Why They're the Game's Best Feature

Xbox is on a bit of an upward trajectory, especially when it comes to both its first-party exclusives and the plethora of incredible games it manages to get on day one for Game Pass. Those who’ve invested heavily in the Xbox infrastructure will be pleased not just with the recent output of both triple-A and indie projects spearheaded by the studio, but also its upcoming slate of titles. From RPGs to FPS games, Xbox really has something for everyone coming in 2025 and beyond.

Of course, many of the most-anticipated 2025 Xbox games are still to come, including one gem that has a lot of people talking. While some have been a tad skeptical, and for good reason, many are outwardly excited, myself included. However, I have a feeling that even the biggest detractors are likely to have their interest piqued thanks to the game’s latest update, which spotlights not only its greatest asset but also the exact reason everyone should pick it up when it launches later this year.

The Outer Worlds 2’s Companions Look Great

They’re The Best Part Of The Game

All of the companions in The Outer Worlds 2 in a circle.

The Outer Worlds 2 got a new trailer uploaded to YouTube during Gamescom 2025 that showcased what is, at least in my opinion, the coolest aspect of the game: the companions. As the trailer rather humorously states, companions are always the best parts of an RPG, and that is absolutely the case with Obsidian Entertainment games. It just knows how to craft compelling companions you fall in love with – although you sadly, depending on your outlook, can’t sleep with The Outer Worlds 2’s companions.

The Outer Worlds 2 is borrowing features from New Vegas, and its interesting and unique roster of companions, one of which is a floating robot named Valerie, is undeniably one of them. Frankly, my love of The Outer Worlds stems almost exclusively from the escapades and adventures I embarked upon with its mesmerizingly good cast of companions. The Outer Worlds 2 needs similarly engrossing pals to have fun with, and the new trailer certainly seems to sell that.

While we only got a handful of new Outer Worlds 2 details in this trailer, it is just exciting to see not only a diverse and unique cast of characters joining us as we explore the game’s many planets, but also so many of them. RPGs can often feel limited in how many unique characters join your quest, but The Outer Worlds 2, at least that we see in this trailer, has six. That’s important, as these companions will need to do a lot of heavy lifting to save The Outer Worlds 2.

Companions Could Save The Outer Worlds 2

They Make The Experience More Memorable

Valerie shooting an enemy with the player behind it in The Outer Worlds 2.

The Outer Worlds 2 is absolutely aiming to fix the first game’s biggest problems, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t without its own set of issues. For all the minor and major gripes it is addressing, it retains many more and even seemingly adds its own set of frustrations. Loading screens persist, despite them being utterly antiquated in 2025, and combat, while certainly a huge step up from the original, looks a tad stilted.

These issues were compounded by The Outer World’s bizarre and controversial $80 price tag, something that Obsidian later had to renege on in order to appease fans and ensure people actually bought the game it had invested so much time and money in. The backlash to the price tag happened, at least partially, because The Outer Worlds 2 just doesn’t look like the experience it is offering is worth that much money.

That’s why it is so important for the companions to not only play a crucial role in the experience, but a memorable one too. For all of its flaws, Avowed has some really excellent companions that will stick with you long after the credits roll. They can completely transform an experience, especially one with open-ended content like The Outer Worlds, as they make an otherwise solitary activity feel like an epic adventure worth embarking on.

The Outer Worlds 2 Needs To Be Great

Obsidian’s Reputation Isn’t What It Used To Be

Inez holding a rifle in The Outer Worlds 2.

The Outer Worlds 2 needs to be great. It doesn’t need to be a masterpiece, but it does need to both sell the IP as something fans and newcomers should get hyped about and renew people’s faith in Obsidian Entertainment as a developer. Of course, it is still producing amazing and critically acclaimed games. However, its best games, like Grounded and Pentiment, often go overlooked, whereas its bigger, more ambitious experiences, like Avowed, get panned by fans and critics alike.

I actually enjoyed a lot about Avowed, if only because I’m so desperate to play games like Skyrim. However, I can understand why so many people dislike it, especially as it fails to capture the magic that both Obsidian is so well known for, and its direct competition – and, admittedly, compatriot – Bethesda. People want truly spectacular RPGs from Obsidian, and it doesn’t feel like it has delivered in that regard.

The Outer Worlds 2 is its chance to prove to the world it is still the best in the business and avoid the same fate as BioWare. I want The Outer Worlds 2 to be good, and I want Obsidian Entertainment to continue to make games for as long as possible. These fascinating companions – Tristan especially – could be the saving grace that makes The Outer Worlds 2 not only one of 2025’s best RPGs, but also one of the greatest Xbox games in recent memory.