Outriders takes a familiar loot-hunting loop and drops it on a dying planet, and mostly makes it work. Square Enix’s shooter loots gear and levels up guns across four classes, and the result is a solid if unremarkable trip through the apocalypse.
Trailer, via IGN.
The Loop That Works
The core of Outriders is simple: kill monsters, get loot, improve your weapons. That formula holds up better than expected. Loot drops are generous, and leveling up a gun feels satisfying even when the combat itself starts to repeat.
Combat is competent rather than thrilling. Gunplay is smooth, and the game rewards players who learn enemy patterns and manage resources like health and shields. The four playable classes each offer distinct builds, giving players a reason to return to old areas with a new setup.
The Story Behind It All
The plot follows a group of survivors on Eridem, a world collapsing under a mysterious force. It is serviceable rather than memorable. Characters carry weight, but the writing leans on exposition rather than subtlety. The story exists to move players from checkpoint to checkpoint, not to make them think.
“Outriders is a solid, if unremarkable, trip through the apocalypse.”
That line sums up the whole package. Nothing here breaks new ground, but nothing here drags either.
Performance Across Platforms
Outriders launched on multiple systems, and performance varies by platform. The game runs on Series X|S, PS4, PC and Stadia, and each version handles the same content at different speeds.
- Series X|S delivers the smoothest experience, with fast load times and consistent frame rates.
- PS4 shows its age with slower load times and occasional frame dips during busier fights.
- PC offers the most customization, letting players tweak settings to fit their hardware.
- Stadia performs well in stable connections but suffers when the signal drops.
The multiplayer component adds replay value. Players can team up online or drop in to fight waves together. Co-op play softens the difficulty spikes that solo runs can hit, though the game does not hide its harder encounters.
Where It Falls Short
The campaign is short by modern standards. It does not ask players to grind for hours to see the ending, which is a relief, but it also means there is less content than some similar titles offer.
The difficulty curve is uneven. Some boss fights demand precise positioning and timing, while others feel like quick time events dressed up as challenges. This inconsistency frustrates more than it tests skill.
The world design is adequate but rarely inspiring. Locations repeat their themes across chapters, and the visual variety is thinner than the genre usually offers. Players looking for a sprawling, detailed setting may find themselves disappointed.
What Remains Worth Playing
Despite its flaws, Outriders succeeds at what it sets out to do. The loot loop is strong, the classes offer real choice, and the combat stays engaging enough to keep players coming back for another run. It is not a masterpiece, but it is a well-made shooter that knows its limits.
The multiplayer component extends the life of the game beyond its campaign, and the class system gives players a reason to return with a different build. Those elements alone justify the time spent with it.
Outriders is a solid shooter that never quite reaches greatness. Its strengths are real, its weaknesses are noticeable, and both are easy to see from the first hour. For players who enjoy loot-driven shooters, it offers a decent weekend of entertainment. For anyone chasing a deeper story or a more ambitious design, it will likely feel thin.
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