A New Crew for a New Colony: ‘The Outer Worlds 2’ Unveils Its Full Companion Roster

Obsidian Entertainment has always been synonymous with one thing: deep, meaningful companions. From the nuanced, morally ambiguous squad of Fallout: New Vegas to the complex and personal stories of Pillars of Eternity, the developers are masters of creating characters you genuinely want to travel with. The original The Outer Worlds was no different, with a crew of charmingly flawed misfits who gave the game its heart and soul. Now, at Gamescom 2025’s Opening Night Live, Obsidian has given us our first official look at the new crew for the highly anticipated sequel, The Outer Worlds 2.

In a hilarious and action-packed new trailer, the game’s full roster of companions was revealed, each a unique blend of corporate satire and personal quirk. The footage provided a glimpse into their combat styles, their allegiances, and their personalities, all while a snarky narrator reminded us that, in true Obsidian fashion, the choices we make will have a tangible impact on their lives. This article breaks down the six new companions and explains why this crew is a bold step forward for the franchise and for the RPG gaming genre as a whole.

A Crew of Misfits in a New Colony

The trailer introduced us to the new cast of characters who will be joining the player on their journey through the Arcadia colony, a new star system in the grip of a corporate-religious civil war. Each companion is a representative of a different faction, providing a diverse set of perspectives and skills that will be crucial for navigating the game’s complex political landscape. Here is a rundown of the new faces who will be joining your crew:

• Niles: A former Earth Directorate agent with a cybernetic arm, Niles is a master of mechanical repairs and uses a pistol in combat. His personal quest will revolve around deciding whether to recommit to the corporate-controlled Earth Directorate or abandon his past and embrace a new life. He’s the straight man of the group, but with a few dry, witty remarks that make him instantly lovable.
• Valerie: A floating automech support drone, Valerie is a robot who specializes in healing and damage reduction. She is the perfect companion for players who want to take a more defensive approach to combat. The trailer hinted that she is also a member of the Earth Directorate, but her loyalty may be tested as the story progresses. Her clinical, emotionless commentary is a perfect counterpoint to the more chaotic personalities of the other companions.
• Aza: A masked figure from the cult-like faction of “The Glorious Dawn,” Aza is a bloodthirsty assassin who excels in close-quarters combat. The trailer showed her wielding a dagger and using her stealth abilities to take down enemies. She is a fascinating and dangerous character, and her quest will likely focus on whether she can be led away from a life of violence or if she will fully embrace the teachings of her cult.
• Inez: A field medic with biomedical enhancements from the “Auntie’s Choice” company, Inez is a combat healer who survived human experiments. She is seeking revenge and a cure for the animal grafts that were performed on her. Her character arc will be a dark and compelling one, and players will have to decide whether to help her get revenge or lead her down a path of forgiveness.
• Marisol: An assassin and member of the “Order of the Ascendant,” Marisol is a “deadly mathematician” with a unique set of abilities. She appears to be able to absorb an enemy’s essence in the trailer, which suggests she has a more supernatural, sci-fi-based combat style. Her character is a clear nod to the more quirky, bizarre elements of the original game’s lore.
• Tristan: A knight-like figure in shining red armor, Tristan is a member of the “Protectorate” and serves as a “judge, jury, and executioner.” He is a massive tank, wielding a giant hammer and what appear to be laser cannons strapped to his arm. His story will likely focus on the morality of his role and whether the player can help him redefine his own sense of justice.

A Deeper, More Complex Companion System

While the first game introduced us to a memorable crew, The Outer Worlds 2 is going deeper and more complex with its companion system. The developers have stated that the companions are more deeply involved in the main story and that their character arcs can be profoundly influenced by the player’s choices. This promises a higher level of narrative integration and a greater sense of consequence for your actions. The developers have also re-confirmed that, like in the first game, there will be no romance options with companions, a decision that has been met with mixed reactions from the fan base. However, the focus on platonic, meaningful relationships, which was a highlight of the first game, will be a central pillar of the sequel.

With a confirmed release date of October 29, 2025, on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5, The Outer Worlds 2 is poised to be one of the biggest RPG gaming hits of the year. The new companion roster, with its perfect blend of humor, corporate satire, and personal tragedy, is a clear signal that Obsidian is back in top form. The new colony of Arcadia is full of secrets, and with this crew by your side, the adventure is sure to be a wild one.