Owlcat games unveils the expanse: osiris reborn beta – here's how to join
The wait for Owlcat Games' ambitious RPG, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, just got a significant jolt. Following its debut gameplay reveal at the Xbox Partner Showcase, the developers have announced a closed beta, offering eager fans a first taste of their Mass Effect-inspired sci-fi epic. But don't expect a simple clone; Owlcat is adamant about forging its own distinct identity within the genre.
A chance to shape the narrative
This isn’t just about early access; it's a crucial opportunity for players to directly influence the final product. Owlcat, known for their iterative development process with titles like Rogue Trader, are leveraging this beta to refine the gameplay based on player feedback. The focus will be on the “Pinkwater” mission, a pivotal point in the RPG’s narrative following the initial tutorial stages. Players will be able to select from two distinct character archetypes: The Officer, specializing in ranged combat and delivering the game's more action-packed moments, and the Hacker, a skill-focused class leaning into environmental manipulation and strategic influence.
Crucially, both archetypes will offer both male and female options, each with unique backstories that directly impact the unfolding narrative – a detail that promises a richer and more personalized experience. The beta specifically targets those who pre-ordered the Miller's Pack or Collector's Edition, available now on the Owlcat Games website. Access extends beyond PC to include PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Beta access and system requirements
The closed beta launches on April 22nd, coinciding with the opening of pre-orders. If you’re planning to dive into the beta on PC, here’s a breakdown of the minimum and recommended system requirements:
Pc system specifications
Minimum: AMD Ryzen 5 5600 / Intel Core i5-10400F, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 / Radeon RX 6700 XT, 16GB RAM, 30GB+ storage, DirectX 12, Windows 10 64-bit.
Recommended: Ryzen 5 7600X / Intel Core i5-12600K, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 / Radeon RX 7700 XT, 16GB RAM, 30GB+ storage, DirectX 12, Windows 10 64-bit.
While these requirements aren’t excessively demanding, Owlcat advises against running the beta on minimum specifications to ensure a smooth and representative experience. Controller support will also be included for PC players.
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn represents Owlcat Games’ most ambitious undertaking to date. With a launch slated for April 2027, this beta offers a vital glimpse into the studio's vision for a sprawling, narrative-driven RPG set within the richly realized universe of James S.A. Corey's novels. The coming weeks will be critical as player feedback shapes the final form of this potentially groundbreaking title.