The articlegameplay, story, development, reception
Gameplay
Outbound is a cozy open-world adventure game set in an utopian future. 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. Players can craft items, gather resources, unlock blueprints and complete objectives. After completing the in-game tutorial, co-operative gameplay with up to four players is also supported.
Development
Developer Square Glade Games is based in the Netherlands. The reveal trailer for the game was first shown in February 2024. 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. Versions were also later announced for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.
In February 2026, a demo was released for Windows via Steam. In March, demos were released for the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Reception
Outbound received "mixed or average" reviews from critics, according to review aggregator site Metacritic. Fellow review aggregator OpenCritic assessed that the game received weak approval, being recommended by 26% of critics.
Destructoid rated it 6/10, and wrote that it "nails atmosphere and customization, but struggles to keep its open world engaging." PC Games rated the game 8/10 and describes that it provides "a good mix of discovery, crafting, and building." Nintendo Life rated it 7/10 and praised the exploration and gameplay loop.
