What exactly are traits in The Outer Worlds 2? Unlike the previous game’s attributes, this installment introduces a new system of personality traits. These can be both positive and negative, significantly impacting your character and how you interact with the vibrant Arcadia system.
As you plan your journey as an Earth Directorate agent, remember to consider your background, skills, and, of course, your chosen traits. These personality-defining elements are selected at the start of your RPG adventure and will influence your decisions and dialogue options throughout the game. Interestingly, negative traits aren’t just hindrances; they can also open up unique opportunities.
The Outer Worlds 2 Traits Explained
Just like your other significant decisions, it’s crucial to remember that there’s no respec option for your traits in The Outer Worlds 2. Therefore, careful consideration is key when making your selections. Should you acquire two positive traits during your playthrough, the game will present you with a choice of three negative traits. It’s important to distinguish these from typical flaws; unlike flaws, these negative traits offer no inherent benefits, presenting a pure trade-off.
These impactful negative traits become available when certain in-game conditions are met, providing powerful effects at a cost. Be wary, though: some of these options are so detrimental that the game itself advises against choosing them for your initial playthrough. Exercise caution before embracing any negative traits!
Here’s a list of all the Outer Worlds 2 positive traits:
- Brawny: You’re able to perform great feats of strength. In combat, you’re an unstoppable force.
- Sliding or sprinting into hostiles will knock them down. Cooldown is five seconds.
- Brilliant: You’re intelligent, able to easily solve problems, and more easily pick up new skills.
- During skill selection, specialize in one additional skill. Specialized skills start with two points.
- Heroic: Others tend to naturally follow and look up to you.
- -20% Companion Ability Charge Time.
- Lucky: You’re lucky, things tend to go your way.
- +5% Critical Chance.
- Certain opportunities are accessible to just you.
- Nimble: You’re quick and dexterous, able to move more quickly while stealthing and in combat.
- +25% Crouch Speed.
- +25% Combat Sprint Speed.
- Resilient: You can power through even the deadliest of injuries. It requires more than usual to take you down in combat.
- Death is prevented for three seconds the first time you would have died in each combat encounter.
- Innovative: You are inventive and crafty, always able to find unique solutions to complex problems. You’ve found numerous ways to be more efficient when crafting.
- Crafting recipes for ammo, throwables, and resources creates up to twice as many items for the same amount of crafting materials.
- Suave: You have a way with words, getting you discounts at vendors and allowing you to talk your way out of minor crimes.
- 10% discount at all vendors
- Bounty must be two times higher than normal to be seen as an Outlaw.
- Witty: Your quick wit and fun demeanor make you popular with others. People are willing to forgive your past transgressions.
- Your reputation will never drop below neutral, preventing any penalties that you would ordinarily receive from having a negative reputation.
Here’s a list of all Outer Worlds 2 negative traits:
- Abrasive: You’re hard on the ears, and people don’t like talking to you. Others have a hard time accepting you into their communities and organizations.
- Standing with any faction can never increase past Trusted which limits discounts, speech bonuses, and options with factions.
- Dumb: You weren’t recruited for your ability to plan or solve problems. You can’t learn some things.
- During skill selection, lock five of the 12 available skills. Those skills can never have points added to them.
- Sickly: Your body is weak, prone to breaks, scrapes, and illness.
- Injuries and crashes from primers are more likely.
Now that you’re well-acquainted with all The Outer Worlds 2 traits, you can better strategize your character build. For further planning, explore all The Outer Worlds 2 companions and The Outer Worlds 2 factions to decide who will join your crew and which alliances you’ll forge!

