Outward 2 Beta Introduces Pack Mounts But Early Balance Stirs Community Debate
The ongoing playtest for Outward 2 has introduced a new pack mount system, giving adventurers a way to transport heavy cargo across the rugged terrain of Aurai. While the mechanic aims to resolve some of the inventory bottlenecks that defined the original game, early community feedback suggests that the feature currently lacks balance and visual polish.
The Pearlbird Pack Mount and Unlimited Storage
In the current Outward 2 beta, players can spend silver to acquire a pack mount, such as a domesticated Pearlbird. Early testers report that this mount provides effectively infinite storage. This allows players to carry heavy loot and gear without constantly worrying about their character’s backpack weight.
However, this convenience has generated criticism among players who valued the strict resource management of the first game. In community-reported feedback, some testers argued that unlimited storage breaks immersion and trivializes the core survival loop. A common suggestion from the player base is to implement a strict weight or slot limit for pack animals, with recommendations ranging from 150 to 300 carrying capacity. Players searching for an early Outward 2 guide should keep in mind that these carrying capacities might change significantly by the time the game launches.
Visual Design and Immersion Concerns
Another point of contention in the current beta build is the visual presentation of these pack animals. Players purchasing the Pearlbird mount noted that it looks identical to the wild monsters encountered in the wilderness. There are currently no visual indicators, such as saddles, harnesses, or packs, to differentiate a purchased pack mount from a wild creature.
Testers have expressed hope that Nine Dots Studio will add distinct model variations or gear attachments to mounts before the full release to make them look like genuine traveling companions.
Other Early Beta Feedback
Beyond the pack mounts, players participating in the Outward 2 beta have highlighted several areas that still feel unpolished:
- Movement and Physics: Some players report that character movement feels floaty, describing it as sliding across slippery surfaces rather than walking with realistic weight.
- Lack of Crime Consequences: Currently, taking items from houses and shops does not trigger negative consequences or guard reactions, which players hope is a temporary omission for the beta test rather than a permanent design change.
- UI and UX Clash: The user interface has been described as a mix of classic Western RPG styling and modern web store menus, which some find distracting.
For players looking for Outward 2 tips during the ongoing test, paying attention to how weight and travel interact will be key, even if the current system feels raw. Since Outward 2 is still in its beta phase, these mechanics and systems are subject to change. Nine Dots Studio has historically adjusted game mechanics based on player feedback, and it is highly likely that the final implementation of pack mounts and physics will see further refinement before the official launch.