Revision 3

Overview

Camping is a gameplay feature in Outbound, unlocked as the second stretch goal during the Kickstarter Campaign. Players can set up camp at scenic locations throughout the game world, building campfires and resting alongside their camper van.

Campfire mechanics

Players can place campfires in the world as part of the camping setup. Rain extinguishes open campfires, so sheltering them is important. In the demo, campfires could be covered with the van's horizontal doors or with building system floors and roofs, creating sheltered cooking and resting spots. This shelter mechanic was inspired by a streamer who tried to cover a campfire with the side door during rain.

How it fits into gameplay

Camping ties into Outbound's overall loop of traveling, parking, and exploring on foot. Players drive the van to a promising area, set up camp, and then venture out to gather resources, discover landmarks, or pursue mini-games like fishing and beekeeping before returning to camp. The day/night cycle and dynamic weather create different camping atmospheres depending on when and where the player stops.