Outlast Trials Review: A Co-Op Horror Experiment That Delivers Terror… and a Few Hiccups

Outlast Trials: A Co-Op Horror Experiment That Both Thrills and Disappoints

When Red Barrels announced the next installment in the Outlast franchise, fans were eager for a full-fledged third entry, expecting another nightmarish journey filled with iconic night-vision cameras, haunting environments, and heart-pounding chases. Instead, we got Outlast Trials—a cooperative horror experiment that introduces new dynamics but leaves some players feeling skeptical. Let’s dive into what this new addition brings to the table and whether it lives up to the legacy of its predecessors.

What’s the Game About?

Outlast Trials takes us back to the Cold War era, where the sinister Murkoff Corporation is running chilling, unethical experiments on unwilling test subjects. As one of these unfortunate souls, you must survive deadly trials designed to push you to the brink of insanity. Unlike the linear, story-driven narrative of the original Outlast games, Trials focuses more on environmental storytelling, scattered notes, and cryptic details—very much in the vein of Dark Souls. For those hoping for intricate plot twists and character development, the story might come off as underwhelming. If you’re looking for a grand narrative like God of War or even the classic Outlast games, you might be disappointed.

Gameplay: Hide, Run, and Bring Friends

At its core, Outlast Trials sticks to the series’ roots: no combat, just running, hiding, and avoiding terrifying threats. The key new feature is four-player co-op, adding a fresh layer of fear and fun. Picture the chaos of Dead by Daylight or Texas Chainsaw Massacre, but with the Outlast vibe. While playing with friends undeniably amplifies the experience, the game loses much of its charm in solo mode.

The difficulty is intelligently scaled, with monsters and traps adjusting to the number of players, making every round feel unique. However, after a few hours, you may find the gameplay becoming repetitive. As one online player aptly put it, “You scream for the first two hours, and after that, you’re just discussing weekend plans with your friends.” That said, the fun can quickly turn into fatigue once the novelty of the mechanics wears off.

Enemies and Atmosphere: Horror Icons and Twisted Details

Where Outlast Trials really shines is in its horror elements. The game introduces a slew of bizarre, unforgettable antagonists. You’ll encounter a sadistic prison guard obsessed with “rehabilitating” test subjects through violence, the eerie Skinner Man who stalks you at your weakest moments, and the chilling Mother Gooseberry—a twisted version of a kindergarten teacher, armed with a duck-shaped doll that has a drill for a beak.

Red Barrels has also outdone themselves with the environmental design. Every room feels oppressive, every corner brimming with disturbing details—be it grim propaganda posters or grotesque mutilated bodies. One particularly unsettling element is the researchers who watch your torment from behind protective glass, reinforcing the sense of helplessness and doom that pervades the game.

Technical Issues: Horror With Lag?

While the game’s atmosphere is solid, its technical performance at launch leaves a lot to be desired. On the visual front, the game does well to create a tense, immersive world. However, performance issues—like sudden FPS drops and network connection problems—can severely hinder the co-op experience. These issues are especially problematic in a game where timing and coordination are key, making Trials feel a bit more frustrating than it should.

Co-op: Stuck in Place

Co-op mode is where Outlast Trials has the most potential, but it also feels a little stuck. While playing with friends can be a blast, the matchmaking system leaves much to be desired. Random teammates can vary widely in skill—from veterans who know the ropes to reckless players who make the experience more stressful than fun. The game would benefit greatly from better matchmaking systems, such as ranked matches or filters to match players with similar skill levels.

Verdict: Should You Give It a Try?

Outlast Trials has a lot of potential but feels more like an experiment than a full-fledged game. The co-op element brings a fresh energy to the Outlast formula, but the game’s content can feel repetitive, and technical issues hold it back from being a true standout in the horror genre. If you’re a fan of the Outlast series and have a reliable group of friends to dive into the chaos with, it’s worth giving it a try. However, if you’re flying solo or looking for a game with a richer, more intricate story, you might want to wait until the kinks are ironed out.

Outlast Trials isn’t the terrifying, story-driven entry many fans expected—but it’s still a fun and frightful experiment, especially if you’re up for a few scares with friends.

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