Discover Outward 2 for free ahead of its Early Access release

Developer and publisher Nine Dots Studio has officially opened the gates to the Outward 2 Open Beta, giving players immediate access to the upcoming open-world survival RPG ahead of its Early Access release next month. The announcement was made during the recent PC Gaming Show 2026 and accompanied by a new gameplay trailer showcasing the dangers and opportunities awaiting adventurers in the world of Aurai.

The world of Aurai awaits you

The open beta is available now on Steam and allows players to explore a portion of the game while helping the development team identify bugs, balance issues, and gameplay improvements before launch. According to the developers, the beta is open to all players and will remain accessible for a limited time. Community information indicates the test period runs through June 22.

As the sequel to the cult-favorite RPG Outward, Outward 2 expands upon the original game's blend of survival mechanics, challenging combat, and player-driven exploration. Players must manage hunger, thirst, fatigue, equipment weight, and environmental hazards while traversing the vast fantasy continent of Aurai. Unlike many modern RPGs, the series places a strong emphasis on preparation and consequences, rewarding careful planning over reckless action.

The sequel also deepens character customization. Players can develop their adventurer by training under different mentors and combining multiple disciplines to create unique builds. Survival remains a central pillar of the experience, with crafting, camping, and resource management playing major roles throughout the journey.

One of the franchise's signature features returns in Outward 2: meaningful consequences for failure. Rather than relying on frequent manual saves and reloads, the game uses constant autosaving to make decisions and encounters feel more impactful. For players seeking an even greater challenge, a Hardcore Mode introduces the possibility of permanent save-file loss after defeat.

The open beta arrives just weeks before Outward 2 enters Early Access on July 7, 2026. The game is currently scheduled to launch for PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG, with the development team using player feedback from the beta period to further polish the experience before release.

Players interested in participating can download the beta directly through the Steam page and begin exploring Aurai immediately. With its combination of survival systems, open-world exploration, and high-stakes decision-making, Outward 2 is shaping up to be one of the more distinctive RPG releases of 2026. Of course, if you want to get your copy of Outward 2 at the best price, all you need to do is use our comparator to filter your best options with just a single click. Also, you should check out the incredibly low system requirements for the game before.