7.5 /10 12

The Outlast Trials redefines horror gaming by introducing seamless four-player cooperation to the franchise’s signature first-person survival mechanics. Players assume the role of ‘Reagents’ subjected to Cold War-era psychological experiments at the Sinyala Facility, navigating puzzle-laden escape rooms while evading grotesque killers. This departure from single-player tradition maintains series integrity while introducing fresh collaborative challenge, making it a significant entry in modern co-op horror. Critics praise its memorable antagonists and tense atmosphere, though lengthy content requires sustained engagement.

How to Play The Outlast Trials

Navigate five themed trials and multiple MK-challenges while avoiding ex-pop attackers. Balance stealth, puzzle-solving, and resource management alongside teammates. Night-vision goggles and throwable items provide tactical options, but combat remains unavailable—evasion is survival.

1. Controls – Standard FPS navigation with night-vision toggle and item interaction. Learning curve moderate; tutorial trial eases new players into mechanics.
2. Progression – Complete trials sequentially to unlock new map environments, rigs (special abilities), and upgrades. Failing trials returns players to the sleep room for character enhancement.
3. Combat/Mechanics – Real-time evasion-focused gameplay with cooperative puzzle mechanics. Each player’s role (healer, tank, speed, vision) shapes team strategy through unique rig abilities.
4. Tips – Communication is critical. Designate roles early, conserve batteries for night-vision, memorize ex-pop patrol patterns, and use throwables to create diversions.

Who Should Play The Outlast Trials

This cooperative horror demands communication and coordination. Ideal for players comfortable with intense atmospheres and willing to embrace tactical teamwork over combat prowess.

• Cooperative Horror Enthusiasts – Those seeking meaningful multiplayer horror experiences beyond jump scares; the trial-based structure rewards repeated playthroughs with fresh strategies.
• Outlast Series Fans – Returning players appreciate lore continuity and expanded universe building through environmental storytelling and Prime Asset villain encounters.
• Strategy-Minded Gamers – Puzzle-solving combined with evasion creates dynamic scenarios where communication and role specialization directly impact success rates.
• Skip if – Solo players seeking traditional single-player horror or those uncomfortable with extreme gore, psychological themes, or demanding co-op coordination will find limited enjoyment.

The Outlast Trials Platform Performance

Console versions deliver stable 60fps experiences. PC scalability accommodates both budget and high-end builds. No native Switch port exists; current availability spans PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, and Series X/S with full cross-play.

The Outlast Trials System Requirements

PC versions require moderate GPU capability for recommended settings. Minimum specs support 720p30; recommended targets 1080p60 with raytracing disabled.

Similar Games to The Outlast Trials

Cooperative horror remains underexplored. These alternatives provide comparable atmosphere, collaboration, or intense multiplayer survival experiences within distinct frameworks.

• Phasmophobia – Four-player ghost hunting emphasizes cooperation and puzzle-solving but lacks narrative depth and graphical fidelity of Outlast Trials.
• Left 4 Dead 2 – Foundational cooperative shooter offers identical four-player structure but prioritizes combat over atmospheric horror and stealth.
• Deep Rock Galactic – Space mining cooperative maintains teamwork focus and procedural variety, yet abandons horror theme entirely for sci-fi adventure tone.
• Outlast 2 (Single-Player) – Series predecessor delivers unmatched atmospheric terror but lacks multiplayer elements and cooperative mechanics.

The Outlast Trials vs Competitors

The Outlast Trials occupies unique territory within cooperative horror. Price-competitive with story-driven titles; playtime justification varies by engagement with replayability.

The Outlast Trials Story and World

Set during 1959 Cold War paranoia, Reagents endure involuntary recruitment into Murkoff Corporation experiments. The narrative unfolds through environmental storytelling, radio broadcasts, and encounters with Prime Assets—twisted individuals transformed by psychological torture. Dr. Hendrick Easterman orchestrates increasingly dangerous trials, each revealing the facility’s dark history. Post-launch updates introduced Amelia’s Escape storyline and Project Relapse consequences, expanding lore through seasonal content. The world building maintains series’ trademark unsettling atmosphere while embracing absurdist horror through grotesque antagonists and morally ambiguous plot progression.

The Outlast Trials Multiplayer and Online

Seamless cross-platform cooperation enables PC, PlayStation, and Xbox players to collaborate. Flexible team sizes from solo to four-player accommodate various playstyles.

• Cooperative Trials – Primary content; four-player teams complete 90-minute story trials or shorter MK-challenges in themed environments.
• Trial Maker Mode – Season 3 addition (April 2025) enables player-created trials using customizable variators, challenge objectives, and pre-built maps.
• Invasion Mode – October 2025 addition features asymmetrical gameplay where imposters hunt reagents during trials.
• Cross-Play – Full support across PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, and Series X/S; matchmaking facilitates random team formation.

The Outlast Trials DLC and Expansions

Free seasonal updates sustain engagement. Cosmetic-focused paid content enables character customization without pay-to-win mechanics. New story trials arrive quarterly; narrative progression remains accessible without spending.

• Season 3: Project Relapse – Free update (April 22, 2025) introducing Trial Maker mode, new Jaeger enemy, Suburbs map, and redesigned endgame progression.
• Cosmetic Packs – Legendary outfit bundles ($4.99-$7.99) provide character skins, cell decorations, and player icons; purely aesthetic.
• Season Pass – No traditional season pass; all gameplay content released free; cosmetics fund ongoing development.
• Continuous Updates – Bi-monthly balance patches address mechanic refinement. Upcoming roadmap teases narrative conclusions and new trial environments.

The Outlast Trials Community and Support

Red Barrels maintains active engagement with player feedback. Community channels facilitate strategy sharing and creative content. Mod support remains limited to cosmetics; official development prioritizes console parity.

• Official Discord – Developer-moderated community hub with patch discussions, player LFG channels, and bug reporting integration.
• Reddit/Forums – Thriving r/outlast subreddit and Steam community boards host strategy guides, speedruns, and lore analysis; Red Barrels moderators participate regularly.
• Mod Support – Limited to cosmetic adjustments through community tools; no native workshop due to anti-cheat requirements.
• Patch Frequency – Bi-weekly updates address balance, exploit fixes, and quality improvements. Roadmap transparency communicates upcoming content timelines.