The hardcore co-op survival RPG Outward has reached a significant milestone, surpassing three million players since its initial launch in 2019. Developer Nine Dots Studio announced the achievement, highlighting the game’s enduring appeal despite its niche focus on challenging, realism-driven gameplay.
Originally released for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One in March 2019, the game received a Definitive Edition update in 2022, which likely contributed to its sustained player base. Outward distinguishes itself by casting players as ordinary adventurers rather than chosen heroes, emphasizing survival mechanics like eating, sleeping, and managing injuries alongside combat.
Studio CEO and Creative Director Guillaume Boucher-Vidal called the three million player mark surreal, noting that the success provides the team with greater creative freedom for future projects. This future includes the already-announced Outward 2, which is currently in development and promises to continue the series’ signature hands-off, challenging co-op survival RPG experience.
While a release date for the sequel has not been confirmed, Nine Dots Studio has begun sharing early developments, including a skill tree preview shown in May 2025. The studio is also recruiting players for future playtesting through the official Outward 2 website.
For time-poor MMORPG enthusiasts invested in impactful virtual world developments, the success of Outward and the steady progress on its sequel signal a growing niche for demanding, cooperative multiplayer experiences outside the traditional MMO sphere.
