Curious about the new trait system in The Outer Worlds 2? Unlike the first game’s attributes, this sequel introduces dynamic personality traits – both beneficial and challenging – that profoundly influence your character’s abilities and social interactions across the vast Arcadia system.
As you envision your perfect Earth Directorate agent, remember that your chosen background, skills, and these crucial traits will define your adventure. In The Outer Worlds 2, traits are selected at the very start of your RPG journey alongside your background, directly impacting your dialogue options and in-game choices. While positive traits offer clear advantages, negative traits can introduce intriguing obstacles, and sometimes even unexpected opportunities.
Just like your other crucial character-building decisions, there’s no going back once you’ve chosen your traits in The Outer Worlds 2. Therefore, careful consideration is key! If you acquire two positive traits during your playthrough, the game will present you with three negative traits to choose from. It’s important to understand that these negative traits are distinct from the game’s ‘flaws’ – they don’t offer any inherent benefits or trade-offs, purely disadvantages.
Beyond initial selection, negative traits can also be offered to you when certain in-game requirements are met. These can sometimes come with powerful effects, but often with a significant cost. Be especially wary, as some of the available negative traits are so impactful that the game itself might advise against choosing them during your initial journey. Proceed with caution before embracing any of these detrimental attributes!
All The Outer Worlds 2 Traits Explained
Here’s a comprehensive look at all the positive traits we’ve discovered in The Outer Worlds 2:
- Brawny: You possess immense strength, making you an unstoppable force in combat.
- Sliding or sprinting into enemies will knock them down. This effect has a five-second cooldown.
- Brilliant: You are exceptionally intelligent, effortlessly solving problems and quickly acquiring new skills.
- During skill selection, you can specialize in one additional skill. Specialized skills begin with two points.
- Heroic: Others naturally gravitate towards you, recognizing your leadership qualities.
- Companion Ability Charge Time is reduced by 20%.
- Lucky: Fortune favors you, and things often go your way.
- You gain a +5% Critical Chance.
- Certain unique opportunities are accessible only to you.
- Nimble: Your quickness and dexterity allow for faster movement both in stealth and in combat.
- You gain +25% Crouch Speed.
- You gain +25% Combat Sprint Speed.
- Resilient: You can endure even the most grievous wounds, proving exceptionally difficult to defeat in battle.
- The first time you would die in each combat encounter, death is prevented for three seconds.
- Innovative: You are inventive and resourceful, always finding clever solutions to complex problems, especially when crafting.
- Crafting recipes for ammo, throwables, and resources yield up to twice as many items using the same materials.
- Suave: Your charming demeanor grants you discounts at vendors and helps you talk your way out of minor legal troubles.
- You receive a 10% discount at all vendors.
- Your bounty must be twice as high as normal to be considered an Outlaw.
- Witty: Your sharp wit and pleasant disposition make you popular, causing people to overlook your past missteps.
- Your reputation will never fall below neutral, preventing any penalties typically associated with a negative reputation.
Now, for the challenges! Here’s a rundown of all the negative traits you might encounter in The Outer Worlds 2:
- Abrasive: Your unpleasant manner makes people reluctant to talk to you. Others struggle to accept you into their communities and organizations.
- Your standing with any faction can never increase beyond ‘Trusted,’ limiting potential discounts, speech bonuses, and faction options.
- Dumb: You weren’t recruited for your intellect or problem-solving skills, and some things are simply beyond your comprehension.
- During skill selection, five of the twelve available skills are locked and can never have points added to them.
- Sickly: Your body is frail and prone to injuries, scrapes, and illness.
- Injuries and crashes from primers are more likely to occur.
With this knowledge of The Outer Worlds 2 traits, you’re well-equipped to forge your unique path. Don’t forget to consider your choices carefully, as they’ll shape your adventure in unexpected ways!

