Zen and the Art of Van Maintenance Meets Firewatch in the Cozy Survival Sim Outbound: A Relaxing Adventure
There's a game that truly captivates me, called The Long Dark (https://kotaku.com/the-long-dark-is-boring-and-thats-why-its-great-1775860048). It's an intense survival sim that challenges you to battle the elements in the wild. You can face starvation, freezing temperatures, or even a pack of wild wolves. The game's atmosphere is oppressive and foreboding, setting it apart from many others. Now, imagine a cozy sim version of that, and you'll get a sense of what Outbound is all about.
I had the pleasure of playing the Steam Next Fest demo for Outbound, a campervan-driving survival game developed by Square Glade Games. It's like The Long Dark, but with a Pixar twist! These games share essential elements: crafting, scavenging for food, a casual approach to navigation, and the loneliness of surviving in a world abandoned by others. However, Outbound takes a different approach.
Outbound is the opposite of The Long Dark in many ways. You'll get hungry, but you won't starve; you'll just pass out. The world lacks human interaction, but you can make friends with adorable animals instead. And get this: you can't even run them over with your campervan! I tried, believe me. The game introduces friction, but it's not out to make you fail. That's what I loved about my time with Outbound.
The demo is one of the most popular during Steam Next Fest, and it's easy to see why. Outbound offers a breezy experience, focusing on survival without the constant fear of death. There's no single right way to play, as the game encourages you to enjoy the journey. You're not assigned specific goals; prompts might guide you to new schematics or locations, but it's all optional. Outbound won't judge your playstyle, as there's no inherent right or wrong way to play.
Despite its simplicity, Outbound offers a plethora of silly systems to interact with. You can build a grand house, start a farm, or even gather a friendly army of bunnies by feeding them berries. These mechanics are user-friendly and incredibly forgiving. Whether you want to munch on wild mushrooms and relax by a fire with your dog or simply watch the sunset, Outbound accommodates your preferences. No wolves will tear you apart, and you can pet the cute bunnies, embracing the peaceful outdoor vibes.
Some reviews have criticized Outbound for being 'cozyslop,' but I feel for those who missed the point. Do we always need a deep endgame or a grand goal? Does every game have to have a destination? If you approach Outbound expecting a Dark Souls-Burnout hybrid, you'll be disappointed. But if you embrace it as a Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance meets Firewatch, you'll find a relaxing game about doing nothing in particular. I can't wait to cozy-friend-slopmaxx during the full release, set for before summer 2026.
