The space exploration RPG genre is poised for a resurgence with two ambitious upcoming titles. Developed by a team of veterans from the *Mass Effect* series,*Exodus* is joined by *The Expanse: Osiris Reborn*,a project positioned as a spiritual successor to BioWare’s acclaimed space opera [[1]]. While *The Expanse* is being developed by a separate team, its pedigree includes talent from the studios behind *Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader* and *Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous*, signaling a commitment to deep, player-driven narratives.
Two upcoming role-playing games are aiming to redefine the space exploration genre. Exodus, developed by a team of veterans from the Mass Effect series, is one of them. The other, positioned as a spiritual successor to Mass Effect, is The Expanse: Osiris Reborn. Notably, The Expanse is being developed by a team separate from BioWare, but boasts talent with experience on acclaimed RPGs like Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader and Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous. The project, a significant departure for the Cypriot studio, was previewed at the New Game+ Showcase, offering a deeper look at its characters and game world. The resurgence of ambitious, story-driven RPGs signals a growing demand for immersive, player-focused experiences.
Similar to the BioWare trilogy, The Expanse aims to create a deeply personal adventure where players can customize their character not only through a character creator and aesthetic choices, but also by shaping their gameplay path. According to the studio, players will be able to select classes such as engineer, hacker, sniper, or assault, each offering unique gameplay advantages and specialized weapons. This focus on player agency is a key element in modern RPG design.
However, the development team isn’t limiting players to a single playstyle. “You might choose a sniper or a hacker, but then find a shoulder-mounted cannon that you want to try out, even though it’s not associated with your class,” explained Leonid Rastorguev, a designer on the game. “We made the decision to allow that.” Classes, therefore, function as a “mutable playstyle” that “gently guides you in the direction of the power fantasy you want to have,” he added.
This flexibility, however, is time-limited. The game will eventually require players to commit to a specific class path. “We didn’t want the choices to be trivial and for you to be able to change whenever you want,” Rastorguev said. “We’re giving you the opportunity to experiment, but there will be a point where you have to commit to what you choose.”
Combat in The Expanse is designed to be dynamic, operating on a three-layered system. Unlike the turn-based combat found in some of the studio’s previous titles, The Expanse features real-time combat. This includes support abilities, like drones or the aforementioned cannon, which are tied to class choices, as well as core combat defined by the player’s class, utilizing ranged rifles, ballistic shields, and similar weaponry. This layered approach aims to provide tactical depth and varied engagement.
Crucially, companions will function as both support and attack units, responding directly to player commands. However, Owlcat has designed companions to be more proactive. Many will seek advantages within the environment to overcome enemies, utilizing passive support abilities that allow them to think and react independently.
Companions are a Key Component of The Expanse RPG
The soul of the game, according to the developers, lies in its characters. Players will be able to choose from three initial factions, each with its own advantages and quirks. But, as with any RPG, companions are equally important. “Each of the companions will have their own backstory and their own weight in the game world,” the studio stated. Owlcat views characters not as mere additions to the player’s journey, but as sentient beings with needs, perspectives, and opinions.
“This will affect how they perceive the situation and the player. They will participate in every major moment of the story,” Rastorguev assured. However, they won’t simply react; they’ll offer opinions, advise based on player decisions, and even provide contacts from their past to help complete missions or offer military support. “Each one will have their own story, but you can decide how much you want to get involved with each companion.”
“The universe of The Expanse is very cruel and characters can die depending on your decisions.”
This emphasis on character life extends to their relationships. Companions may have romantic interests within the crew or among the vast cast of characters encountered throughout the adventure. “Ultimately, you’re traveling on a small ship with few crew members, so social dynamics are obvious,” Rastorguev noted.
Finally, exploration will be free, though with defined boundaries. Players will be able to travel through the solar system and visit planets like the Moon, Mars, and the satellite Io, as well as space stations. However, unlike the fully open exploration of Starfield, The Expanse will adopt a format similar to The Outer Worlds 2, featuring predetermined locations for specific tasks, such as a massive space market or a city for gathering mission information.
“The universe of The Expanse is very cruel and characters can die depending on your decisions,” the designer concluded. Currently, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn does not have a confirmed release date.
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