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Outbound News

One Million Wishlists & October Update!



Hey, Travellers!

We have some news that still doesn’t quite feel real: Outbound just crossed a million wishlists.

That’s a number none of us expected, and yet here we are. We know wishlist numbers are just one part of the journey. This milestone feels like an incredible checkpoint. Thank you for every single wishlist, share, screenshot you posted, and piece of feedback you sent-it all adds up, more than you might know.

We have been busy at work on the game, and there is plenty to share with you, as we are fast approaching the end of the year, and entering 2026 - the year of the release. So, without further ado… here’s what we’ve been up to!



[h2]Closed Beta Rollout (Kickstarter)[/h2]
We’re excited to share that our closed Beta has started on October 15th, available to Kickstarter Beta tier backers!

[h2]What is part of the Beta?[/h2]
Everything that was part of the Alpha, is also part of the Beta -> Read our Alpha update!

The Beta contains the first two playable biomes and most of the features that we expect to be in the full game. We will use the Beta to further iron out bugs and to overall shape and polish the game based on player feedback.

[h2]New Biome: The Coast[/h2]
The Coast combines tropical shores with rocky cliffs and lush forests. Gigantic redwood trees rise from the ground just beyond the sand, while palm trees cluster on the sandy beaches where the scent of fresh fruit and the salty sea welcomes you. The old lighthouse atop the coastal cliffs serves as a vital landmark for ships navigating the nearby traffic routes. Welcome to the Coast!


[h2]A furry Friend![/h2]
We’ve added the beloved canine companion to the game! Your loyal dog responds to your commands and assists you throughout your journey by fetching items, carrying supplies, and even bringing them back to your vehicle. And of course, your furry friend rides along with you, too!


[h2]Landmark Exploration[/h2]
Based on feedback during the Alpha, we’ve expanded exploration across all landmarks! Be sure to search carefully! Key items are hidden within each landmark. Collect them all to unlock the Download Terminal and access new blueprint downloads!


[h2]The Journal[/h2]
We’ve added a Journal to help you keep track of your journey and discover what you might have missed. You'll record materials, food items, crafting workstations, landmarks, collectibles, and even statistics about your adventure.


[h2]Night-time Driving[/h2]
Since this was a highly requested feature from our Alpha testers, we’ve added the ability to drive at night! On top of that, we’ve introduced a new upgrade, the Homing Boots, which help you return to your vehicle more quickly after dark.


[h2]...and more![/h2]
Outbound is still in development, therefore a couple of features are still missing, but are planned for the rest of the development time:
  • Biome 3 and 4
  • Character customization
  • Fishing
  • Bee keeping
  • More vehicle options to choose from
  • Language support
  • Kickstarter rewards
  • Console ports
  • More settings and accessibility options
  • More materials, building pieces, workstations, etc.


[h2]Roadmap until 1.0[/h2]
We’re excited to share an updated version of our Kickstarter roadmap! The project remains right on track. As promised, the Beta rolled out in the second half of 2025! We’ve also refined the 1.0 release window, updating it from “First half of 2026” to Q2 2026 for more clarity (should also be visible on the Steam store page now).


Thank you for being part of this journey and we are very much looking forward to your feedback on the Beta!

- Marc & Tobi - The Outbound Team 🚐💨

Want to be part of the journey with us? Come join our Discord server!


Want quick updates, behind-the-scenes looks, and sneak previews?
👉 Follow us on Twitter/X

Open world exploration game Outbound looks super cosy and hit over 1 million Steam wishlists

Outbound looks like a game I need right now, a chilled cosy open-world exploration game about living off-grid and building up your dream minivan.

Read the full article here: https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2025/10/open-world-exploration-game-outbound-looks-super-cosy-and-hit-over-1-million-steam-wishlists/

Unity Award & Interview!



Hey, Travellers!

As some of you might have noticed a wild award badge on the Steam page, Outbound has been honored with the Gamescom CommUnity Choice Award, and honestly… we’re still pinching ourselves.



Unity sat down with us for an interview where we got to talk about what this award means, how your support has carried us through development, and where we hope to take Outbound next. If you’d like to read it, you can check it out here: Unity Blog



This award means so much because you made it happen. From the earliest comments and wishlists, to hanging out in the community and sharing your excitement, you’ve helped shape this journey every step of the way. We’re beyond grateful. Thank you again for making this possible.

- The Outbound Team 🚐💨

Want to be part of the journey with us? Come join our Discord server!


Want quick updates, behind-the-scenes looks, and sneak previews?
👉 Follow us on Twitter/X

Thanks for being part of the ride!
- The Outbound Team 🚐💨

Bobblehead Design Contest!



Hey, Travellers!

With the spooky season upon us, we’ve decided to have some fun!

We’re excited to announce our very first Bobblehead Contest! This is your chance to get creative and design a figurine that could make its way into the game!

[h3]Contest Dates[/h3]
  • Starts: October 1st
  • Ends: October 22nd
  • 🏆 The winner will be chosen by the Outbound Dev Team!

[h3]How to Enter:[/h3]
  • Post your idea in the comments!
  • Link a sketch or drawing of your idea (if you like)!

You can also join the contest on Twitter if you like!

⚠️ A quick reminder: all designs must be SFW: so keep it fun, creative, and community-friendly.

We can’t wait to see the amazing ideas you come up with. Whether it’s quirky, cute, or totally out-of-the-box, this is your chance to leave your mark inside the game!

Want to be part of the journey with us? Come join our Discord server!


Want quick updates, behind-the-scenes looks, and sneak previews?
👉 Follow us on Twitter/X

Thanks for being part of the ride!
- The Outbound Team 🚐💨

Official Coast Biome Reveal!



Hey Travellers!
Back in August, we revealed a brand-new look at The Coast biome, and some of you sharp-eyed folks might have already spotted the trailer on the Xbox Showcase! And even more: we’re officially launching in the First Half of 2026! Stay tuned!

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

The Coast is just one of the many beautiful places you’ll get to explore in Outbound, with distinct resources available for you to gather and craft unique things from! Of course, this is just the beginning, rest assured, there are more biomes on the way, each with their own style, mood, and surprises. So, whether you’re a forest, mountains or beach person, we hope you will find your place in Outbound!

Want to be part of the journey with us? Come join our Discord server!


Want quick updates, behind-the-scenes looks, and sneak previews?
👉 Follow us on Twitter/X

Thanks for being part of the ride!
- The Outbound Team 🚐💨