The Outer Worldswas a refreshing RPG experience for many fans of the genre, combining a sharp wit with fun and creative gameplay mechanics to deliver a memorable sci-fi adventure. WithThe Outer Worlds 2in development, many fans of Obsidian Entertainment’s signature style are now wondering how the developer will raise the bar.The Outer Worlds' gameplay was about as strong as its story, giving the sequel a strong foundation to build on. For now, one of the biggest questions surroundingThe Outer Worlds 2is how it will top the fan-favorite companions of the first installment.
The Outer Worlds' companionswere one of its standout features. A common RPG mechanic that Obsidian already had more than enough experience with,The Outer Worldsmade its companions distinct through memorable and mostly endearing personalities. While Felix may not be fondly remembered by many, Parvati, Ellie, and others brought a charm to the game that made venturing through the Halcyon colony that much more memorable. InThe Outer Worlds 2, Obsidian could take a step forward with its companion offerings by introducing a character that emulates man’s best friend.
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The Outer Worlds 2 Should Have a Dog-Like Companion
The companions inThe Outer Worldswere as useful as they were entertaining. Ellie enhanced healing, Nyoka boosted the player’s lying ability, and Vicar Max made it easier to hack terminals. Whendesigning the companions inThe Outer Worlds 2, however, Obsidian should take a less humanoid approach and give players a dog-like companion. Like many RPGs before it,The Outer Worlds 2could give players a loyal companion similar to a dog, but with a sci-fi spin. Not only could it become another member of the franchise’s remarkable cast, but it could introduce some exciting new gameplay mechanics.
What a Dog-Like Companion Could Add to The Outer Worlds 2
Dogs and dog-adjacent animals have played a pivotal role in gaming for decades. In franchises likeCall of Duty, they add a dynamic layer to campaign missions and multiplayer matches, but it’s games likeFallout 4that should inspireThe Outer Worlds 2the most. One of the standout features ofFallout 4was Dogmeat, a German Shepherd that assists in combat and quests.The Outer Worlds 2could introduce a similar type of companion that fits the world of the game, such as a friendly Raptidon or Canid. Obsidian could even create a completely new creature, asThe Outer Worlds 2will be exploring a new star system.
In terms of gameplay,The Outer Worlds 2could expand on the mechanics used byFallout 4. The sequel’s dog-like companion could assist in combat, latching on to enemies so that players can get a good shot off. It could also play a pivotal role in finding gear, as it could dig up armor or weapons buried underground.The Outer Worlds 2could also make this kind of companion customizable with different kinds of headgear and armor. There’s also opportunities for quests that center on this new companion, just asThe Outer Worldshad unique quests for its companions.
One ofThe Outer Worlds' greatest strengths was its companions, and Obsidian has an opportunity to expand on that with the sequel. While it’s likely there will be a new cast of human companions inThe Outer Worlds 2, the game could really turn heads with a companion that’s similar to man’s best friend.The Outer Worlds 2is already doing a lot of new thingswith the franchise by going to a new star system and being an Xbox exclusive, so a new type of companion would only reinforce its sense of expansion.
The Outer Worlds 2is currently in development.
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