Owlcat Games’ upcoming sci-fi RPG, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, is poised to bring the gritty realism of the beloved book and television series to interactive form. Revealed at Summer Game Fest and now further detailed in previews, the game promises a compelling blend of tactical combat, companion dynamics, and a deep dive into the complex political landscape of The Expanse universe. Players can experience a full mission in a closed beta starting April 22, 2026.
Bridging the Gap Between Mass Effect and The Expanse
The game’s core mechanics draw clear inspiration from titles like BioWare’s Mass Effect trilogy. Players will engage in cover-based firefights, coordinate a three-person squad, and forge relationships with a cast of six recruitable companions. However, developers at Owlcat Studios were quick to emphasize that Osiris Reborn isn’t simply a clone.
The team deliberately sought to emulate the feeling of impact that Mass Effect had on players, rather than copying its systems outright. This translates into a greater focus on narrative depth and character development, drawing cues from their own RPG titles like Pathfinder. The game eschews class-based progression, allowing for flexible customization of weapons and gadgets.
A Story Set in the Mid-Series Timeline
Osiris Reborn takes place between the end of Season 1 and the middle of Season 3 of the TV show – specifically after the protomolecule outbreak on Eros but before the activation of the Ring. Players will assume the role of a new character originating from Earth, Mars, or the Belt, with their choices impacting their reputation within these factions.
The game’s setting is deliberately designed to be accessible to newcomers while still respecting the established lore. The goal is to allow players to experience the unfolding conflicts between Earth, Mars, and the Belt from a fresh perspective. While familiar characters will make appearances, their roles remain undisclosed for now.
Realistic Sci-Fi with Shades of Gray
Unlike many RPGs with rigid morality systems, Osiris Reborn operates on a more nuanced reputation scale. Player actions will influence their standing with the three major powers, reflecting the morally ambiguous nature of The Expanse universe. Backroom deals, betrayals, and political maneuvering are central to the narrative.
Players will also have their own customizable ship serving as a mobile hub between missions. While it won’t be visually customizable, it will evolve as the story progresses, accommodating new companions and serving as a space for dialogue and rest. The design team drew inspiration from games like The Division for combat, Gears of War and Uncharted for pacing, and even Dark Souls and the Persona series for unexpected influences.
Zero-G Combat and Companion Dynamics
A key element differentiating Osiris Reborn is its implementation of zero-gravity combat. Weapons function identically in both normal and zero-G environments, with minor adjustments made to explosives to account for the vacuum of space. Players will utilize magnetic boots to traverse walls and ceilings, a signature feature of the source material.
Companions will play a central role, offering opinions, providing commentary during missions, and engaging in loyalty quests. Romances will be available, though details remain scarce. The developers emphasize that companions are not simply silent combat units; they are active participants in the narrative.
“We aim to make this game as welcoming to people who don’t know about The Expanse… to join as everything is unraveling, to see the major events that happened in the series but from a different point of view.” – Yuliya Chernenko, Game Design Producer
Ultimately, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn aims to deliver a faithful adaptation of the beloved sci-fi universe while carving its own identity through tactical gameplay, intricate companion relationships, and a morally gray narrative. The game is set for release in Spring 2027.
