Outer Wilds

Outer Wilds is an open-world mystery set in a small solar system trapped in an endless time loop. Playing as the newest recruit of Outer Wilds Ventures from the village of Timber Hearth, players pilot a spacecraft between planets, moons, and other celestial bodies to investigate what is happening. Ruins and messages left by the ancient Nomai civilization connect the system’s mysteries, while each discovery is recorded in the ship’s log. Progress comes from learning where to go, when to arrive, and how different locations relate rather than collecting upgrades. Each loop lasts about 22 minutes before the solar system resets, but knowledge gathered during previous expeditions remains useful. Planets change continuously during that period as sand moves between worlds, structures collapse, and hidden routes open or disappear. Players use a translator to read Nomai writing, a signalscope to trace distant transmissions, and a scout launcher to photograph or test dangerous areas. Exploration also requires managing oxygen, fuel, gravity, and environmental hazards while navigating on foot and in zero gravity. The mystery can be approached in different orders, with information found on one planet often revealing how to reach a secret somewhere else.