Obsidian Entertainment and Xbox Game Studios have unveiled Side Effects Guaranteed, the first instalment of a two-part narrative DLC expansion for The Outer Worlds 2, set to launch on December 2.
The expansion kicks off with a distress call bringing the Commander and the crew of the Incognito to a derelict vessel. There, players discover a cryo-preserved crew suffering from a heist-related contaminant that causes explosive, liquefying cell death. The search for a cure leads to Gordon Hazen – a diplomat-minded agent within the Sub Rosa criminal syndicate, who directs players to Elysium Valley, a new region on the planet Eden. However, players will also face pressure from rival agent Algernon Lankester, leaving the fate of the forgotten settlement and Sub Rosa in the Commander’s hands.
Alongside the new story content and region, Side Effects Guaranteed brings significant gameplay additions:
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Level Cap Increase: Raised from 30 to 36, adding skill points and unlocking three additional perk slots from a pool of over 15 new perks.
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New Flaws & Enemies: Features four new risk-reward flaws—such as “Lethally Tolerant” and “Must Have Been the Wind”—and new threats including giant “primal sprats” and vicious canids.
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Gear & Media: Introduces new weapons, armours, companion outfits, and a Sub Rosa-operated radio station featuring 20 new tracks.
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Alternate DLC Start: Main menu access allows players to jump straight into the DLC with a pre-configured level 27 save.
Releasing alongside the DLC is a free base-game update introducing a character respec option and custom game settings to adjust skill points earned per level-up. Player choices in Side Effects Guaranteed will directly influence the final narrative chapter coming in spring 2027.
Side Effects Guaranteed launches December 2 for $14.99, and is included for owners of The Outer Worlds 2 Premium Edition or Premium Edition Upgrade.