One of the biggest Xbox games of the year launches later this month, but there is a way you can play it five days early.
It’s been a great year for role-playing games this year, between Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Monster Hunter Wilds, and Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, but another jewel of the genre is on the near horizon.
Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, The Outer Worlds 2 is a satirical sci-fi role-playing game where your decisions shape your character’s traits and the overall story. While the original game was somewhat flawed, this follow-up is better in every way.
It’s the second Obsidian role-playing game to launch this year, following Avowed, and as the makers of Fallout: New Vegas and Pillars Of Eternity, the team has some considerable clout in the genre. If you’re keen on The Outer Worlds 2, here’s how you can play it early.
What time does The Outer Worlds 2 early access start?
The early access period for The Outer Worlds 2 kicks off worldwide from Friday, October 24 at 6pm BST in the UK. This translates to 10am PDT in the US and 7pm CEST in Europe.
If you start playing then, you’ll have five days early access before the game officially launches for everyone else on Wednesday, October 29 across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
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How can I get early access?
To qualify for early access, you have to pre-order The Outer Worlds 2 Premium Edition. This costs £89.99 when purchased digitally, but you’ll also receive early access if you buy a physical copy, available at a much lower price on Amazon of £69.99.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to play the game through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, you can buy a Premium Edition Pre-Order Upgrade for £29.99 to get the early access perk.
What else comes with the Premium Edition?
Along with early access, the Premium Edition comes with the base game (obviously), a DLC pass for two future story expansions, a digital artbook, original soundtrack, and Moon Man’s Corporate Appreciation Premium Prize Pack, which is basically some weapons and cosmetics.
If you pre-order any edition, you’ll get the Commander Zane’s Battle Pack, which includes an armour skin, helmet, signature pistol and dagger, and an Earth Directorate drone pet.
The story expansions are yet to be announced, but you’ll gain access to them once they are released (presumably, at some point next year).
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