Outward 2 is embracing low-end hardware in a way many modern games don’t, with developer Nine Dots Studio officially confirming the game will feature a dedicated “Potato Mode” designed to help it run on weaker PCs.
The studio recently showcased the feature in a new trailer while announcing the game’s July 7 Early Access launch date, joking that Outward 2 should be playable “from a battle station to an air fryer.”
While the presentation was intentionally humorous - including fake specs like a “Fryzen 5 CPU” and “8 GB YAM” - the message behind it is something many PC players genuinely appreciate.
Modern game releases are becoming increasingly demanding, with many requiring expensive GPUs and high-end hardware simply to run comfortably. As graphical fidelity continues to improve, keeping up with modern PC requirements has become difficult - and expensive - for a large portion of players.
That’s what makes Outward 2’s approach stand out.
Rather than focusing entirely on pushing visual technology as far as possible, Nine Dots Studio appears committed to ensuring the RPG remains accessible across a wide range of systems, including much older setups. The Potato Mode dramatically reduces graphical settings to prioritise performance, allowing more players to experience the game without needing a cutting-edge PC.
The feature has already sparked wider discussion online about accessibility within PC gaming. While many studios continue chasing increasingly realistic graphics and hardware-intensive features, others are beginning to recognise the value of scalability and optimisation alongside visual fidelity.
Whether more developers follow suit remains to be seen, but Outward 2’s “Potato Mode” is already earning praise simply for acknowledging a reality many PC players face: not everyone can afford a top-tier gaming rig.
And honestly, sometimes just being able to play the game matters more than ultra settings.
Keep Calm and waka waka...
