Outlast Trials is Different Kind of Fear, and I Love it

Developer: Red Barrels Studio
Publisher: Red Barrels Studio
Release: March 2024
Platforms: PC (Steam, Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S

Synopsis

Outlast Trials is a cooperative psychological horror game set during the Cold War, where players are unwilling test subjects trapped inside a secret facility run by the Murkoff Corporation. Instead of escaping a single location like in previous Outlast games, you are forced to undergo brutal experiments called Trials. These Trials push you through disturbing environments filled with sadistic enemies, deadly traps, and mind breaking psychological effects. Whether played solo or with friends, the goal is simple on paper: survive, complete objectives, and make it out alive. In practice, it is pure chaos, fear, and tension.

When I bought Outlast Trials, I was fully expecting something very similar to the previous Outlast titles. I thought it would be a mostly linear co-op horror escape game where you and your friends slowly work your way out of a facility together. That has always been the core of Outlast, so I didn’t expect anything too different.

After spending around 10 hours with the game, I can confidently say I was completely wrong. Outlast Trials is much bigger, deeper, and more replayable than I expected.

A Surprising Amount of Content

For a game that released around March 2024 and is also a live service title, Outlast Trials already has a very large amount of content. It does not feel barebones at all. From the moment you start playing, there are plenty of Trials, challenges, and progression systems to keep you engaged.

The gameplay loop is simple but effective. You choose a Trial, complete objectives while avoiding enemies, survive long enough to escape, and earn rewards. Even after multiple runs, it never felt boring to me. Each Trial plays out differently depending on your choices, your team, and the difficulty you select.

One thing I really appreciated is how generous the game is. You unlock a lot of cosmetics just by leveling up, and the game even gives you free currency that can be used on the battle pass. What makes this even better is that all battle pass content is available from day one. There is no Fear of Missing Out at all, which is rare for live service games and something I genuinely respect.

You can change the difficulty

Outlast Trials lets you choose your own pacing, which I really liked. When selecting a Trial, you can decide whether to make it easier or harder. Increasing the difficulty does not just raise enemy damage. It actively changes how the level plays.

At higher difficulties, the game removes some hiding spots and limits the amount of items you can find. It also introduces more enemies during the Trial itself. This forces you to slow down, think carefully, and rely heavily on stealth. Running around carelessly almost always leads to getting caught.

The tension increases a lot when things go wrong, especially when multiple enemies start chasing you at the same time. Getting cornered becomes a real danger, and panic sets in very quickly.

Enemies With Personality and Presence

The enemies are one of the strongest parts of Outlast Trials. They are not just scary looking. They feel like actual characters.

The first major enemy I encountered was a police officer who smokes a cigar and hunts you down with an electric baton. What really stood out was his southern American accent and the way he constantly talks while chasing you. It made every encounter with him more intense and unsettling.

Another enemy that stuck with me was a politician whose assistant is literally fused to her back. The assistant looks like a twisted clown and speaks with a rough old English accent. It is disturbing in a very Outlast way and makes every chase feel uncomfortable and memorable.

Each enemy has a unique look, voice, and ability set, which keeps encounters feeling fresh instead of repetitive.

Traps, Psychosis, and Constant Pressure

Beyond enemies, the game is filled with traps such as land mines and electric nets. These traps can stun you, damage you, or trigger psychosis.

The psychosis mechanic is especially terrifying. When affected, your character begins to see enemies that are not actually there. These hallucinations chase you and try to kill you, making it extremely difficult to tell what is real. It forces you to slow down and move carefully instead of rushing objectives.

Stealth is always required because it is very possible for three enemies to chase you at once. When that happens, escape becomes incredibly difficult, especially in tight spaces.

Progression, Rigs, and Fighting Back

As you level up, you earn currency that lets you upgrade your character. These upgrades improve things like stamina and mobility, including abilities such as sliding. While you never become overpowered, these upgrades do make survival feel more manageable over time.

The game also introduces classes called Rigs, which add a lot of depth to gameplay. Some Rigs allow you to deploy a bomb every few minutes to stun enemies. Others let you fully heal your teammates or place land mines that blind enemies. These abilities make it feel incredibly satisfying to fight back, even if you are still mostly helpless compared to the threats chasing you.

Rigs also encourage teamwork, especially when playing with friends, since different abilities can support different playstyles.

Is it Worth the Buy?

Overall, Outlast Trials is absolutely worth buying, especially if you can get it during a Steam sale. It is a fresh take on the Outlast formula that still keeps the fear, tension, and disturbing atmosphere intact.

While the game can be played solo, it is far more fun with friends. The shared panic, mistakes, and close calls make every session memorable.

Outlast Trials is not just Outlast with co-op. It is a deeper, more replayable horror experience than I expected, and one I keep coming back to.