Apparently, being psychologically traumatized at home wasn’t enough. Now we can take the nightmare with us.
Red Barrels has officially launched The Outlast Trials on Nintendo Switch 2 today, October 29, 2026, bringing its brutal multiplayer survival horror experience to Nintendo’s latest console.
And because the timing couldn’t be more appropriate, it’s arriving just ahead of Halloween.
The surprise release includes full crossplay support, the latest Season 7.2 update, and plenty of reasons to question why we willingly put ourselves through this.
The Outlast Trials Comes to Nintendo Switch 2
Originally released on other platforms, The Outlast Trials takes players into the disturbing world of the Murkoff Corporation, where human experimentation and psychological manipulation are all part of the experience.
Set during the Cold War, the game places players in the role of Reagents, unwilling participants subjected to horrifying trials designed to test their physical and psychological limits.
Unlike the earlier Outlast games, this installment introduces cooperative multiplayer, allowing up to four players to face Murkoff’s experiments together.
Of course, bringing friends doesn’t necessarily mean everyone is making it out.
Full Crossplay Support at Launch
One of the biggest features of the Nintendo Switch 2 release is full crossplay support.
That means Switch 2 players can join friends on other supported platforms without being restricted to Nintendo’s ecosystem.
Players can experience the game solo or team up with three others in online cooperative play.
Survival depends on stealth, quick thinking, completing objectives, and knowing when to run.
And trust us, running is usually a solid plan.
Season 7.2 Content Is Included
The Nintendo Switch 2 edition launches with the latest Season 7.2 update, bringing players access to current content and improvements from day one.
The update includes several additions:
- ESCAPE THE FACILITY: A new community event where players gather intelligence to help Reagents move closer to freedom.
- GEISTER: The returning limited-time event featuring hallucinatory effects, new objectives, and exclusive rewards.
- Two new MK-Challenges: Additional scenarios designed to push players further into Murkoff’s experiments.
- Gameplay improvements: Additional features, adjustments, and refinements included in Season 7.2.
For existing players, the Switch 2 launch also means another way to experience the game without leaving their friends behind.
Horror That Doesn’t Let You Fight Back
What makes The Outlast Trials particularly unsettling is its emphasis on vulnerability.
You’re not an unstoppable action hero carrying enough ammunition to supply a small army.
Instead, players must avoid dangerous enemies, navigate disturbing environments, and use stealth to survive.
The game combines cooperative problem-solving with moments of pure panic, especially when communication breaks down and somebody inevitably makes a terrible decision.
Every friend group has that one person.
If you don’t know who it is, we have some unfortunate news.
Just in Time for Halloween
Launching The Outlast Trials on Nintendo Switch 2 during Halloween week is almost suspiciously perfect.
Whether you’re revisiting Murkoff’s experiments or experiencing them for the first time, the new version offers portable access to the game’s cooperative horror, complete with crossplay and the latest seasonal content.
The Outlast Trials is available now on Nintendo Switch 2.
Would you survive Murkoff’s experiments, or are you the friend screaming into the microphone before the first objective?
