Outbound

About Outbound

Outbound is a cozy survival simulator where you build and manage a mobile off-grid home. Developed by Square Glade Games and released on June 30, 2026, it blends resource management with exploration. Play on PC, Xbox, PS5, or Switch. The game tasks you with crafting workstations, harvesting solar/wind/water energy, upgrading vehicles, and growing crops. Set in a near-future world, it emphasizes sustainability. Single-player and co-op modes let you tackle challenges solo or with friends. The focus is on self-sufficiency, automation, and creativity in a colorful, open environment. No combat or pressure, just managing systems to thrive on wheels.

Gameplay

In Outbound, you start by designing your mobile base, placing solar panels, wind turbines, or hydro generators to power it. Each vehicle has a chassis you can upgrade for durability and speed. You grow crops in portable farms, automate production chains using scripts, and gather resources like scrap metal or rare minerals during exploration. Missions pop up to trade with settlements or fix broken systems. Controls are click-and-drag for building, with a radial menu for upgrades. Sessions often involve balancing energy needs, expanding storage, and navigating terrain to find new resources. Multiplayer allows shared vehicles and split responsibilities. The pace is methodical, more puzzle-solving than action.

What Players Think

Outbound holds a 4.1/5 PlayPile rating, with 82% of players completing the base story. Average playtime is 123 hours, and 45% of users own all 120 achievements. Metacritic scores it 4.3/5. Community moods are overwhelmingly calm (89%) and creative (76%), with 63% reporting pride in their builds. One user wrote, “Finally a sim that feels relaxing without being boring. The automation is so satisfying.” A critic noted, “The vehicle customization and renewable energy systems feel fresh, but the lack of weather effects is a missed opportunity.” 68% of players on PC and 72% on Switch say it’s “worth the price,” citing the $39.99 MSRP.

PlayPile's Take

Outbound works best for fans of slow-burn management games. The $39.99 price tag matches its depth, but the 123-hour average playtime may test patience for casual players. With 45% of users earning achievements, it’s rewarding for those who enjoy optimizing systems. Avoid if you prefer action or fast pacing. The multiplayer is a solid addition, but solo play remains the most engaging. It’s a strong entry in the simulator genre, offering creativity without pressure. Not impressive, but polished and satisfying for its niche.

Storyline

Build your own home on wheels and live sustainably off-grid in this cozy survival game set in the near-future!