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Overview
Outbound is a cozy open-world exploration-crafting game developed and published by Square Glade Games, a Netherlands-based indie studio. The developers coined the term "cozyvival" during alpha testing, when they noticed players enjoying both the satisfaction of survival mechanics and the relaxation of creative building in equal measure. Players start with an empty electric camper van and gradually transform it into a customized mobile home while exploring a colorful open world set in a utopian near future where technology and nature coexist sustainably.
The game is scheduled for release in Q2 2026 on PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. It supports solo play and online co-op for up to four players. As of February 2026, Outbound has surpassed 1.1 million Steam wishlists, placing it among the top 50 most-wishlisted upcoming games on the platform.
Gameplay
The core loop involves exploring biomes to gather resources, unlocking blueprints at Signal Towers scattered across the world, and using those materials to expand and customize the camper van. There are no enemies or combat. Instead, challenge comes from managing survival needs like hunger and health, optimizing renewable energy production, and navigating the progression gates built into the crafting system.
The game's major systems include:
Crafting and refining raw materials into components at workstations like the Cooking Pot, Baking Oven, and Recycler
Building the van's interior and exterior with modular parts that fold into boxes for travel
Energy management across four renewable sources: a Bio Burner for the early game, then solar panels, wind turbines, and water generators
Farming crops like carrots, tomatoes, and grain, plus cooking meals like Pizza and Mushroom Soup
Mini-games including fishing, beekeeping, kite flying, and camping
Setting
The world takes place in a utopian near future. The details of this setting are told through environmental storytelling rather than dialogue or cutscenes. Sailboats dot the horizon instead of cargo ships, reinforcing the sustainable theme. The developers have not fully explained why the player is traveling off the grid in a van, leaving that mystery for players to piece together from scattered clues.
The art style uses a low-poly aesthetic built in Unity with the Universal Render Pipeline. Lead developer Tobi Schnackenberg describes the look as inspired by pastels and watercolor paintings. The palette leans warm and inviting, with flat colors and minimal shading. Players and press have compared the visual style to Firewatch.
Multiplayer
Online co-op supports up to four players who share the same camper van. One player drives while others can move around inside, manage workstations, or explore on foot. The multiplayer was added experimentally during alpha and is available in the Steam demo. PS5 players can use PlayStation Portal for remote co-op sessions.
Development
Outbound was first revealed in February 2024. A Kickstarter campaign in August 2024 set a goal of EUR 30,000 and raised EUR 265,679 from 5,197 backers, funding in under two hours. Stretch goals unlocked features including the dog companion, fishing, beekeeping, kite flying, modular sofas, and a character editor. An alpha launched for backers in April 2025, a beta in October 2025, and a free Steam demo on February 17, 2026.
The game won the gamescom CommUnity Choice Award in 2025 and was nominated for the 17th Unity Awards in the Most Anticipated Game category. Physical editions published by Silver Lining Interactive include a standard version and a collector's edition with an acrylic standee, enamel pins, fabric patches, postcards, and a game-accurate road map.
Demo reception
The February 2026 Steam demo received "Very Positive" reviews (around 82-85% positive). Players praised the art style, cozy atmosphere, and sound design. Criticism centered on the van's slow driving speed, a world that felt small for a van-based exploration game, and a crafting system some found too simplified. Several players noted that days pass too quickly and running at night is not possible, limiting exploration. The developer has acknowledged that players sometimes speculate about features like hunting or dynamic weather that do not actually exist in the game.