Survival RPG Outward 2 has been delayed from its original July 2026 release window. Developer Nine Dots Studio announced the move on Steam today, confirming the project will now launch in 2027.
The announcement comes as a disappointment for fans, particularly those who had been participating in the game's open beta, which has been active since June 7. While the title appeared to be on track for an early access launch this summer, the studio opted to prioritize quality over maintaining its original schedule.
Prioritizing Player Expectations
Guillaume Boucher-Vidal, CEO of Nine Dots Studio and creative director of Outward 2, issued an apology via the game's Steam page regarding the shift. "I apologize that we couldn't give you the game you guys deserve on time," Boucher-Vidal wrote. "The truth is that if we just stick to the plan stubbornly, we're delivering a product that might not satisfy your expectations."
According to Boucher-Vidal, the decision was influenced by community feedback. While the specific nature of that feedback was not detailed, the studio noted that many fans had expressed a desire for the game to spend more time in development before an official launch. The developer acknowledged that the purpose of the ongoing beta is to listen to this input, and the team intends to use the extra time to address those concerns.
Refining the Early Access Experience
Boucher-Vidal admitted that gauging the necessary level of stability for an early access release is a difficult task. "The best we can do is take a hard, honest look at the game, and at our team, and ask: in a few weeks, will this be good enough to charge money for?" he said.
The delay is particularly difficult for the studio to announce, as many dedicated players had reportedly planned their summer vacations around the previously expected release date. "It sucks for you and I personally apologize to everyone affected this way," Boucher-Vidal said. "However, it would be even worse if you ended up playing something over your vacation that you were not even happy with."
For now, the Steam page for Outward 2 simply reflects a 2027 release window. For more on the latest titles, check out our release dates coverage.