Attributes

Understand The Outer Worlds 2 attributes: Body (Strength, Dexterity), Mind (Intelligence, Perception), and Personality (Charm, Temperament). Learn how they affect skills, damage, and more.

The Outer Worlds 2 features six core attributes, divided into three categories: Body, Mind, and Personality. During character creation, you have six points to distribute. You can opt for a penalty in one attribute to boost another, but be aware that some 'Below Average' penalties can be severe. Notably, attribute choices are permanent and cannot be respecced after character creation, unlike skills.

Each attribute rank influences associated skills and provides specific bonuses or penalties. The general effect of attribute rank on initial skill points is as follows:

• Below Average: 0 skill points
• Average: +3 skill points
• Good: +6 skill points
• High: +10 skill points
• Very High: +15 skill points

Body

Strength

Affected Skills: 1-Handed Melee, 2-Handed Melee, Heavy Weapons, Block, Inspiration, Intimidate

High Strength is beneficial for melee builds and somewhat important for companion-focused builds due to its link with Inspiration. For other builds, it's less critical. A penalty can impact carrying capacity, requiring careful inventory management.

Dexterity

Affected Skills: 1-Handed Melee, Handguns, Dodge, Block, Sneak, Lockpick

Dexterity significantly boosts melee builds through increased weapon speed and is important for stealth builds due to its connection with Sneak. For other builds, it can be considered a dump stat, as the penalties are manageable, especially regarding weapon parts.

Mind

Intelligence

Affected Skills: Long Guns, Persuade, Hack, Medical, Science, Determination

Intelligence affects six valuable skills and is important for most builds. The penalty for a below-average score is not severe and unlocks unique 'dumb' dialogue options, adding flavor for subsequent playthroughs.

Perception

Affected Skills: Handguns, Long Guns, Heavy Weapons, Dodge, Lockpick, Engineering

Perception is crucial for ranged weapon builds and somewhat important for melee builds via Dodge. A below-average score incurs a severe penalty for most builds, except perhaps companion-focused ones.

Personality

Charm

Affected Skills: Persuade, Lie, Intimidate, Hack, Science, Inspiration

Charm impacts at least five important soft skills, making it valuable for most builds. Without this impact, it could be a dump stat, as the penalty is generally unnoticeable.

Temperament

Affected Skills: 2-Handed Melee, Lie, Sneak, Medical, Engineering, Determination

Given the severe penalty of no passive health regeneration, Temperament is rarely a desirable dump stat. It influences a varied set of skills, making increased Temperament beneficial for most builds.