Side Effects Guaranteed DLC for The Outer Worlds 2 arrives December 2

Obsidian Entertainment will release the first part of a two-part narrative expansion for The Outer Worlds 2, titled Side Effects Guaranteed, on December 2. The DLC costs $14.99 standalone or is included in the Premium Edition and Premium Edition Upgrade. The expansion introduces the Elysium Valley region on Eden, where players investigate a cellular contagion affecting a crew in suspended animation. Players will encounter new threats like primal sprats and canids while navigating a conflict within the Sub Rosa criminal organization between operatives Gordon Hazen and Algernon Lankester.

The Outer Worlds 2 · official art via IGDB

The DLC increases the level cap from 30 to 36, providing 15 new perks and three additional perks available at the new cap. Four new flaws are being added, including Lethally Tolerant, which increases max toxicity but causes instant death during a Toxicity Crash, and Must Have Been the Wind, which grants a 20% damage and speed buff for killing a specific target or a 10% debuff for 30 seconds if the player fails or attacks the wrong target.

Five new weapons are included: the Immobilizer, which removes gravity to suspend enemies; the 1/6 Resolver, which fires a more powerful shot every sixth bullet; a plasma weapon; a Tossball Stick; and a firearm designed to deal extra damage to creatures. The update also adds new armor, outfits for companions, and a Sub Rosa radio station with 20 songs.

Players can access the DLC through an existing save before the main game's point of no return or via a new menu option that starts a new game with a level 27 character. A free update alongside the DLC will add character respec options and an option to change how many skill points are earned per level. Decisions made in this expansion will impact the second part of the story, which is planned for Spring 2027.