
Prepare for an explosive journey into the unforgiving world of Enoch, a hostile planet teeming with danger and intrigue, where humanity’s last hope rests on your shoulders as an Outrider. This loot-driven third-person shooter RPG from People Can Fly (known for Gears of War Judgment and Bulletstorm) throws you into a conflict against monstrous creatures and rogue factions battling for control of precious resources.
Outriders isn’t simply about blasting through hordes of enemies – though let’s be honest, that’s undeniably fun! The game intricately weaves together compelling storytelling, deeply customizable character progression, and intense cooperative gameplay to deliver an experience unlike any other in the genre.
The Story: Humanity’s Last Gamble on a Hostile World
Enoch promised a fresh start for humanity after Earth became ravaged by ecological disasters. This seemingly idyllic planet, though, harbors secrets far darker than anyone anticipated. A mysterious anomaly known as “The Anomaly” transforms the planet and its inhabitants into twisted beings called Altered. As an Outrider – one of the elite explorers sent ahead to scout and prepare Enoch for colonization – you find yourself caught in the crossfire of a brewing conflict.
Your squad, known as “The Outriders,” is tasked with stabilizing the situation and securing resources for the arriving colonists. However, things take a sharp turn when The Anomaly unleashes devastating effects, leaving you presumed dead. You awaken years later, gifted with newfound Altered powers, but facing a world fractured by conflict.
Choosing Your Path: Four Unique Classes With Distinct Playstyles
Outriders offers four distinct classes, each catering to different playstyles and offering unique abilities and gameplay mechanics.
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The Trickster: Masters of time manipulation, Tricksters can teleport short distances, slow down enemies, and unleash devastating temporal blasts. They are ideal for players who prefer a fast-paced, aggressive approach.
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The Pyromancer: Wielding the power of fire, Pyromancers incinerate their foes with fiery projectiles, explosions, and devastating waves of heat. They excel at AoE damage and controlling crowds of enemies.
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The Devastator: Unstoppable forces of nature, Devastators use earth-shattering powers to crush their opponents. Their abilities focus on close-range combat, tanking, and crowd control.
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The Technomancer: Commanders of technology, Technomancers summon turrets, rockets, and energy shields to support themselves and their allies. They excel at long-range damage and battlefield control.
A Deep Dive into Customization: Crafting Your Ultimate Outrider
Outriders encourages experimentation with a robust skill tree system that allows you to fine-tune your character’s abilities and playstyle. As you level up, you earn Skill Points to unlock and upgrade class-specific skills.
Class | Primary Strengths |
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Trickster | Mobility, Single Target Damage, Crowd Control |
Pyromancer | AoE Damage, Fire Buildup, Burst Damage |
Devastator | Tanking, Close-Range Combat, Area Denial |
Technomancer | Long-Range Support, Turret Placement, Buffing Allies |
Beyond skills, the game features a deep loot system with numerous weapon variants, armor sets, and mods. Weapons come in various categories (Assault Rifles, Sniper Rifles, Shotguns, etc.) each with unique stats and effects. Mods further customize weapons, adding elemental damage, increased critical chance, or special abilities.
Armor offers protection, boosts character stats, and grants set bonuses for equipping specific pieces together.
Cooperative Gameplay: Facing the Apocalypse Together
Outriders thrives on cooperative play, allowing you to team up with up to two other players in online co-op mode. Teamwork is crucial, as each class brings unique strengths to the battlefield. Strategizing, coordinating attacks, and utilizing your combined abilities are essential for overcoming challenging encounters.
The game features a variety of missions, ranging from story-driven quests to side missions that offer additional loot and experience. World events add a dynamic element to the gameplay, requiring players to react quickly and work together to complete objectives before time runs out.
A Visually Stunning Experience: The World of Enoch Comes Alive
Outriders boasts impressive graphics and detailed environments that immerse you in the world of Enoch. From towering structures ravaged by The Anomaly to vast deserts teeming with dangerous creatures, the game’s visuals capture a sense of desolate beauty and impending danger.
The character designs are equally captivating, showcasing the unique transformations brought on by The Anomaly. Enemies range from mutated humanoids to monstrous creatures that embody the chaotic forces at play.
Embrace the Grind: Loot and Progression are Key
Outriders is a game that rewards players who put in the time and effort. The loot system encourages grinding for better gear, experimenting with different builds, and pushing yourself through increasingly challenging content.
As you progress, you’ll unlock higher difficulty levels, offering greater rewards but demanding more strategic planning and coordinated teamwork. This addictive loop of collecting loot, upgrading your character, and facing new challenges is a hallmark of the genre and what keeps players coming back for more.
Final Verdict: A Thrilling Ride Through a Hostile World
Outriders delivers an intense and rewarding third-person shooter RPG experience that will appeal to both seasoned veterans and newcomers to the genre. Its compelling story, deep customization options, and focus on cooperative gameplay make it a standout title. While it may require some patience in mastering its mechanics and navigating its sometimes complex loot system, the rewards are well worth the effort.
Prepare yourself for a wild ride through Enoch—a world of unrelenting danger, unimaginable power, and the struggle for survival.