Discover all the different Backgrounds in the Outer Worlds 2 – how backgrounds influence your build, character, and dialogue in the sequel to the popular RPG The Outer Worlds.
Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, The Outer Worlds 2 continues the series of open world RPG games, featuring first person tactical shooter elements, deep storytelling, and expanded character backgrounds. The sequel is expected to increase your character build depth, story elements, and size of the game with Obsidian Entertainment’s increased budget and resources. The Outer Worlds 2 will also be available on Xbox Series X|S, Playstation 5 and PC. A Premium Edition will be available, offering additional content such as story expansions, digital art books, soundtracks, and early access benefits.
This background list, will showcase all of the backgrounds which have been revealed in the Outer Worlds 2. It’s our hope that you can use this to make the best selection when creating your character.
Updated: This guide has been updated to include all the traits, images of them, and suggestions on thematic builds in the Outer Worlds 2.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to The Outer Worlds 2
- What’s New with The Outer Worlds 2 Backgrounds
- How Backgrounds Work in The Outer Worlds 2
- All Backgrounds in The Outer Worlds 2
- Consider Your New Crew and Companions
Introduction to The Outer Worlds 2
The Outer Worlds 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to Obsidian Entertainment’s acclaimed original game, bringing players back into a universe filled with intrigue, corporate malfeasance, and player-driven stories. This time, you step into the boots of an Earth Directorate agent, tasked with investigating mysterious rifts that threaten the fabric of a new star system. With a renewed focus on player choice, The Outer Worlds 2 promises a deeper, more reactive story where your decisions shape the fate of entire colonies. Whether you’re a returning fan or new to the series, expect a fresh take on the RPG formula, with expanded systems and a galaxy of possibilities to explore.
🪐 Related
- TOW2 Character Creation Guide
- All Outer Worlds 2 Companions
- The Outer Worlds 2 Best Builds
- All Factions in The Outer Worlds 2
What’s New with The Outer Worlds 2 Backgrounds
The Background system in the Outer Worlds 2 differs from the original game in that it’s purely Role-Playing. Meaning, your character starts without a pre-defined class, and the background choice isn’t meant to give you pre-defined stats, skills, etc. While the first Outer Worlds gave direct stat boost with background choice, the Outer Worlds 2 wants your choice to be purely about your characters story and goals.
In the Outer Worlds 2, you aren’t a blank slate with zero information about your origin. You are an Earth Directorate Agent, and you’re sent to investigate Space-Time Rifts. Three major factions all are after power, manipulating, and controlling the Rifts. Your job, and the overarching story is about how you choose to deal with them (rifts and factions).
All of this to say, pick your background based on your overall characters goal within your playthrough. Remember, there are no respecs in The Outer Worlds 2, so if you don’t like your choice, you will be stuck with it after the tutorial and introduction!
How Backgrounds Work in The Outer Worlds 2
During character creation, players choose a background from a list of six choices. Your background defines your character’s history and what they did before becoming a member of the Earth Directorate. You can also customize your character’s appearance, allowing for a unique identity that influences gameplay and storytelling. As a member of the Earth Directorate, you act as sort of a “US Marshall,” expect in space. Sent to clean up various problems, like Skip Drive Rifts.
Unlike the first Outer Worlds, there will be no stat bonuses associated with your choices. Where you see your background play out is in conversations and critical choices and dialogue throughout the game. Players will also select positive and negative traits that further define their character, influencing gameplay and available options. Therefore, pick a background that resonates with you, your character, and your ultimate goal on how to deal with the rifts throughout the system.
Backgrounds are used in a variety of locations and situations during your playthrough, such as conversations and other story checks throughout the world. Your background helps to represent unique experiences you’ve had in your life prior to the game starting and will give you options on how the world reacts to you. Backgrounds can also influence your faction ties, affecting your allegiance and how different groups perceive your character.
All Backgrounds in The Outer Worlds 2
Ex-Convict
Description: You never cared for the Earth Directorate, and they never cared for you. So much so that they decided it would be best for you to spend much (if not all) of the rest of your life behind bars. However, desperate times call for desperate measures, so you accepted a deal to work for them to clear your record. Or escape while they weren’t looking.
The Ex-Convict background is a perfect choice for an Outlaw or space Gunslinger build running from the law. This background would be a good choice if you want to use Aza as your companion, as she has a shady background. However, Tristan, who loves law and order, might not be a good selection as you’re likely to clash.
With this background, you’re likely to use Plasma Pistol weapons or something that gives off the bounty hunter and pistol packing outlaw vibes. There are plenty of weapons to choose from, along with perks and traits to amplify damage even further. Ultimately, you want to create a roleplay character using this background and style a build so it fits the theme of someone avoiding the law.
Gambler
Description: “The Grand Plan.” Hah! You know the universe is run by blind luck and chaos, even if you’ve been riding the winning edge of that chaos for most of your life. Unfortunately, that winning streak came to an end when you lost a bet with an agent who was trying to convince you to utilize your penchant for bucking the odds in the service of the Earth Directorate.
Similar to the Ex-Convict, the Gambler background is also trying to avoid life in prison. However, your means for escaping this fate is by working with the Earth Directorate in a sort of “go to war or go to jail” style deal. As a Gambler, you’re likely going to want to take the Lucky trait which gives you more critical chance but also gives you access to “opportunities.” This trait is likely to spice up your gameplay with random occurrences.
While there are three factions, your primary faction is likely to be Auntie’s Choice. They are concerned about one thing, profits. Therefore, it’s a great faction to align with to maximize your gains, while avoiding any moral dilemma if you choose to play the “bad” path stealing and gambling your way through OW2.
