The Expanse: Osiris Reborn just dropped some fresh news that’s shaking up the sci-fi RPG scene. Owlcat Games gave us a release window: spring 2027. That’s when we’ll get to fully dive into this Mass Effect-style adventure set in the gritty universe of The Expanse. But here’s the kicker—if you’re itching to try it out sooner, there’s a closed beta coming April 22, and it’s not exactly open to everyone.
Only the “Founders” Get to Play the Beta Starting April 22
Owlcat is handing out beta access only to players who buy the pricier editions of the game. That means dropping $289 for the physical Collector’s Edition or $80 for the digital Miller’s Pack on the official site. No Steam pre-orders or cheap shortcuts here. In return, these “founders” get to play a full story mission early, meet some key characters like Zafar, and get a taste of the cover-based combat and squad commands that Owlcat promises will be a core part of the game.
The beta mission takes place right after your character and their twin sibling escape a disaster on the planet Eros. You’ll explore Pinkwater 4 station, interact with its inhabitants, and face off against a tough enemy. Plus, you can pick from different backgrounds and classes, giving a little peek into how your playstyle might shape the experience.
Xbox Partner Preview showed new gameplay for The Expanse: Osiris Reborn. You can watch it:
What the Beta Actually Feels Like
The game leans heavily into that Mass Effect vibe, with cinematic dialogue choices and tactical third-person combat. You’ll be commanding companions, upgrading gear, and even navigating zero-gravity environments with mag boots so you don’t just float off into space—pretty cool, right?
Design director Leonid Rastorguev explained that while the beta only shows one mission, it’s packed with enough encounters and options to test different combat presets. There’s a gunplay-focused officer build and a hacker-focused combat ability build, both letting you experiment with weapons, gadgets, and tactics.
Game design producer Yuliya Chernenko added that the beta also gives you a chance to make choices that have immediate effects, as well as some longer-lasting ones you won’t fully see until the final game. Plus, exploring the space station and meeting NPCs sets the tone for what’s to come.
Spring 2027 Feels Far Off, But This Beta Is a Sneak Peek Worth Noting
It might seem odd to have a closed beta for a single-player game, especially one so far from launch. Owlcat isn’t new to this approach—they’ve done it with their Pathfinder games and Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader. The point is to gather player feedback early and fine-tune the experience well before release.
One more thing: The Expanse: Osiris Reborn will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. It’s also coming day one to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which is a nice bonus for subscribers who don’t want to pay upfront for the game or beta access.
All in all, if you’re a fan of The Expanse or Mass Effect-style RPGs, this April’s closed beta could be a tasty appetizer. Just be ready to open your wallet a bit early to get in on the action.
