Side Effects Guaranteed, the first DLC for The Outer Worlds 2, arrives on December 2. It opens Elysium Valley and begins a 2-part story expansion; the second installment is planned for spring 2027.
The DLC’s events begin just before the main campaign’s point of no return. Players will also be able to start the expansion directly from the main menu with a prebuilt character.
A new story in Elysium Valley
In its announcement on PlayStation.Blog, the team describes Elysium Valley as a new region with quests and facilities. Its story involves an abandoned colony, a power struggle within Sub Rosa and the fate of a team doomed to explosive cell death.
The expansion adds five new weapons, including the Immobilizer and the 1/6 Resolver. It also raises the level cap to 36 and adds perks and flaws, giving players more room to develop their characters. A Sub Rosa radio station will bring 20 new songs to the game.
The story does not end with Side Effects Guaranteed. The second installment, planned for spring 2027, will continue the consequences of choices involving Sub Rosa and the subjects of Elysium Valley. No specific release date has been announced for that installment.
How to start the DLC
Players who continue their main campaign will encounter the DLC’s events just before the point of no return. The placement puts the new story close to the end of the campaign, while leaving a separate entry option for anyone who wants to go straight to the expansion.
To use that option, select a new game from the main menu and choose the direct start for Side Effects Guaranteed. It provides a prebuilt level 27 character, with skill points and perks available to allocate. This gives players a way into Elysium Valley without resuming their existing progress.
An update announced for everyone will arrive alongside the DLC. It will let players respec their character at any time and adjust the number of skill points earned per level through the custom game options. Those changes are part of the accompanying update, rather than the expansion’s new story content.
Side Effects Guaranteed is included in the Premium Edition and the Premium Edition Upgrade of The Outer Worlds 2. The announcement does not give a price or regional purchase conditions. Players can choose between reaching the expansion through their campaign and starting it with the provided character.
See also The Outer Worlds 2 game page.