This background and build is likely to play similar to others running from the law though you don’t have to. You could play long range using Marisol and a sniper rifle taking gambles on headshots rather than the poker table.
Lawbringer
Description: After experiencing a youth of hardship and corporate malfeasance, you joined the Earth Directorate, devoting your life to bringing order to colonies in the throes of chaos. Lawbringers are often called upon to respond to threats like corporate invasion in the colonies. You are a champion of the people, whether they want one or not. The law is not to be trifled with, and neither are you.
The Lawbringer is the perfect background for a player wanting a soldier archetype build. This background aligns with the companion Tristan, who is a melee and tank type of character. As a soldier who values law and order, players could use this background with a variety of weapons and explosives. Players can experience the Lawbringer background in both first-person and third-person perspectives, allowing them to see their character in action. Moreover, you could select as the second companion in case healing is needed.
More likely, the player will align with the Protectorate faction, who is the systems authoritarian ruling state. However, you can play whatever style or RP fantasy with the Lawbringer, these are just suggestions.
Professor
Description: You were a prominent voice in your field until your penchant for ‘full contact’ archaeology and your colleagues’ jealousy at your success rate for retrieving artifacts long thought to be lost cost you both your tenure and position. Some say your expertise was honed during years spent aboard a colonist ship, where you studied ancient artifacts in deep space. Fortunately, your talent for dealing with the more unsavory elements of artifact trafficking will serve you well in the Earth Directorate.
The Professor background aligns with the companion Marisol and the Order of the Ascendant faction. Marisol is a deadly assassin who’s also a math wiz and your artifact retrieving expertise could make a deadly combination. However, the antithesis of is who supports a space rift cult. The two in the same party could make for an interesting conversation, having Marisol play burst damage sniper and Aza melee tank aggressive build. Choosing a negative trait like ‘Dumb’ could add an interesting twist to your Professor’s story, affecting how you approach scientific challenges and interact with your companions.
Considering the massive amount of science guns, your build will likely be all about tech. This is a solid background for anyone interested in high-tech science and pushing your knowledge to the limits.
Renegade
Description: You may have lived a life that skirted the laws of any colony you found yourself operating in, but that’s what you were paid for. And definitely not a reason for your unsatisfied previous employers to hunt you down, is it? Joining the Earth Directorate seemed like a great way to solve the problems your ‘work’ history may have caused. Renegades often possess negative traits that influence their interactions and decisions, unlocking unique approaches and gameplay mechanics.
Naturally, the Renegade is a perfect “bad” type of background that is all about thwarting the power structure. If you wanted to play a ruthless mercenary, focus on Auntie’s Choice, a profit-driven megacorporation that seeks to harness the rifts to control trade routes and expand its influence. They value profits above all else and this cut throat business oriented faction would be a perfect fit to help out. Moreover, consider avoiding the companion Tristan who’s not likely to enjoy chaos instead of order.
For companion choices, Niles and Val would be a good combination. They are somewhat of a blank slate and can be influence in any direction. Aza tool could compliment your background as ruthless, and anti-authority.
Roustabout
Description: You’re not quite sure what happened. You simply wanted to find a job that used your particular set of skills. Which would be ‘none.’ Yet, one accidental death of a well-known villain later, you’re now known as a gunslinging Earth Directorate agent not to be trifled with. You often find yourself wondering if this ‘Earth Directorate’ has any good cashier openings.
For any Gunslinger build or space cowboy type, the Roustabout is the go-to choice. This background is perfect for those who want to embody the classic space cowboys archetype – agents who act as space marshals, fixing problems and maintaining order in the sci-fi universe. With a variety of weapons, including plasma pistols, the Roustabout is the Han Solo background in the Outer Worlds 2. For faction choices, Auntie’s Choice would be ideal because they are all about capitalism, profits, and buying their way to solving problems.
Selecting positive traits can further enhance the Roustabout’s effectiveness in combat and problem-solving. Focusing on positive traits and attributes gives the Roustabout an edge in challenging situations, making your character more resilient and versatile.
For companion choice, you could make a mercenary team centered around being a cowboy (in space of course). Aza for melee and aggressive gameplay, while Inez heals in the back playing at mid-range. You, the gunslinger, could play medium to close range with Pistols, Shotguns, and even melee weapons.
Consider Your New Crew and Companions
The Outer Worlds 2 introduces a fresh roster of companions, each with their own unique traits, backgrounds, and personal goals. As you recruit these new crew members, you’ll have the opportunity to influence their development, shape their stories, and even determine their fate. Every companion brings something different to your journey, from specialized skills to distinct personalities, and their ambitions are closely tied to your choices as an Earth Directorate agent. The dynamic between you and your crew adds depth to the narrative, ensuring that your actions have meaningful consequences not just for the galaxy, but for the people who travel alongside you.
FAQs – Backgrounds in Outer Worlds 2
Can you change your background later in the game?
No, your background is fixed once selected during character creation. The Outer Worlds 2 doesn’t have respec or reroll so be careful on your selection!
Do backgrounds affect faction alignment or quest paths?
In some cases, yes. Certain NPCs react to backgrounds with unique dialogue.
Are backgrounds purely cosmetic?
Yes and no, backgrounds do not provide stat bonuses in The Outer Worlds 2 but they do however influence dialogue. Therefore, you can safely select a background based on Role-Play not min-max progression at end-game.
Can companions have backgrounds?
Each companions has pre-selected lore-based backstories that act like backgrounds.
Dive Into The Outer Worlds 2!
Check the links below to browse more guides and builds for The Outer Worlds 2:
