‘Outer Worlds 2’ Inventory System Creates Paradox of Choice, Player Reports
A hands-on preview of The Outer Worlds 2 reveals a potentially frustrating paradox for players: an abundance of loot that actively detracts from enjoyment. The player, writing for Kotaku, amassed a staggering 142 weapons, 110 pieces of armor, and 98 helmets during their playthrough, many of which were duplicates. This overwhelming inventory led to inaction, with unique items and vendor-exclusive content remaining unused.
The core issue isn’t a lack of content, but rather the lack of consequences for hoarding. The player noted possessing seven identical uniforms and ultimately choosing to stick with a single, amusing helmet and robes for the entirety of the game simply because engaging with alternatives felt burdensome. They also bypassed a vendor’s unique inventory,including helmets that alter the game’s graphics to pixel art,due to a reluctance to learn the function of each item. this experience highlights a potential design flaw where the freedom to collect overshadows the desire to experiment and optimize.
The player suggests a potential solution: implementing mechanics that treat excessive hoarding as a negative trait. This could include reduced vendor prices or an increased chance of finding pre-modified gear, incentivizing players to curate their inventory and actively engage with the game’s systems. the experience underscores a growing trend in RPGs-the tension between player agency and meaningful decision-making within expansive loot systems-and could inform design choices for future titles in the genre.
