Obsidian is forging ahead with ambitious post-launch plans for The Outer Worlds 2, announcing a major new expansion today just weeks after a devastating round of layoffs that cut a quarter of its workforce.
Titled 'Side Effect Guaranteed,' the two-part expansion kicks off on December 2, 2026, for PlayStation 5, with the second chapter arriving in spring 2027. Set just before the climax of the main campaign, the new content is accessible via a new starting menu option and tasks players with investigating a derelict ship where the crew suffers from a bizarre condition causing cellular liquefaction. The update adds the explorable Elysium Valley, a new crew member, a raised level cap of 36, and over fifteen new perks. Priced at $14.99, the expansion is included at no extra cost for owners of the game's Premium Edition.
The release of this substantial content roadmap highlights a stark contrast in the gaming industry, showcasing the developers' dedication to their community even as they navigate severe corporate restructuring and staff reductions.