Highlights

• The Outer Worlds offers a player-driven narrative with multiple ways to complete tasks and a robust character creation system. It prioritizes storytelling over difficulty.
• Games like Pillars of Eternity and Guardians of the Galaxy provide similar choice-based gameplay and compelling writing, with different stylistic and thematic elements.
• BioShock and SteamWorld Heist share certain aesthetic and gameplay mechanics with The Outer Worlds, offering well-written first-person shooters with RPG elements. Far Cry: New Dawn and Journey to the Savage Planet also offer similar gameplay elements and post-apocalyptic settings.

The Outer Worlds took the gaming community by storm when it debuted. As a role-playing game, it offers several ways to complete any given task, along with a fairly robust character creation system. The Outer Worlds isn't meant to be difficult, and it instead focuses on highlighting Obsidian's talent for player-driven narratives.

The Outer Worlds' combination of tongue-in-cheek humor and spacefaring mystery drama captivated its players. Despite its uniqueness, there are plenty of other games that might scratch that Obsidian itch. What are some must-play games similar to The Outer Worlds?

Updated November 16, 2023, by Mark Sammut: The specifications have been added for all the games like The Outer Worlds included in this discussion.

16 Pillars Of Eternity Series

Obsidian's Fantasy RPG

Stylistically and thematically, Pillars of Eternity is quite different from The Outer Worlds. The Pillars series are an old-school tribute to classic CRPGs like Baldur's Gate and Planescape.

Coming from the same studio, however, the choice-based gameplay is even more flexible than in The Outer Worlds. Moreover, the writing is incredible and the game world has the kind of depth that can rival a sci-fi epic that spans universes. Interestingly, Obsidian's next title is called Avowed which is a first-person open-world RPG set in the same universe as Pillars of Eternity. Many of the gameplay elements found in The Outer Worlds will likely find their way into the studio's next title.

15 Guardians Of The Galaxy

A Marvel Space Opera

Eidos Montreal's Guardians of the Galaxy is one of the best superhero games available. It's a far more linear take on the space adventure than The Outer Worlds but thanks to its sense of humor and the incredible cast of characters can't be missed by sci-fi fans.

The gameplay and mechanics fall somewhere between Mass Effect and the Uncharted games. There are lots of colorful and unique worlds to explore and the game dives deep into each character's past. Moreover, it has arguably the best soundtrack of its generation, and it complements its team-based combat perfectly.

14 BioShock

Philosophical Depth & An Underwater Masterpiece

BioShock is rightfully hailed as one of the greatest games of all time, and its sequels are not too bad either. Set in the underwater city of Rapture, a decrepit utopia destroyed by its own greed and corruption, players step into the shoes of Jack, a plane crash survivor who winds up in the metropolis. Armed with the power-granting Plasmids and an array of guns, Jack must explore Rapture's creepy but vibrant corridors in order to uncover the truth behind the city's downfall, all the while trying to fight (or avoid) the terrifying Big Daddies.

Even though BioShock and The Outer Worlds are ultimately very different, they share a somewhat similar aesthetic and some gameplay mechanics. They are also both well-written first-person shooters that feature RPG elements, although Obsidian's game prioritizes the latter over its gunplay while BioShock does the opposite.

13 SteamWorld Heist

2D Retro-Style Goodness

The cartoony, 2D aesthetic, and slow pacing aside, there's much that's comparable to Obsidian's RPG when it comes to this indie shooter. Both titles similarly stress run-down gadgetry and dark themes on a thematic level. This SteamWorld Dig spinoff also emphasizes tactical combat for the bulk of the experience.

This is done through the use of precision aiming, tactical positioning, and tech-laden upgrades. Some deceptively tough gameplay and procedurally generated areas allow players to get a lot out of this one, despite its relatively short campaign. Outer Worlds fans looking for a unique, retro-style experience that still captures the essence of that title should look no further than this game from Image & Form.

