Obsidian Entertainment has announced Side Effects Guaranteed, the first story DLC for The Outer Worlds 2, arriving December 2, 2026, with a new region, weapons, and additional gameplay features.
The expansion will be released in two parts, with the second chapter scheduled for spring 2027.
The Outer Worlds 2: Side Effects Guaranteed Introduces Elysium Valley
The DLC takes players to Elysium Valley, a new region featuring an original storyline centered around a crew exposed to a potentially deadly substance.
Players must make difficult decisions involving the crew’s survival and a scientist who may hold the solution.
Alongside the new story, Side Effects Guaranteed introduces additional music and five new weapons, including the Immobilizer, 1/6 Resolver, Tossball Stick, and a new plasma weapon.
New Gameplay Options and DLC Access
Players who have reached the main game’s point of no return can access the expansion directly using a pre-made level 27 character without deleting their existing progress.
The update will also introduce a character respec feature and custom game options, allowing players to adjust the number of skill points earned per level.
Owners of The Outer Worlds 2 Premium Edition or Premium Edition Upgrade will receive the DLC automatically as part of their purchase.
The first part of Side Effects Guaranteed launches December 2, 2026, while the second part is planned for spring 2027.
