The Outer Worlds is back in the conversation—and with good reason. After the recent deep-dive into The Outer Worlds 2, fans are returning to the original Obsidian-developed RPG to see how it holds up. With the sequel due later this year and priced at $80, many players are weighing whether to replay the first entry or jump in for the first time.
That brings up the big questions: has The Outer Worlds aged well? Is the Spacer’s Choice Edition finally worth it? And how does the DLC transform the overall experience? For longtime fans like myself, the game has only grown in value—despite its divisive humor and early technical issues.
How Obsidian’s Classic Still Stands Out
At its core, The Outer Worlds channels everything that made Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II (another Obsidian project) a beloved RPG: hubs instead of open worlds, choice-driven dialogue, a companion-focused story, and layered faction politics.
You’re not exploring a boundless map—you’re hopping between distinct planets on your ship, with each area offering compact but content-rich storylines. Obsidian’s knack for dark humor blends with real-world commentary, especially in locations like Edgewater. From grave rentals to corporate exploitation, the world is ruthless but compelling.
And while some criticized the writing as too sarcastic or repetitive, the tone was intentional. It’s not stand-up comedy—it’s a warning wrapped in dry wit. For example, Edgewater’s satire on death fees and overworked employees mirrors real-life corporate culture. The humor may not land on repeat playthroughs for everyone, but the themes remain sharp.
Gameplay, Companions, and Skill Checks
One of the more controversial mechanics was the skill grouping system. In the early game, you can allocate points across broader categories, but at level 50, you start investing into individual skills. Initially, this gave the illusion of deep choice without much payoff. But once the DLC is considered, especially Peril on Gorgon, the game pushes players to reach 150 persuasion for certain endings—making builds feel meaningful.
Combat-wise, The Outer Worlds doesn’t reinvent the wheel. But its tactical time dilation (TTD) system is a clever riff on Fallout’s VATS, allowing you to target enemy limbs and apply status effects in real time. Weapon variety is serviceable, but where the game shines is in its science weapons. Shrink rays, gloop guns, and body-morphing melee tools aren’t just powerful—they’re fun and weird, which matches the world’s tone perfectly.
As for companions, Parvati stands out for her heartfelt arc exploring asexuality and romance in a mature, non-tokenized way. Characters like Vicar Max offer unique moral journeys, while Ellie and Felix become far more relevant in the DLC. Sam, the cleaning bot, also gains depth through added voice lines. Not every companion is a hit (Naoka’s arc lacks impact), but overall, they enrich the world with meaningful subplots.
Spacer’s Choice Edition and DLC Breakdown
Originally slammed for performance issues, the Spacer’s Choice Edition is now much more stable and includes both major expansions—Peril on Gorgon and Murder on Eridanos. These DLCs not only expand gameplay and role-playing options, but also plug gaps in the base game’s worldbuilding.
(No spoiler) Do choices change the story significantly?
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Peril on Gorgon sends you on a detective story across Halcyon, revisiting underused planets and tying in tightly with the main plot. The inclusion of audio logs (not present in the base game) is a huge bonus, offering new ways to absorb lore. The expansion’s main quest mirrors Fallout’s Dead Money in structure, with multiple endings depending on skill checks and player decisions.
Meanwhile, Murder on Eridanos is one of the best DLCs in any modern RPG. Framed as a murder mystery on a floating resort, it introduces new mechanics like the Discrepancy Amplifier, expanded companion roles (especially for Ellie), new status effects, and drastically improved level design compared to Gorgon. The DLC is a perfect farewell—akin to Lonesome Road for New Vegas—offering thoughtful reflection and strong gameplay in one package.