12 Far Cry: New Dawn

A Colorful Post-Apocalyptic America

While the hit shooter Far Cry 5 also bears similarities to The Outer Worlds, this narrative sequel should especially resonate with fans. The staples are still here, such as the diverse, open-world gameplay and gritty, hostile atmosphere. But Ubisoft also incorporates more tactical, RPG-like elements this time around, introducing an upgradable hub and more emphasis on crafting.

Inclusions like NPC specialists and unique abilities also add to the Outer Worlds vibe. This, combined with the game's post-apocalyptic feel, gives it a sense of authenticity while still tapping into those traits that make the Far Cry series so appealing.

11 Journey To The Savage Planet

Similar Style & Humor

Colorful and funny, Journey to the Savage Planet is an absolute delight, provided someone enjoys a hint of cheese and a lot of platforming. Sent by their employer to check out a planet's life forms, players are basically just a cog in the machine, albeit one that periodically must shoot alien creatures in the face. Similar to The Outer Worlds, Journey to the Savage Planet incorporates first-person shooter gameplay as a secondary mechanic rather than a driving force, and it is also serviceable but nothing special.

Journey to the Savage Planet shines in its platforming, which starts out strong and progressively improves as new abilities and tools are unlocked. ARY-26, the planet, is not only overflowing with gorgeous vistas and quirky creatures but also quite diverse thanks to its unique biomes.

10 Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Similar Themes, Great Overall Experience

Eidos' Deus Ex series was a trailblazer when it came to the then-new concept of deep RPG shooters and immersive sims. Since its debut in 2000, the franchise has remained a cult classic thanks to its solid track record and uniquely deep, thrilling gameplay.

Though Deus Ex continues to trek along, this 2011 rendition stands out as a fan favorite for its gripping narrative and masterful blend of FPS, stealth, and RPG gameplay. The Outer Worlds parallels of augmented humans, corporate dystopias, and a dark ambiance are apparent, as are the tactical gunfights. At the time, this game, and Deus Ex at large, remains a distinct entity that's authentically appealing.

9 Prey

A Sci-Fi Horror Twist

From developer Arkane Studios, the studio behind Dishonored, comes Prey. In the 2017 title, players assume the role of Morgan Yu when they are deceived into thinking they are on the planet Earth.

As reality kicks in, the player finds themself on a remote space station that is occupied by malevolent creatures. Arkane Studios are masters at creating immersive and reactive worlds that are shaped by the player's actions. Plus, Prey's sci-fi setting, weapons, and role-playing elements make it appealing to fans of The Outer Worlds.

8 Fallout: New Vegas

Obsidian's Official Fallout Game

It's not surprising that Fallout: New Vegas made this list since it was also developed by Obsidian Entertainment. Obsidian Entertainment is credited for making numerous role-playing games, and The Outer Worlds is their latest hit franchise.

Fallout: New Vegas is one of Obsidian Entertainment's most prized games. With a quirky sense of humor, a fantastic script, and the ability to slow down time in both games, The Outer Worlds and New Vegas are more than just comparable, they almost seem like siblings.

7 Cyberpunk 2077

Dense World

CD Projekt Red's Cyberpunk 2077 got off to a rough start, but the developer has done an impressive job of steadying the ship. Following a few updates and an expansion, the sci-fi open-world game is now in a good place, at least on current-gen hardware and PC. Set in Night City, Cyberpunk 2077 immerses players in a futuristic world run by mega-corporations, cyber tech, and class disparity.

The game provides quite a bit of player freedom, both in terms of physical customization and character progression. Gameplay-wise, Cyberpunk 2077 is a competent first-person shooter that shines through its build customization; however, like The Outer Worlds, the title's main selling point is its storytelling.

