Why The Outer Worlds 2 Won’t Be Microsoft’s First $80 Xbox Game After All

Gamers looking forward to The Outer Worlds 2 can breathe a sigh of relief—Microsoft has officially dropped the game's launch price from $79.99 to the standard $69.99. This change marks a significant backtrack from Microsoft’s earlier announcement about raising the cost of new Xbox first-party titles. If you've been asking, "Is The Outer Worlds 2 going to cost $80?"—the answer is now a firm no. The price drop not only affects preorders but also signals broader changes to Xbox’s pricing strategy.

Microsoft Drops The Outer Worlds 2 Price After Backlash

Originally slated to be Microsoft’s first $80 Xbox title, The Outer Worlds 2 faced immediate resistance from fans. Obsidian Entertainment, the Microsoft-owned developer behind the game, confirmed that the price will now match current market standards at $69.99. While Microsoft had planned across-the-board price hikes for its games, consoles, and controllers, this reversal highlights what seems to be a direct response to underwhelming preorder performance and consumer pushback.

How Gamers Can Get Refunds on Preorders for The Outer Worlds 2

If you were among the early buyers who preordered The Outer Worlds 2 at the original $79.99 price, don’t worry—refunds will be processed automatically by the platform where the purchase was made. This includes the Microsoft Store, Steam, and the PlayStation Store. Xbox’s customer-first refund approach aligns with their broader statement about maintaining fair pricing and delivering value during the competitive holiday season.

What This Price Change Means for Future Xbox Releases

This adjustment doesn’t just affect The Outer Worlds 2—it also casts doubt on Microsoft’s long-term pricing strategy. Other upcoming Xbox first-party games are now expected to stick with the $69.99 tag, at least for the 2025 holiday lineup. According to a statement shared with IGN, Microsoft claims it’s “focused on bringing players incredible worlds to explore,” which likely means pricing will continue to reflect market demand. Whether or not the $80 standard will resurface in 2026 remains to be seen.