Outward 2 Developer Acknowledges Rocky Beta Playtest and Promises Improvements

The Outward 2 playtest has given players their first hands-on experience with the survival action-RPG sequel, but the initial build has run into some technical hurdles. Developer Nine Dots Studio recently addressed the rocky state of the current beta build, acknowledging player disappointment regarding stability while thanking the community for their active feedback.

In a Steam community update, studio president Guillaume Boucher-Vidal admitted that the build in players' hands has faced major caveats. The developer also expressed regret for not communicating personally sooner, stating that direct involvement and transparency remain their preference going forward.

Addressing Beta Stability and Equipment Bugs

Many players participating in the Outward 2 beta have reported performance hitches and gameplay bugs. On community hubs like Reddit, some playtest participants have highlighted an issue where off-hand items and two-handed weapons cannot be equipped at all. This bug leaves characters restricted to one-handed main weapons, limiting combat options during play.

The developers are monitoring these reports across Steam, Discord, and Reddit, suggesting that fixes for these equipment bugs and general stability improvements are high priorities. If you are currently experiencing the off-hand equipment issue, submitting a report via the official Discord channel is recommended.

Vertical Map Design and Traversal Ideas

The playtest has also highlighted changes to level design, with players noting that the environments in Outward 2 feel much more vertical than the original game. However, because traversal mechanics remain similar to the first game, players are calling for new tools to navigate steep cliffs safely.

One popular community suggestion involves adding rappel gear—such as stakes and ropes—with weight limits that could snap if a player is carrying too much inventory. While this remains an unconfirmed fan concept, it highlights how players are adapting to the verticality and searching for Outward 2 tips to survive the wilderness.

Nine Dots Studio has confirmed they are watching these discussions closely. With more updates planned, players can expect the developers to focus heavily on stability and polishing core mechanics before the next major testing phase.