6 Mass Effect Legendary Edition

The Definitive Sci-Fi Space Opera

In the realm of sci-fi games, no name holds as much weight as Mass Effect. Over the course of three games, BioWare weaved an epic space opera filled with unforgettable characters, drama, heart, and action. Commander Shepard's story is legendary by this point, which might explain EA's reasoning behind this compilation. Gathering all three entries and most of their DLC, Mass Effect Legendary Edition offers incredible value for money.

RELATED: Action RPGs To Play If You Like The Mass Effect Series

Although the projects were remastered and not remade, BioWare implemented a fair amount of changes and improvements, particularly in the case of the original game. Mass Effect takes itself far more seriously than The Outer Worlds, but both games implement player choice, companions, and role-playing elements.

5 Borderlands 3

Loot, So Much Loot

Borderlands is an easy recommendation for fans of The Outer Worlds, even though the games differ in a few key ways. Gearbox's franchise is a looter shooter with a small pool of classes, all of which come with three skill trees. Borderlands' customization revolves around weapons, shields, and abilities; meanwhile, The Outer Worlds allows players to influence their character's personalities. Both games have a sense of humor, although Borderlands tends to be a bit louder and more juvenile than The Outer Worlds​​​​​.

Their differences aside, these games are at least somewhat cut from the same cloth. Like Outer Worlds, Borderlands has solid first-person gunplay, a fair amount of exploration, quirky NPCs, and a unique visual style.

4 High On Life

Rick & Morty-Style Humor

Despite garnering a mixed reception, High on Life is a must-play for anyone with an Xbox Game Pass subscription and a fondness for irreverence. After an encounter with an alien, the player learns that Earth will soon be invaded. Therefore, they naturally head out into space and start a life as a bounty hunter, all in hopes of saving humanity from a pathetic end.

Someone's mileage with High on Life will depend on their appreciation for its humor. The game adheres to Rick and Morty's school of comedy, which means a bombardment of surreal gags and unapologetic silliness. It is an acquired taste that few other games can quench.

3 Wasteland 3

A Post-Apocalyptic Western

A nuclear apocalypse can turn Colorado into an unrecognizable alien-esque hellscape. Wasteland 3 follows two rangers who head to the state in search of allies, only to find an ambush and uneasy alliance waiting for them. As they set out to explore the region, they will be joined by a few partners, make a couple of big decisions with notable consequences, and take on a wide range of creative enemies.

Wasteland 3 is an isometric turn-based RPG, so combat is nothing like The Outer Worlds' first-person gunplay. However, both games prioritize squad building and player choice, while also sprinkling political and social themes into their stories. Wasteland 3's skill and progression systems are deep and allow plenty of room for customization.

2 No Man's Sky

Travel The Universe

On a visual level only, No Man's Sky is perhaps the game that is the most similar to The Outer Worlds. With interplanetary travel, a sophisticated inventory management system, and vivid graphics, No Man's Sky will scratch that space exploration itch that fans of Outer Worlds may be craving.

Mechanically, the two games couldn't be any more different. No Man's Sky is a procedurally generated space exploration and survival game and The Outer Worlds is an action RPG closer in style to Bethesda's Fallout series. However, if someone wants a sci-fi game that lets them explore the vast universe at their leisure, then No Man's Sky is a great choice.

1 Starfield

Bethesda's Sci-Fi Epic

Bethesda rarely releases new IPs, so Starfield was always going to attract a lot of attention. While perhaps not fully living up to the insurmountable hype, the 2023 release is still an impressive achievement in many ways, and it comes across as an expansion of the developer's previous projects like Skyrim and Fallout 4. The campaign has a fairly slow start, but once players are given the freedom to explore the galaxy, Starfield's core loop is introduced and established.

Using procedural-generation technology, the sci-fi game offers players a canvas of potentially thousands of planets that they can visit and set up shop on. Now, a lot of these locations are very similar, but Starfield does a decent job of triggering random events to add an element of spontaneity to the overall experience. The main storyline tends to be polarizing, but it has a few great moments.