The gaming world in 2025 is buzzing with the continued success of Obsidian Entertainment’s latest offering, Avowed. This action-RPG, set within the beloved Pillars of Eternity universe, has captivated players with its deep world-building and character-driven narrative. As the dust settles on Avowed's warm reception, all eyes are now turning towards the horizon, eagerly anticipating the studio's next major release later this year: The Outer Worlds 2. This sequel promises to plunge players back into a hilariously dystopian future overrun by corporate greed, marking a significant tonal shift from Avowed's fantasy roots. Yet, amidst the satire and sci-fi, there lies a golden opportunity for Obsidian to weave a thread of familiarity by drawing inspiration from one of Avowed's most celebrated elements: the companion Kai.
One of the pillars of Obsidian's design philosophy—no pun intended—has always been its memorable companions. These characters are far more than just extra guns or healing bots; they are dynamic individuals with rich backstories, complex motivations, and personalities that players genuinely connect with. In Avowed, this tradition is powerfully embodied by Kai, a former soldier of the Aumaua race who becomes the player's steadfast bodyguard in the Living Lands. His journey from a deserter seeking purpose to a loyal confidant has resonated deeply with the community.
What makes Kai such a standout companion isn't just his role in the plot. It's the layers of his character, masterfully brought to life. A significant part of his appeal is the instantly recognizable voice of veteran actor Brandon Keener, whose performance as the iconic Garrus Vakarian in the Mass Effect series has left an indelible mark on RPG fans. Keener imbues Kai with a unique blend of a soothing, steady tone, a dry wit, and a deflective sense of humor that expertly masks a well of deep-seated vulnerability and regret. This creates a character who feels authentically weathered by life, someone whose loyalty must be earned through understanding and support.
Obsidian has confirmed that The Outer Worlds 2 will continue the studio's tradition of featuring a diverse roster of recruitable companions. This opens up a fascinating creative avenue. The sequel doesn't need to simply copy and paste Kai into a spacesuit—that would feel out of place in its satirical, corporate-run solar system. Instead, the developers can craft a new companion who echoes the core archetype and emotional resonance of Kai, while perfectly adapting to the new setting's absurdist tone.
So, what would a 'Kai-like' companion look like in The Outer Worlds 2?
Let's break down the key traits that could be translated:
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The Reluctant Professional: Just as Kai was a former soldier turned mercenary bodyguard, a potential Outer Worlds 2 companion could be a corporate defector, a disillusioned board executive, or a security officer who saw too much. They've left a powerful, morally bankrupt system but carry the skills—and the scars—from that life.
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The Wounded Soul with Wit: This is crucial. The character should possess a similar duality: a calm, capable exterior used to deflect from a painful past filled with regret over corporate mandates they followed or profits they prioritized over people. Their humor would be cynical and sharp, perfectly suited to the game's satire, yet it would serve the same purpose: to keep others at arm's length.
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A Loyalty-Focused Arc: The companion's personal quest shouldn't just be about fetching an item. It should be about reckoning with their past. Perhaps they need to confront a former colleague, expose a cover-up they were part of, or make amends with a community they helped exploit. The player's role would be to help them find a form of redemption or, at the very least, peace.
Imagine a companion who was once a high-level marketing director for a megacorp like Spacer's Choice, responsible for selling blatantly defective products with a smile. Now, haunted by the consequences, they've fled to the fringes of the colony, using their knowledge of corporate loopholes and psychological manipulation (their 'combat skills') to survive. They'd deliver the game's best, most bitterly funny commentary on advertisements and consumer culture, all while trying to outrun their guilt.
Integrating such a character would serve multiple purposes:
🎯 It creates a brilliant inter-game link. For players who loved Avowed, discovering this spiritual successor to Kai would be a wonderful, rewarding Easter egg that highlights Obsidian's consistent strength in character writing.
🎯 It provides emotional grounding. The Outer Worlds' humor is its hallmark, but the original game proved that heartfelt moments with companions like Parvati gave the satire its weight. A Kai-inspired companion could offer that same crucial emotional depth and a chance for genuine connection amidst the chaos.
🎯 It fulfills a player desire. The community has clearly connected with Kai's archetype—the competent, vulnerable, and witty ally. Bringing a version of that into the new adventure would be a direct response to that positive feedback.
Ultimately, the goal isn't replication, but evolution. The Outer Worlds 2 has the chance to take the blueprint of a beloved companion and rebuild it with new materials—swapping fantasy regret for corporate guilt, and a soldier's stoicism for a defector's cynicism. By doing so, Obsidian can ensure that the heart which beat strongly in Avowed continues to pulse in the far-flung, ridiculous, and captivating universe of The Outer Worlds 2, giving players another unforgettable friend to rely on in their journey through the stars.
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