Outriders Score: Looter Shooter with a Story Focus
In the crowded landscape of looter shooters, Outriders stands out not just for its explosive combat and deep RPG mechanics but also for its surprisingly strong narrative focus. Developed by People Can Fly and published by Square Enix, the game blends the addictive loot-driven gameplay of titles like Destiny and Borderlands with a dark, cinematic story that feels more akin to a single-player RPG. While it may not have reached the same level of mainstream success as its competitors, Outriders delivers a unique experience that deserves recognition—especially for players who crave both satisfying gunplay and a compelling narrative.
A Story Worth Fighting For
Unlike many looter shooters, where the plot often takes a backseat to grinding for gear, Outriders places its story front and center. The game opens with humanity’s desperate escape from a dying Earth, as colonists land on the hostile planet Enoch in search of a new home. However, things quickly go wrong when an energy storm known as the Anomaly mutates both the environment and some of the survivors, granting them supernatural powers—turning them into "Altered."
Players take on the role of an Outrider, a soldier left for dead after a brutal battle, only to awaken years later with newfound abilities. The narrative is gritty, filled with political intrigue, betrayal, and moral ambiguity. The writing isn’t afraid to delve into darker themes, and while some dialogue can feel melodramatic, the overall story is engaging enough to keep players invested. Supporting characters, like the ruthless Shira or the enigmatic Jakub, add depth to the world, making Enoch feel like a place with real stakes.
Looter Shooter Mechanics with an RPG Soul
At its core, Outriders follows the familiar looter shooter formula: players engage in fast-paced combat, collect progressively stronger gear, and customize their builds to maximize efficiency. However, the game distinguishes itself with its class system and skill-based progression.
There are four distinct classes—Pyromancer, Trickster, Devastator, and Technomancer—each offering unique playstyles. Unlike many games in the genre, where abilities are secondary to gunplay, Outriders encourages players to rely on their powers just as much as their weapons. The Pyromancer burns enemies with fire attacks, the Trickster manipulates time and space, the Devastator crushes foes with seismic force, and the Technomancer provides long-range support with gadgets and drones.
The loot system is also well-designed, with gear that directly modifies abilities and playstyles. Legendary weapons and armor come with game-changing perks, allowing for deep build customization. While the endgame grind isn’t as expansive as Destiny 2’s, the Expeditions (high-difficulty missions) provide a satisfying challenge for those looking to push their builds to the limit.
Where Outriders Stumbles
Despite its strengths, Outriders isn’t without flaws. At launch, the game suffered from server instability, frustrating bugs, and balance issues that hampered the experience. While many of these problems have been patched, some players may still encounter occasional jank in movement and cover mechanics.
Additionally, while the story is engaging, the mission structure can feel repetitive. Many side quests boil down to "go here, kill enemies, collect item," which may disappoint those expecting more variety. The endgame, while fun, lacks the evolving content of live-service games, meaning hardcore players might run out of things to do faster than expected.
Final Verdict: A Refreshing Take on the Genre
Outriders succeeds by merging the best elements of looter shooters and story-driven RPGs. Its dark, cinematic narrative sets it apart from competitors, while its deep class customization and rewarding loot system keep the gameplay loop addictive. Though it may not have the longevity of a live-service giant like Destiny, it offers a complete, satisfying experience for those who prefer a game with a definitive beginning, middle, and end.
For players tired of endless grinding with little narrative payoff, Outriders is a breath of fresh air—a looter shooter that remembers the importance of a good story.
Score: 8/10 – A compelling blend of action and storytelling that carves its own niche in the genre.
