The Outlast Trials is a first-person survival horror game centered on cooperative trials set in a disturbing experimental facility. Players take on the role of Reagents subjected to psychological and physical tests, completing objectives while avoiding deadly threats in dark, trap-filled environments. The experience supports solo play but emphasizes teamwork in groups of up to four, with crossplay available across platforms including PS4 and PS5.
Gameplay
Core gameplay revolves around navigating multi-room trials filled with objectives such as collecting items, activating switches, or completing environment-specific tasks. Reagents rely on stealth, hiding spots, and limited resources to evade patrolling Ex-Pops and hazards like noise traps or electrified floors. A night vision device helps in low-light areas but requires careful battery management. Secondary goals offer grade bonuses that contribute to experience and upgrades.
Each player selects from six rigs, technological devices that provide tactical options during trials. These include wall-piercing vision for locating threats and items, area healing for the team, smoke bomb mines to obscure enemy sight, stun devices, and reinforced barricades to block doors. Progression involves leveling up through completed trials to unlock or improve these tools, alongside amps that enhance core stats. Distraction items like bricks or bottles allow players to create openings for movement or escapes. The loop rewards careful planning, communication in co-op, and adaptation to dynamic enemy behaviors.
Game Modes
The main structure centers on the Core Therapy playlist, which features a series of trials across distinct maps such as the Police Station, Fun Park, Orphanage, Courthouse, Toy Factory, and Prison Farm. Each trial typically includes multiple objectives, with new sections unlocking as players advance. MK-Challenges provide shorter, varied side experiences within the same maps, often with unique twists or time limits.
Program X offers remixed and more demanding versions of core trials as end-game content. Escalation Therapy presents escalating sequences of trials with modifiers called variators that alter enemy strength, loadouts, or rules for added challenge. Invasion mode introduces asymmetric play where participants can switch roles to become Impostors, entering trials armed with a knife to hunt reagents while using surveillance and gadgets for advantage. Private, open, and crossplay lobbies support flexible grouping for all modes.
Updates and Current State
The game launched in full form in 2024 after early access and continues to receive seasonal content. Recent updates have introduced new trial environments, enemies such as the Biter, additional MK-Challenges, and refinements to Invasion and Escalation systems including loadout options and matchmaking adjustments. Events and limited-time catalogs rotate regularly, maintaining variety through new objectives and modifiers. The title remains actively supported with ongoing balance changes and features like loadout presets.
Is It Worth Playing?
Player reception has been strongly positive, with the game maintaining Very Positive ratings across tens of thousands of reviews and recent peaks in concurrent players exceeding previous records. It appeals particularly to those seeking intense co-op horror that blends stealth, teamwork, and gruesome tension without relying on combat. Solo play is viable and heightens the isolation, though groups amplify the strategic and social elements. Ongoing seasons ensure fresh content for returning players, and the core loop of objective-driven survival in hostile settings delivers consistent replay value for fans of the genre. Those comfortable with mature themes and high-stress evasion mechanics will find substantial engagement here, especially on PS4 and PS5 where it runs with crossplay support.
