Should The Outer Worlds 2 Have a Level Cap? The Pros and Cons Explained!

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Following the acclaim of the initial release of “The Outer Worlds“, there’s a significant expectation for “The Outer Worlds 2” to shine once more as a notable RPG contender. As a sequel, “The Outer Worlds 2” will undoubtedly continue the original game’s legacy by incorporating many familiar elements. However, it will also introduce a new chapter in the franchise’s narrative that unfolds within a distinct solar system, and likely, enhancements to the gameplay experience.

In considering the direction for The Outer Worlds 2, one aspect that might benefit from a fresh approach is the inclusion of a level cap. While it’s a common element in many RPGs, especially those by Obsidian Entertainment, the level cap in the original The Outer Worlds sparked quite a bit of debate. On balance, there are valid points on both sides for whether this feature should make a comeback. If it does return, it would be wise to study what made the level cap contentious in the first game and make necessary tweaks to avoid repeating the same controversy with The Outer Worlds 2.

The Argument Against a Level Cap in The Outer Worlds 2

In the original game The Outer Worlds, several endings are available, but many might be inaccessible during a player’s first playthrough due to the base game’s level cap limiting character progression. To unlock some of these endings, players would have needed prior knowledge about the skills required or intentionally overlooked combat and exploration-related skills. Since the level cap was relatively low in the base game, players often had to forgo aspects of their character’s build throughout the entire playthrough, focusing on specific skill checks that could impact the game’s final moments.

What Is the Level Cap in The Outer Worlds?

  • The level cap in the base game is 30
  • The Peril on Gorgon and Murder on Eridanos DLCs each increase the level cap by 3, up to 36 for players who own both DLCs
  • The Spacer’s Choice Edition includes both DLCs and sets the max level to 99

The debate over the level limit in the game ‘The Outer Worlds’ was intense, leading to several increases in the limit during its post-release DLCs. Ultimately, this increase exceeded the original limit by more than triple. Regrettably, these adjustments came too late for numerous players who had either finished the game or utilized mods to surpass the game’s level cap. Looking back, ‘The Outer Worlds 2’ might steer clear of the same contentious predicament as the initial game by eliminating the level limit entirely.

The Argument For a Level Cap in The Outer Worlds 2

Just like in games such as “Fallout: New Vegas”, “The Outer Worlds”, and “Avowed”, Obsidian’s previous RPGs usually conclude when the main story is finished, leaving players unable to progress their character’s journey without reloading a previous save. If “The Outer Worlds 2” follows this trend in Obsidian’s RPGs, it would make sense for it to include a level cap. This feature wouldn’t affect the endgame replayability of a specific playthrough because there isn’t any to begin with.

In contrast to the initial game where the level cap stirred up a dispute, The Outer Worlds 2 can steer clear of similar issues by setting a more accommodating level cap. This would ensure that players’ advancement remains significant and meaningful, all while avoiding the persistent problem of overpowered, meta builds prevalent in contemporary RPGs – another topic of debate. Essentially, if The Outer Worlds 2 manages to strike a better equilibrium regarding its level cap compared to the original game, this reintroduced aspect could turn out to be a delightful enhancement for the game.

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2025-04-28 19:22