Here’s a detailed overview of The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, the highly anticipated new sci‑fi action‑RPG from Owlcat Games—expect this to be comprehensive yet engaging across ~2000 words:
Genre & Engine
A third-person, story-driven action RPG built in Unreal Engine 5, showcasing cinematic visuals and immersive environments.
Developer & Publisher
Developed and published by Owlcat Games, known for Pathfinder and Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, with collaboration from Alcon Interactive Group (owners of The Expanse IP).
Platforms & Release Status
Coming soon to PC (Steam, GOG, Epic), PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Currently available for wishlists and preorders; no official release date yet.
Timeline Placement
Set during a dangerous period on Eros Station, around the events of the TV series/books from Leviathan Wakes through Caliban’s War.
Character Role
You are a Pinkwater Security mercenary whose shore leave on Eros spirals into a lockdown and conspiracies involving the protomolecule and Osiris Corporation.
Main Objective
Escape the lockdown, secure command of a top‑tier spacecraft, recruit and maintain a crew, unravel a system‑wide conspiracy, and influence the escalating tensions between Earth, Mars, and the Belt.
Captain Origins
Craft your captain with origins from Earth (Earther), Mars (Martian), or the Belter culture—the choice influences dialogue, relationships, and how factions perceive you.
Companions & Relationships
Recruit a diverse crew—some seeking redemption, others nursing hidden motives. Their trust and loyalty evolve with your choices and leadership.
Romance
Embracing the Mass Effect model, the game promises companion-driven romance options that reflect your captain’s personality and decisions.
Combat Style
Tactical, cover‑based real‑time gunplay. You'll bring two companions into active fights, while others offer remote support like hacking and distractions.
Abilities & Roles
Each character has class‑driven powers. Captain and two active teammates use weapons, gadgets (drones, shields, grenades), while others support behind the scenes.
Zero‑G & Low‑G Sequences
Expect motion with gravity boots, floating combat, and space debris dodging—a distinctive feature reflecting the hard‑SF roots of The Expanse.
System‑Wide Travel
Explore iconic locations: the domed gardens of Ganymede, the gritty slums of Ceres, Belt bunkers, Mars, and Luna.
Narrative Depth
Engage with locals, discover hidden agendas, and influence diplomacy or conflict. NPC interactions shape your path and the game’s world state.
Familiar Faces
Featuring cameos from the TV series—some actors may reprise their roles—though their identities remain under wraps.
Mass Effect Influence
Owlcat openly cites Mass Effect as a core inspiration:
“The original Mass Effect trilogy was absolutely an inspiration… iconic for the Xbox 360 generation…”
Rich Storytelling Meets Sci‑Fi Grit
Expect mature, morally complex narratives grounded in political tension, sacrifice, and alliances—hallmarks of The Expanse universe.
On Building the Game
Creative Director Alexander Mishulin explained,
“The Expanse is a world grounded in realism and complexity… we’ve been dreaming about building a sci‑fi action RPG of this scale.”
On Romance & Relationships
Producer Yuliya Chernenko noted,
“Our story is deeply rooted in hard science fiction… narrative emphasizes political tension and moral complexity. And yes — there’s romance too.”
Founder’s Packs
Preorder now via The Expanse official site. Options include digital and deluxe versions, in-game cosmetics (OPA armor, weapons, outfits), credit mentions, and Discord role perks.
Collector’s Edition
PC Gamer reported a Collector’s Edition with physical extras—8″ ship figure and art book—alongside digital goods.
Owlcat’s Credentials
Known for deep role-playing lineage: Pathfinder titles and Rogue Trader—Osiris Reborn marks their biggest production yet with a dedicated team.
Team Growth
The studio has grown to ~450 employees, splitting resources between this and other flagship projects like Warhammer: Dark Heresy.
Gameplay Reveals
More in-depth gameplay details, companion profiles, and behind‑the‑scenes content are expected in upcoming showcases.
Beta & Demos
Potential closed betas or early access linked to Founder’s or Deluxe editions—sign up to receive news.
Release Window
Still TBA. For now, the best way to stay updated is via wishlist, Founder packs, or official channels.
Sci‑Fi RPG Renaissance: Delivers a Mass Effect-style experience with Expanse‑specific hard SF realism.
Deep Narrative: Your background, crew, and moral choices shape not just your journey, but the social-political landscape.
Immersive Combat: Tactical squad synergy combined with low‑G physics make battles feel fresh and strategic.
World-Building: Explore richly detailed environments across the solar system reflective of The Expanse lore.
Community Engagement: Founder packs, collector’s edition, and potential playable previews offer strong fan involvement.
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Perspective | Third-person action RPG |
Engine | Unreal Engine 5 |
Platforms | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X |
Character | Customizable captain: Earther, Martian, or Belter |
Crew | Two active combat companions + supporting crew |
Combat | Tactical cover-based, ability-augmented, low-G sequences |
Exploration | Eros, Ganymede, Ceres, Mars, Luna |
Narrative | Conspiracy, politics, moral choices, romance |
Inspirations | Mass Effect trilogy, plus Expanse literature and show |
Preorder Options | Founder & Collector editions with unique perks |
Developer | Owlcat Games – Largest project to date, 450-person team |
Release Date | Coming soon; TBA |
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn positions itself as a proper successor to beloved sci‑fi RPGs—melding the tactical, emotion-driven choices of Mass Effect with the gritty realism and political nuance of The Expanse universe. With high production values, deep squad and romance systems, and a ripple-effect narrative design, it could become the flagship sci-fi RPG for years to come.
If you loved the Mass Effect series, crave morally grey narratives in hard science fiction settings, or simply want to dive into the solar system with your custom crew, this is one to keep on your radar. Wishlist it, back it through a Founder’s Pack, and stay tuned—big reveals are likely around the corner.