on magical meals. You’ll need to hunt for game, forage for berries, and cook over campfires (which themselves require fuel gathering). Ignoring these needs will leave you weakened and susceptible to danger.
- Fatigue & Encumbrance: Carrying too much loot or sprinting for extended periods will drain your stamina. Outward encourages careful inventory management and strategic pacing, forcing you to prioritize what you truly need.
- Diseases & Injuries: Forget instant heals – wounds require bandages and potions crafted from scavenged ingredients.
Furthermore, the game introduces a unique “Sanity” meter that reflects your character’s mental state. Exposure to darkness, grotesque creatures, and traumatic events can chip away at your sanity, leading to debilitating hallucinations and impaired judgment. Managing this aspect adds a psychological depth rarely seen in survival games.
Combat: A Test of Skill and Strategy
Combat in Outward is deliberate and unforgiving, demanding calculated movements, careful timing, and strategic use of your limited resources. Forget flashy combos or overpowered abilities – success hinges on understanding enemy attack patterns, exploiting weaknesses, and managing your stamina bar effectively.
Here’s a breakdown of the combat mechanics:
- Stamina Management: Every action, from swinging your weapon to dodging attacks, consumes stamina. Reckless aggression can leave you vulnerable, while strategic pauses allow you to regain your footing.
- Weapon Variety: From crude clubs to elegant swords and powerful bows, Outward offers a diverse array of weapons. Each weapon type has its strengths and weaknesses, encouraging experimentation and finding a style that suits your playstyle.
- Environmental Hazards: Utilize the environment to your advantage. Lure enemies into traps, use explosive barrels for devastating attacks, or exploit natural obstacles for cover.
A World Worth Exploring: Discovering Aurai’s Secrets
Outward’s world is as captivating as it is dangerous. Explore sprawling forests teeming with wildlife, navigate treacherous mountains shrouded in fog, and delve into ancient ruins echoing with forgotten magic. The game encourages exploration and discovery, rewarding players who venture off the beaten path.
Here are some highlights of Aurai’s diverse environments:
- Cierzo: A bustling port town filled with merchants and adventurers, serving as a hub for early-game quests and interactions.
- The Chersonese: A rugged mountain range home to hidden monasteries, ancient temples, and fierce creatures guarding their secrets.
- The Sunken City: An underwater metropolis shrouded in mystery, where players can uncover lost artifacts and face unique aquatic enemies.
The Appeal of Outward: A Unique Experience
Outward’s appeal lies in its departure from traditional RPG tropes. It offers a refreshing take on the genre, prioritizing survival mechanics, player agency, and a sense of genuine accomplishment over power fantasies.
-
Challenging yet Rewarding: Outward pushes players to their limits, but overcoming its obstacles feels immensely satisfying. Every victory is hard-earned, every skill learned through trial and error.
-
Immersive Worldbuilding: The world of Aurai is richly detailed, with a captivating lore that unfolds organically as you explore.
-
Freedom of Choice: Outward offers a high degree of player agency, allowing you to forge your own path, choose your alliances, and shape the outcome of the story.
Table: Comparing Outward to other Survival RPGs
Feature | Outward | Subnautica | Ark: Survival Evolved | The Long Dark |
---|---|---|---|---|
Setting | Fantasy World | Underwater Planet | Dinosaur-Infested Island | Arctic Wilderness |
Combat | Deliberate and Tactical | Primarily Defensive | Action-Oriented with Taming | Minimal Combat Focus |
Crafting | Essential for Survival | Extensive Item Creation | Complex Crafting System | Limited Crafting |
Storytelling | Subtle Lore Unfolding Through Exploration | Narrative Driven by Underwater Mysteries | Open World Sandbox with Emerging Storylines | Survival Focused with Environmental Storytelling |
In Conclusion
Outward is not a game for the faint of heart. It demands patience, cunning, and an appreciation for the finer details of survival. However, those willing to embrace its challenges will find themselves immersed in a world unlike any other, where every triumph feels hard-earned and every step forward brings you closer to uncovering the secrets of Aurai.