Outward 2 Open Beta Now Live on Steam Ahead of Early Access Launch

Nine Dots Studio has launched the open beta for Outward 2 on Steam, offering players a hands-on look at the survival RPG sequel before its scheduled release.

The playtest is free to join for everyone, requiring no pre-purchase or beta keys. It will remain active until June 22, 2026, closing at 1:00 PM EST.

Exploring La Rescapée

During the beta, players can explore a slice of the world of Aurai, specifically the region known as La Rescapée. The developers are using this period to gather feedback on core gameplay loops, optimize system performance, and identify bugs ahead of the wider launch.

Crucially, the playtest does not carry a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). Players are encouraged to stream gameplay, upload videos, and share screenshots of their journeys online.

Community Debates: Melee Balance and Classic Skills

As players jump into the beta, discussions are already heating up in the community. On the Outward subreddit, a popular topic of debate centers around whether the classic melee skill Brace will make a return in the sequel.

In the original game, Brace was a staple counter-offensive ability that blocked incoming attacks while granting the Discipline boon and restoring stability. While some melee enthusiasts hope to see its return, calling it a vital tool for survival, other community members speculate that the skill's utility might be rebalanced or replaced to fit the sequel's updated combat engine. Nine Dots Studio has not officially confirmed the full roster of skills for the launch build, so the return of specific original mechanics remains unconfirmed community speculation.

Early Access Date Confirmed

This open beta serves as a final public testing ground before Outward 2 launches into Steam Early Access on July 7, 2026. Feedback gathered over the next week will likely shape the initial hotfixes and balancing updates when the Early Access build goes live next month.