Outward! A Delightful Mashup of Brutality and Beauty in a Forgotten World

Stepping into the world of Outward can feel like stumbling upon a forgotten manuscript filled with fantastical lore, treacherous landscapes, and brutal challenges that demand both cunning and resilience. Developed by Nine Dots Studio and published by Deep Silver, Outward is an indie open-world RPG survival game that distinguishes itself from its contemporaries through its unique blend of punishing difficulty, immersive exploration, and a captivating sense of realism.

Forget the hand-holding tutorials and forgiving difficulty settings often found in other RPGs. Outward throws you into the deep end with nothing but basic equipment and a thirst for adventure (and perhaps a gnawing fear of starvation). Your journey begins as a newly graduated adventurer from the esteemed, yet somewhat questionable, School of Sorcery. However, instead of embarking on quests for glory and riches, your first order of business is to pay off a hefty student loan.

This seemingly mundane goal sets the stage for Outward’s unconventional narrative. You are not destined to save the world from an evil overlord or unravel ancient prophecies. Instead, you are driven by pragmatism - survival and financial stability. This grounded approach creates a refreshingly unique experience, allowing players to forge their own path in a world where even the simplest tasks, like finding food and water, can become thrilling challenges.

A World of Harsh Beauty: The Lands of Aurai

Outward’s world, known as Aurai, is a stunning tapestry woven from diverse biomes. From sun-baked deserts teeming with ferocious beasts to lush forests haunted by ancient spirits, each region boasts its own distinct character and hazards.

Exploring this world is a rewarding experience in itself. You’ll encounter breathtaking vistas, hidden settlements, and forgotten ruins brimming with lore. However, beauty often masks danger. The wilderness of Aurai is unforgiving, populated by creatures that are anything but cuddly. Giant spiders lurk in shadowy caves, packs of wolves prowl the forest paths, and towering golems guard ancient tombs.

Survival in Outward is more than just battling ferocious monsters. Hunger, thirst, and exhaustion are constant threats. Managing these basic needs requires careful planning and resourcefulness. Crafting fires to cook food, collecting clean water, and finding shelter from the elements are essential skills for any aspiring adventurer.

Crafting Your Destiny: Skills and Progression in Outward

Outward embraces a robust crafting system that empowers players to create everything from basic tools and weapons to complex potions and enchanted armor. Gathering raw materials is essential for crafting success, encouraging exploration and interaction with the environment.

As you progress through the game, you’ll develop skills in various disciplines, such as:

• Hunting: Track and kill creatures for food, hides, and valuable ingredients.
• Cooking: Prepare meals to restore health, stamina, and other crucial attributes.
• Alchemy: Brew potions and concoctions to heal wounds, boost stats, and resist poison.
• Blacksmithing: Forge weapons and armor from scavenged metals and ores.

Unlike traditional RPGs where skill trees are rigid and predetermined, Outward’s progression system encourages experimentation and adaptation. You are free to invest in any skills that suit your playstyle, allowing for diverse builds and character customization. Want to be a stealthy archer who relies on traps and poisons? Go for it! Prefer a brute force approach with heavy armor and massive swords? That’s equally viable.

Multiplayer Mayhem: Sharing the Struggle (and the Spoils)

Outward features an online co-op mode that allows you to team up with other adventurers and face the challenges of Aurai together. While cooperation is encouraged, remember that resources are limited and competition for loot can arise.

Think of it as a test of friendship – can your bond withstand the pressure of a shared inventory and the temptation of that rare enchanted sword?

A Unique Experience:

Outward is not your typical RPG. It’s a game that demands patience, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace failure. The world of Aurai is unforgiving, but it rewards exploration, creativity, and strategic thinking. If you are looking for a challenging and immersive open-world experience that breaks away from traditional RPG conventions, then Outward is worth venturing into. Just remember to pack your warmest coat, sharpen your sword, and maybe stash an extra ration or two in your backpack – you never know what awaits you in the wilds of Aurai.