Obsidian Entertainment says Side Effects Guaranteed, the first story expansion for The Outer Worlds 2, will launch on December 2, 2026. The downloadable content, or DLC, costs $14.99 and is included in the Premium Edition and Premium Edition Upgrade, according to Xbox Wire.
The studio says the expansion opens a new region and begins a story that continues in a second chapter. For returning players, a direct-start option will offer a way into the new adventure without replaying the main story.
Side Effects Guaranteed starts with a rescue mission
In its Xbox Wire announcement, Obsidian says a distress call leads the player’s crew to a derelict ship. Its crew members have entered suspended animation after exposure to something that threatens their lives. The search for a cure leads to Elysium Valley, a new area on Eden.
According to the studio, two agents from the Sub Rosa criminal group have competing plans for the region’s abandoned settlement. Players must decide what happens to the settlement, the ship’s crew and the group itself. Those choices will carry into the second expansion.
Obsidian also lists new armor and outfits for companions. Its PlayStation Blog post describes five new weapons, including a gun that makes targets float in the air. The table sets out its announced changes to character progression and music.
| Feature | Announced change |
|---|---|
| Level cap | Rises from 30 to 36 |
| Perks | 15 new options |
| Flaws | Four new options |
| Sub Rosa radio station | 20 new songs |
Source: Obsidian via Xbox Wire
Data as of: 2026-11-10
The expansion raises the level cap and adds perks, flaws and music.
Starting Side Effects Guaranteed
Obsidian’s separate PlayStation Blog post adds a useful detail about where the story fits. The expansion normally begins just before the main game’s point of no return. However, players can select Side Effects Guaranteed when starting a new game from the main menu.
That option creates a level 27 character, according to the studio. Players can then assign its skill points and perks before entering the new story. This offers a starting point for people who want to return without rebuilding their old character’s progress.
Paid story content and a free update
The Steam listing makes clear that this is an add-on: it requires the base game on Steam. Buying the expansion alone does not provide The Outer Worlds 2. Xbox Wire lists the story DLC as part of both premium packages, so owners should check their edition before buying it separately.
However, Obsidian says all players will receive an update that lets them reset their character’s build at any time. This process, often called a respec, lets players reassign character choices. A new custom-game option will also let them change how many skill points they receive per level.
Official announcement trailer
PlayStation’s official trailer introduces the expansion. Obsidian says the second part of the story is planned for spring 2027. The announcements give no specific release date.
Sources: Xbox Wire, PlayStation Blog, Steam, PlayStation trailer
