Review · Action · Linux · macOS · Nintendo Switch
Outlast
Reviewed: 08 May 2026
Linux · macOS · Nintendo Switch · PC · Xbox One · PlayStation 4
Red Barrels · 2013
Ludograph rating
C
Mixed
56 /100
Outlast is a psychological horror game that builds problem solving and strategic thinking through navigation, though it contains intense violence and fear.
Growth (BDS)
39
Risk (RIS)
0
Daily limit
–
Age guidance
17+
Developmental benefits
| B1 | Cognitive | 0.46 | |
| B2 | Social-emotional | 0.23 | |
| B3 | Motor | 0.45 | |
Outlast offers a compelling psychological horror experience that challenges players with problem-solving, spatial awareness, and strategic thinking as they navigate a dangerous asylum. It encourages emotional regulation in the face of fear and can evoke empathy for the protagonist's plight. The game also sharpens hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and reaction time through its intense gameplay.
Design risks
| R1 | Compulsion-loop pressure | 0.00 | |
| R2 | Monetization | 0.00 | |
| R3 | Social risk | 0.00 | |
The primary risks in Outlast stem from its mature content, including high levels of violence, strong language, and intense fear/horror elements. While the game does not feature manipulative compulsion-loop mechanics, monetization pressures, or social risks, its content is explicitly designed to be disturbing and frightening, making it unsuitable for younger audiences.
Content (not in risk score)
| R4.1 | Violence Level | 1.00 | |
| R4.2 | Sexual Content | 0.33 | |
| R4.3 | Language | 0.67 | |
| R4.4 | Substance References | 0.33 | |
| R4.5 | Fear / Horror | 1.00 | |
Content risk is displayed separately and does not affect the time recommendation.
Regulatory design checks · DSA — Assessed: meets criteria·GDPR-K — Assessed: meets criteria·ODDS — Assessed: meets criteria
- DSA:What Ludograph checks: whether the game's design gives minors the transparency the EU Digital Services Act expects: plain terms, honest defaults, and clear reporting routes.: Estimated from review data. No dark pattern or child-targeting concerns found.
- GDPR-K:What Ludograph checks: whether age assurance and consent flows are designed for under-16s, in the spirit of GDPR Article 8.: Estimated from review data. No privacy or child-targeting concerns found.
- ODDS:What Ludograph checks: whether paid random-reward drop rates are disclosed, as required in China, Japan and South Korea.: Estimated from review data. No paid random-reward mechanics found, so drop-rate disclosure requirements do not apply.
These reflect Ludograph's assessment of the game's design practices against each framework's criteria, not a legal compliance determination.