Side Effects Guaranteed in the First DLC For The Outer Worlds 2, Coming December 2

Video Games Chronicle reported that a story expansion for The Outer Worlds 2 has been announced, coming December 2. Side Effects Guaranteed is the first major DLC for The Outer Worlds 2 since its release last October, according to Video Games Chronicle. It will include new story content, as well as new gameplay mechanics, cosmetics, and more.

According to Video Games Chronicle, “Side Effects Guaranteed is the first chapter of a two-part expansion for The Outer Worlds 2.” Xbox Wire stated that a distress signal beckons you and your crew of the Incognito to a derelict ship, where you discover the ship's crew in suspended animation. The captain's video message explained that the crew has been contaminated with something while on a heist that will cause explosive cell death unless they find a cure, which Xbox Wire described as more like a liquefaction.

Video Games Chronicle reported that the hunt for a cure leads to Elysium Valley, a brand-new region on Eden. Xbox Wire detailed that the video message leads you to Gordon Hazen, a leading agent in Sub Rosa, a criminal organization made up of individuals who choose to live by stealing from various factions. Gordon sends you to Elysium Valley, a new region on Eden that is home to a settlement of former Protectorate subjects forgotten by their leaders, in the belief they may have answers to saving his crew, according to Xbox Wire.

Video Games Chronicle noted that two Sub Rosa agents have very different plans for saving or sacrificing the crew, involving a Protectorate settlement and the future of Sub Rosa. Xbox Wire explained that another Sub Rosa agent, Algernon Lankester, wants to recruit you to help him exploit the subjects for his own personal gain, leaving the fate of the subjects, the frozen Sub Rosa agents, and the future of Sub Rosa up for the player to decide. Decisions made in this DLC will carry over into the next one, which is scheduled for Spring 2027, according to Video Games Chronicle.

Xbox Wire stated that along with the new region of Elysium Valley, players will encounter new threats like vicious canids and primal sprats, which are normal sprats about 100 times the size. The level cap will increase from 30 to 36, bringing more skill points, three more perks from 15 brand new perks added into the mix, and four new flaws like "Lethally Tolerant" and "Must Have Been the Wind," as reported by Xbox Wire. Side Effects Guaranteed will also feature new weapons, new armors, outfits for companions, and a new Sub Rosa-run radio station with 20 new songs.

Video Games Chronicle noted that it is not clear when in the game the DLC will kick in, but there will be an "alternative start" option when making a new game, letting players jump straight into the DLC. Xbox Wire added that this option allows starting with a custom save that lands you right at the start of the DLC. Video Games Chronicle reported that the expansion launches after widespread layoffs across Xbox-owned studios saw a reported 52 job losses at Obsidian, along with Obsidian merging with Bethesda and a pivot toward a new Fallout game, which left the future of Obsidian's own IPs uncertain until Xbox allowed Obsidian to finish post-launch work.

Video Games Chronicle stated that The Outer Worlds 2: Side Effects Guaranteed releases on December 2 and is priced at $14.99. Xbox Wire noted it is also available in the Premium Edition or Premium Edition Upgrade for The Outer Worlds 2.