While they both sit under the Microsoft umbrella, Obsidian is setting itself up to rival Bethesda with its Skyrim-inspired action RPG, Avowed, which is set to release in just a few weeks. Before then, it’s well worth checking out the studio’s earlier Fallout-inspired game, The Outer Worlds, which is completely free for Prime Gaming subscribers.
So what makes The Outer Worlds worth playing? Well, like many of the best RPG games, part of its appeal lies in its immersive world (or indeed worlds). You don’t explore one big map, and instead hop between a variety of different planets, ranging from beautiful natural expanses to cold, barren hellscapes.
It all takes place against the backdrop of a dystopian future, too, blending that traditional sense of hopelessness with witty gallows humor that’s often genuinely funny. That’s not to say it doesn’t take itself seriously when it needs to, however.
In our Outer Worlds review, Dustin Baily said, “Much like the potential rewards from a life at the edge of the galaxy… despite some hardships along the way The Outer Worlds is a journey worth undertaking.” The aforementioned hardships primarily take the form of bugs (some of which have been patched out in the years since) and some overly long dialogue trees that drag on a little if you just want to be out blasting aliens and robots.
The combat is quite different from what you’d find in Obsidian’s ever-iconic Fallout: New Vegas (and the series at large), though, as there’s a much larger focus on precision aiming (although you can slow down time to make it easier). For some players, especially those who love FPS games, this may be something of a welcome change, but I’m sure others might find it harder to master.
The Outer Worlds isn’t the only game you can get for free right now, either. Here’s a list of highlights from this month’s Prime Gaming free game offerings:
- The Outer Worlds
- Ender Lillies
- Blood West
- Bioshock 2: Remastered
- Super Meat Boy Forever
They’re each available for different lengths of time, but The Outer Worlds is only available until Wednesday, March 5, 2025. It is unknown when, or if, it’ll make a reappearance, so if you want to get it, do so now. Even if you just use a Prime free trial, the game will be yours to keep.
Aside from Avowed, The Outer Worlds 2 release date is expected later this year so you might want to get caught up before then. Meanwhile, if you’re after more recommendations to keep you occupied while you wait for the new PC games of 2025, read our list of the best space games.
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