Outer Worlds Archives

AppWizard

May 25, 2026

We tested Advanced Shader Delivery on the RX 9070 XT in six games — up to 95% improvement in load times and 33 percent faster 1% Low FPS

Advanced Shader Delivery (ASD) significantly reduces load times and improves frame rates in games. In tests across six titles, loading times improved by up to 95%, and certain games showed enhancements in 1% low FPS metrics. ASD allows precompiled shaders to be included with game downloads, preventing shader compilation stutter. Forza Horizon 6 saw load times decrease from 48 seconds to 2 seconds (96% improvement), while The Outer Worlds 2's load time dropped from nearly three minutes to 9 seconds (95% reduction). Ninja Gaiden 4 experienced smoother gameplay with ASD enabled, despite no pre-compilation step. Avowed's load time improved by 78%, reducing the wait by over two minutes. Hogwarts Legacy had a 56% reduction in load time, while Silent Hill f did not benefit from ASD in terms of load times but still faced shader compilation stutters.

AppWizard

May 20, 2026

Jurassic World Evolution 3 and The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition Headline Xbox Game Pass May 2026 Wave 2 Lineup

Microsoft has announced the following games joining Xbox Game Pass from May 20 to June 2, 2026: - Dead Static Drive (May 20) - My Friend Peppa Pig (May 20) - Pigeon Simulator (May 20) - Remnant II (May 20) - Winter Burrow (May 20) - Luna Abyss (May 21) - Escape Simulator (May 26) - Echo Generation 2 (May 27) - The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition (May 27) - Crashout Crew (May 28) - Kabuto Park (May 28) - Final Fantasy VI (June 2) - Jurassic World Evolution 3 (June 2) Additionally, the following titles will leave Xbox Game Pass on May 31: - Against the Storm - Crypt Custodian - Metaphor: ReFantazio - Persona 4 Golden - Spray Paint Simulator Further announcements regarding Game Pass offerings are expected during the Xbox showcase event on June 7.

AppWizard

May 19, 2026

There’s Too Much Good Stuff Coming To Game Pass In May 2026

Xbox is adding new titles to Game Pass in May 2026, including: - Forza Horizon 6 (available May 19) - Dead Static Drive (available May 20) - My Friend Peppa Pig (available May 20) - Pigeon Simulator (available May 20) - Remnant II (available May 20) - Winter Burrow (available May 20) - Luna Abyss (available May 21) - Escape Simulator (available May 26) - Echo Generation 2 (available May 27) - The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition (available May 27) - Crashout Crew (available May 28) - Kabuto Park (available May 28) - Final Fantasy VI (available June 2) - Jurassic World Evolution 3 (available June 2) Remnant II is noted for its acclaim since its launch in 2023, and Kabuto Park has received positive reviews.

AppWizard

May 1, 2026

New ROG Xbox Ally Updates: Docking Improvements, Auto SR Preview, Collective Library, Enhanced Vibration, and More

Six months ago, ASUS and AMD launched the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X in 45 countries, combining Xbox capabilities with Windows 11 in a portable format. Player feedback has led to continual updates, optimizing hundreds of games for handheld play and introducing features like Default Game Profiles and expanded Xbox mode. Recent updates include automatic gameplay transition to TV when docked, support for HDR10 and Variable Refresh Rate on certain docks, a Display Widget for adjusting settings via the Game Bar, improved controller pairing, and the Gamepad Cursor feature for non-controller supported applications. Automatic Super Resolution is now in preview for Xbox Insiders on the ROG Xbox Ally X, enhancing visual quality. The Xbox Wireless Headset now supports Bluetooth LE Audio for reduced latency and improved battery life. The Xbox PC app has been revamped to consolidate games from various storefronts into one library. Over 1,000 PC games are now compatible with handheld play, and features like Default Game Profiles and Advanced Shader Delivery have been introduced. Popular games supporting these features include Ninja Gaiden 4, Grounded 2, and others, with more titles expected in the future.

AppWizard

February 14, 2026

A fraction of the most popular PC games over the past year use hardware-level ray tracing, which is far fewer than I’d predict just 24 months ago

Ray tracing technology has seen a decline in prevalence among popular new game releases as developers prioritize optimized performance due to hardware challenges. In the past year, only a few titles have utilized ray tracing, such as Monster Hunter Wilds for basic reflections and Borderlands 4 using software-based Lumen from Unreal Engine 5. Indie games are increasingly favored for their accessibility and lower development costs, often avoiding high-performance techniques. Unreal Engine 5 has led to a resurgence of software-based ray tracing, though hardware ray tracing can provide better results at the cost of performance. Upcoming titles like Elden Ring: Nightreign and Battlefield 6 have opted out of hardware ray tracing to focus on gameplay performance. Many award-winning games have also chosen not to implement hardware-based ray tracing, emphasizing gameplay experience over graphical fidelity. Despite its reduced prominence, ray tracing remains a valuable tool for enhancing gaming experiences when used thoughtfully. The potential for ray tracing to improve visual storytelling continues as hardware becomes more accessible.

