Owlcat games unveils early access beta for 'the expanse: osiris reborn'

Fans of complex RPGs and the acclaimed sci-fi series The Expanse have reason to celebrate. Owlcat Games, the studio behind Pathfinder: Kingmaker and Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, is opening up a closed beta for their highly anticipated title, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, ahead of its April 2027 release.

A glimpse into the martian colonies

Showcased at the recent Xbox Partner Showcase, Osiris Reborn promises a blend of tactical combat and deep narrative choices reminiscent of Mass Effect, but with Owlcat’s signature complexity. While acknowledging the influence of Bioware’s work, the developers are adamant about forging their own identity within the science fiction RPG landscape. The beta will grant players access to the “Pinkwater” mission, a pivotal point in the game following the initial RPG stages. Expect to choose between two distinct character archetypes: the Officer, specializing in ranged weaponry and offering a fast-paced combat experience, and the Hacker, focused on skill-based manipulation and environmental influence. Both archetypes will feature male and female options, each with unique backgrounds impacting the unfolding narrative.

The early access isn’t merely a technical test; it's a vital opportunity for Owlcat to refine the game based on player feedback. This strategy has proven successful in previous titles, and given the ambitious scope of Osiris Reborn, its value is amplified. The beta launch is slated for April 22, 2027, coinciding with the opening of pre-orders for the Miller's Pack and Collector's Edition on the Owlcat Games website.

System requirements: can your rig handle the martian dust?

For PC players eager to jump into the beta, here's a breakdown of the minimum and recommended system requirements:

• Minimum CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600 or Intel Core i5-10400F
• Recommended CPU: Ryzen 5 7600X or Intel Core i5-12600K
• Minimum GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or Radeon RX 6700 XT
• Recommended GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 or Radeon RX 7700 XT
• Minimum RAM: 16 GB
• Recommended RAM: 16 GB
• Storage: 30 GB or more
• DirectX: 12
• OS: Windows 10 64-bit

While not overly demanding, don't expect a smooth experience on minimum settings, especially given the early stage of development. Controller support will also be available on PC.

The Expanse: Osiris Reborn represents Owlcat Games' most ambitious endeavor yet. The closed beta offers a rare chance to witness the evolution of a promising RPG and potentially shape its final form. The studio’s track record suggests this is one beta worth paying attention to – and potentially pre-ordering for.