Oxenfree 2: Lost Signals - What We Know So Far

"Oxenfree 2: Lost Signals" is an upcoming supernatural thriller from Night School Studio. It will serve as a follow-up to 2016's "Oxenfree," a game long considered one of Steam's hidden gems. Beyond the focus on uncovering a paranormal mystery, the developers have not shared much about the story. However, they have given fans a sneak peek of what to expect.

According to the official description, "Oxenfree 2" takes place "five years after the events of" the first game. In "Oxenfree," players explored the world as a teenage girl named Alex who accidentally opens a "ghostly rift" while on a trip to a spooky island with her classmates. In "Oxenfree 2," players step into the shoes of a brand-new character, 30-something Riley, as she heads back to her hometown to look into some enigmatic radio signals off the coast of the same island that started it all. 

Excited to jump back into the world of "Oxenfree"? Here's everything we know about "Oxenfree 2: Lost Signals."

"Oxenfree 2: Lost Signals" was originally slated for a 2022 release on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Mac, and Switch. However, the Night School Studio Twitter account announced in September that it had moved the launch window to 2023. The developer explained that the delay would give the team time to "add more localizations" and craft a finished product that is "truly special."

It doesn't seem like the delay has discouraged the developers, as Night School Studio wrote, "Seeing your fan art, reading your excited comments, and connecting with you fuels our ambition to make this our best game yet." Whether the decision had anything to do with the studio's purchase by Netflix last year is uncertain. While gamers wait for "Oxenfree 2" to hit shelves, they can play through the original "Oxenfree" via Netflix Games using a valid Netflix account.

"Oxenfree 2: Lost Signals" currently has an announcement trailer. The sequence provides an overview of the title's gameplay and setting. Additionally, it showcases Riley opening a ghostly portal similar to the one the cast of the first game opened. In addition to the announcement trailer, Night School Studio provided a more detailed look at the project as part of the 2022 Summer Game Fest.

During the "Oxenfree 2: Lost Signals" showcase, writer Adam Esquenazi Douglas and studio director Sean Krankel commentated on new gameplay footage and explained what the team had in mind for the sequel. The development team used the airtime to discuss the importance of making characters players can "relate to." The team also introduced the game's main counterpart, Jacob, an old acquaintance Riley knows from high school. Keep in mind that "Oxenfree 2" is a mystery game, so there may be components the developers are purposely hiding from players in the footage.

In "Oxenfree 2," players will walk around and interact with objects similar to point-and-click games such as "Return to Monkey Island." Players will also have dialogue choices that influence the gameplay and story. For example, in the gameplay showcase, Riley slides down a cliff after deciding to jump a gap. Additionally, players will need to solve puzzles to progress the story. 

Like in the first game, the protagonist will have a radio that lets them interact with objects in the world and communicate with mysterious forces, albeit using a revamped system this time around. "Oxenfree 2: Lost Signals" also provides new mechanics for players. For example, the Summer Game Fest sequence shows a new portal feature that allows players to step into alternate timelines. In these alternate realities, players can interact with ghostly characters and beings.