Outward boasts a unique mix of survival mechanics and action combat in the Souls-like style, as we saw during the Twitch streams with Maraichux and represented in our new emotes, in our review, and in our additional guide on how to become a mage. In the early stages of the game, you will be accused of having a debt to your hometown, Cierzo, due to an old “Blood Price” that weighs upon your lineage.
You will have 5 in-game days to avoid being banished from the town and to keep your lighthouse home with the comforts of a couple of free beds, a kitchen, and a chest. But it will only take 30 minutes of your time and my advice.
Lights… camera… Outward action!
Once you have created your Outward character and skipped through a few dialogue windows, you will find yourself stranded on a beach, aimless and without guidance. Don’t waste time wandering around, as there’s nothing noteworthy, but instead, grab the torch ahead of you, follow the shoreline collect a few rags, and talk to Yzan. Sleep for an hour, and you’ll wake up in the lighthouse in Cierzo.
Before leaving, pick up every portable item in the house. The items you can pick up and carry will have a small glowing dot, so you can’t miss them. Don’t forget the backpack, the clothes in the bedroom, the supplies, and the old lantern in the kitchen, and check the chest in front of the entrance door. Head out.
You will now see a crowd of people in front of you, accusing you of being the cause of Cierzo’s misfortunes. Tell them to “go to hell…” by accepting the 5-day deadline to pay the Blood Price imposed by the mayor, Rissa Aberdeen. Paying 150 silver coins is the worst option because it will force you to venture into hostile territory with scarce resources; it’s better to aim for the Tribal Favor (not what you think).
Backpack, weapon, and lantern
Take a moment to look at the town of Cierzo from the top of the lighthouse… break’s over. Head towards the highest building on the right, which is the town hall, and pick up a two-handed axe just before the entrance (ideal for the monsters you’ll face). Go inside, take the first door on the left, go up the stairs, and open the chest in the bedroom. If you’re lucky, you might find some nice clothes and some antidotes. Leave and head to the market square to talk to the Merchant Doran to get 2 bandages and a Nomad’s backpack so you can put the lantern on it; better to have your hands free.
Continue towards the city’s water purifier (open the map with M) and pick up the machete and the waterskin nearby, filling it with drinkable water by holding F.
Keybinding and storage
Before moving on to the final part of this Outward guide, set up your keybindings by replacing (trust me) the TAB key with E, which will be used to target enemies. Remove the special attack from the middle mouse button, unless it’s super convenient for you, and assign it to the left Alt key.
Now, from the Cierzo purifier, return to the central square and head to the dock, passing through the lower walkways towards a door on the cliff. Enter the warehouse and take all the items there, especially those in the pile of decay (you’ll find a helmet) and the pickaxe a little further on. If the lantern in your backpack is off, open the inventory with I, find it, right-click, and turn it on.
The final rush of the guide
Ready to fight? No? Good. Head into the tunnels and move towards the north, where you’ll find an iron vein. Soon after, you’ll have to defeat two Troglodytes: marine monsters armed with harpoons. Drop your backpack with B and target them with E (if you followed my advice, otherwise TAB) and block their attacks with the right mouse button. Attack with a couple of basic hits (left mouse button) and finish them with a special attack using the left Alt key. Keep doing this until they are dead. Try NOT to use the bandage as it will be crucial later.
Outward on GMG
Outward offers an immersive RPG experience with Dark Souls-like battles and the “non-death” feature that leads to new adventures; even with split-screen.
The second Troglodyte will require the same tactics as the first, so you know how to finish it quickly. Once they are dead, head to the back of the mine until you find a tunnel that descends with a sign and a skeleton. “Danger, do not cross.” Tsk. You’re almost there to receive the Tribal Favor and pay the Blood Price. Leave.
You will find yourself on a part of the coast of the Outward peninsula and one step away from completing the guide. Follow the shore eastward for a few meters until you find a wreck and a castaway. Talk to them and offer a bandage to receive the Tribal Favor.
To return to Cierzo, I advise avoiding fights, especially against hyenas and bandits. The “white chickens” won’t attack you first. Head north; you should see the Cierzo lighthouse emerging in the sky. After climbing the hill from the beach, turn directly north, and a valley will open up a few meters ahead, where you’ll find a chest. Turn back and continue heading north, and the gates of Cierzo should be there.
Enter and head to the town hall to slam the Tribal Favor in Rissa Aberdeen’s face and prove to everyone that you are finally worthy of the city of Cierzo. You did it!
