The Outer Worlds 2 First DLC "Side Effects Guaranteed" Launches December 2 for $14.99
Obsidian's first Outer Worlds 2 expansion adds a new region, level cap 36, new perks and flaws, and a Sub Rosa story, according to the official Xbox Wire post.
Obsidian's first story expansion for The Outer Worlds 2 now has a release date. According to the official Xbox Wire post, Side Effects Guaranteed arrives on December 2 as part one of a two-part narrative DLC.
The story: a heist, a contamination and Sub Rosa
The DLC opens with a distress signal that leads you and your crew of the Incognito to a derelict ship. The crew is in suspended animation, and a video message from the captain explains that they were contaminated during a heist and face "explosive cell death" unless they find a cure.
The message leads to Gordon Hazen, a leading agent in Sub Rosa, a criminal organization that steals from the various factions. Gordon sends you to Elysium Valley, a new region on Eden. It is home to a settlement of former Protectorate subjects who were forgotten by their leaders.
Another Sub Rosa agent, Algernon Lankester, wants to recruit you to exploit those subjects for his own gain. Xbox Wire says the fate of the subjects, the frozen agents and Sub Rosa itself is up to the player.
What the DLC adds
Besides the new region, players will meet new threats, including vicious canids and primal sprats, which are described as ordinary sprats about 100 times larger.
Character progression expands too:
- The level cap goes from 30 to 36, bringing more skill points.
- Three more perks can be acquired, and 15 brand-new perks are added.
- Four new flaws are introduced.
Xbox Wire gives two flaw examples. "Lethally Tolerant" raises your max toxicity, but a Toxicity Crash then kills you instantly. "Must Have Been the Wind" marks an assassination target in a combat group. Killing it grants a 20% damage and speed buff until combat ends. Failing, or attacking someone else, applies a 10% debuff for 30 seconds.
The DLC also brings new weapons, new armors and new outfits for each companion. A Sub Rosa-run radio station adds 20 new songs.
A new alternate starting point on the new-game menu offers a custom save that begins at the start of the DLC. You allot your skill and perk points and jump straight in.
Price and what comes next
Side Effects Guaranteed costs $14.99. It is also available through the Premium Edition or the Premium Edition Upgrade for The Outer Worlds 2. The post says choices made here will directly affect the next DLC, coming in Spring 2027.
What it means for you
If you own the Premium Edition or the upgrade, the DLC is already covered. Everyone else can buy it separately for $14.99 on December 2. Players who want to skip the main campaign can use the new custom-save start. Since your choices carry into the Spring 2027 DLC, it may be worth playing part one before the sequel arrives.
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Quick answers
How much is Side Effects Guaranteed?
It costs $14.99 on its own. It is also included in the Premium Edition and the Premium Edition Upgrade for The Outer Worlds 2.
When does the second Outer Worlds 2 DLC come out?
Xbox Wire says the next DLC is due in Spring 2027. No more specific date was given.
Do I need to finish the main game first?
No. A new alternate starting point on the new-game menu gives you a custom save at the start of the DLC.
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