High On Life 2 vs The Outer Worlds 2
One adds skateboarding to its shooter comedy, the other doubles down on narrative — pick your sequel poison.
Falls short of HoL1's voice-cast peak — HoL2 trades sharper writing for skateboard mechanics, leaving the gunplay split 56/44 among critics.
Obsidian writing is back at full peak — Outer Worlds 2 sharpens what the first game whispered, with companions and corporate satire that finally feel essential.
Steam popularity
High On Life 2
Apr 2026 peak CCU 203 ↓ 78% MoM
All-time peak 2,937
The Outer Worlds 2
Steam Charts hasn't recorded a calendar month yet.
Key differences
Writing quality
High On Life 2's writing is a step back narratively, with critics noting it falls short of the first game's voice-cast peak.
The Outer Worlds 2's writing is back at full peak, with companions and corporate satire feeling essential.
Combat and movement
High On Life 2 trades sharper writing for skateboard mechanics, splitting gunplay critical reception at 56/44.
The Outer Worlds 2's gunplay is a notch behind dedicated shooters of 2025, but its RPG systems shine.
Tone and genre
High On Life 2 leans satirical and dark, with cynical comedy that might repel some players.
The Outer Worlds 2 offers light corporate-dystopia satire that doesn't take itself too seriously.
Which one is for you?
Pick High On Life 2 if
- You finished High on Life 1 and want more Squanch-style absurdism.
- You enjoy Borderlands-style FPS comedy and tolerate uneven gunplay.
- You're curious about a 12-hour shooter with skateboarding traversal.
Pick The Outer Worlds 2 if
- Fallout New Vegas remains your favorite RPG and you've waited for Obsidian.
- Companion writing as a load-bearing system is what you play for.
- Light corporate-dystopia satire is your tonal sweet spot.
Bottom line
Choose The Outer Worlds 2 for essential companions and sharp satire; pick High On Life 2 only if you want skateboarding and more Squanch-style comedy despite weaker writing.