Complete Guide
Outbound Guide — every system, every upgrade
A living, single-page overview of Outbound (2026). Use this as your map: every core loop is summarised here with links to the deep-dive page.
Game version 1.0Updated 2026-05-11Platform: Steam (PC)
What kind of game is Outbound?
Outbound is a cozy survival-crafting game set on an alien frontier. You pilot a modular camper van, harvest resources, build upgrades and travel between biomes at your own pace. There is no fail-state timer — but you do need to manage power, water, heat and hunger.
Core loops
- Scout — drive or walk short distances from your van to find deposits.
- Harvest — with hand tools first, then with powered tools after the first workshop upgrade.
- Refine — feed raw materials into the Saw Bench and Workshop for crafting inputs.
- Upgrade — spend refined parts on camper van modules (power, storage, speed, comfort).
- Travel — unlock new biomes that gate the next tier of resources.
Progression in 5 tiers
| Tier | Unlock Condition | Key Modules | Biomes Accessible | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T1 | Start | Saw Bench, Storage Crate, Solar Mk1 | Starting Area | Lumber / Fibre / Scrap Metal / Water |
| T2 | Build Workshop T2 (Canyons Relay) | Steel Axe / Pickaxe, Wind Turbine, Evaporation Rack | Canyons + Coast | Common Minerals / Electronics / Glass / Salt |
| T3 | Build Fabricator (Coast East Lighthouse) | Insulated Cabin, Tidal Capacitor, Reinforced tools | Coast (full) + Mountains approach | Hardened Metal / Casings / Strong Weave |
| T4 | Push to Mountains | Phase Lens, Reinforced Pickaxe, Lift module | Mountains central | Adamant Metal / Chrome Ore |
| T5 | Mine Rose Minerals | Reactor Core, Communicator | Mountains Summit | Rose Minerals + ending choice |
Recommended reading order
- Beginner Guide — your first hour.
- Crafting Guide + All Recipes.
- Base Building + Camper Van Upgrades.
- Resource Map + Rare Resources.
- Walkthrough and Ending Guide once you are ready for the main story.