The Outer Worlds 2: Side Effects Guaranteed DLC Launches December 2 With New Story and Region

The Outer Worlds 2 is getting its first major expansion, titled Side Effects Guaranteed, on December 2, 2026, priced at $14.99. The upcoming DLC introduces a new story campaign, an unexplored region, additional weapons and armour, and gameplay improvements. It also marks the beginning of a two-part expansion, with decisions made in this release carrying over into the next chapter planned for Spring 2027.

The expansion takes players into a dangerous situation involving a mysterious infection, a stranded spacecraft, and a settlement whose future depends on their decisions.

The Outer Worlds 2 Side Effects Guaranteed Introduces a New Story

The DLC begins when players receive a distress signal from a derelict spaceship. Upon investigating, they discover that the ship’s crew has been placed in suspended animation to survive an infection causing explosive cell death.

Finding a cure leads players to Elysium Valley, a brand-new region on Eden.

However, the mission becomes more complicated when two Sub Rosa agents present different plans for dealing with the crisis. Their conflicting approaches involve a local Protectorate settlement and the future of Sub Rosa itself.

Players must decide whether to save or sacrifice the infected crew, with their choices affecting the settlement and the wider story.

Importantly, these decisions will carry over into the second expansion, making the upcoming DLC part of a larger narrative.

New Region, Weapons, Perks, and Level Cap

Side Effects Guaranteed introduces several additions beyond its main storyline.

The confirmed features include:

• New Region: Explore Elysium Valley on Eden.
• Higher Level Cap: Character progression increases to level 36.
• New Perks and Flaws: Additional options for character builds.
• New Equipment: Fresh weapons and armour.
• New Radio Station: Additional music and entertainment during exploration.

Players starting a completely new game will also have access to an alternative start option, allowing them to jump directly into the DLC rather than progressing through the entire main campaign first.

The Outer Worlds 2 DLC Release Date and Price

The Outer Worlds 2: Side Effects Guaranteed launches on December 2, 2026, for $14.99.

It is the first chapter of a two-part expansion, with the second instalment currently planned for Spring 2027.

The release also confirms that Obsidian’s post-launch development work on The Outer Worlds 2 is continuing following reported studio layoffs and organizational changes within Xbox’s gaming division.

The Outer Worlds 2 Side Effects Guaranteed FAQ