The Outer Worlds 2 DLC Side Effects Guaranteed Launches December 2: Price, Level Cap 36 and Everything in the First Expansion

The first The Outer Worlds 2 DLC, Side Effects Guaranteed, launches on Wednesday, December 2, 2026 for $14.99, or as part of the Premium Edition. Obsidian's story expansion sends you to Elysium Valley, a new region on Eden, to find a cure for a disease that turns people to liquid. It raises the level cap from 30 to 36, adds 15 new perks, new flaws, weapons, armor and a radio station, and it's the first of two parts: the second DLC follows in spring 2027. Here's everything Xbox Wire has confirmed.

Side Effects Guaranteed at a glance

When does The Outer Worlds 2 DLC come out?

December 2, 2026. Xbox's announcement doesn't give a launch time yet. The DLC's Steam page also lists December 2.

How much is Side Effects Guaranteed?

$14.99 on its own. It's also included if you own the Premium Edition or buy the Premium Edition Upgrade, whose DLC Pass covers both story expansions. Steam hasn't shown UK or European prices yet; we'll add them when they appear.

What is Side Effects Guaranteed about?

It starts with a derelict ship whose crew has been frozen after a contamination that causes "liquefaction". Agent Gordon Hazen sends you to Elysium Valley, a new region on Eden, to find a cure. Meanwhile Agent Algernon Lankester wants to exploit the settlement's residents, so expect the series' usual corporate dilemmas. You'll face new enemies too: vicious canids and primal sprats, enormous versions of the familiar sprats.

What's new in the first DLC?

• Level cap 36: up from 30, with 15 brand new perks; three more become available at the higher level.
• Four new flaws, including "Lethally Tolerant" and "Must Have Been the Wind".
• New weapons and armor.
• New outfits for every companion.
• Sub Rosa, a new radio station with 20 new songs.
• A new starting point: an option on the main menu lets you begin a new game at the start of the DLC.

When is the second Outer Worlds 2 DLC?

Spring 2027. Obsidian says the choices you make in Side Effects Guaranteed will directly affect the second expansion, so it's worth playing this one first.

Which platforms is the DLC on?

The Outer Worlds 2 is on PC (Steam, Xbox app, Battle.net), PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. The expansion already has pages on Steam and the Xbox Store (Xbox Play Anywhere); Xbox's post doesn't list platforms, and we haven't seen a PlayStation Store listing yet.

Watch the Side Effects Guaranteed trailer

The official announce trailer from Xbox's YouTube channel.

More on iGame Magazine

• The Best Games of 2026 So Far, Ranked by Critics: the best-reviewed games of 2026
• The Game Awards 2026 Is December 10: Date, Venue, How to Watch and When the Nominees Are Announced: December's other big date

FAQ