The release date of The Outer Worlds 2 was recently confirmed to be October 29, 2025, making it an exciting addition to the optional The Outer Worlds sci-fi series and RPGs. It will be sold at a price of 79.99$, which makes it the first title from Xbox Game Studios to use the new 80$ pricing model from Microsoft. The price was seen first on the Steam page of the product and later on confirmed by Microsoft themselves. This is rather a sign that the company is changing the way flagship titles are sold.

May 1 Announcement: Pricing Changes Incoming

This move follows Microsoft’s May 1, 2025 announcement, where it revealed price adjustments for consoles, controllers, and upcoming first-party games. The company stated:

We understand that these changes are challenging, and they were made with careful consideration given market conditions and the rising cost of development. Looking ahead, we continue to focus on offering more ways to play more games across any screen and ensuring value for Xbox players.

                  

In the same announcement, Microsoft also highlighted the continued support for Xbox Play Anywhere, meaning digital game purchases on the Xbox Store allow play on both console and PC at no extra cost.

Game Pass Still Softens the Blow

While $79.99 may be a tough pill to swallow for some, The Outer Worlds 2 will launch day one on Game Pass. For subscribers, that means access to the full game without paying the full retail price.

A Growing Industry Trend

Microsoft isn’t alone in making this move. Nintendo has already priced some of its Switch 2 exclusives, like Mario Kart World, at $79.99. Across the industry, development costs are soaring, and major publishers are following suit. As Microsoft sets the tone with The Outer Worlds 2, it’s safe to assume future heavy-hitters like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Gears of War: E-Day, Fable, and the next Forza will also carry the $80 price tag.

The $80 Era 

Love it or hate it, the $80 game era for Xbox is officially here and The Outer Worlds 2 is leading the charge. With Game Pass cushioning the cost for many players and Xbox Play Anywhere adding extra value, Microsoft is betting big on a pricing structure that reflects modern development realities.