In a move that’s caught fans by surprise, Microsoft has reversed its decision to price The Outer Worlds 2 at $79.99, confirming the game will now launch at the standard $69.99 USD on October 29, 2025. Originally positioned as the first Xbox Game Studios title to jump to a new premium tier, the change reflects Microsoft’s decision to “align with current market conditions,” per sources at Windows Central.
Why the reversal?
Industry analysts suggest pre-order hesitancy and consumer feedback led to the price drop. Microsoft had previously cited rising development costs as the reason for the $79.99 model—mirroring the trend started by other publishers like Sony—but is now holding back.
Obsidian chimed in with its trademark wit:
“We’ve received your SOS via skip drone about the pricing. While this won’t bring peace to the galaxy—or even your local colony—we assure you we’ll fight for all colonies in every way possible,” the studio wrote on X.
Platforms and availability
The Outer Worlds 2 will launch on:
- Xbox Series X|S
- PC (Windows)
- PlayStation 5
- Day-one access on Xbox Game Pass
No deluxe or collector’s editions have been priced above the $69.99 threshold (as of July 2025), and digital pre-orders will reflect the updated pricing shortly.
What about future Xbox games?
The big question now: Is $69.99 here to stay for first-party Xbox titles? Microsoft hasn’t committed either way, and games like Fable, Gears of War: E-Day, and DOOM: The Dark Ages could still test the waters with different pricing models.
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