AppWizard

January 22, 2026

January Xbox Update: Xbox Expands to Arm-based PCs, Game Save Sync Indicator, and More

Xbox is introducing updates to enhance gaming experiences, including the Xbox PC app for Arm-based Windows 11 PCs, allowing downloads from the Xbox PC app catalog and access to Xbox Game Pass. A new Game Save Sync Indicator feature provides real-time visibility into cloud save status for seamless gameplay across devices. Xbox has partnered with Hisense and V homeOS to enable cloud gaming on select Smart TVs. The Handheld Compatibility Program highlights games optimized for portable play, with recent additions such as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade. The Xbox Play Anywhere initiative now supports over 1,000 games for cross-platform play, including titles like Abyss DX and Cyberpunk Hacker. The Stream Your Own Game feature allows Xbox Game Pass subscribers to stream from a library of over 1,000 owned games, including Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade. Xbox is reviving retro classics through a collaboration with Antstream Arcade, featuring over 100 titles and community challenges. Support for mouse and keyboard navigation has been expanded to over 230 games, and touch controls are available on cloud. Community feedback is encouraged to shape future developments, and players can join the Xbox Insider Program for early access to new features.

AppWizard

January 8, 2026

With The Outer Worlds 2, Obsidian has finally delivered the RPG that Fallout New Vegas fans have craved for 16 years

The Outer Worlds 2 is a sequel that builds on its predecessor's foundations, featuring impactful decision-making and refined gameplay. Set in a different galaxy, players take on the role of an agent of the Earth Directorate, tasked with investigating catastrophic rifts threatening the galaxy, particularly the Arcadia colony. The game critiques hyper-capitalism while being developed under Microsoft, incorporating satirical elements. Players' choices significantly influence gameplay, with character builds affecting the narrative and challenges faced. The revamped flaws system introduces both positive and negative effects based on player actions, encouraging exploration. The game features expertly crafted quests that intertwine with the main storyline, leading to unique outcomes. Companions add emotional depth to the experience, each with distinct personalities. While initial planets showcase engaging quests, later areas feel less vibrant, and combat lacks depth, often becoming repetitive. The crafting system allows for customization but may not be fully utilized due to the game's ease. Performance is strong, running smoothly on high-end hardware. Overall, The Outer Worlds 2 emphasizes meaningful player choices but reveals a need for improved combat mechanics.

AppWizard

January 4, 2026

‘I’m over making other people really wealthy with my own creations’: Fallout co-creator Tim Cain isn’t interested in making a new IP or a sequel to one of his classic RPGs and, at this point, he’s ‘exasperated with the question’

Tim Cain, the creator of the original Fallout, has been asked about the possibility of developing a new RPG or revisiting the Fallout franchise, as well as sequels to his other games like Arcanum and Temple of Elemental Evil. He has been active in the gaming industry since the 1990s, co-founding Troika Games and contributing to various projects, including Obsidian Entertainment's The Outer Worlds. Recently, he rejoined Obsidian full-time after previously serving as a consultant for The Outer Worlds 2. Currently, he is involved in non-lead design roles for several Obsidian titles and has contributed to games like South Park: The Stick of Truth, Tyranny, and Pillars of Eternity.

AppWizard

January 3, 2026

The Worst Optimized PC Games of 2025

In 2025, several high-profile games have been criticized for poor optimization and disappointing performance. The most poorly optimized titles include: - Rise of the Ronin: The PC version struggles to maintain satisfactory performance at ultra settings, with graphics not meeting system requirements. - Keeper: Built on Unreal Engine 5, it fails to achieve 60 FPS in native 4K at maximum settings, even with a GeForce RTX 5090. - The Outer Worlds 2: Performance drops significantly with ray tracing enabled and requires a CPU with high IPC, only efficiently utilizing four threads. - Borderlands 4: Launched with subpar optimization, performance issues persist despite updates. - Monster Hunter Wilds: Required multiple patches to achieve acceptable frame rates and stability. - Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2: Notable for severe stuttering, one of the worst in recent releases. - Oblivion Remastered: Criticized for poor performance and appears abandoned without necessary fixes.

AppWizard

December 31, 2025

I’m not waiting 5 years for everyone to realize The Outer Worlds 2 is another Obsidian classic—I’m giving it its flowers now

The Outer Worlds 2 is set to release in 2025 and is part of Obsidian Entertainment's lineup, which includes Grounded 2 and Avowed. The game emphasizes character development and player choices, offering a variety of options tailored to individual character builds. Players can invest in a select few of the twelve available skills, fostering a unique gameplay experience. The game features locked doors and terminals that can be accessed through pickpocketing or dialogue options influenced by previous choices. A significant moment in the game involves negotiating a peaceful resolution with the final boss, dependent on the player's speech skill. The consequences of player choices are reflected throughout the game, culminating in a slideshow at the end. While it may not have as many quests and locations as New Vegas, it offers proportional complexity that engages players.