Sorry BG3, but The Outer Worlds 2 handles companion relationships way better
A new benchmark for RPG relationships
When I began playing The Outer Worlds 2, I expected another engaging cast of companions. Obsidian has long been known for building well-developed characters across its games. What surprised me was how this sequel redefined relationship dynamics in RPGs, even surpassing Baldur’s Gate 3 by addressing several of that game’s and the wider genre’s biggest flaws.
Depth over romance
Unlike in many traditional RPGs, there’s no romance mechanic here — no kissing scenes or over-the-top affection. Yet the slower, more deliberate process of getting to know each companion feels more rewarding and organic, generating subtle but meaningful narrative consequences.
Critique of BG3’s approval system
In contrast, Baldur’s Gate 3 relies heavily on its approval system, which often blends genuine friendship with unrelated moral actions. The system makes characters respond positively or negatively to behavior that doesn’t necessarily involve them, creating a strange dissonance between actions and emotional intimacy.
“Watching you do nice or mean things and hearing you say what they want might fit in with their personalities and worldviews, sure, but that’s hardly the basis for moving a friendship into more intimate territory.”
The author humorously notes that simple acts of kindness like helping strangers shouldn’t instantly unlock the deepest layers of a companion’s personality, yet this is how Baldur’s Gate 3 often operates.
Subtle influence on the story
The Outer Worlds 2 rewards curiosity and patience. Gaining a companion’s trust feels less like ticking boxes and more like building a believable relationship, which in turn influences quests and narrative outcomes in less predictable, more human ways.
Author’s summary
By prioritizing genuine emotional development over approval points, The Outer Worlds 2 sets a new emotional and narrative standard for companion relationships in modern RPGs.