Are you curious about whether you can ‘respec’ or reallocate your character’s skill points in The Outer Worlds 2? Most role-playing games offer this flexibility, allowing you to fine-tune your build or correct early mistakes. However, you might find yourself scratching your head looking for this feature in this specific title.
- Can you respec in The Outer Worlds 2?
- When are you able to respec?
- How does this affect leveling your character and companions?
Can You Respec in The Outer Worlds 2?
The concise answer is yes, you *can* respec your character. But there’s a significant catch: you only get one chance, and it happens right at the very beginning of the main campaign.
When Is This Crucial Respec Option Available?
Understanding the respec mechanic in The Outer Worlds 2 is vital. Here’s a breakdown of when and how it occurs:
- Upon starting the game, you’ll initially choose your character’s skills and traits during creation.
- You’ll then proceed through the prologue section, set within Horizon Point Station.
- Following the prologue, a brief cinematic plays where your character is revived by a drone companion named Valerie.
- During this interaction, you’ll be given a unique dialogue option: “[Respec] That’s probably for the best. I do feel a little different.“
Selecting this dialogue choice is your *sole opportunity* to reallocate your character’s skills and traits throughout the entire game. Once you pass this point, the option is gone for good.

How Does This Impact Character and Companion Progression?
The game’s developers have explicitly stated their reasoning behind this decision. Brian Adler, the game director for The Outer Worlds 2, explained in an interview that this approach is designed to reinforce the permanence of player choices, making decisions feel more impactful. This design philosophy has significant implications for your entire playthrough. Without the ability to reallocate points later, every choice you make regarding your character’s quirks and abilities becomes critical. The same careful consideration applies to your companions’ development:
- At every five levels, you’ll choose one of two available companion perks. These passive abilities significantly enhance their combat and utility, and once chosen, they are permanent.
- You’ll also acquire companion mod kits after completing their unique quests. These grant additional benefits, but unlike perks, you *can* freely swap between these available options.
So, there you have it – the definitive guide to respeccing in The Outer Worlds 2. The current system is undeniably restrictive, leaving many hoping for a change from the developers or perhaps the emergence of a community-made mod. Until then, make sure you’re fully prepared for these crucial character-building decisions by consulting our guides on the best skills, best traits, and best flaws.