The Outer Worlds 2 Is Microsoft's First Confirmed $80 Game

Microsoft has confirmed The Outer Worlds 2 costs $79.99 in the U.S. — it's the first Xbox Game Studios game to make the jump.

The Steam page for Obsidian’s role-playing sequel revealed the $80 figure for the standard edition. Microsoft had confirmed it would follow Nintendo’s lead and make the jump with its games in time for the holiday season. It seems The Outer Worlds 2 will kick off this new Xbox video game pricing structure when it comes out on October 29, 2025.

Explaining the price-hike decision in May, Microsoft told IGN: “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.”

Much of the industry has been discussing and gradually implementing price increases in recent years, with AAA game prices jumping from $60 to $70 in just the last five years, and Nintendo going with $80 for Switch 2 exclusive Mario Kart World and some other Switch 2 Edition games.

Given The Outer Worlds 2 costs $80, we can assume the just-announced Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will too, although it doesn’t have a release date yet. 2026’s Gears of War: E-Day, the new Fable, and the next Forza will surely also cost $80.

For more, check out everything announced at Xbox Games Showcase June 2025.

Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.