The Outer Worlds Introduces Grenades After Seven Years Since Release

In an unexpected twist, The Outer Worlds is set to incorporate grenades into its gameplay, nearly seven years after its original release and only six months following the launch of its sequel. Developer Obsidian Entertainment shared this news via a comprehensive update on Steam, marking their first communication since June 2023. The introduction of these explosive throwables, which have already been integrated into The Outer Worlds 2, is scheduled for later this month. This initial update is relatively modest, primarily aimed at testing the update pipeline and addressing some existing issues within the game. A more substantial update is anticipated, which will include performance enhancements, lighting adjustments, a variety of quest and gameplay fixes, as well as the long-awaited grenades. The larger update will also coincide with changes to the game's Store listings. Starting May 27, the standard edition of The Outer Worlds will be removed from sale, leaving only the Spacer's Choice Edition available. Existing owners of the base game need not worry, as Obsidian has confirmed that their version will remain accessible. However, new players looking to purchase the game on current-gen consoles after May 27 will only find the updated edition available. To encourage upgrades, players who currently own the original game on PC (via Steam, GOG, or EGS), PS5, or Xbox Series X/S can upgrade to the Spacer's Choice Edition free of charge until May 27. For those still gaming on previous-generation consoles, Obsidian has created a different upgrade path. To transition from the base game to the Spacer’s Choice Edition on Xbox One or PlayStation 4, players must have both the base game and all associated DLCs. If they meet these requirements, they can upgrade without needing to pay for the previously established upgrade option. Additionally, the base game and its DLCs will see a price adjustment, now set at $24.99 and $14.99, respectively, on Xbox One and PlayStation 4. This surprise update follows the underwhelming performance of The Outer Worlds 2 and Obsidian's announcement that they have no immediate plans for a third installment in the series. The studio's other RPG, Avowed, also fell short of expectations, although they seem committed to exploring more stories within the Eora universe, known from Pillars of Eternity. On a brighter note, Grounded 2 has proven successful, despite its shorter development timeline of just over two years, contrasting sharply with the six-plus years spent on Avowed and The Outer Worlds 2. The patch notes for The Outer Worlds update 2.5.7.0 include numerous fixes and enhancements, such as: - Companions' status effects are now visible without interference from their HP bars. - FPS drops caused by repeated firing from the Storm Cannon at close range have been resolved. - The heat effect from the Unreliable ship will no longer stack when approaching the vessel. - Various text typos have been corrected, and players can now manually save while under certain status effects. Furthermore, there are numerous improvements to performance, including enhanced FPS during exploration and conversations in various locations. Players experiencing issues are encouraged to reach out to the support team for assistance.