Outbound \u2014 Multi-dimensional Tier List
Vehicles, power sources, biomes, modules and tools all ranked S\u2013D in their respective categories. Updated 2026-05-18 (v1.0).
Vehicles
| Tier | Vehicle | Why |
|---|---|---|
| S | Pathmaker | Best handling, only chassis comfortable in Mountains |
| A | Schoolie (DLC) | Max capacity but DLC + handling ding |
| A | Classic | Balanced; ideal first-time pick |
| B | Big One | Hauler niche only, poor handling |
Power sources
| Tier | Source | Why |
|---|---|---|
| S | Reactor Core | Day/night 5★ output — endgame answer |
| S | Wind Turbine | 5★ in storms, 3★ baseline; pairs with everything |
| A | Solar Panel | 5★ daytime, 0 at night — needs partner |
| A | Geothermal Vent | 5★ reliability, location-locked |
| B | Tidal Capacitor | Strong but Coast-only |
| B | Rainwater Turbine | Doubles as water source; weather-dependent |
| C | Power Unit | Burst-only; consumes Biofuel |
Biomes (by content density)
| Tier | Biome | Why |
|---|---|---|
| S | Coast | 27 resources, most collectibles, salt + glass + hardened metal hub |
| A | Canyons | 25 resources, Workshop unlock biome |
| A | Mountains | Only T5 source; smaller content but unique |
| B | Starting Area | Tutorial biome; thin content for return visits |
Tools & gear
| Tier | Tool | Why |
|---|---|---|
| S | Reinforced Axe | Required for T3 trees; unlocks all Lumber |
| S | Homing Boots | Quality-of-life upgrade you keep all run |
| A | Steel Pickaxe | Required for Hardened Metal |
| A | Binoculars | Long-range pin tagging |
| B | Bandage Kit | Useful but easily craftable |
Modules
| Tier | Module | Why |
|---|---|---|
| S | Workshop Tier 3 | Gates Reinforced Axe, Reactor Core, Lift |
| S | Lift | Only way to build under-floor; unlocks underbay storage |
| A | Insulated Cabin | Required for Mountains |
| A | Storage Crate XL | Capacity king for any chassis |
| B | Comfort Bed | QoL but not required |
| C | Decoration modules | Cosmetic only |
How to read this list
- S \u2014 dominant in its category. Not picking it costs measurable in-game time.
- A \u2014 strong, often situational. Defensible primary pick.
- B \u2014 niche use. Pick when context fits.
- C/D \u2014 only if you specifically want it.
Common tier-list questions
What is S Tier in Outbound?
S Tier means "dominantly best in its category". In Outbound, the clear S Tier picks across all categories are: Pathmaker (vehicle, exploration), Reactor Core (power), Coast (biome breadth), Reinforced Axe (tool) and Workshop Tier 3 (module enabler).
Is the Schoolie really only A Tier?
Yes, paradoxically. Despite 5/5 build space and 5/5 load, the 1-star handling and DLC paywall keep it out of S. If we ranked "parked base" as a separate category it would be S — but as a daily driver it is decidedly A.
Why is the Big One in B Tier?
It is excellent at one thing (hauling) and weak at everything else. B Tier in this list means "great in its niche, average overall".
Will this tier list change?
Yes — every patch may shift things, especially as Square Glade Games rebalances. We update at every major patch (1.1, 1.2).