{"rewrite":{"id":"r_a66715678ee134477a5f49c7","clusterId":"c_65d27c449be28ff179c6a428","slug":"outward-2-moves-to-open-beta-early-access-set-for-july-7","model":"deepseek-v4-flash","headline":"Outward 2 Moves to Open Beta, Early Access Set for July 7","summary":"Nine Dots Studio announced on June 8, 2026, that the closed beta for the PC action RPG 'Outward 2' has ended and the game is moving to an open beta test. The studio released new gameplay footage alongside the announcement. The open beta is now live. The early access version is scheduled to launch on July 7, 2026, on Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG.com. 'Outward 2' is an action RPG where players control ordinary people, not chosen heroes, surviving in the harsh world of Aurai. It builds on the 2020 original 'Outward' with enhanced character creation and growth systems, and supports local and online two-player co-op. Environmental effects tied to seasonal changes, backpack weight management, and ritualistic magic casting are said to refine the survival elements from the first game. A community contest called '#ExploreAurai' is also underway, where participants can submit screenshots or videos taken in the beta version for a chance to win two early access keys. Details are available on the Steam store page.","whyItMatters":"The shift to open beta and the July 7 early access date give the clearest timeline yet for when the broader public can play Nine Dots Studio's survival-focused follow-up to the 2020 original.","webCardHtml":"\u003cp\u003eThe open beta announcement for 'Outward 2' was made during the PC Gaming Show 2026 on June 8. Nine Dots Studio released a trailer that both announces the open beta and shows gameplay scenes. The game's early access launch on July 7 will be available across three PC storefronts: Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG.com. 'Outward 2' is described as an action RPG that simulates adventure life, with a focus on survival elements. The original 'Outward' was released in 2020. The sequel inherits its predecessor's charm while adding deeper character creation and growth systems. It also supports both local and online two-player co-op. Environmental factors such as seasonal changes, backpack weight management, and ritualistic magic casting are highlighted as refinements to the survival mechanics. The '#ExploreAurai' community contest is currently accepting screenshots and videos captured in the beta version, with winners receiving two early access keys. Full contest rules are posted on the Steam store page.\u003c/p\u003e","blueskyPost":"Outward 2's closed beta is done; open beta starts now. Early access hits Steam, Epic, and GOG on July 7. New trailer shows survival mechanics and co-op.","twitterPost":"Open beta for Outward 2 is live. Nine Dots Studio showed new gameplay at the PC Gaming Show 2026. Early access July 7 on three storefronts.","threadsPost":null,"newsletterBlurb":"Nine Dots Studio has ended the closed beta for Outward 2 and launched an open beta, with a new gameplay trailer. The early access version is scheduled for July 7 on Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG.com.","attributionJson":"[{\"source\":\"4Gamer.net\",\"url\":\"https://www.4gamer.net/games/008/G100857/20260607005/\",\"title\":\"Action RPG 'Outward 2' Announces Transition to Open Beta Test, New Gameplay Footage Released\"},{\"source\":\"Game Spark\",\"url\":\"http://www.gamespark.jp/article/2026/06/08/167641.html\",\"title\":\"'Outward 2' Open Beta Trailer Released, Simulating a Life-Sized Adventure [PC Gaming Show 2026]\"}]","lintFlagsJson":null,"lintHits":0,"costUsd":0,"inputTokens":4591,"outputTokens":817,"status":"published","repairAttempts":0,"nextRepairAt":null,"factsAttemptedAt":1780875122,"createdAt":"2026-06-07T23:20:03.000Z","publishedAt":"2026-06-07T23:28:59.000Z","updatedAt":"2026-06-07T23:28:59.000Z"},"cluster":{"id":"c_65d27c449be28ff179c6a428","canonicalTitle":"アクションRPG「Outward 2」，オープンβテストへの移行を発表。ゲームプレイシーンを収録した新たな映像も公開に","representativeArticleId":"a_24d12a797f82d2bfa9bd3034","sourceCount":2,"writtenSourceCount":2,"writeAttempts":0,"isSolo":false,"entitiesJson":"{\"anime_titles\":[],\"manga_titles\":[],\"work_titles\":[\"Outward 2\"],\"studios\":[\"Nine Dots Studio\"],\"people\":[],\"type\":\"announcement\",\"domain\":\"games\",\"is_roundup\":false}","contentType":"news","status":"published","firstSeenAt":"2026-06-07T20:01:00.000Z","lastSeenAt":"2026-06-07T20:23:28.000Z","updatedAt":"2026-06-07T23:29:00.000Z"},"attribution":[{"source":"4Gamer.net","url":"https://www.4gamer.net/games/008/G100857/20260607005/","title":"アクションRPG「Outward 2」，オープンβテストへの移行を発表。ゲームプレイシーンを収録した新たな映像も公開に"},{"source":"Game Spark","url":"http://www.gamespark.jp/article/2026/06/08/167641.html","title":"等身大の冒険生活をシミュレートする『Outward 2』オープンベータトレイラー公開【PC Gaming Show 2026】"}],"entities":{"anime_titles":[],"manga_titles":[],"work_titles":["Outward 2"],"studios":["Nine Dots Studio"],"people":[],"type":"announcement","domain":"games","is_roundup":false},"keyFacts":["Nine Dots Studio announced the open beta for 'Outward 2' during the PC Gaming Show 2026 on June 8.","The early access version of 'Outward 2' launches on July 7, 2026, on Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG.com.","'Outward 2' is an action RPG where players control ordinary people surviving in the harsh world of Aurai, with enhanced character creation and growth systems.","The game supports local and online two-player co-op, and features environmental effects tied to seasonal changes, backpack weight management, and ritualistic magic casting.","A community contest called '#ExploreAurai' is accepting screenshots and videos from the beta version, with winners receiving two early access keys."]}