The character backgrounds in The Outer Worlds 2 are more important than you think. Although this decision won’t make or break your game, it can help you role-play as a trigger-happy maniac, annoying science dork, or complete dunce. You wouldn’t want to miss out on that experience, would you?
Here’s what to expect from The Outer Worlds 2 character backgrounds and how to find the best background to match your playstyle.
The best backgrounds in The Outer Worlds 2
Let’s start by saying there’s no such thing as a “good” or a “bad” background in The Outer Worlds 2. Character backgrounds are predominantly a role-playing feature to give your character special dialogue options; they won’t impact the gameplay in any major way (unlike skills and perks, for example). There are a few background-related checks, but these are very rare and won’t be essential to reach important loot or quest outcomes.
That said, some character backgrounds might be a better fit for the type of character you wish to play than others. Here’s an overview of every background in The Outer Worlds 2 and the type of dialogue to expect from them:
- Ex-convict: Don’t care about the law? The ex-convict is always willing to go rogue, steal things, and threaten a few people. If your character lacks a moral compass, the ex-convict is the best background to match your villainy.
- Gambler: If you laugh in the face of danger, perhaps the Gambler is the best background for you. The Gambler is prone to risk-taking and may sound a bit opportunistic at times.
- Lawbringer: Want to be an extraterrestrial police officer? The Lawbringer is all about justice and rules. It’s the best choice for “good” characters and Earth Directorate fans who just love telling others how to behave.
- Professor: If you’d like to sound smart and scholarly, bordering on being a know-it-all, this background is for you. You may uncover some extra lore here and there, and you’ll fit right in with the academic faction.
- Renegade: A bit similar to the ex-convict, but more aggressive. Act like the toughest agent in space, brag about kills, casually mention your desire to blow stuff up… You get the idea.
- Roustabout: Arguably the funniest character background in The Outer Worlds 2. The Roustabout doesn’t know what they’re doing or why, so you won’t uncover any obscure lore or intimidate an NPC anytime soon, but do consider this background for the most ridiculous dialogue lines.
Keep in mind that you’re never forced to pick a dialogue option linked to your chosen background. If you’ve chosen Renegade, for example, but decide to change your ways mid-game, you can avoid every Renegade dialogue line from that moment onward.
Although you can respec skills following the prologue, you can’t change your background after the initial character creation in The Outer Worlds 2, so you have to stick with your choice for the remainder of the game.
For more help on your Arcadia adventure, check out our Outer Worlds 2 beginner guide and recommendations for the best skills and best perks. Make sure to recruit companions like Tristan to spice up your journey! Don’t forget to check out our interactive maps to help you navigate your way through space.
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Author: 360 Technology Group
