The Outer Worlds 2 Unveils New Combat and Weapon Mechanics, Drops Level Scaling in Favor of Tiered Enemies

Obsidian Entertainment has pulled back the curtain on the combat and gameplay systems of The Outer Worlds 2, and it’s clear the studio is pushing its acclaimed sci-fi RPG franchise into deeper, more refined territory. In a recent interview with IGN’s Devoted to the Devs series, Senior Combat Designer Rob Donovan and Lead Systems Designer Kyle Koenig shared extensive insight into the game’s reworked systems, player customization, and the studio’s goal to elevate moment-to-moment gameplay.

Among the most exciting revelations is the removal of level scaling, a system often criticized for robbing progression of its reward. In The Outer Worlds 2, enemies are now arranged into distinct tiers, allowing early-game zones to feel appropriately easy once players have powered up. This marks a significant shift from the first game, where enemy difficulty adjusted to match the player’s level. Now, returning to earlier areas will grant players that classic power fantasy—crushing foes who once posed a threat.

Donovan and Koenig also detailed the expanded player movement system, revealing that players will now be able to slide into cover, climb ledges, and even customize character perks to enhance combat performance while in motion—such as improving aim while sliding. This injection of agility into the gameplay loop should add a dynamic layer of tactical freedom and combat creativity.

Combat itself has seen a substantial overhaul, inspired by titles such as Destiny 2 and Call of Duty. Obsidian’s goal is to ensure that gunplay feels tight and satisfying, regardless of your chosen build. Whether you're a high-damage sharpshooter or a jack-of-all-trades adventurer, The Outer Worlds 2 aims to ensure that every weapon in your arsenal is enjoyable to use.

Interestingly, despite the studio’s commitment to diverse playstyles, Donovan emphasized that The Outer Worlds 2 is fundamentally a "ranged-first" game. While melee combat is still part of the experience, players expecting a deeply melee-centric RPG might find their expectations tempered. That said, Obsidian is taking care to make every combat approach viable through careful balance and skill trees.

From enemy behavior designed to surprise and challenge players to systemic improvements that support flexible character builds, The Outer Worlds 2 appears poised to improve upon its predecessor in nearly every meaningful way. The game's aesthetic remains true to the original, but under the hood, players can expect more responsive controls, improved traversal, and greater combat depth.

The Outer Worlds 2 is set to launch later this year on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. More details, including a confirmed release date, are expected at Xbox's Summer Showcase on June 8.

Are you excited to try the new parkour mechanics and explore without level scaling? Let us know which build you plan to try first!