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Outbound (video game)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Outbound
DeveloperSquare Glade Games
PublisherSilver Lining Games
EngineUnity Engine
Platforms
Release
  • Windows, Xbox Series X/S
  • 11 May 2026
  • Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5
  • 14 May 2026
GenreAdventure
ModesSingle-player, multiplayer

Outbound is a 2026 adventure video game developed by Square Glade Games and published by Silver Lining Games. It was released on 11 May 2026 for Windows and Xbox Series X/S, and on 14 May 2026 for the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2 and PlayStation 5.

Gameplay

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Outbound is a cozy open-world adventure game set in an utopian future.[1][2] The game is centred around a trip in a campervan which players can select and customise, including the interior, to drive and explore the world.[3][4] Players can craft items, gather resources, unlock blueprints and complete objectives.[1][5] After completing the in-game tutorial, co-operative gameplay with up to four players is also supported.[6]

Development and release

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Developer Square Glade Games is based in the Netherlands.[7] The reveal trailer for the game was first shown in February 2024.[8] In July 2025, Square Glade Games co-founder Marc Volger announced that Outbound would release on PlayStation 5 alongside the previously announced version for Windows and Xbox Series X/S.[9] Versions were also later announced for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.[10][11]

In February 2026, a demo was released for Windows via Steam.[12] In March, demos were released for the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.[13][14]

Initially scheduled to launch on 23 April 2026, the game was delayed to 14 May 2026 due to an issue that was identified.[15] Due to Subnautica 2 launching on Steam and Xbox on 14 May, the release date for Outbound on these platforms were brought forward to 11 May 2026, with the release date for the other platforms unaffected and subsequently releasing on 14 May as planned.[16]

Reception

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Outbound received "mixed or average" reviews from critics, according to review aggregator site Metacritic.[17][18] Fellow review aggregator OpenCritic assessed that the game received weak approval, being recommended by 26% of critics.[19]

Destructoid rated it 6/10, and wrote that it "nails atmosphere and customization, but struggles to keep its open world engaging."[20] PC Games rated the game 8/10 and describes that it provides "a good mix of discovery, crafting, and building."[22] Nintendo Life rated it 7/10 and praised the exploration and gameplay loop.[21]

References

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  1. 1 2 Koreis, Justin (3 April 2026). "Outbound Preview: An Open-World, Van-Life Crafting Adventure That Understands the Value of Taking Life Slow". IGN. Retrieved 11 June 2026.
  2. ↑ Bell, Alice (13 February 2024). "Off-grid caravan sim Outbound looks like a cute way to pretend I could live like that". Rock Paper Shotgun. Retrieved 11 June 2026.
  3. ↑ Ramsay, Robert (24 July 2025). "PS5 Open World Game Outbound Looks Perfect for Some Stress-Free Exploration". Push Square. Retrieved 11 June 2026.
  4. ↑ Caballero, David (8 April 2025). "Hands-off impressions: Outbound is building up to be the next successful cosy sim". GameReactor. Retrieved 11 June 2026.
  5. ↑ Rodriguez, Jason (11 April 2026). "Outbound guide: 16 tips covering crafting, resources, camping, and more". Epic Games. Retrieved 11 June 2026.
  6. ↑ Shearon, Andrea (11 May 2026). "How does co-op work in Outbound?". PC Gamer. Retrieved 11 June 2026.
  7. ↑ "Square Glade Games". Dutch Games Industry. Retrieved 7 July 2026.
  8. ↑ "Outbound - Exclusive Reveal Trailer". IGN. 12 February 2024. Retrieved 11 June 2026.
  9. ↑ Romano, Sal (24 July 2025). "Outbound adds PS5 version". Gematsu. Retrieved 11 June 2026.
  10. ↑ "Outbound announced for Nintendo Switch 2". Nintendo Life. 19 November 2025. Retrieved 11 June 2026.
  11. ↑ "Outbound - Official Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 Announcement Trailer". IGN. 19 November 2025. Retrieved 11 June 2026.
  12. ↑ "Outbound: Developer-Narrated Demo Sneak Peek Gameplay". IGN. 17 February 2026. Retrieved 11 June 2026.
  13. ↑ "New Indie World Showcase spotlights upcoming games on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch". Nintendo. 4 March 2026. Retrieved 11 June 2026.
  14. ↑ "The Next Big Cozy Hit: Outbound Demo Arrives on PS5 & Xbox Series X/S". Silver Lining Interactive. 31 March 2026. Retrieved 11 June 2026.
  15. ↑ Romano, Sal (15 April 2026). "Outbound delayed to May 14 [Update]". Gematsu. Retrieved 11 June 2026.
  16. ↑ Blake, Vikki (1 May 2026). "Subnautica 2 Release Date Announcement Forces Outbound Dev to Bring Its Game Launch Forward". IGN. Retrieved 11 June 2026.
  17. 1 2 "Outbound for PC Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 11 June 2026.
  18. 1 2 "Outbound for PS5 Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 11 June 2026.
  19. 1 2 "Outbound". OpenCritic. Retrieved 11 June 2026.
  20. 1 2 Fry, Kacee (11 May 2026). "Outbound review – A cozy van-life adventure, but with little under the hood". Destructoid. Retrieved 11 June 2026.
  21. 1 2 See-Tho, Michelle (8 May 2026). "Outbound Review". Nintendo Life. Retrieved 11 June 2026.
  22. 1 2 Schubert, Helen; Grünwald, Michael (8 May 2026). "Outbound im Test: Koopmodus, Technik, Wertung und Fazit". PC Games (in German). Retrieved 11 June 2026.
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