Here's exactly when you can play The Outer Worlds 2 — the release date, launch times, and Early Access for the huge Xbox Game Pass RPG is almost here

Obsidian Entertainment — the storied Xbox Game Studios game developer known for creating Fallout: New Vegas, Pillars of Eternity, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2 — has had a huge 2025. Earlier this year, it launched both Avowed and Grounded 2 on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and Xbox Game Pass, and it's about to release a third game with The Outer Worlds 2.

The Outer Worlds 2 is a direct follow-up to the studio's popular 2019 RPG, and like the first game, it evokes the same lighthearted, yet biting political sci-fi satire that folks often look to Fallout for. With the new title, though, Obsidian has focused on expanding every aspect of the experience, from the size and detail of world spaces to branching narrative and gameplay progression paths.

Ever since getting a closer look at the game in The Outer Worlds 2 Direct presentation, players across its Xbox, PC, and PS5 platforms have been hyped for the game's release — and that excitement has only grown with previews detailing its impressive combat systems and choice-based story structure, among other things.

Naturally, that means lots of fans are curious about when exactly they can play The Outer Worlds 2. And thankfully, while Xbox and Obsidian haven't officially revealed the game's launch times, they've been gleaned from countdown timers on its Steam and PlayStation store pages.

The Outer Worlds 2 - IGN Fan Fest 2025 Gameplay Trailer - YouTube

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Based on what those store pages are displaying, The Outer Worlds 2 is officially scheduled to launch on Wednesday, October 29 at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET. Note that Early Access — a period of five days during which those who preorder the $99.99 Premium Edition ($78.89 at Loaded!) can play early — is starting imminently, with The Outer Worlds 2 Early Access beginning on Friday, October 24 at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET.

Something important to note is that these launch times are global, so the game is launching at the same time around the world. If you live outside of the above time zones, that means it will release later in the day for you, and potentially even early in the morning of October 25 (Early Access) or October 30 (full release) if you're in a far eastern region.

The table below displays when The Outer Worlds 2 is coming out in a variety of time zones around the world:

If you don't see your time zone in the table above, you can always use a time zone converter like this one. Tools like these will translate a specific time from one time zone to the time it will be in yours, showing you exactly when The Outer Worlds 2 will unlock in your country.

The Outer Worlds 2 is poised to be one of 2025's biggest new games, and aside from the juggernaut that is Call of Duty and Black Ops 7, it has some serious potential to be Xbox's biggest game of the year, too. It's certainly its largest RPG, even compared to Obsidian's own Avowed and Grounded 2 releases.

Notably, the title has reviewed very well with various critics and outlets, and currently rests at a "Generally Favorable" Metacritic score of 84/100. A few elements of the game, such as enemy variety and its soundtrack, have been considered underwhelming by some, but by and large, reviewers loved the combat, RPG depth, writing, and just about everything else.

Windows Central's own Samuel Tolbert reviewed The Outer Worlds 2 as well, and awarded it a 4.5/5 stars. "The Outer Worlds 2 doesn't reinvent the wheel, but delivers a more refined version of a formula that worked."

"Better exploration and combat buoy a tight role-playing experience that feels crunchy and isn't afraid of cutting off branches depending on player skills," he wrote. "The overarching story is a bit more self-serious than its predecessor, but the numerous side quests still lean comedic. A few bugs aside, it's not a game to miss."

All in all, speaking as a huge fan of Fallout: New Vegas and the majority of Obsidian's other games, it sounds like The Outer Worlds 2 is every bit as crunchy to sink your teeth into as I was hoping it'd be.

I'm stoked to jump in as soon as it launches, and if you are too, you should know that the Xbox and PC (through Xbox Play Anywhere) version is on sale for $55.79 at Loaded (formerly CDKeys), down from $69.99.

The Outer Worlds 2 | $55.79 at Loaded (Xbox, PC)

Obsidian Entertainment has had a huge year between Avowed and Grounded 2, and now The Outer Worlds 2 is just a few days away from completing the developer's 2025 trifecta. It's poised to be one of the year's biggest RPGs, and thanks to these deals, you can get it for less.

Premium Edition: $78.89 at Loaded (Xbox, PC)

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