Overview
Outbound has an open world divided into distinct biomes, each with unique terrain, vegetation, wildlife, and resources. Players navigate this world using an interactive map that reveals itself through exploration. The map is accessible alongside a task log and journal, all of which help guide progression.
Interactive Map
The in-game map supports zooming and panning, with icons marking key points of interest. Category filters let players toggle visibility for different marker types, making it easier to find specific locations. Rivers and lakes were added to the map display in alpha patch v0.5.8, helping players locate water sources for hydro power and fishing spots.
Map markers include:
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Campfires | Designated rest and cooking spots |
Major points of interest and scenic locations | |
Blueprint download stations for the technology tree | |
Bridges | River crossings (some require repair before use) |
Cairns | Stone stack collectibles hidden throughout each region |
Gnomes | Hidden collectible figurines placed in hard-to-reach spots |
Utilities | Vending machines and other interactive stations |
Confirmed Biomes
The full game includes four biomes. Two were playable during the closed beta (v0.7.6), and all four will be available at launch on April 23, 2026.
Biome | Terrain | Status |
|---|---|---|
Forests, open plains, wheat fields, mountains | Playable in alpha, beta, and demo | |
Tropical shores, rocky cliffs, redwood forests, palm beaches | Playable in beta (v0.7.6) | |
Biome 3 (unannounced) | Not yet revealed | Expected at launch |
Biome 4 (unannounced) | Not yet revealed | Expected at launch |
The Outdoors
The Outdoors is the starting biome and the area featured in the free Steam demo. It consists of lush forests, open plains, wide wheat fields, and mountainous terrain. Signal towers and fire lookouts dot the landscape, serving as navigation aids and blueprint download points. The demo alone offers approximately three hours of exploration content within this single biome, giving a sense of how large each region is.
The Coast
The Coast was introduced in beta v0.7.6. It combines tropical shores with rocky cliffs and dense forests. Gigantic redwood trees rise just beyond the sandy beaches, while palm trees line the shore. The old lighthouse atop the coastal cliffs is a major landmark, and the beta update added encrypted terminals at landmarks for players to discover and solve. The coastal environment brings different wildlife and resource types compared to The Outdoors.
Navigation Tools
In addition to the map, players have access to a compass visible during third-person driving (added in alpha v0.5.13), a journal that tracks discoveries and tasks, and a task log that provides direction for both short-term and long-term goals. The technology tree also contributes to navigation by unlocking upgrades related to navigation abilities.
Discovering New Regions
Each biome contains unique materials that are not available in other regions. This creates a natural incentive to keep moving and explore new areas rather than staying in one place. Discovering a new biome also provides fresh environments for setting up temporary or permanent camps. Some areas are blocked by obstacles like fallen trees, broken barriers, or collapsed bridges that require crafting specific tools (wrench, axe, planks) to clear.