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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The Outer Worlds 2 review embargo was reported to lift on October 23, 2025, at 9 a.m. ET (13:00 UTC), three days before the game’s official release on October 29, 2025. The embargo is historical as of today, so reviews have been public for some time.
What the embargo date was
The date comes from reporting rather than an announcement from Obsidian or Xbox. Insider Gaming reported the October 23 lift time in an October 14, 2025 article. Nerd’s Chalk also reported October 23, citing a Game Informer reviewer’s announced publication date, but it did not independently confirm the hour. PC Gamer’s October 2025 review archive lists its Outer Worlds 2 review on October 23, which shows reviews appearing that day but is not itself an embargo notice.
The 9 a.m. Eastern time was in effect EDT (UTC−4) on that date, which is why it converts to 13:00 UTC. The conversion is a simple time-zone calculation from the reported time. Obsidian’s support FAQ invites creators to contact the studio about coverage but does not publish embargo terms.
Embargo and release dates side by side
| Milestone | Date and time | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Reported review embargo lift | October 23, 2025, 9 a.m. ET (13:00 UTC) | Insider Gaming report, October 14, 2025; date corroborated by Nerd’s Chalk and same-day PC Gamer review listing |
| Official release | October 29, 2025 | Obsidian game page and support FAQ |
| Hour of day for the official release | Not stated | Obsidian’s listed release date does not include a time |
The gap between the two dates was six calendar days, so reviews appeared before the game was on sale.
#1 Best Overall
![The Outer Worlds 2 – Premium Edition – Xbox Series X [Disc + Code in Box]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51PDtpWiayL._SL160_.jpg)
- The Premium Edition includes: The Outer Worlds 2 base game, DLC Pass for 2 future story expansions*, Moon Man’s Corporate Appreciation Premium Prize Pack, and access to the Digital Artbook & Original Soundtrack. Content Download Required.
- The Outer Worlds 2 is the eagerly awaited sequel to the award-winning first-person sci-fi RPG from Obsidian Entertainment.
- Get ready for an action-packed adventure with a new crew, new weapons, and new enemies in a new colony! So much newness!
- As a daring Earth Directorate, the entire galaxy, rests on your decisions—your strengths, your flaws, your crew, and the factions you choose to trust.
- Build your character with the abilities and choices that reflect your playstyle. The colony reacts to your every move, crafting a narrative that’s yours to own.
Where to read reviews now
Reviews published on October 23 are still the reference point for the game’s critical reception. To find them, search the outlet’s archive for “The Outer Worlds 2 review” and filter by the October 2025 publication date. Most major outlets keep their original review pages live with a date stamp, so the publication date will be visible on each page.
Where the game is available
Obsidian’s support FAQ lists these platforms and access routes for The Outer Worlds 2:
Rank #2
![The Outer Worlds 2 - Premium Upgrade Edition - Xbox Series X|S & Windows [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51nIqU0pnYL._SL160_.jpg)
- Requires base game, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, or PC Game Pass membership. (Sold separately)
- This Premium Upgrade Edition add-on for your Standard Edition* game includes: DLC Pass for 2 future story expansions**, Moon Man’s Corporate Appreciation Premium Prize Pack, access to the Digital Art Book & Original Soundtrack.
- The Outer Worlds 2 is the eagerly awaited sequel to the award-winning first-person sci-fi RPG from Obsidian Entertainment.
- Get ready for an action-packed adventure with a new crew, new weapons, and new enemies in a new colony! So much newness!
- As a daring Earth Directorate, the entire galaxy, rests on your decisions—your strengths, your flaws, your crew, and the factions you choose to trust.
- Xbox Series X|S
- Xbox on PC
- Game Pass Ultimate
- Battle.net
- PlayStation 5
- Steam
Platform and storefront availability can change after a release, so check the official Obsidian game page or the platform store before buying. The list above reflects the support FAQ as checked for this article and does not confirm current pricing or regional availability.
What is and is not established
- The October 23, 2025 date is supported by more than one source, but the 9 a.m. ET time rests on a single secondary report.
- No official Obsidian or Xbox statement confirming the embargo terms was found.
- The October 29, 2025 release date is confirmed by Obsidian’s own pages.
The Bottom Line
The Outer Worlds 2 reviews were reported to go live on October 23, 2025 at 9 a.m. ET, six days before the October 29, 2025 release. Use the publication dates on individual review pages to confirm exactly when each one went live.
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Best Value
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- An unbelievable variety of Vital Suits and new ways to use them. The new VS system will have a powerful impact on the way the player takes to the war zone in Lost Planet 2.
- 4-player co-op and split-screen co-op locally allowing you to team up to battle the giant Akrid. Teamwork is the player's key to victory as team members are dependent on each other to succeed and survive.
- Appearances by Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago from the Gears of War games.
- RPG elements added to the game include character customization, experience points, evolution of the game based on players decisions and actions (single player).
Rank #4
Rank #3
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