Outward 2 Release Date, Early Access, Co-op and Everything We Know

The Outward 2 release date is February 8, 2027, when Nine Dots Studio's survival RPG launches in Early Access on PC via Steam. The studio announced the new date at the Triple-i Initiative showcase on October 8, 2026, four months after it delayed the original July 7 launch following a rocky beta.

Here's everything Nine Dots has officially confirmed about Outward 2: the release date, why it was delayed, what's in Early Access, co-op, the survival systems, PC requirements and price.

Outward 2 at a glance

When is the Outward 2 release date?

Outward 2 comes out in Early Access on February 8, 2027. Nine Dots confirmed it on Steam on October 8, 2026: "Outward 2 will be coming on PC in Early Access on February 8th!" The Steam store page shows the date as February 7 in some regions, which is likely down to time zones. No unlock time has been announced yet.

Why was Outward 2 delayed?

Outward 2 was originally due on July 7, 2026, a date announced alongside the Closed Beta in May. The beta ran from May 26 to June 8, and Nine Dots CEO and creative director Guillaume ("Gheeyom") admitted it had been "rocky for many", with stability and performance problems. On June 16, he announced the delay, saying that sticking to the plan stubbornly would mean "delivering a product that might not satisfy your expectations".

He also apologised to players who had planned their summer around the July date, and said the goal is "such a stark jump between this Beta and the Early Access launch that we earn the trust of our players". Nine Dots shared a long list of beta feedback it planned to address, including:

• Settings: multi-monitor support, rebinding heavy attack, toggle bow aim.
• Interface: inventory filters, bigger item icons, an equipment comparison button, better controller support in menus.
• Enemies: less aggressive behaviour, enemies fighting each other more, better target switching.
• Balance: better sell prices, starting with a tent, slower body temperature changes, separate buffs for snacks and meals.

Is Outward 2 Early Access?

Yes. Outward 2 launches in Early Access, and Nine Dots estimates it will need 12 to 18 months to reach 1.0. The studio says it's an "anti-crunch studio" and will leave Early Access "when the game is ready", so that window could be extended depending on player feedback.

What's in the Outward 2 Early Access version?

According to the Steam page, the Early Access launch includes:

• 3 fully playable open-world regions, plus a fourth that will be improved during Early Access.
• 3 starting scenarios, each in a different city.
• 3 questlines, each with 3 of the 7 missions planned for 1.0.
• 6 trainers to build your playstyle.
• Most of the gear and weapons in the game.

For 1.0, Nine Dots plans to finish all the questlines, add full voice-over, and add more dungeons, more bosses and "more layers of complexity" to the gameplay.

How much will Outward 2 cost?

The price hasn't been announced yet. Nine Dots has confirmed that Outward 2 will be discounted during Early Access, so it will cost more once it reaches 1.0. We'll add the price as soon as the store lists it.

Image: Nine Dots Studio

Does Outward 2 have co-op?

Yes. Outward 2 is fully playable in online and split-screen co-op. Players can drop in and out of each other's worlds, whether they're teaming up for the whole journey or just one quest. There's no matchmaking, so Nine Dots points players to its Discord to find partners, where it runs a "GEP" (Great Energy Player) programme to match players by playstyle, language and goals. Steam also lists Remote Play Together.

What is Outward 2 about?

Like the original Outward, the sequel is built as "the ultimate simulation of an adventurer's life". You're not a chosen hero but an ordinary person in the world of Aurai, where most people never leave the safety of their town walls. The story centres on the Immaculates, ageless beings once feared as the monstrous Scourge, who have been pacified by a powerful runic spell and now seek acceptance. Depending on the faction you join, such as a new mercenary company, a society of historians or a humanitarian mission, you'll see their story from a different perspective.

You start by choosing one of three scenarios: a miner in the northern mountains of Tramontane, a homeowner in the underground city of Haboob, or a vagrant in Simeon's Bastion. You also choose a background and personality traits such as Hoarder, Gourmet or Lone Wolf, which affect dialogue, starting gear and abilities. The beta introduced another region, La Rescapée, a forest razed by the Scourge and full of ghosts.

How does survival work in Outward 2?

• Needs and weather: hunger, thirst, exhaustion and harsh weather can kill you as easily as monsters. Armour materials affect how well you cope with the climate.
• No mounts or fast travel: every journey has to be planned.
• Your backpack matters: manage its weight, and drop it mid-fight to stay nimble.
• Defeat has consequences: get knocked out and you might be rescued, wake up injured in town, or be robbed. Constant autosaving stops you reloading your way out.
• Hardcore mode: every defeat has a 20% chance of deleting your save for good.

How does combat and magic work?

Each weapon type has its own moveset, and you can wield a weapon in each hand, such as sword and shield, dual axes, mace and pistol, or lantern and chakram. Combat flows from dodges into rolls, attacks, blocks and skills. Magic is deliberately involved, combining actions and reagents such as elemental sigils and runic words. You start with no magical affinity and learn skills from trainers around Aurai, and you can specialise in up to three classes at once.

What are the Outward 2 PC system requirements?

There's also a "potato mode" for PCs below the minimum spec. Nine Dots doesn't guarantee full gameplay parity, but says it should be playable. Its specs trailer joked that Outward 2 runs on everything "from a battle station to an air fryer". Full controller support (including DualSense) and Steam Achievements are listed.

Is Outward 2 coming to PS5 or Xbox?

Not at launch. Only PC (Steam) has been announced for Early Access. The original Outward came to PlayStation and Xbox, but Nine Dots hasn't announced console versions of the sequel.

Watch the Outward 2 release date trailer

The trailer premiered at the Triple-i Initiative on October 8, 2026, alongside the new date.

Outward 2 release date timeline

• January 2026: a playtest runs, with a livestream from Guillaume.
• May 19, 2026: a July 7 release date and the Closed Beta are announced.
• May 26 to June 8, 2026: the Closed Beta runs.
• June 16, 2026: Nine Dots delays the launch.
• October 8, 2026: the new Early Access date, February 8, 2027, is revealed at the Triple-i Initiative.
• February 8, 2027: Outward 2 launches in Early Access on PC.

More upcoming games on iGame Magazine

• BLACKFROST: The Long Dark 2 – another survival sequel heading to Early Access
• Rooted release date – co-op survival building for up to six
• Enshrouded 1.0 mage guide – another co-op survival RPG
• METRO 2039 release date – the other big early-2027 launch

Outward 2 FAQ