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Is Outward Hard to Play? A Deep Dive into the Challenging RPG

Yes, Outward is generally considered a hard game to play, especially at the beginning. Its difficulty stems from its emphasis on survival elements, unforgiving combat, limited hand-holding, and the commitment it demands from players. However, this difficulty is often viewed as a core part of the game’s appeal, providing a rewarding experience for those who persevere.

Understanding Outward’s Difficulty

Outward differentiates itself from many modern RPGs by prioritizing realism and player agency. Instead of being a chosen one destined for greatness, you start as an ordinary person burdened with debt, struggling to survive in a harsh world. This translates into several gameplay mechanics that contribute to its perceived difficulty:

Harsh Survival Mechanics: You need to manage hunger, thirst, sleep, temperature, and disease. Ignoring these basic needs can quickly lead to debilitating effects and even death. Finding reliable sources of food, water, and shelter is crucial for survival.
Unforgiving Combat: Combat is strategic and punishing. You can’t simply button-mash your way to victory. Enemies are tough and intelligent, and they can easily overwhelm you if you are unprepared. Positioning, timing, and utilizing appropriate skills and equipment are vital.
Limited Hand-Holding: Outward doesn’t hold your hand. It provides minimal guidance, leaving you to explore, experiment, and learn from your mistakes. Quests are often vague, requiring you to rely on your own resourcefulness to figure things out.
Permanent Consequences: Death in Outward rarely means a simple reload. You might wake up captured by bandits, stranded in a remote location, or lose valuable items. These consequences add weight to your decisions and make the world feel more dangerous.
Steep Learning Curve: Mastering Outward’s various systems, from crafting and cooking to combat and magic, requires time and dedication. There’s a lot to learn, and it can be overwhelming at first.

Why Outward’s Difficulty is Rewarding

While the initial difficulty can be frustrating, many players find it ultimately rewarding. The challenge forces you to be resourceful, adaptable, and strategic. Overcoming obstacles feels genuinely earned, and the sense of accomplishment is immense. Here’s why many players embrace the difficulty:

Increased Immersion: The harsh survival mechanics make you feel more connected to the world. You’re not just a powerful hero, but a vulnerable individual struggling to survive.
Meaningful Choices: Every decision you make has consequences, forcing you to think carefully about your actions.
A Sense of Accomplishment: Overcoming challenges in Outward feels incredibly rewarding because you know you earned it. You didn’t just follow a quest marker; you used your wits and skills to survive.
Unique Gameplay Experience: Outward offers a unique blend of RPG and survival elements that is unlike anything else on the market.

Tips for Overcoming the Difficulty

If you’re struggling with Outward’s difficulty, here are some tips to help you survive and thrive:

Prioritize Survival: Focus on meeting your basic needs first. Find a reliable source of food and water, and learn how to cook.
Experiment with Crafting and Cooking: Crafting and cooking are essential for survival. Experiment with different recipes to discover powerful buffs and useful items.
Learn the Combat System: Practice your timing, positioning, and dodging. Experiment with different weapons and skills to find a playstyle that suits you.
Explore Carefully: Take your time and explore the world carefully. Look for resources, hidden paths, and potential dangers.
Don’t Be Afraid to Run: Sometimes, the best option is to run away and regroup. Don’t be afraid to retreat and come back stronger later.
Play with a Friend: Outward is even more fun and manageable with a friend. The game supports both local and online co-op.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Outward’s Difficulty

1. Is Outward harder than Dark Souls?

The difficulty is different. Dark Souls focuses on precise combat and memorizing enemy patterns, while Outward emphasizes survival, resource management, and dealing with the open world. Many find Outward’s survival aspect harder to manage initially than Dark Souls’ combat.

2. Is Outward beginner-friendly?

No, Outward is not beginner-friendly. The game provides minimal guidance and expects you to learn through experimentation and observation. It’s best suited for players who enjoy challenging and immersive experiences.

3. Can I adjust the difficulty in Outward?

No, Outward does not have adjustable difficulty settings. The difficulty is fixed, which is part of the game’s design philosophy.

4. Is Outward worth playing if I’m not a hardcore gamer?

Yes, Outward can be enjoyable even if you’re not a hardcore gamer, but you need to be prepared for a challenging experience. Approach it with patience, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from online communities. The unique gameplay and sense of accomplishment can be very rewarding.

5. What are the most common mistakes new Outward players make?

Common mistakes include:

Ignoring survival needs: Forgetting to eat, drink, or sleep.
Underestimating enemies: Charging into combat unprepared.
Not utilizing crafting and cooking: Missing out on valuable buffs and items.
Wandering aimlessly: Getting lost and wasting resources.

6. What’s the best starting class in Outward for a beginner?

There isn’t a specific “class” at the beginning. Your early choices determine your path. Focusing on survival skills like crafting and cooking early on is more important than any particular skill tree. Experiment and find a style that suits you.

7. How do I deal with the lack of fast travel in Outward?

The lack of fast travel encourages exploration and makes the world feel larger and more dangerous. Utilize caravans for faster travel between major cities. Consider investing in skills that increase movement speed or reduce stamina consumption. Planning your journeys is crucial.

8. How do I survive the cold in Outward?

To survive the cold:

Wear warm clothing: Fur armor and hats are essential.
Carry torches or lanterns: Providing a source of heat.
Drink hot beverages: Such as tea or broth.
Find shelter: Caves and buildings can offer protection from the elements.

9. What is the importance of backpacks in Outward?

Backpacks are crucial for carrying essential supplies, such as food, water, weapons, and crafting materials. Choose a backpack with sufficient capacity and consider its weight, as it can impact your movement speed and stamina. Dropping your backpack mid-combat can provide a temporary mobility boost but leaves your items vulnerable.

10. How does magic work in Outward?

Magic in Outward requires learning specific skills and utilizing mana. Mana is generated by wearing certain gear or consuming special items. Spells are powerful but can be costly, requiring careful management of your mana reserves.

11. Is Outward more fun solo or co-op?

Outward can be enjoyable both solo and co-op. Co-op makes the game easier, allowing you to share the burden of survival and combat. However, solo play offers a more immersive and challenging experience.

12. How do I find good weapons and armor in Outward?

Good weapons and armor can be found by:

Exploring dungeons and ruins: These often contain valuable loot.
Completing quests: Some quests reward you with powerful gear.
Crafting: Crafting high-quality weapons and armor requires rare materials.
Purchasing from merchants: Merchants in major cities sell a variety of equipment.

13. What happens when I die in Outward?

When you die, you don’t simply reload a save. You might:

Be rescued by a friendly NPC.
Be captured by bandits.
Be left for dead in a random location.

These consequences add weight to death and make the world feel more realistic.

14. How important is faction choice in Outward?

Faction choice is very important as it significantly impacts the story, quests, and rewards. Each faction offers a unique gameplay experience and leads to different character builds.

15. Where can I find resources and guides for Outward?

Good resources include:

Outward Wiki: Comprehensive information about the game’s mechanics, items, and locations.
Online forums and communities: Reddit’s r/OutwardTheGame is a popular forum for discussing the game and asking for help.
YouTube tutorials: Many content creators offer guides and walkthroughs for Outward.

By understanding the game’s mechanics, learning from your mistakes, and utilizing the available resources, you can overcome Outward’s difficulty and enjoy a truly unique and rewarding RPG experience. Embrace the challenge, and you’ll discover a world that is both harsh and beautiful.

Is Outward hard to play?