In the context of Obsidian Entertainment’s The Outer Worlds, these armaments are crafted by the player from salvaged components and other discoverable items found throughout the game’s environment. For example, a common one is the “Shock Stick,” constructed from a flashlight, electrical parts, and adhesive. These makeshift tools offer an alternative to traditionally manufactured weaponry.
Resourcefulness is key to survival in the harsh and unpredictable colonies of The Outer Worlds. Crafting such tools provides players with a distinct advantage, allowing them to conserve valuable ammunition for more challenging encounters or specialize in combat approaches not afforded by standard issue equipment. This system encourages exploration and experimentation, rewarding players who thoroughly scavenge their surroundings. Historically within the game’s narrative, resourcefulness and improvisation have been essential skills for colonists struggling against corporate control and limited resources, further embedding this crafting system within the game’s lore.