Outward 2 Early Access Guide: How to Prepare for the Open-World Action RPG Sequel

Overview

Outward 2, the upcoming open-world action RPG from developer Nine Dots Studio, is set to launch into early access this summer. The original Outward achieved impressive sales of over 1 million copies, building a dedicated fanbase despite its quirky design. Now, Nine Dots Studio is self-publishing the sequel, promising improvements while retaining the unique charm. A recent 'potato specs' gameplay trailer, featuring a talking potato as the narrator, has captured attention—hinting that the game may run on modest hardware. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get ready for the early access release, from understanding the trailer to preparing your system.

Outward 2 Early Access Guide: How to Prepare for the Open-World Action RPG Sequel — Source: www.eurogamer.net

Prerequisites

Before diving into Outward 2's early access, ensure you meet the following prerequisites:

A compatible platform: Outward 2 will be available on PC (Steam, Epic Games Store) and likely consoles later. Early access is PC-only initially.
A Steam or Epic Games Store account: You'll need an account to purchase and download the game.
Minimum system requirements: As indicated by the 'potato specs' trailer, the game is designed to run on low-end hardware. Check the official requirements (to be announced) but expect something like:

OS: Windows 10 64-bit
CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K or AMD FX-6300
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 or AMD Radeon HD 7870 (2GB VRAM)
RAM: 8 GB
Storage: 20 GB available space

Internet connection: Required for downloading the early access version and future updates.
Patience for early access: Understand that early access means incomplete features, bugs, and frequent updates.

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing for Outward 2 Early Access

Step 1: Understand the 'Potato Specs' Trailer

The 'potato specs' trailer is a clever marketing move by Nine Dots Studio, highlighting that Outward 2 is optimized to run on low-end PCs—potato specs, as the community says. The trailer features a talking potato, humorously emphasizing that even a potato could run the game. This doesn't mean the graphics are poor; rather, the developers prioritize performance and accessibility. For players with older hardware, this is a welcome assurance. The trailer also confirms the early access release window: summer 2025 (exact date TBA).

Step 2: Check Your System Requirements

Although official system requirements haven't been released, you can prepare by ensuring your PC meets or exceeds the likely minimum specs listed in the prerequisites section above. To check your current system:

Press Windows + R, type dxdiag, and press Enter.
On the System tab, note your processor, RAM, and Windows version.
On the Display tab, note your GPU and VRAM.
Compare these numbers to the expected minimum specs. If you have lower specs, you might still run the game—wait for official benchmarks.

For storage, free up at least 20 GB on your main drive. Use disk cleanup tools if needed.

Step 3: Pre-order or Wishlist on Steam/Epic

Outward 2 is available for pre-order on Steam and the Epic Games Store. Pre-ordering often grants early access bonuses (e.g., exclusive in-game items). Alternatively, add the game to your wishlist to receive notifications when early access launches. Steps:

Visit the Outward 2 store page on Steam or Epic Games Store.
Click 'Add to Wishlist' or 'Pre-Order' (if available).
If pre-ordering, complete the purchase. Note: Refund policies for early access titles may vary—check the platform's rules.

Nine Dots Studio is self-publishing Outward 2, so expect direct communication via their official website and forums.

Step 4: Prepare for Early Access Content

Early access versions are often incomplete. What to expect:

Main story: May be partially available, with additional chapters added over time.
Open-world exploration: Full map might be accessible, but some areas could be placeholder or locked.
Combat and magic systems: Core mechanics should be functional but subject to balance changes.
Bugs and performance issues: Report these to the developers through official channels.
Multiplayer: The original Outward had co-op; Outward 2 may include it early or later during early access.

Join the community on Discord or Reddit to connect with other players and share feedback. Early access is the perfect time to influence the game's development through constructive criticism.

Step 5: Plan Your First Playthrough

Outward games are known for their difficulty and survival elements. Prepare mentally:

Expect a steep learning curve—don't be discouraged by early deaths.
Watch official gameplay trailers (including the potato specs one) to get a feel for mechanics.
Consider playing the original Outward if you haven't—it will give context to the sequel's improvements.
Stock up on patience: early access means unexpected changes that might break your saves or force restarts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ignoring system requirements: Assuming your potato PC can handle the game without checking may lead to disappointment. Even with potato specs, a 15-year-old laptop might not run it.
Expecting a finished product: Early access is not a full release. Content may be sparse, and bugs are common. Manage expectations.
Skipping the tutorial: Outward 2 likely includes tutorials—don't skip them. The game doesn't hold your hand.
Not backing up saves: Early access updates can corrupt save files. Periodically back up your saved games to a separate folder.
Ignoring community updates: Follow Nine Dots Studio on social media and read patch notes to stay informed about changes.
Assuming multiplayer is stable: Co-op might be buggy at first. Test with friends and report issues.

Summary

Outward 2 is shaping up to be an exciting sequel, embracing its roots with a 'potato specs' approach that promises broad hardware compatibility. By understanding the trailer, preparing your system, wishlisting or pre-ordering, and setting realistic expectations for early access, you'll be ready to dive into the open-world action RPG this summer. Nine Dots Studio's self-publishing move suggests they have full creative control, which bodes well for fans. Stay connected with the community, and enjoy the journey—talking potato and all.